Help Buying a Helmet?

[SeattleJeremy]

I'm doing my first autocross event in a week, and I'm tired of stinky rental helmets when karting.
Auto-X requires Snell-00, but I'm sure what ever I buy new will have the latest rating (2005?).
I'll be using the helmet less than 5 days a year.

What should I be asking for?
Do motorcycle shops sell what I need?
Do I need to spend a lot of money, $200-300, or can I spend $100 and be set?

Thanks everyone.

[chulooz]

less than 5 days a year? HJC ~$60-80.

[SeattleJeremy]

Like the Street CS-R1?

Edit: It looks like the SC-R1 is DOT Approved, but not SNELL.

[engsr]

Motorcycle shops sell M rated helmets so you should be able to find one there. Just make sure it fits properly and you can see well with it on.

[Neziah]

So M Rated is good enough for Autocross rules?

[Miniata]

Originally Posted by Neziah

So M Rated is good enough for Autocross rules?

Yes. I'd look for the cheapest Snell M2010 open face helmet you can find that fits and isn't uncomfortable. Should be good for the next 12-13 years. Don't pay more than $100, if you shop around you'll probably find something for $60-80.

[ABQautoxer]

Yes and a nice plus about M rated helmets are the very wide eyeports. However if you ever plan to do a DE, some require an SA rated helmet. So you can either buy another helmet when needed or get a two-fer now. I keep two separate helmets. One M full face for karting and one open face SA for driving cars.

[d1ck]

I just picked up a plain white Bell SA2010. It cost like $150.00 but it`s good for any type of vehicle racing. It is full face, but you only wear it for like 2 minutes at a time it`s really not bad at all.

[FT-86 SpeedFactory]

Originally Posted by d1ck

I just picked up a plain white Bell SA2010. It cost like $150.00 but it`s good for any type of vehicle racing. It is full face, but you only wear it for like 2 minutes at a time it`s really not bad at all.

Perfect example of what to do.

Do not settle for an M that just meets AutoX rules. 9.9 times out of 10 you will get addicted and then want to a track day or HPDE school. These will require an SA rated helmet.

You can pick up an SA rated one for $150 range. We deal with Pyrotech which has SA helmets starting at $179 for open face.

Don't go cheap on your helmet, it's an item that should last 5 years if not longer so you want something nice that lasts and is rated to be used in multiple forms of your automotive hobby.

[JRitt]

I'm with SpeedFactory on this one. Spend a little more and buy a quality, SA2010 rated helmet. After you've done some autoX, you are inevitably going to want to try a track day. If you don't have that desire, you'll be the only male human in history that has ever done an autoX and not wanted to go faster on a bigger course! You'll also likely make some new friends at AutoX who will want to take you to the track, go karting, etc. The newest SA rated helmet will allow you to run any event with any group...whether it's AutoX, HPDE, Karting, etc. Buy something quality, and you will enjoy it for the next decade.

On an autoX course, chances are you will never put your helmet to the test. On the track, there is the very real chance that you might. As such, don't skimp out on safety. Think carefully about what you are asking. Whether it's 5 times per year, or only once ever, you're talking about protecting your brain. Obviously the more you use a helmet at events, the more chances you have of an incident. However, it only takes once to permanently damage yourself.

When I shop helmets, I look for a few things:

1. Latest SA rating from a trusted brand- already discussed above.
2. Proper fit/Comfort- If at all possible, try the helmet on before buying. I have what I consider a rather large head. However, it's narrow. When I went to try helmets on for the first time back in 1999, I found that most of the mediums actually fit me best. I would have never expected that. When you do track sessions, you'll have the helmet on for a considerable amount of time. You want something light and comfortable.
3. Closed face- This allows you to run all types of formats as discussed above, including karts. It also helps prevent your grill from being crushed in an accident. An open faced helmet is nice if you want to easily communicate with a co-driver or student. I'd still rather have something to help keep my teeth and nose as separate entities from the steering wheel or any other object (particularly in a kart).
4. Large eye port- Being able to see well both forward and peripherally is of critical importance, and increases your awareness of what's going on around you.

I tend to think splurging is more appropriate than skimping when the well-being of your brain and central nervous system are involved.

I use the older model of this helmet, the Bell Sport. It has been great over the years: http://www.ogracing.com/bell-sport-sa2010-helmet-12

[Mitch]

Jeff's right on the money. I just picked up an SA2010 Simpson Voyager and couldn't be happier. It's a little pricier than would I could have gotten away with for autocross, but will support all of my automotive endeavors, whatever they may be, for years to come. Great fit and finish, comfortable, and large eyeport.

[ABQautoxer]

FWIW, I don't like full face helmets, I only use one when I have to. They are not only hotter to wear, they also make it difficult to communicate with your student/instructor and make a last second drink nearly impossible.

[Neziah]

Copied from --> http://www.racinghelmetguide.com/aut...t-ratings.html

Auto Racing Helmet Ratings

HELMET RATINGS...WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
When will Snell M2010 and SA2010 helmets be available?
Snell SA2010 (automotive) helmets are slowly arriving as we speak (end of October 2010). Check our Snell SA2010 Helmet Page for a complete list.


Auto racing helmets are rated by Snell as either SA, M, or K...

Snell SA Rated Helmets:
Snell "SA" (Sports Application) rated professional helmets are designed for auto racing and provide extreme impact resistance and higher fire protection.

Snell M Rated Helmets:
Snell "M" (Motorcycle) rated helmets are designed for motorcycling and other motorsports. They offer slightly less protection than SA rated helmets.

Snell K Rated Helmets:
Snell "K" (Karting) rated helmets are designed for Karting applications. They are subjected to the same test standards as SA helmets except the do not require a fire retardant interior.

What are the key differences between SA and M Rated Helmets:
- SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not.
- SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not.
- SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets aren't street legal).

How do I know if my helmet meets the necessary Snell requirements for the organizations that I race with?
Always check your club rulebook to determine what helmet specifications they require. Most clubs seem to allow you to use the current Snell specification, as well as the previous Snell specification. So, in that case, for the 2011 season, you could use Snell M2005/SA2005 or Snell M2010/SA2010 rated helmets. Snell M2000/SA2000 helmets would not meet requirements after October 1, 2010. Bottom line... read your rulebook carefully.

Also, if you are considering the purchase of a Snell "M" rated helmet, be sure that your club will allow them. SCCA Solo does allow Snell "M" rated helmets, although some organizations that run high speed events will require Snell "SA" rated helmets. We recommend Snell "SA" rated helmets because they will be legal for any type automotive activity you participate in.

What is the current Snell rating?
New ratings typically come out every 5 years. The current Snell rating is 2010. We carry Snell SA2010 helmets, and as of October 2010, still have some Snell M2005 and Snell SA2005 rated helmets.

Where can I get more info on Snell helmet ratings?
Check out the Snell Memorial Foundation website for some very good helmet information.

[Tainen]

you should go visit 425 Motorsports up in bellevue. They will walk you through the process, let you try on 20+ different helmets, and have pretty good prices (and discounts if you are a member of almost any of the local car clubs).

They are awesome, and routintely sponsor local clubs, cars, and events, and they know their safety gear.

(don't buy a helmet without trying it on first)