Anything without an SA05/SA2010 sticker is a waste of money. I would have no problem buying an SA05 lid right now, since you want to replace it every 5 years anyway. My Bell is ~6 years old at this point and it's due for replacement.

Fitment is absolutely crucial. There are 3 tests I use when I'm helping someone look at helmets. Put the helmet on, fasten the strap, and then do these 3 things:

1. Shake your head left to right as hard as you can. If the helmet doesn't shake with your head (i.e. if it deviates by more than an inch or so) it's too big.
2. Try and remove the helmet from your head with the strap fastened. If you can do it, it's too big.
3. Wear the helmet for as long as you can in the store - 30 minutes if possible. The slightest pressure on your forehead will turn into a headache within 30 minutes - if you feel any headache after 30 minutes, it's too small. This is the most important test.

Beyond that, I vastly prefer a tinted visor, but that's personal preference.

I use a Bell Sport 3 with SA00 regs.

 

This is my helmet:

 

That carbon fiber helmet looks bad ***, sure looks super cool.

 

And I bet it comes with a bad-*** price tag too!

Any luck yet David?

 

That helmet cost more then your miata

 

What about fit? I have fit many helmets for our pilots but am not sure if the same procedures can be done with a race helmet. The helmets we use have inserts that can be shimmed with Velcro pads for loose areas and the foam can be heated and shaped to relieve hot spots. We add weight to balance the helmet and the inner liner can be removed to be washed.

I have worn a few at the auto-crosses and the HPDE events I have been to and have been looking but none of the venders can answer my questions.

 

from like 5 posts up:

Nobody uses velcro to 'shim' motorsport helmets. The linings are Nomex and the last thing I'd want to do is futz with a heat gun on them. Different brands fit differently, find the brand that fits your head best.

 

The place that I always use is Smileys Race Shop and I think there area few in the Dallas area. I went there and tried on all the helmets without really caring about who made them. The best fitting one that I found for me was a large Simpson Bandit. It alleviated all the headaches I was getting from my cheap Pyrotech that I got with my Lemons Cheap as Dirt racing kit.

 

^This.

To reiterate, fit rules above all else.

Go to a store like Sube Sports that carries many brands, try on all of them. I mean really take your time with it. Ignore price during the process, you're just trying to determine which brand fits your skull best. Then try out that brand's model(s) that is in your price range.

Again, fit > everything.

 

Bell Sport 3, looks dorky, fits nice. I forget I'm wearing it.
Tinted Visors make everything look sexy