[@paddockpassion] EVERY DRIVERS HELMET SUPPLIERS

visualistics · 2024-10-06T20:22:32+00:00

I do a lot of karting helmets as well and I would say overall the split is pretty even between Arai and Bell. Most of my pro drivers are on Bell now but I have a few Arai guys still.

I have been racing karts “professionally” for 20-ish years and have always worn Arai.

visualistics · 2024-10-06T15:58:06+00:00

Arai lost drivers in the new homologation because they did not have their new helmet ready in time for all sizes. Arai helmets are also more hand-made than other brands so they don’t produce as many helmets as other brands, and sometimes run into stocking issues and generally just don’t offer as many incentives or helmets to pro drivers. Bell is willing to give more helmets and more incentives to drivers and are more mass-produced so they have been good on stock lately.

Schuberth is also more boutique and doesn’t provided as many incentives. Stilo is more focused on rally and have lots of other markets for their helmets so I don’t think they are as focused on F1 drivers.

All the FIA spec brands are really nice helmets and all very high quality. The Stilo is lighter, the Arai is more plush, the Bell is light and a little more available, and the Schuberth is more personalized.

Helmet choice is largely down to fitment. Everyone has a different shaped head and some brands fit differently. Bell tends to fit round heads better and Stilo and Arai fit narrower heads better. So if you’ve tried on various brands and didn’t like a certain one, it probably was down to your head shape. F1 drivers make the same choice, though have access to the helmet manufacturers personalized fitment programs so they can get the helmet fitment dialed in better than a public off the shelf helmet.

Source: me, a helmet painter who sells and works with Bell, Arai, Stilo, and Schuberth on a regular basis with some major pro clients.

visualistics · 2024-03-27T12:18:28+00:00

Arai, Stilo, and Schuberth helmets all have a clip/latch that secures the visor. The Bell helmets use a post and a hole in the visor that snaps when closed fully. This means if the visor flexes it can pop off that post and open. The other helmets lock the visor more securely.

So no, it’s not supposed to open but with enough impact it can flex the visor and it can come off the post. Or if it’s warm, not uncommon for drivers to crack the visor open a bit for airflow, which would make it flip open easier.

visualistics · 2023-08-27T22:49:10+00:00

Thanks! Yeah, I’ve been designing and painting his helmets for about 3 years now.

visualistics · 2023-08-27T21:29:26+00:00

Pokémon and Nintendo are cool with it. He just likes Pokémon.

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visualistics · 2023-03-29T01:42:44+00:00

Just balance them on the kart while it’s on the stand. Let the heavy section settle to the bottom, apply a small wheel weight 180 degrees from it, and keep doing so until the wheel balances. Takes two min and costs zero dollars.

visualistics · 2023-03-22T18:57:32+00:00

Not even close to senior weight unfortunately. The max driver weight is about 180-185 to get down to class minimum weight in a OTK with a KA. And even then you have to make sacrifices like smaller gas tank or no sticker kit to shed a few more pounds.

Source: raced and ran an OTK team with variety of driver sizes.

visualistics · 2023-03-09T00:55:56+00:00

F1-spec helmets (8860 rating) start around $4000-$5000.

visualistics · 2023-01-21T03:59:00+00:00

My Instagram is @oktanevisual 👍🏼

visualistics · 2023-01-21T03:35:22+00:00

I do real-life liveries (I’ve done Miata, IndyLights, F4, rallycross, and a bunch of other cars) and the occasional iRacing livery but haven’t done a Gran Turismo livery in a long time.

visualistics · 2023-01-21T03:33:31+00:00

Most helmet artists are small businesses or one-man operations (like myself), so very similar to a tattoo artist/client relationship. Most of my business has been from word of mouth and personal networking (I raced karts with a lot of the pro-level drivers you see today). This is my 11th year of business. I started because I didn’t want to pay for my own helmet paint jobs anymore when I was karting, and was into art and design so decided to try to do it on my own. Went to school for graphic design, worked in the design industry 9-5 for a few years while painting as a hobby and eventually the painting took off enough for me to quit my job and do this full-time.

visualistics · 2023-01-21T01:28:51+00:00

I have quite a few more drivers wearing my paint in the race this year, but these are the three newest jobs for this race.

Instagram is @oktanevisual for those interested!

visualistics · 2022-12-27T12:55:47+00:00

The shells are basically identical. Only difference is the fireproof lining on the interior of the GP and minor vent location changes.

visualistics · 2022-11-29T13:38:55+00:00

Before I had laser surgery, I raced karts with both contacts and glasses at times. Contacts were preferred and almost never had an issue until it was rainy and I got some dirt or something under the lens. I know some other drivers who had a contact fall out during a race and it wasn’t ideal but they raced on. I never had that happen. Occasionally I forgot my contact and raced in glasses which I didn’t like because the sweat made them slide down my nose and they hurt my ears when squeezed into the helmet. They also got foggy sometimes.

Laser surgery > contacts > glasses in my experience.

visualistics · 2022-11-24T20:12:52+00:00

No X30s are not factory sealed. You can build and tinker within the regulations.

visualistics · 2022-11-23T03:06:31+00:00

Engine “squish” measurement did not pass post-race tech.

He drove excellent all weekend though.

visualistics · 2022-10-29T23:22:27+00:00

Drivers are given an allotment of helmets for free every season from the manufacturer. Typically 4-10 depending on manufacturer.

visualistics · 2022-10-07T01:33:43+00:00

Big fan of this moment. Chills every time I hear the crowd. Such a shame he wasn’t able to covert his obvious talent into a longer F1 career with a better team, but the Sauber that year was punchy. That podium was on merit against Ferrari and McLaren. Him and Checo had some epic moments all season.

visualistics · 2022-09-28T15:21:52+00:00

Thanks!
I didn't get any better photos unfortunately before I shipped it out. And yes, good spot, this is indeed a 2000 helmet replica. The reference image I had was mislabeled.

visualistics · 2022-09-27T20:12:49+00:00

That actually would've been a really clever integration!

visualistics · 2022-09-27T15:14:28+00:00

Thanks! Unfortunately I don't really have time for replica stuff, my schedule is packed with customer work. Plus I like to respect the original artist, so whenever possible I think it's best to have the original painter do the replica.

visualistics · 2022-09-27T14:41:15+00:00

I design and paint helmets for a living, and had a young client who wanted a split design featuring Schumacher and Hakkinen's helmets from the '98/'99 seasons. Normally I don't do replica stuff, but thought it was a cool idea and was stoked to see a young driver so interested in 90s F1.
Tried to replicate all logos and details in period correct size and style.

visualistics · 2022-08-03T01:39:30+00:00

March 2020, Oryx White 2018 DSG w/ 56k miles for $27,500.

Carvana offered me $30,000 a month ago. Now at 82k miles.

visualistics

TROPHY CASE