Autocross Helmet - Open or Closed Face?
 

I’ve been shopping for my first helmet and thought I’d ask the experts for an opinion. To race in SCCA Street Modified it looks like I need a Snell M-rated helmet, but because I’d like to be able to do DE or club racing eventually, I’ve been looking at helmets with an SA2015 rating. Do you guys generally prefer open or closed face helmets, and why? I don’t want to spend an obscene amount of money, but I generally prefer to buy quality items and, well, you only get one brain. How much have you guys generally spent, and where’s the sweet spot for quality and value? What are some models you would recommend and where do you suggest I shop for the best selection and price?

Thanks in advance - any insight you can give a newbie is appreciated!

I have both. I can't answer all your questions but I'll say this:

Open face is my go to for autocross because I feel like it is a little cooler (temperature wise) and is easier to drink water, put sunglasses on, etc. That said, the closed face offers better protection and is necessary if you ever get the chance to hop in a car without a windshield. And you don't want to miss that chance because it's probably a mod class car and a ton of fun.

There seems to be two camps in terms of price: 1. Get the most expensive helmet you can because you only get one brain. 2. All helmets pass the same impact tests for a certain certification and more expensive ones aren't necessarily safer.

Whatever you decide to do, try on as many different brands as you can to see what fits the shape of your head. Different brands tend to fit certain head shapes.

I got closed because once every year or two I do a session of indoor karting and don't want to use the loaner helmets. Also fantasies of driving cool cars like ^

Open does look nice for autox though
Edit: definitely spring for sa2015 I know some hpdes don't allow M rated helmets, you never know what will catch your fancy in a few years

On the chance you EVER end up at a track, get closed faced. You want that eye protection with the visor down.

I own both open and closed face helmets, and the only time I use an open faced helmet is when I'm in a car with the windows up, and without a comm system.

I got a really nice closed face and luv it , it is snell 2015 rated and was only $99 at revzilla

Once you take a pebble to the eye the choice will become clear xD

The expensive helmets usually have better construction, adjustable fitment with different check pads, more options on visors, more airflow options, and are lighter weight.

Airflow and weight mattered a lot when I was riding motorcycles all the time. Adjustable airflow is good so you can keep cool in the summer and make sure the visor remains fog free on cold or humid days. Nicer visors offer tear offs for bugs or dirt.
Lower weight make a big difference if you are in open air environments (convertible or motorcycle) to keep your neck and shoulders from getting fatigue.

Open vs closed face discussions have been running for years. Here it the core question you need to answer. How much personal risk are you willing to accept? One will protect your face, and one will not.

I have a Black Armor open face helmet and I love it for autocross, especially in Texas summers.

I’d like to get a full face one for Karting and track events though.

Closed face. Get the best fit. I ended up in an Arai, but the difference in comfort was huge. No regrets on cost. Also, on the chance of an incident... Neither I or the driver had any side effects from airbags because full face helmets and gloves. And fortunately, no whiplash at all because airbags.

There are a few shops around but I made the drive up to Pegasus and tried a bunch of helmets, quite worth the trip.

I ran an open faced for the first 10 or so years of autocross. Bought a closed faced when that expired. I had a problem getting dusk/debris in my eyes and the closed face seems to minimize that.... at the expense of not grabbing that last second sip of water, people not being able to hear you talk, etc.

IMO - Price cannot be saved for a good helmet.

I ran a HJC AR-10ii for a couple years, and it's a good entry level helmet IMO. Really had no complaints at all.

Then, I just purchased an Arai GP-68 and the difference is incredible. Fits so much better and less weight - I can wear it all day and not notice it.

tl;dr - Get a helmet that fits you the best - Searching based off price or looks is not the right way to do it

jeez, i might need a new helmet... mine is SA2000 open face. i cant even remember what brand it is but its open face.
bell?
it was cheap but not cheap enough to be scared... Vega?
yeah. looks like the X380 but mine is pearl white and i am pretty sure mine has closeable vents too.
http://www.vegahelmet.com/open-face-...selection.html

but if i need a new skid lid, this is really tempting...
http://www.hjchelmets.com/hjcus/port.../#.WsO7h4WcF7g
integrated visor so its open face with eye pro!

but yeah i tried the Vega on at a store, highly recommend going and trying stuff on, even if you don't like the prices there just try it and find it cheaper online but WEAR IT FIRST!!!!

Get a close face helmet. Do not buy online, go to a store and try different helmets. Put a balaclava on, put the helmet on, see how easy it is to sneak sunglasses through the visor. Some helmets are easy, some are a bitch. Do the same for a headset (Chatterbox etc) if you have one. Without a balaclava, the interior of the helmet will disintegrate from sweat after a few years.

I recently bought the newest version of the HJC AR to replace my old Bell Sport. One of the reasons I bought it was that it fit me much like the Bell did, which I liked. I agree, it's solid entry level lid if you mostly just stick to auto-x like I do.

However, I also agree that if you're going to a racetrack on a semi-regular basis, you should dip a bit further into your budget and get a higher tier helmet. I mean, you're going to be spending similar $$ on pads and tires anyway, right? :thumbup:

Since you mentioned DE or club racing events, your only option (for a single helmet) should be closed face. If I did more than 1 auto x event a year (teaching at a school), I'd consider an open face one for just auto x, but for track use I'd only want closed.

Stilo Zero

Yeah, I’ve really been having a tough time deciding between the Stilo Zero and the Schuberth SF2 PRO - decisions, decisions...ha, ha! Get real - both of these helmets are way beyond my budget!

https://www.schuberth.com/en/product...g/sf2-pro.html

If the ONLY thing you intend to do is autocross... you can MAYBE get away with an M rated open face.

If you want to do literally anything else, even rental go-karts.... get an SA rated closed face. If you have glasses or sunglasses, take them and try them on with it. Make sure it's comfy with them and you can get them on. Do like I did and do the opposite.... take your helmet with you when you buy new glasses. The people at LensCrafters are gonna look at you like you're crazy when you bring your helmet in, put it on, and start trying on frames..... but screw it... it's important.

Brand preference is up to you. But try them on before you buy, and go with SA rating instead of M or ECE

MA (motorcycle application) & ECE helmets are designed for motorcycle use. SA (special application) are designed for auto use.

Snell Memorial Foundation update their standards every 5 years. I'm not certain when they started the 5 year system, but I have seen Snell 1975 helmets and am old enough to have worn Snell 1985 helmets when they were current.

There have been Snell updates every 5 years since. The current standards that are typically allowed in competition are Snell 2010 & Snell 2015. When Snell 2020 comes out (standard specifications late 18 early 19 & product on the shelf in fall of 2019) racing organizations will stop allowing the use of 2010 helmets.

So, it you buy a Snell 2015 helmet you can expect to be able to use it until fall 24/ spring 25.

The impact standards for Snell SA & Snell MA are similar. Not exact, but similar.

The FOV (field of vision) "eye port" is larger on MA helmets because FMVSS no 218 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218) has a minimum eye port size for DOT helmets and that standard dictates eye port size for all motorcycles helmets.

In layman's terms - Impact standards are similar. Auto eye port is smaller than motorcycle. Auto helmets (all components) are fire rated (retardant) Auto helmets may have integrated or at least dedicated anchor points for a head and neck restraint system (Hans or similar device)

In my opinion the biggest difference is the fire resistant nature of the interior components of the SA helmets when compared to MA. You are never strapped in a motorcycle and being trapped inside one would be impossible right?

^^ SA is also rated for multiple impacts (head vs roll cage in a crash), M is single impact. Most sanctioning bodies won't let you in caged car without an SA helmet.

Actually both are subjected to two impacts. Obviously a double impact is sort of expected in an auto helmet for reasons you stated and would be rare in a motorcycle accident.

Wow - I’m so glad I asked for input here, because you guys really know your stuff! @chkltcow, @wparsons, @SCQTT thanks for the great information, and thanks to everyone else who threw out their thoughts and experiences - I definitely am better prepared to make decision now than when I started.

I just bought an HJC X7 for 170$ can to my door. Snell M2015. Just remove the mud shield and it's perfect. I've been using a Fox MX helmet since 2014, just the Snell rating is no longer allowed.

OH and when you put your helmet on, you can that the head rest out and install it in the opposite direction to make it WAY more comfortable when you have a big helmet on your head.

I personally have a Black Armor Helmet. Here's my thoughts:

1. Fitment is important. Not everyone's head is the same. Try a bunch a helmets. Look for one that is snug fitting, but comfortable.

2. Purchase a helmet that is rated with the most recent standard. SA2015 or M2015. No point in getting an older standard to save money. My first helmet, I used for the better part of 10 years.

3. I don't think you need to spend a ton of money, but at the same time, I wouldn't cheap out either. I think something that is normally in the $200-$300 range is reasonable. Keep in mind that you'll easily be using it on and off for the next 10 years. I think something more expensive is fine also as long as you KNOW you will get a lot of use out of it. I wouldn't recommend newcomers to buying a helmet just because autocross isn't for everyone. Spending a lot of money on a helmet, then finding out you hate autocross (there are people out there...), is not fun financially.

I think it's different for everyone, but there's definitely a point where you get value out of your helmet. For example: Spending $500+ on a helmet and using it only once or twice a year is bad value in my opinion. Now... if you are using it 10-15+ times a year... year after year... then you are definitely getting your money's worth. Different for everyone, but something I consider.

As for open face versus closed face... I have no idea. I have a closed face one, and it works for me. Maybe try both and see what you like better. I do like that the closed faced helmets, I can use it for more things, but... I would prioritize fitment/comfort over usage.

If you are driving a street car (no cage) in street clothes (nothing fire rated), I don't see any reason to require SA over M unless you run a HANS device. This probably covers 95% of all HPDE drivers. I also don't see any reason to make one sound "unsafe" in comparison to the other. Peripheral vision is better in an M rated lid.

https://www.smf.org/standards/sa/201...nal3252014.php

https://www.smf.org/standards/m/2015/M2015FinalFinal

FWIW, I have both types of helmet, and with an unlimited budget, I would have a top of the line Arai SA helmet. Since I don't, I feel just as safe in a good M helmet. M helmets are significantly easier to find to try on, and a bit less expensive, so requiring SA is a silly hurdle for getting new people to experience HPDE, IMO. Let people make that Stilo their second helmet purchase!

We're not talking a huge difference in cost between M and SA thought. My G Force SA2010 was like $250, and I've seen them under $200. Nobody NEEDS a $2000 Stilo helmet or event a $600 Black Armor.... but if you're in a car, it's worthwhile to get a helmet rated for car instead of motorcycle.

A quick look at Saferacer shows an open face SA2015 G-Force for $180 and a closed face Racequip for $220. If you're buying a helmet, just go ahead and get the SA rated helmet first, unless you just happen to have an M helmet already lying about the house.

If you set a minimum price at $300-$350, then I might agree with the "just buy an SA" advice. Below that price point, auto helmets tend to be junk. Fit is not good, and that is the most important factor in making sure the lid will work. The SA rating alone does not make it safer than M, it just adds fire retardant materials. The SAs are also made in MUCH smaller volumes, adding to the price.

Case in point - those Racequip helmets are not comparable to a $220 M helmet, more like a $90 one. They fit like garbage regardless of size choice, to such a degree that I consider them unsafe. Cheek padding is too loose and way, way too soft. If you take an impact, it's straight chinbar to the mouth. I owned one and tried all the sizes.

By contrast, a $200 M helmet will have much better finish, by a long shot, and since you can find them in stores, it's a lot easier to get fit correctly, which is the most important part of helmet choice. I have an HJC M that fits that bill, and there is no comparison to the Racequip.

Full disclosure, I also have another HJC, which fits great and is rated SA, but is >$300...

Yea the curvature on the back of the headrest is pretty much perfect when you flip it around and wear a helmet.

I've always wonder why SA helmet are so ugly (not all, but most).
I mean, can't they do anything other than white or black...
After owning 2 awesome motorcycle helmets, no way I'm buying an ugly white helmet.:barf:
Of course since I don't have a cage and I own a motorcycle, I don't have any reason to buy an SA, but still.

Guys.... seriously.... STOP ADVOCATING FOR MOTORCYCLE HELMETS. In the first post, he says he wants to do track stuff, and most organizations won't allow M rated helmets on track.

Spend the extra money up front on a closed faced SA2015 that will be legal for every organization out there rather than getting a crappy M helmet now and having to re-buy something else later.

If you do motorcycle things, get a motorcycle helmet.
If you do car things, get a car helmet.

Fixed.

--kC

It has come to my attention since I made my original post that M helmets could possibly be okay for only AutoX that some organizations (DriveAutoX) require SA helmets. No M helmets.

SCCA autox allows M and others. #goodenoughforme

But yes, always check with the sanctioning body beforehand.

--kC

About 10 million motorcycle riders in the US.

About 500K auto racers (including HPDE) in the US.

You do the math, the market is so much smaller there cannot be that many choices.

Same with marketing budgets. When Valentino Rossi wears his AGV it might help to sell another 50,000 units of a similar AGV helmet worldwide.

What do you think the potential is for an F1 driver to sell helmets? Its not like the masses in Corollas around the world are wearing helmets.

Motorcycle riders get screwed in the other direction when it comes to market size. Good motorcycle tires will be $600 to $800 a pair installed. That's a lot less rubber than what you get in a set of car tires. On top of that many motorcycle tires struggle to make it to 10K miles before needing to be replaced. There are simply so many more car tires made the process can be optimized for a better price.

If you autocross a lot, I almost recommend 2 helmets. Get whatever cheap M at your local motorcycle shop for autocross, then get an SA for other needs.

I couldn't stomach having grumpy fumble finger tech guys dropping, people in grid stumbling over, cars in grid punting, etc, etc, etc to an expensive helmet.

Almost every HPDE organization operating in MY state allows M rated helmets for HPDE. This includes: NASA, PDG, Chin, and SCCA.

SA rated helmets have specific advantages, which are of debatable use to someone in a street car, with no roll cage, at an HPDE or autox, wearing a t-shirt. Saying that M helmets are "crappy" in comparison to an SA rated helmet is just plain incorrect, unless you are talking about fire retardant qualities.


Wear whatever helmet you want to, but let's stick to the facts.

Jzilla requires SA
ChumpCar requires SA
LeMons requires SA
iTrack requires SA
AER requires SA
DriveAutoX requires SA
PCA requires SA
THSCC requires SA
JustTrackIt requires SA
Anything at Atlanta Motorsports Park requires SA

The specific advantage I'm referring to in this situation is being allowed to participate in an event because that is the required certification.

Where I live (Quebec), M is accepted pretty much everywhere for HDPE and AutoX, as long as you don't have a cage. I'm also pretty sure it's the same for Ontario.


There is no point in requiring an SA helmet unless they also require a full racing suit, or you have a cage.
Having a fire retardant helmet when you're in jeans and t-shirts make no sense.

Then I guess I was confused when you referred to M helmets as “crappy”. I agree you should look into who you want to drive with.

If it's not legal for the organization you want to run with, it's crappy.