Helmet recommendation

[Eliminator]

Definitely try on as many as you can, as it seems that different brands fit differently. My old Bell seemed like it was intended for someone with a spherical head. There was a very uncomfortable pressure point on my forehead, and empty space on the sides. I've heard other people make the same comment about Bell. My new G-force helmet, on the other hand, fits like a glove, with an even, snug fit all around. VERY comfortable (for me, anyways). Try before you buy, as different brands (and models) may work better for different people.

I generally order from Saferacer.com

[ddavidv]

I use G-Force also, had a Bell before.
Most 'real' race supply outfits that sell helmets will work with you on trying them on to get a proper fit. It's just part of the process. I think it's going to be tough to find anyone who can really suggest something for you as noggin sizes and shapes vary so much.

[etxxz]

i think walmart has full helmets for like $80...that or they were bike helmets. go check em out

[Dave]

i think walmart has full helmets for like $80...that or they were bike helmets. go check em out

that's not gonna work too well.

May not even be SA rated, most likely just DOT rated.

[2002maniac]

i think walmart has full helmets for like $80...that or they were bike helmets. go check em out

eek!

[Lance Racing]

First of all, find out if you are required to have an SA rated helmet, or if an M rated helmet is accepted. If allowed, an M rated helmet will be fine for Auto-X and the occasional DE. M rated helmets are cheaper than SA helmets.

As for fit, the rule of thumb I give out is the helmet should be snug, but not tight. Put the helmet on and shake your head side to side. If the helmet moves independent of your head, it is too loose.

If going to a store, wear the helmet for a good 10-15 minutes to see if it gives you a headache or not. For DE events the helmet must be comfortable for up to 30 minutes.

M helmets also have a slightly wider eyeport than many SA rated helmets. I personally have a "Wide Eyeport" Shoei (sp?) SA helmet for the added peripheral vision. I race an E30, so dropping $800 on a lightweight helmet that I will use for 10 years before replacing is part of the cost of racing. It is an $80 per year expense. But for DEs and Auto-X the added cost of high-end helmets is not served. Better to put that money into some driving gloves and shoes, which will also help your driving experience.

Good luck!

[Feffman]

JGOOD:

If you plan on doing any track days, plan on spending the money for an SA rated helmet (minimum SA2000) as most track events use this as the minimum. Some track events allow M (motorcycle) helmets but it's becoming fewer and fewer.

Visit Simpson Racing at www.TeamSimpson.com. Happy Motoring!

Mark "Feff" Pfeffer
www.MVPTrackTime.com

[JGood]

Some good news:

I moved this weekend, and digging through old stuff I found my kart helmet from nearly 10 years ago. It was used once, and looks brand new. Full face, snell 95. And it fits my head still (haven't grown much).

Might not be good enough for track days, but should be fine for autox (it's current rating and previous 2, right?) If so I will be good til 2010 if that's when they do the next design.

[Keith M]

Sorry. Helmets are good for 10 years. That one expired 2 years ago.

Keith

[JeffR116]

I love my Bell M3

[JGood]

Sorry. Helmets are good for 10 years. That one expired 2 years ago.

Keith

Since when do helmets "expire"? The SCCA Solo II rules:

-----------------------
4.3.1 Helmets
Helmets meeting the following standards must be worn while on
course: All helmets meeting the current or two immediately
preceding Snell Foundation standards (SA, K, or M), or SFI
standards 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A are acceptable.
-------------------------

The current standard for SA, K, and M is 2005. The previous 2 are 2000 and 1995. This makes my SA95 usable until the next snell rating.

[Dave]

It will depend on the event sponsor. The CCA HPDEs around here all require SA from the current standard or the one prior. So, SA2000 is as old as you can go.

You might be able ot use that old K or M helmet for an auto-x, but if you have any plan of any track days, plan to buy a new SA one.

[JGood]

It will depend on the event sponsor. The CCA HPDEs around here all require SA from the current standard or the one prior. So, SA2000 is as old as you can go.

You might be able ot use that old K or M helmet for an auto-x, but if you have any plan of any track days, plan to buy a new SA one.

It's not K or M, it's SA.

That sucks though, it's virtually new. I don't have $300 for a helmet. I guess that means I don't have $300 for a track day, though.

[BigD]

I'm in love with Pyrotect. I've used motorcycle helmets and various car helmets but these are awesome. They are based on the Bell M2 but they are cooler shaped, they're full face, comfortable and CHEAP. I know it's not under 100 as you had hoped but it doesn't get much better than this for a full face helmet. And it's hardly a no-name brand - they're made by Bell. My guess behind this arrangement is that they figure that they're losing clients that aren't willing to pay for the Bell brand name, so they took a design they are no longer selling as a Bell, changed its appearance (for the MUCH better imo, I've always found Bell helmets to be too plain, and Simpsons make you look like a Storm Trooper), and are selling them to the more frugal crowd. Oh and for people like me with a huge ass head, the XXL size actually fits.

Anyway, get one from Daniel:

http://www.flyingbrickperformance.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24_17_44&products_id=29

[Feffman]

The Pyrotect is Bell's Chinese manufactured helmet. Thus the lower price. They work fine but there's a substantial difference between them and a higher priced helmet from Simpson, Bell, Arai, etc. Most notably the padding.

I don't mean to sound arrogant but if you are spending a couple hundred $$$ to attend a track day, thousands(??) to improve the performance of your car, why not protect your most valuable asset, your head?

Feff