Thanks guys. Didn't really consider motorcycle shops, but I think M is fine for me right now- I couldn't find an hpde that won't allow an M. I live right near barneys so I'll check that out next week.

 

RaceQuip/Safe-Quip have a Tampa address, on Adamo Drive.

RaceQuip and Safe-Quip Homepage - Affordable, Quality Racing Safety Equipment

They have a trailer at all the SCCA club race events in the southeast. They carry Snell SA helmets from many different manufacturers. Quite often they have closeout specials on gloves and shoes.

IN addition, they will have a booth at the PRI event in Orlando.

 

my suggestion is to try on helmets at the shops, find your size, then order online

 

who makes the helmets where the whole front flips up?

 

I was at the Helmet Shop in Daytona last week, and saw a several examples of the flip up helmets. HJC makes 2 examples of this style.

Snell does not certify any of the flip up helmets.

From the Snell website:

Why won't Snell certify some types of helmets like flip up front designs?
Snell does not dismiss out of hand any helmet design that strays from the conventional. Snell does not point out any design specifications other than general requirements in our standards. We are however, always concerned with innovations and new designs that may effect the helmet's ability to protect the wearer, or in some cases the helmets potential to cause injury. At present the Foundation has not had the opportunity to test any of the flip up front type helmets for certification. We do not find any fault with these designs as long as they are used according to the manufacturers instructions and meet all of the requirements of the standard. We will also certify any size of helmet as long as it meets the same requirements as any other Snell certified helmet.

 

What a total dick move.

If you're going to go someplace who, in this day and time, is chosing to have a physical storefront in order to interact with people and give them good pre-sales advice on their products ... selling something you need to try on before buying ... buy the damn thing there.

 

Agreed, It costs A TON of money to keep a storefront, I looked at the options and could not justify it myself. there is no reason to waste some poor shopkeepers time to cheat them out of $20. which after paying for shipping is usually not even that much of a savings. personally I would ask friends to try their helmets, if your going to order online, you want to know how they feel after it's broken in anyway, since they never feel the same as they do new, once they have been worn a time or two.

 

its not meant to be a dick move. if you go in saying "oh im just looking to see if theres anything I like and find a size", then they are going to expect it anyways. But it's just the truth that online stores have a much greater selection than any storefront will ever have.

 

Went to Barneys yesterday. They have a pretty small selection of snell helmets. They had what would have been the perfect helmet- perfect because half off- but not in my size. And I didn't fit another manufacturer- between a medium and a large. I'll shoot over to AE next since its pretty close.