I need a suggestion for a helmet for AutoX

[Ricepuddin]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

What's wrong with SA2005? I think SA2000 is still legal, no?

Nothing!

Also most AutoX should let you ran "M" rated helmet as well.

You are correct

Originally Posted by SCCA website

Yes, you need a helmet. The club does have a few loaner helmets that are available. All helmets meeting the current or two immediately preceding Snell Foundation standards (SA, K, or M) or SFI standards 31.1A, 21.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A are acceptable. Look inside the helmet for a sticker. It will have a Snell Sticker with a year date or certification.

Not sure what I was reading. I'd still go with the newer rated helmet if your buying new, just to get a few more years out of it.

also different organization will have different rules

Originally Posted by Spokes Texas

5.2 All drivers and passengers must wear a DOT or SNELL approved helmet while on course

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by ngabdala

Will full face helmets block my view in AutoX?

No, I have used full face helmets in autocross for 15 years.

Open face is better in some ways though, easier to deal with, easier to talk, etc but I've never been an autocross only guy so the closed face was the better deal for me (or getting two helmets..)

[NYR Solo]

check with the local club to see if they have loaners. if they do, use one of them to see if u like autoX. If its something you plan on doing again, get one for yourself. Ask around to find out where a local shop is that sells helmets so u can try them on.

There is no point buying a helmet older than the 2010 standards. If u plan to take your car onto a track, get an SA rated helmet just in case.

Try each helmet on for 10 minutes to see how comfortable it is. There should be only a slight pressure on your skin.

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by ngabdala

Will full face helmets block my view in AutoX?

I use full face at AutoX.

[UncleFester]

I also use a full face in autox. I don't feel it obstructs my view at all.

[Ninjin]

Originally Posted by Jidonsu

I bought the HJC AR-10 II. It's SA2010 rated and it's full face.

Seconded on the HJC being a good value and pretty comfortable.

Ultimately a lot of your decision will come down to personal preference; try a loner on or in a store if you can, and make sure you can return it easily when you make a purchase in case the helmet doesn't work for you.

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

[Miniata]

When I started autocrossing 13 years ago, I used loaner helmets for the first few events, as provided by the region I was running with. I then bought the cheapest open faced Snell M helmet I could find that fit ok, used it for 5-6 years for autocrossing and one NASA HPDE track day, and about 8 years ago I bought a more expensive Bell open face helmet (SA2000) and have used it since for autocrossing and a PDX track day. I've used full face helmets in the past, and don't care for them at all, and will continue to stick with open face helmets unless I'll be needing one for an open car or motorcycle.

[BlaineWasHere]

Personally I don't see the point an getting an open faced helmet. Why would you buy a less safe version of possibly you're most important safety item? Maybe you should just ware the lap belt too and skip out on the shoulder part.

I guess it's not a big deal for autoX, but I'd never do a HPDE without a SA full face helmet. I love going fast but I'm not willing to die or get seriously injured for it!

[Miniata]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

Personally I don't see the point an getting an open faced helmet. Why would you buy a less safe version of possibly you're most important safety item? Maybe you should just ware the lap belt too and skip out on the shoulder part.

I guess it's not a big deal for autoX, but I'd never do a HPDE without a SA full face helmet. I love going fast but I'm not willing to die or get seriously injured for it!

and I personally don't see the point of a closed face helmet which is used mainly for autocross and occasionally light track duty. I'll gladly take the improved field of vision, lighter weight, and cooler head of an open faced helmet any day over a closed face helmet.

If/when I start doing frequent track days I'll get a good SA rated closed face helmet (with as large of an eye port as I can find), but for primarily autocross use, I've never regretted using an open face helmet, and will continue to do so.

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by Miniata

and I personally don't see the point of a closed face helmet which is used mainly for autocross and occasionally light track duty. I'll gladly take the improved field of vision, lighter weight, and cooler head of an open faced helmet any day over a closed face helmet.

If/when I start doing frequent track days I'll get a good SA rated closed face helmet (with as large of an eye port as I can find), but for primarily autocross use, I've never regretted using an open face helmet, and will continue to do so.

It only takes one mistake.

[TSY]

Having been a passenger in a rollover on a track on the warm up lap, I will tell you you never know when you are going to need your helmet! I like many here would never run an open faced helmet on a track.

My advice is go and try different brand helmets on. Each brand seems to fit different head shapes better than others. Don't just go out and buy a helmet based on price or looks (everyone wants to look like the Stig!) but buy the one that is comfortable. While driving on a track the last thing you want to be thinking about is how uncomfortable your helmet is!

For me, I tried Bells, Simpsons and Arais but HJCs just seemed to fit my head the best. It is also quite light as well and I am very happy with it. Oh, and they are very reasonably priced too!

Good luck!