ANyone have a negative opinion of G-Force / GForce helmets ?

stoooo · 01-12-2006, 12:41 PM

Hello, everyone.

I'm in the market for a helmet for AutoX this year, and it seems that my best choice is likely to be one of the hybrid ones. As far as I can tell, this pretty much means buying one from G-Force or Bell.

I have been in touch with a local vendor who carries Bell, but not G-Force, and he was telling me that he doesn't carry the G-Force line because the SFI have seen too many poor quality issues with them. I've been doing searches all week long on different sites/forums, and have yet to find anyone with anything bad to say about G-Force's products.

I know Bell's reputation is good, but the G-Force alternative is $90 cheaper. I'm not trying to be cheap here, as helmets are an extremely important safety item. But if the G-Force truly is good enough, I'd rather spend the $90 elsewhere.

Please don't start any other debates on the relative merits of open face v full face v hybrid helmets, or M rated v SA rated. I'm just trying to find out if G-Force are a good, reliable product after all.

Thanks,
Stuart.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

TimStevens · 01-12-2006, 12:58 PM

I have a G-Force helmet that I got about 5 years ago just for autocrossing and rallycrossing and whatnot. It's still in decent shape, but the lining has started to come loose. It's not a big deal, I still consider it safe, but if I were going to using it very regularly for longer periods of time (road racing, track days, etc.), I might have spent a little more.

TubeDriver · 01-12-2006, 01:26 PM

I use a Bell M2 Pro, wifey uses a G-Force and has never complained about it. The G-force looks fine, interior is holding up as well as my Bell. You need to find a helmet that fits, a comfortable fit is more important to me than brand loyalty.

joey1313 · 01-12-2006, 01:26 PM

I have a G-Force for autox purposes and it works just fine.

ChrisDP · 01-12-2006, 03:20 PM

I had their older SA2000 helmet, the liner croaked after about 4.5 years of hard use. Pretty decent if you ask me, I got their newer SA2005-rated Pro Force 1, the interior looks more durable.

trhoppe · 01-12-2006, 04:05 PM

Not sure on their helmets, but I have their 545 "Euro" bling style racing suit. Its really nicely made and I preferred it over any of the "entry level" more expensive Sparco suits.

-Tom

abaxter34 · 01-12-2006, 10:57 PM

OMP makes nice stuff. if you can find it you might want to check out their turismo 4.
http://www.ompracing.it/detail.html?productcode=SC710

triguy · 01-12-2006, 11:56 PM

I just got G-Force's latest entry level track helmet (SA2005) from soloracer.com. Fits nice and comfortable and build quality is very nice for $220 helmet.

cdvma · 01-13-2006, 01:02 AM

For a nicely priced alternative look at the Pyrotect helmets. They are made by Bell.

Homemade WRX · 01-13-2006, 01:24 AM

we use a lot of G-force stuff for our stuff...no complaints

bemani · 01-13-2006, 01:59 AM

What's the point of you guys saying you have no problem with GForce (which I also have) if you never been in an accident while wearing it? I could wear a pot when I track and it'll look good as new after 5 years, doesn't mean its a good helmet

stoooo · 01-13-2006, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdvma

For a nicely priced alternative look at the Pyrotect helmets. They are made by Bell.

Yeah, I was originally looking at a Pyrotect open face helmet, but they don't have a hybrid offering.

Stuart.

Calamity Jesus · 01-13-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bemani

What's the point of you guys saying you have no problem with GForce (which I also have) if you never been in an accident while wearing it? I could wear a pot when I track and it'll look good as new after 5 years, doesn't mean its a good helmet

If the pot is comfortable and SA2000 or SA2005 approved.. go for it.

MattNJ2.8 · 01-13-2006, 09:51 AM

I own 1 and the woman also has a G-Force.

The lining is tearing after about 35 events on mine, but that's just due to heavy use. Her's is fine after 10 events.

Since we've never been in a crash, how would we know if they're good in that respect?

TubeDriver · 01-13-2006, 09:53 AM

isn't that the point of Snell 2005?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bemani

What's the point of you guys saying you have no problem with GForce (which I also have) if you never been in an accident while wearing it? I could wear a pot when I track and it'll look good as new after 5 years, doesn't mean its a good helmet

bemani · 01-13-2006, 11:18 AM

Well there are helmets that barely meet the requirement, and some that exceed the requirement. I'd rather have something that hasn't just barely made it.

RS_Racer · 01-13-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoooo

Yeah, I was originally looking at a Pyrotect open face helmet, but they don't have a hybrid offering.

Stuart.

Why the need for a Hybrid style helmet? Might as well get one with a shield, and just flip it up if you don't use it. Its there if you need it though, like for karting. I'm realy happy with the SA05 Pyrotect full face I got from soloracer.com. Nice thing about it is the removeable liner, which I haven't seen on any helmets at this price point (about $250).

trhoppe · 01-13-2006, 12:34 PM

Also, if you raise your pricerange, this is an EXCELLENT helmet. Both Miranda and I use it and everyone that has had it, has loved it.

http://www.impactraceproducts.com/item.wws?sku=14000508

Here is a great review on honda-tech
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1433905

-Tom

Big C · 01-13-2006, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bemani

What's the point of you guys saying you have no problem with GForce (which I also have) if you never been in an accident while wearing it? I could wear a pot when I track and it'll look good as new after 5 years, doesn't mean its a good helmet

Even if you are in an accident and survive it doesn't mean it's a good helmet. Accidents are highly uncontrolled environments to be doing product evaluations in. Until you either get the Snell testing data or someone does an independent verification in a controlled environment true helmet quality is all speculation.

-Colin

thechickencow · 01-13-2006, 02:30 PM

I've had my G Force hybrid for 2.5 years, done a ton of autocross, a bunch of rallying, and its held up well. My liner is still in good shape - thats where I've seen the first signs of wear on other helmets.

bjorn240 · 01-13-2006, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bemani

Well there are helmets that barely meet the requirement, and some that exceed the requirement. I'd rather have something that hasn't just barely made it.

When it comes to Snell ratings, I think you _do_ want something that barely meets it, or doesn't meet it. The Snell tests use high drop heights on their test rig, and there is substantial concern that this leads to helmets which are too stiff and actually transfer more energy than a softer helmet would in crashes less severe than the crash demonstrated on the rig (which is in the 99% percentile of crashes for mc helmets). Point being, a Snell rating isn't some clear indication of quality.

The GForce helmets look ok to me, though they seem pretty heavy. I wouldn't prefer one for day-in, day-out use, but for the occasional autocross or rallycross, I suppose they'd be ok.

- Christian

AlpineFD · 01-13-2006, 03:25 PM

They are good stuff, but I wish they have a more expensive light weight line up.

stoooo · 01-18-2006, 10:47 AM

OK, so it sounds like the GForce helmets are an acceptable choice, which is pretty much what I thought.

That OMP one looks very sweet, especially with the visor that retracts up into the peak. Unfortunately, I think it's a bit beyond my price range.

I have found local suppliers for both the Bell and GForce helmets, so I'll go and try on both and see which one fits best.

Thanks everyone,
Stuart.

01-12-2006, 12:41 PM	#1
stoooo Scooby Newbie Member#: 62289 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cyprus	ANyone have a negative opinion of G-Force / GForce helmets ? Hello, everyone. I'm in the market for a helmet for AutoX this year, and it seems that my best choice is likely to be one of the hybrid ones. As far as I can tell, this pretty much means buying one from G-Force or Bell. I have been in touch with a local vendor who carries Bell, but not G-Force, and he was telling me that he doesn't carry the G-Force line because the SFI have seen too many poor quality issues with them. I've been doing searches all week long on different sites/forums, and have yet to find anyone with anything bad to say about G-Force's products. I know Bell's reputation is good, but the G-Force alternative is $90 cheaper. I'm not trying to be cheap here, as helmets are an extremely important safety item. But if the G-Force truly is good enough, I'd rather spend the $90 elsewhere. Please don't start any other debates on the relative merits of open face v full face v hybrid helmets, or M rated v SA rated. I'm just trying to find out if G-Force are a good, reliable product after all. Thanks, Stuart. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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01-12-2006, 12:58 PM	#2
TimStevens Scooby Specialist Member#: 4817 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Albanyish, NY Vehicle: 2012 STI, '02 WRX '91 MR2, '05 Speed Triple	I have a G-Force helmet that I got about 5 years ago just for autocrossing and rallycrossing and whatnot. It's still in decent shape, but the lining has started to come loose. It's not a big deal, I still consider it safe, but if I were going to using it very regularly for longer periods of time (road racing, track days, etc.), I might have spent a little more.

01-12-2006, 01:26 PM	#3
TubeDriver Scooby Specialist Member#: 14987 Join Date: Feb 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: Gods Speed #57 Lemons/Chump #77	I use a Bell M2 Pro, wifey uses a G-Force and has never complained about it. The G-force looks fine, interior is holding up as well as my Bell. You need to find a helmet that fits, a comfortable fit is more important to me than brand loyalty.

01-12-2006, 01:26 PM	#4
joey1313 Scooby Specialist Member#: 53839 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Cartersville, GA Vehicle: 2005 STi, 94 Miata R 06 S2K	I have a G-Force for autox purposes and it works just fine.

01-12-2006, 03:20 PM	#5
ChrisDP Scooby Specialist Member#: 5879 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Team Shocker Richmond,VA Vehicle: '02 STX WRX STS Civic, ITA Integra	I had their older SA2000 helmet, the liner croaked after about 4.5 years of hard use. Pretty decent if you ask me, I got their newer SA2005-rated Pro Force 1, the interior looks more durable.

01-12-2006, 04:05 PM	#6
trhoppe Scooby Guru Member#: 7492 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Hotlanta, GA Vehicle: No race cars www.tomhoppe.com	Not sure on their helmets, but I have their 545 "Euro" bling style racing suit. Its really nicely made and I preferred it over any of the "entry level" more expensive Sparco suits. -Tom

01-12-2006, 10:57 PM	#7
abaxter34 Scooby Specialist Member#: 34723 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bellingham, WA Vehicle: fwd FTL!	OMP makes nice stuff. if you can find it you might want to check out their turismo 4. http://www.ompracing.it/detail.html?productcode=SC710

01-12-2006, 11:56 PM	#8
triguy Scooby Specialist Member#: 27109 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Carlsbad, CA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon 2.5L Crawford, 6 spd	I just got G-Force's latest entry level track helmet (SA2005) from soloracer.com. Fits nice and comfortable and build quality is very nice for $220 helmet.

01-13-2006, 01:02 AM	#9
cdvma Scooby Specialist Member#: 21980 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Central MA Vehicle: 2002 PSM WRX (Sold) 2009 BMW X5	For a nicely priced alternative look at the Pyrotect helmets. They are made by Bell.

01-13-2006, 01:24 AM	#10
Homemade WRX Scooby Guru Member#: 33782 Join Date: Mar 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: 3MI Racing LLC Vehicle: 96 bastard child search FIRST, then PM!!!	we use a lot of G-force stuff for our stuff...no complaints

01-13-2006, 01:59 AM	#11
bemani Scooby Specialist Member#: 5673 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Folsom, CA Vehicle: 2002 WRX/2005 LGT 09 Ducati M696/ZX6R	What's the point of you guys saying you have no problem with GForce (which I also have) if you never been in an accident while wearing it? I could wear a pot when I track and it'll look good as new after 5 years, doesn't mean its a good helmet

01-13-2006, 09:51 AM	#14
MattNJ2.8 Scooby Specialist Member#: 59277 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Central NJ Vehicle: 2005 2009 Outback Mazda3, Miata	I own 1 and the woman also has a G-Force. The lining is tearing after about 35 events on mine, but that's just due to heavy use. Her's is fine after 10 events. Since we've never been in a crash, how would we know if they're good in that respect?

01-13-2006, 11:18 AM	#16
bemani Scooby Specialist Member#: 5673 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Folsom, CA Vehicle: 2002 WRX/2005 LGT 09 Ducati M696/ZX6R	Well there are helmets that barely meet the requirement, and some that exceed the requirement. I'd rather have something that hasn't just barely made it.

01-13-2006, 12:34 PM	#18
trhoppe Scooby Guru Member#: 7492 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Hotlanta, GA Vehicle: No race cars www.tomhoppe.com	Also, if you raise your pricerange, this is an EXCELLENT helmet. Both Miranda and I use it and everyone that has had it, has loved it. http://www.impactraceproducts.com/item.wws?sku=14000508 Here is a great review on honda-tech http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1433905 -Tom

01-13-2006, 02:30 PM	#20
thechickencow Scooby Guru Member#: 16840 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Medford, WI Vehicle: 07 fsxt 03 ktm 640 adventure	I've had my G Force hybrid for 2.5 years, done a ton of autocross, a bunch of rallying, and its held up well. My liner is still in good shape - thats where I've seen the first signs of wear on other helmets.

01-13-2006, 03:25 PM	#22
AlpineFD Scooby Newbie Member#: 42573 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles Vehicle: 2004 WRX	They are good stuff, but I wish they have a more expensive light weight line up.

01-18-2006, 10:47 AM	#23
stoooo Scooby Newbie Member#: 62289 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cyprus	OK, so it sounds like the GForce helmets are an acceptable choice, which is pretty much what I thought. That OMP one looks very sweet, especially with the visor that retracts up into the peak. Unfortunately, I think it's a bit beyond my price range. I have found local suppliers for both the Bell and GForce helmets, so I'll go and try on both and see which one fits best. Thanks everyone, Stuart.