Helmet Suggestions

[ForcedFirebird]

AFAIK, the main difference between an SA and M helmet is the fire rating (M helmets are not fire rated). If you're not wearing full fire protective clothing, having a fire rated helmet isn't a deal breaker. I've never heard of a local HPDE requiring SA rated helmets, but obviously, this varies.

It's often not enforced, but HPDE is supposed to have proper helmets for the driver, passengers are usually a little more relaxed. I officiate for NASA, FARA and couple other HPDE organizations. We check helmet dates and have stickers for them that grid workers are supposed to check. Usually it's one warning and will let them on track that day/weekend. But, if we see them again, they must rent one, or borrow on from a friend. It may be different in other regions, but that's how it's handled here.

[TobyB]

the main difference between an SA and M helmet is the fire rating

Eyeport size and the roll bar crush test, too. I'm not sure about the pointy object test.

It's not rational, I know, but the image of melting visors gives me the jeebies.

t

[JRKOUPE]

it can be a headache yes....literally and figuratively

I had like 4 helmets over the last 12 yrs of tracking.


You really need to NOT rush the process.....try on as many as u can. I ended up buying like 20 helmets online to get all the models that interested me....I made sure all could be returned......a bit of a hassle yes but worth it. I also tried on like 20 helmets over the yrs during track events..

i wear my helmet for like 8 or 9 session of 25 mins each, instructing, driving etc etc.....it needs to fit well.....

try OG racing , Northstar motorsports....pegasus....they are cool if u explain the deal.

[2mAn]

The Helmet got here yesterday and I was just going to say "fig it" and keep it, but I tried it on and its super tight, not to mention I couldnt get my glasses on, so its going back. This is why I want to try a helmet on locally, but dont know where to do that without paying $500 for the Helmet

edit: Spoke to the guy at SafeRacer and was ready to buy the RaceQuip Pro15 SA2015 from them, but I need it by Friday and they charge another $40 for 2 day express while Summit Racing charges $15, so I ordered it from Summit. Hopefully this one fits better, the guy at SR recommended it over the Zamp Racing one I was also looking at. What a headache, I hope this all works out

[nando]

AFAIK, the main difference between an SA and M helmet is the fire rating (M helmets are not fire rated). If you're not wearing full fire protective clothing, having a fire rated helmet isn't a deal breaker. I've never heard of a local HPDE requiring SA rated helmets, but obviously, this varies.

[ForcedFirebird]

Well, I will get the most I can out of this thing then I will spend a lot more on a helmet. I have a HPDE with the Alfa club this Saturday so I wanted to have something. My buddy has run with them several times with just a DOT motorcycle helmet so I doubt they will give me a hard time.

Not sure why anyone has ever recommended getting a helmet from a Motorcycle shop if its not the right one to be using.

Mine was $150 for a 2005 about 4yr ago. If you shop for 2010, they are about the same price still, but will only be good for 5yr. If you spend another $50-ish for a 2015, you will get 10yrs out of it. I'm not nice to mine, gets tossed around a lot, so I don't mind the 5yr and savings, the old ones get donated to "Kids Racing For Life" or used for fueling.

[agent]

I just glossed right over the M part of that. I was only looking at the year designation.

The chances are pretty good that if you order the same size of the same brand in the SA model it will fit fine. Order it tomorrow and get two day shipping, return the M one and don't worry about it for five years until it expires.

[2mAn]

Well, I will get the most I can out of this thing then I will spend a lot more on a helmet. I have a HPDE with the Alfa club this Saturday so I wanted to have something. My buddy has run with them several times with just a DOT motorcycle helmet so I doubt they will give me a hard time.

Not sure why anyone has ever recommended getting a helmet from a Motorcycle shop if its not the right one to be using.

[FredK]

You will want either a Snell SA2010 or SA2015 helmet for automotive use.

The SA2010 will allow you to use it until the end of 2020.
The SA2015 will allow you to use it until the end of 2025.

[2mAn]

This helmet will be fine for autocross. A Snell M helmet is meant for a motorcycle, and some/many track organizers will not allow a motorcycle helmet to be worn.

Depends on what you're using the helmet for, really.

haha All these rules... What Snell rating is the one I need to have so nobody will bother me?

[FredK]

Im happy, ~$150 shipped
M2010 helmet

This helmet will be fine for autocross. A Snell M helmet is meant for a motorcycle, and some/many track organizers will not allow a motorcycle helmet to be worn.

Depends on what you're using the helmet for, really.

[Mook613]

For any of my rally-x shenanigans I use an open faced Bell Mag. Cheap, safe, but most importantly it is super breathable and doesn't restrict vision.

[ForcedFirebird]

My helmet expires this year, not just lemons, but ALL race groups AFAIK are requiring 2010 or later this year (many HPDE events will allow dated helmets, or for passengers in most groups)

I also have a 6 5/8 cap size and have been very happy with my Bell Sport size small. Biggest thing I can suggest is get one with removable padding and liners - nothing worse than putting on with 2 month old sweat in it - specially if you are doing endurance racing. Wash the padding like you would a race suit, held up for me for years. Woolite soap, delicate machine wash, air dry.

[agent]

Nice!

[2mAn]

Right on. Now that the 2015s are out there are some good deals on 2010s.

Im happy, ~$150 shipped