[boba7523]

Hey all,

Will be attending track for the very first time and looking to buy a budget SA 2020 helmet around $200.

I've narrowed my selection down to the Zamp RZ 56 and the Zamp RZ 59. I think the only difference is the latter has front vents.

I'd like to ask for those who have experience wearing helmets with front vents, how much better are they at bringing in air? I live in Los Angeles so it's fairly hot (90F+ in the summer) so looking to see if it's more gimmicky than functional.

Pics below of the two helmets.

RZ 56


RZ 59

[ThreeStripes]

Bell K1 Sport is just bit more and is future proof in that it supports a Hans so should you end up liking the hobby you can add one.

[OG Shark]

If the venting is functional it might help a bit but typically you don't get a whole lot of air flow inside the car to really push it through. Might help with fogging a little as well. Most people keep their visors open inside the car though so none of that might matter to you (not condoning this just is what it is). Would also recommend trying on as many helmets before you buy - they all fit differently and fit is extremely important. They need to fit properly and comfortably. If they are uncomfortable will quickly become a major negative on your track experience if you have pain or discomfort every time you go out.

[tux2005]

I think my ZAMP helmet is the SA2015 version with the vents, I don't think it really help very much. It still gets pretty hot when in car, the air from windows doesn't really have much effect with the vents in the helmet. Even when go karting with the helmet I don't think it helps that much.

Also, the ZAMPs still have the threaded holes for adding posts for HANS or Simpson Hybrids, I use a HANS with mine.

[MooMooM2]

I really recommend going somewhere and trying the helmet.
When I got my helmet I went in thinking I wanted X helmet and came out with a totally different helmet because the one I wanted fit pretty bad, was super tight around my cheeks. Would have been a pretty bad purchase, it was nice to go to a shop with ppl that knew what they were doing and helped me find a good helmet.

I would go with one without the vents, doubt those do squat and they look pretty crap

[boba7523]

Thanks for all your suggestions! I'll also look into the Bell one as well.

[Maynard]

Fit is very important; even within the same size, different brands fit me very differently as noted above, some would have been very uncomfortable. I didn't have any shops nearby to try different helmets, but Northstar Motorsports was great about sending me several helmets to try, then return the ones that did not fit. I don't recall if I had to pay for all of them initially and get a refund on the returns, but I don't think so. Probably other places would do the same, but Northstar were great do deal with. https://www.northstarmotorsports.com/

[swampfox94]

I use the 59. Good helmet for the price. Vents don’t do anything. It is a pretty heavy helmet that you’ll notice once you start going fast lol

[AmuroRay]

Check HJC, who I got my helmet from - It's pretty solid, and I believe it's vented. As noted, I don't think it makes a difference because I typically keep the visor open.

[AmuroRay]

HJC. - they have a newer 2020SA version now, but you can buy this 2015 (good for 2 more years) for like $100 less.

I’ve had this for like 5+ years and it’s been solid.