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Carbon fiber offroad car helmet w/ forced air?

evantwheeler

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I've been running a $100 HJC helmet that I did my own air connection and helmet wiring on. It works fine, but the thing is heavy and I was really feeling it this weekend. Everyone in my group runs high dollar carbon helmets, and I just cannot justify spending $1500-2000 for a carbon helmet. Are there any decent options out there besides the Pyrotec, Bell, or Impact that doesn't require skipping a month's mortgage payment to pay for? I ran across a brand called Zamp that looks appealing. ~$750 for a wired helmet with ear cups and side air connection. Anyone have experience with this brand of helmet? Anyone have any other suggestions for a "budget" light weight helmet with air capabilities?

 

mjc

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I have an O'Neil for dirt riding that is so much lighter tham my old HJC. Cost around $100.
 

LargeOrangeFont

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I run a Zamp. Try them on, they run small. I ordered 2 sizes from Amazon and returned the one that didn’t fit.

I don’t know if you run a neck donut, but those help a lot with fatigue. That alone may solve your problem.
 

702sandman

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I've been running a $100 HJC helmet that I did my own air connection and helmet wiring on. It works fine, but the thing is heavy and I was really feeling it this weekend. Everyone in my group runs high dollar carbon helmets, and I just cannot justify spending $1500-2000 for a carbon helmet. Are there any decent options out there besides the Pyrotec, Bell, or Impact that doesn't require skipping a month's mortgage payment to pay for? I ran across a brand called Zamp that looks appealing. ~$750 for a wired helmet with ear cups and side air connection. Anyone have experience with this brand of helmet? Anyone have any other suggestions for a "budget" light weight helmet with air capabilities?

I have a friend that sells a lot of helmets from cheap to full carbon, he can do wired or not also. His name is Matt and he owns legacy ride company in Fullerton and he can shop also. Matt 562-440-3849
 

evantwheeler

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I run a Zamp. Try them on, they run small. I ordered 2 sizes from Amazon and returned the one that didn’t fit.

I don’t know if you run a neck donut, but those help a lot with fatigue. That alone may solve your problem.
I called Zamp to see if they had any SoCal retailers so I could go try on in person, and there are no stocking dealers. That's a bummer. They said the carbon helmet weighs 1630g +/-50g depending on accessories. I looked up the HJC helmet I have (CS-R3) and it is listed at 1450g for size medium. I really like the colorway of their grey carbon helmet, but I'm not spending money on a Zamp for a heavier helmet.

What donut do you use? I do not use one, not opposed to it though. Do you have a neck sock on your helmet? Does it fit over the donut?
 

LargeOrangeFont

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I called Zamp to see if they had any SoCal retailers so I could go try on in person, and there are no stocking dealers. That's a bummer. They said the carbon helmet weighs 1630g +/-50g depending on accessories. I looked up the HJC helmet I have (CS-R3) and it is listed at 1450g for size medium. I really like the colorway of their grey carbon helmet, but I'm not spending money on a Zamp for a heavier helmet.

What donut do you use? I do not use one, not opposed to it though. Do you have a neck sock on your helmet? Does it fit over the donut?
Non SFI donut is $40. It will fit under the skirt just fine. My guess is that this will solve or greatly reduce your discomfort. With a carbon helmet you will probably want one anyway after using it.

Mine is a Racequip.
 

Mini Kat

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Here's mine that I used to use when I used to Race Karts.
I also use it and my Side-by-Side as well as in My Sprint Racer
They work fantastic, fully adjustable light and comfortable..
 

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evantwheeler

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I run a Zamp. Try them on, they run small. I ordered 2 sizes from Amazon and returned the one that didn’t fit.

I don’t know if you run a neck donut, but those help a lot with fatigue. That alone may solve your problem.
I called Zamp back and asked why is your carbon helmet 200g heavier than my current plastic helmet? He admitted they are plastic with carbon weave overlay. So, carbon look without the weight savings! I guess it would be a good option for some. I like the look a lot, but not for the price. Will buy a neck support donut and go from there. Thanks!
 

COCA COLA COWBOY

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Having a child that races motocross...helmets are a big deal, but they get used no matter what in motocross. Bell and Arai are the only manufacturers I will buy. If I was surrounded by a cage I may be open to others. I really liked Simpson when racing cars. I've seen helmets cracked and I have seen my kid take a helmet off and still have 2 black eyes and a cuncussion. Personally, I'd go Bell....buy once, cry once.
 

LargeOrangeFont

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I called Zamp back and asked why is your carbon helmet 200g heavier than my current plastic helmet? He admitted they are plastic with carbon weave overlay. So, carbon look without the weight savings! I guess it would be a good option for some. I like the look a lot, but not for the price. Will buy a neck support donut and go from there. Thanks!

FWIW I did the same thing. My Zamp is the composite shell, not the carbon look composite shell that was $100 more.
 

LakeMeadLavey

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Having a child that races motocross...helmets are a big deal, but they get used no matter what in motocross. Bell and Arai are the only manufacturers I will buy. If I was surrounded by a cage I may be open to others. I really liked Simpson when racing cars. I've seen helmets cracked and I have seen my kid take a helmet off and still have 2 black eyes and a cuncussion. Personally, I'd go Bell....buy once, cry once.
Little do many people know that Fox, Bell, O'Neal, FLY, TLD and many others all share the same factories overseas for both dirt and street helmets. The shell molds only are exclusive to each brand. There are only a handful of helmet factories in the world and these factories produce many brands under the same roof. I have worked for one of these companies for over 25 years now and this is common knowledge within the industry that most consumers do not know.

Arai, Shoei along with HJC are the few that manufacture exclusively in their own factories. Arai and Shoei are for sure one of the highest quality top of the line helmets on the market IMO.

As others have said, try the neck roll before you spend the $$ on a carbon lid. I would bet this may solve your issue. I'M personally a fan of carbon helmets but the real carbon shells come with a price tag too.
 

timstoy

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Having a child that races motocross...helmets are a big deal, but they get used no matter what in motocross. Bell and Arai are the only manufacturers I will buy. If I was surrounded by a cage I may be open to others. I really liked Simpson when racing cars. I've seen helmets cracked and I have seen my kid take a helmet off and still have 2 black eyes and a cuncussion. Personally, I'd go Bell....buy once, cry once.
Bell helmets ran a ad years ago if you have a five dollar head wear a five dollar helmet! People spend thousands on SXSs and accessories but buy the cheapest helmet they can find! I don't get it.
 

LakeMeadLavey

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Bell helmets ran a ad years ago if you have a five dollar head wear a five dollar helmet! People spend thousands on SXSs and accessories but buy the cheapest helmet they can find! I don't get it.
Well said this is so true. I can't tell you how many times over the years I've seen people cheap out on helmets for themselves or worse yet their kids. Can never put a price tag on your head!
 

joecfd1

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Check out the Impact Air Drafts… great helmet. Available in composite and carbon. I have a big melon and it’s by far the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn. The carbon model is spendy at about $1800 and the composite is half of that.
 
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TPayne

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I have an Impact carbon Air Draft and my wife uses the composite Air Draft. The carbon IMO is worth it, but mine was used for racing and being in a car for 6 plus hours at a time, any weight you can get off your head is worth it. I was going to get my wife the Carbon, but she didn't see that much of a difference justify the increased price.
 

Sawtooth

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Check out the Impact Air Drafts… great helmet. Available in composite and carbon. I have a big melon and it’s by far the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn. The carbon model is spendy at about $1800 and the composite is half of that.
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PlanB

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I have neck issues and could not deal with the weight of the Shoei I had bought when I went back to a Full-face helmet for riding MC's on the street. I ended up with a Simpson carbon fiber helmet that is about 2.5 pounds compared with the Shoei being about 6 pounds. I know it's MC riding vs SXS, but I had the same issue with weight. I can ride all day with the CF helmet without issues. When buying check weights. Not all CF helmets are as light as some would think.

Here is Simpsons carbon offroad helmet:

 
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GRANT@FUNCO

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I'm an Impact guy , just fits my head correctly. Had a carbon fiber but it got stolen. I Cheap assed out and bought a composite. Wore it once and bucked up for the carbon.

My buddies are all buying the pyrotec carbon Nice helmet for the money and I'll be ordreing one for my grandaughter that's my new left seat co dog .
 

yz450mm

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evantwheeler

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Yeah, according to the internet, that helmet weighs exactly the same as my current non-carbon fiber composite helmet.

I am aware of all the common options/offerings by all the big names & off-road suppliers. Was hoping there was a cheaper light weight helmet option out there I wasn't aware of. The Zamp was a new one to me, and upon further digging, it was too good to be true once the weight numbers were gathered.

I'm not spending the money on a helmet that is equivalent to my bi-annual property tax payment (Impact). You can all laugh and point at my obituary and say I told you so when I die from head trauma due to wearing a $100 DOT helmet.

When I have a chance to try one on, I'll see how a medium Pyrotec feels on the dome. They seem to be the best value, but still more than I want to spend for driving around with 5 pt harness and a chassis from a reputable builder with a proven design for occupant protection. They also seem to be same weight (minus 0.1 lb) as my current HJC helmet.....

 

JUSTWANNARACE

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If you want actual helmet support that serves a purpose....

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evantwheeler

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Sportin' Wood

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Non SFI donut is $40. It will fit under the skirt just fine. My guess is that this will solve or greatly reduce your discomfort. With a carbon helmet you will probably want one anyway after using it.

Mine is a Racequip.
Another vote for giving this a try. Low investment may provide just enough relief.

Also may help with the neck burn from the belts.
 

evantwheeler

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Another vote for giving this a try. Low investment may provide just enough relief.

Also may help with the neck burn from the belts.
I already ordered a NecksGen

 

LargeOrangeFont

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I already ordered a NecksGen


That looks nice. My HANS is a NecksGen. I really like it, good stuff.
 

27Daytona

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If I had to choose between not riding my SxS or spending $1500 on a helmet I’m breaking out my wallet, lol. Seriously give the neck brace a chance first. It’s a cheaper alternative!
 

COCA COLA COWBOY

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If you want actual helmet support that serves a purpose....

View attachment 1325444 View attachment 1325445 View attachment 1325446
Believe it or not, many motocross pros and ex pros will tell you that the neck braces are the cause of a lot of broken necks. They say it creates leverage on the neck on impact.

My son hit a pile up at Barona a couple months ago at the bottom of a gulley, the bike stopped and he went head first into the finish line jump. No neck brace, but did have his chest protector and had no injuries.

It's your choice, but there are two sides to that coin.
 

Badchoices03

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Believe it or not, many motocross pros and ex pros will tell you that the neck braces are the cause of a lot of broken necks. They say it creates leverage on the neck on impact.

My son hit a pile up at Barona a couple months ago at the bottom of a gulley, the bike stopped and he went head first into the finish line jump. No neck brace, but did have his chest protector and had no injuries.

It's your choice, but there are two sides to that coin.

There is a reason that literally no professional mx/sx riders wear those anymore...
 

evantwheeler

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If I had to choose between not riding my SxS or spending $1500 on a helmet I’m breaking out my wallet, lol.
But you dont have to make that choice. A $100 helmet is going to give you all the protection you need for your noggin if you have a good cage and 5pt harnesses that are worn properly (tight!). I’d spend $3k on a cage and harnesses and $100 on a helmet before spending big money on a helmet. Now, carbon fiber helmets and neck restraints can offer further safety measures protecting your neck and brain from the forces involved in a crash, but the $100 DOT helmet will be fine for the vast majority of users driving recreationally protecting them from blunt force impact to the chassis in a violent crash.
 

Cdog

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I have a sparco carbon helmet I can sell you. It's used in great shape with coms. L size. It's out of Snell for SCCA. Real Carbon. $300

You use a duct to plumb your fresh air into it. I didnt need fresh air when I used it in a SXS though. Always used with a balaklava.

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LargeOrangeFont

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evantwheeler

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Wear a mask when you start drilling and sanding carbon. You'll need to mount an air inlet to the helmet if it does not have one.

Thats the same inlet I put on my HJC, I have a second one ready. Looks like sparco offers an air vent attachment, just not sure if the helmet has provisions for mounting.


Sparco confirmed they never made an air pumper attachment for the WTX-7 shell and there are no provisions for mounting one, so looks like I will have to drill and mount.
 
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LargeOrangeFont

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evantwheeler

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Called and talked to PCI.

The lightest carbon fiber helmet is going to be the non-race recreation helmet. He said the difference is marginal, and for a recreation guy, you likely cannot feel a difference of 0.2 lbs of the carbon fiber shell.

A race rated carbon fiber helmet is actually heavier than a standard construction recreational helmet due to the increased shell structure to pass race certification standards.

A race rated standard construction helmet is heavier than a race rated carbon fiber helmet. As everyone can imagine and what was stated earlier by racers, weight matters when you're bouncing around for hours on end.

He said unless you're racing, carbon fiber is really just for looks. Guy was downright honest and wasn't trying to sell me on anything.
 
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joecfd1

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I'm going to buy it and try it. Its still not clear how I can attach air to the helmet. If it won't work for me, I will sell to you for same price.
PCI can add the air inlet for you.
 

LakeMeadLavey

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Believe it or not, many motocross pros and ex pros will tell you that the neck braces are the cause of a lot of broken necks. They say it creates leverage on the neck on impact.

My son hit a pile up at Barona a couple months ago at the bottom of a gulley, the bike stopped and he went head first into the finish line jump. No neck brace, but did have his chest protector and had no injuries.

It's your choice, but there are two sides to that coin.
Agree100%. Look at the starting gate at any AMA SX or Motocross and you will not see any of the pros wearing a Leatt style brace. Proven to cause further injuries from the leverage as CCC stated.
 

LakeMeadLavey

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Called and talked to PCI.

The lightest carbon fiber helmet is going to be the non-race recreation helmet. He said the difference is marginal, and for a recreation guy, you likely cannot feel a difference of 0.2 lbs of the carbon fiber shell.

A race rated carbon fiber helmet is actually heavier than a standard construction recreational helmet due to the increased shell structure to pass race certification standards.

A race rated standard construction helmet is heavier than a race rated carbon fiber helmet. As everyone can imagine and what was stated earlier by racers, weight matters when you're bouncing around for hours on end.

He said unless you're racing, carbon fiber is really just for looks. Guy was downright honest and wasn't trying to sell me on anything.
He gave you an honest answer. Another point to add is Carbon helmets usually do not pass SNELL. The reason being, SNELL testing/certification requires multiple hits in the same spot on the shell which carbon does not like.

PC/Composite helmets can withstand multiple hits in the same spot much better. With that being said, carbon helmets do withstand a much greater impact on the initial hit. In addition, SNELL helmets are always heavier than DOT/ECE as the shells have to be thicker to withstand multiple hits in the same spot.

The common argument is that in a crash the chances of hitting the same spot over and over is not very likely. AMA and other sanctioning bodies no longer require SNELL and many mfg's have dropped the SNELL rating on their helmets due to added weight and high costs of SNELL certs. DOT/ECE are the common standards now.
 

rivrrts429

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Called and talked to PCI.

The lightest carbon fiber helmet is going to be the non-race recreation helmet. He said the difference is marginal, and for a recreation guy, you likely cannot feel a difference of 0.2 lbs of the carbon fiber shell.

A race rated carbon fiber helmet is actually heavier than a standard construction recreational helmet due to the increased shell structure to pass race certification standards.

A race rated standard construction helmet is heavier than a race rated carbon fiber helmet. As everyone can imagine and what was stated earlier by racers, weight matters when you're bouncing around for hours on end.

He said unless you're racing, carbon fiber is really just for looks. Guy was downright honest and wasn't trying to sell me on anything.


There’s a lot more to a higher end helmet than the shell or material itself. Sounds like the budget friendly route is better suited for your needs.
 

Bowtiepower00

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I run a Rugged Branded Bell Qualifier with top air inlet, it was under $300 wired. Even after 12 hours of desert riding or spending all day in the dunes my neck feels fine, it’s not like riding a motorcycle where you have wind drag at high speeds and no headrest to lean against. I have no idea what the helmet weighs, but it’s similar to the Shoei I used to use for my street bike. I would notice the wind drag on longer rides on a bike.

Unrelated to the helmet, I do have issues with seatbelt rub on longer rides, I might have to look into a neck donut if that will help.
 

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I run a Rugged Branded Bell Qualifier with top air inlet, it was under $300 wired. Even after 12 hours of desert riding or spending all day in the dunes my neck feels fine, it’s not like riding a motorcycle where you have wind drag at high speeds and no headrest to lean against. I have no idea what the helmet weighs, but it’s similar to the Shoei I used to use for my street bike. I would notice the wind drag on longer rides on a bike.

Unrelated to the helmet, I do have issues with seatbelt rub on longer rides, I might have to look into a neck donut if that will help.

I have the same helmet for my SxS. I like it and it’s very comfortable, I’ve had it on for 12+ hours before as well. The donut won’t help with the belt rash. I’ve found a jacket when cold, or a neck gaitor when warmer helps with that.
 

evantwheeler

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I run a Rugged Branded Bell Qualifier with top air inlet, it was under $300 wired. Even after 12 hours of desert riding or spending all day in the dunes my neck feels fine, it’s not like riding a motorcycle where you have wind drag at high speeds and no headrest to lean against. I have no idea what the helmet weighs, but it’s similar to the Shoei I used to use for my street bike. I would notice the wind drag on longer rides on a bike.

Unrelated to the helmet, I do have issues with seatbelt rub on longer rides, I might have to look into a neck donut if that will help.
I've never really given much thought to the helmet before, but it did start to bug me this weekend which prompted my question. I did have some neck aggravation a week ago which sent me to the chiro to try and get some relief, maybe my discomfort driving was related to that lingering issue. I was expecting to find a much more drastic difference in weight that what I found between carbon fiber and poly helmet options. I'll report back if the sloppy seconds carbon fiber helmet is significantly better than my old junker once I get some time in it.

Regarding your belt issue, is it an actual seat belt, or true a harness? I'm not a racecar driver, but I run 3" wide padded crow harnesses in my car and we drive pretty aggressively. Ive got some older Beard suspension seats. I've never felt any discomfort from belt rub. I cinch my harnesses down pretty dam tight, I really can't move my torso when I'm harnessed in. I think yours are either not padded enough, too narrow, not tight enough, or a combination of all. If you are truly just running a seat belt, I would look to upgrade to harnesses, but I suspected you already do have harnesses.
 

Bowtiepower00

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I've never really given much thought to the helmet before, but it did start to bug me this weekend which prompted my question. I did have some neck aggravation a week ago which sent me to the chiro to try and get some relief, maybe my discomfort driving was related to that lingering issue. I was expecting to find a much more drastic difference in weight that what I found between carbon fiber and poly helmet options. I'll report back if the sloppy seconds carbon fiber helmet is significantly better than my old junker once I get some time in it.

Regarding your belt issue, is it an actual seat belt, or true a harness? I'm not a racecar driver, but I run 3" wide padded crow harnesses in my car and we drive pretty aggressively. Ive got some older Beard suspension seats. I've never felt any discomfort from belt rub. I cinch my harnesses down pretty dam tight, I really can't move my torso when I'm harnessed in. I think yours are either not padded enough, too narrow, not tight enough, or a combination of all. If you are truly just running a seat belt, I would look to upgrade to harnesses, but I suspected you already do have harnesses.
I too have chronic neck and back pain, I typically have more lower back discomfort after aggressive riding compared to neck pain, a good g-out will keep me from walking for a few days. Like you, I typically schedule a chiro visit after I return from glamis or a long day of fast riding. Not to say that I don’t have some discomfort in my neck after a weekend at the dunes, but it’s usually bearable.

I’m still running the Polaris click 6 harnesses and stock seats. They secure me fairly well but nowhere as good as a true set of belts. I still notice the rub in cars with hood belts, maybe I just need to suck it up. I’m hoping to upgrade seats and belts here at some point, but similar to you I’m not in the dry leased aircraft tax bracket, lol.
 

LargeOrangeFont

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I too have chronic neck and back pain, I typically have more lower back discomfort after aggressive riding compared to neck pain, a good g-out will keep me from walking for a few days. Like you, I typically schedule a chiro visit after I return from glamis or a long day of fast riding. Not to say that I don’t have some discomfort in my neck after a weekend at the dunes, but it’s usually bearable.

I’m still running the Polaris click 6 harnesses and stock seats. They secure me fairly well but nowhere as good as a true set of belts. I still notice the rub in cars with hood belts, maybe I just need to suck it up. I’m hoping to upgrade seats and belts here at some point, but similar to you I’m not in the dry leased aircraft tax bracket, lol.

I’ve got 3 inch padded SFI belts in my car and still get a little belt rash on the neck after spending multiple days in the car. With HANS style harnesses or 2 inch ones it would probably not be an issue.

If the seat has very wide shoulder openings for the belts, that may help alleviate it.

I like how well the 3 inch 5 point setup holds me in place though.
 
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