Helmet recommendations?

[Beej '86 325es]

I need a helmet for SCCA / BMWCCA autocrosses this year. I'm tired of using loaners at the BMWCCA events, and the SCCA events only have like 2.

I don't want to spend like $400 though. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[bimmerphile]

Bell RS-5 ($255)

http://www.bellracing.com/product/rrs5.htm

[Low Level E30]

You can get a Pyrotect SA2000 helmet for $250 shipped all day long - try Ebay, or just search on Google.

G-Force, also.

Get an SA2000 rated full-face, whatever you get.

[Beej '86 325es]

Get an SA2000 rated full-face, whatever you get.

Why a full face? I kind of feel restricted with full face helmets.

[Crazyboy325is]

If you are just autoxing or driver schools, BMWCCA only requires Snell 95, though I would get 2000. M2000 is sufficient in my book. The difference as far as I know is that SA is tested for several smaller hits, while M is tested for one large hit. The possibility that you even will need a helmet at an autox is very small. You would really have to screw up. The only reason you have to wear one in an enclosed car at all is because of insurance. Others may disagree, but I bought my wifes and mine new off of ebay(full face AGV for her and full face HJC for me) for $70 each. Spend the difference on a track day or the Car Control Class from BMWCCA. If I started riding again or was racing, that is a different matter. Then I would spend more.

Just my $.02.

[Jand3rson]

This looks like a pretty good one:

[Rob]

for just autocross, i'd definately prefer an open face helmet

[Low Level E30]

Why a full face? I kind of feel restricted with full face helmets.

I guess if you're just AutoXing, an open face will be sufficient, coz speeds are relatively low, etc.

I personally will only wear a full face -- I figure, why protect only 50% of your head, and leave the best part (IE your face) open to get the shit smacked out of it?

If you're gonna get into driving events, like track days, then -definitely- get a full face. Why? Ever been hit in teeth by a small rock doing 90mph? I'm sure you haven't. I used to ride motorcycles - I've had plenty of small hard things ricochet off my helmet at highway+ speeds --- and something as small as a frickin' dragonfly hurts like a bitch, and bruises, when you take one in the shoulder, even wearing a jacket --- so imagine a loose screw gettin' kicked up by a car in front of you and flying in your open window, direct to your precious eyeball :shock:

SA2000 - there is plenty of stuff out there, get on Google - basically, it's a tougher rating than M2000, especially important if you're running a cage in your car. Again, might as well take care of your head, esp. for only $250.

[Mike P.]

My advice to you is to certainly get the helmet somewhere where you can go and physically try them on. I had a nice Simpson helmet all picked out before I decided to head to OG Racing. I saw it on the display, and asked to try it on...it was the worst fitting thing ever. My head was sore after wearing this thing for 5 minutes, from all the strange pressure points. I'd be pissed if I had bought it online. Never would I have thought I'd end up with a Bieffe, but for my head, it was the most comfortable thing ever, and it was a good bit lighter than the Simpsons and Bells.

I'm going to add that since these things are relatively expensive, I'd just go ahead and buy the full-face SA2000 style. Do it for your teeth. People do hit stuff at autocrosses sometimes. Autocross also frequently leads to the next step, curiousity making you wonder what it's like to be out on track. It would suck if you decided to do an event that requires SA rated helmets, and you ended up buying an M.

[Beej '86 325es]

My advice to you is to certainly get the helmet somewhere where you can go and physically try them on. I had a nice Simpson helmet all picked out before I decided to head to OG Racing. I saw it on the display, and asked to try it on...it was the worst fitting thing ever. My head was sore after wearing this thing for 5 minutes, from all the strange pressure points. I'd be pissed if I had bought it online. Never would I have thought I'd end up with a Bieffe, but for my head, it was the most comfortable thing ever, and it was a good bit lighter than the Simpsons and Bells.

I'm going to add that since these things are relatively expensive, I'd just go ahead and buy the full-face SA2000 style. Do it for your teeth. People do hit stuff at autocrosses sometimes. Autocross also frequently leads to the next step, curiousity making you wonder what it's like to be out on track. It would suck if you decided to do an event that requires SA rated helmets, and you ended up buying an M.

Just checked out those Bieffe helmets, those are really nice...and pricey. How are the HJC helmets?...I gotta wonder considering how cheap they are. Otherwise, I might get a Pryotect, they seem to be a conservative choice.

[Mike P.]

I thought the HJC helmets were M rated, but I could be wrong. Bieffe's are nice, but you really just want to get something that's comfortable for YOU. We all have differently shaped heads...mine just so happens to be that of a watermelon. :?

[Brian 89 325i]

Is there any down side of getting a black helmet? Id like to get one to match my car. :D

Brian

[TIATO]

Is there any down side of getting a black helmet? Id like to get one to match my car. :D

Brian

Nope, other than your head getting hot in the sun.

[TIATO]

Why a full face? I kind of feel restricted with full face helmets.

Ditto what LowLevel said. Once I started hitting the track in a Z3, I had to get a full face helmet. I got zinged by many a small ballistic projectiles driving top down.

Ive been smacked on the head by rocks and tire rubber in both the M Coupe and e30. Its amazing how much noise those small things can make on impact.

With helmets, always follow murphys law. Whatever is not covered WILL be hit.

Full face all the way.

With your life on the line, safety is cheap. Get the best helmet you can afford.

[Low Level E30]

Yes indeed.

And don't wear sunglasses under your helmet, full face or not.

If you need to cut out glare from the sun, buy a smoked or tinted shield.

If you actually end up needing the helmet to protect your head as it bounces off of something, or a projectile nails you in the eyeglass, your lovely RayBans will shatter all over your eyeballs.

I'm in the Air Force, been flying for a number of years now -- I've seen so many training videos, read so many stories, and heard all the tales about nasty things that happen to people that don't use these systems (their safety stuff) the way it was engineered to be used. Proper helmet care and use is a topic of utmost importance to me. I like my head to remain intact and in full working order.

Don't skimp on safety items.