So... Helmets, right? Help me!

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hawkeye122

hawkeye122

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gdwest1
Right, I've recently begun Autocrossing locally, and they have loaner club helmets to use while at the event.
I've decided I like racing, and want to start going to SCCA regionals in Oakland, but this means getting my own helmet. As usual, price is an issue.

On saferacer.com there's quite a selection of helmets, but most are out of my price range. If at all possible, I'd like to spend less than $300. Granted, I feel slightly sketched out by the "Zamp Racing" $170 helmet...

Since its just autocross, I feel that it's unlikely that I'll actually be put in a situation warranting the protection a helmet provides. However, I also want this helmet to last me a while, and be useful in case I get a Spec Miata or E30 in the near future and need a full-face helmet.
There's a Bell full-face helmet for $270, and a G-Racing one for $250. I'd love to have the Bell, but that's sort of up there.
Would a open face helmet be alright for now? Those are slightly cheaper. The cheapest still though is that Zamp one, and it's a full face. Help me out?
 
As a motorcycle rider, I'd recommend HJC for quality helmets on a budget. They're well-reputed and can be had for under $200. They're specifically tailored for two-wheel riders but I've worn mine for autocross and I don't know what issue there could be for automotive use.
 
Wolfe
As a motorcycle rider, I'd recommend HJC for quality helmets on a budget. They're well-reputed and can be had for under $200. They're specifically tailored for two-wheel riders but I've worn mine for autocross and I don't know what issue there could be for automotive use.
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M classified helmets are allowed for Autocross, but not racing. Something to do with the fact that they're only certified for one impact.
 
I got my helmet from a vender at a local ProAutoSports event, was $200 and really nice compared to my old one. Forget the brand off the top of my head, but it shouldnt be hard to find one in the 2-300 range....
 
My advice, use the loaners and save up, buy quality. I spent around $200 for my first helmet...35 years ago. Never skimp on safety gear.
 
If you have any inkling that you might go beyond auto-x into track driving or wheel-to-wheel racing in the next 5 to 10 years (and don't want to have to buy a new helmet when you do) get an SA-rated full-face helmet.
 
You'll want to check out the regulation concerning motorcycle helmets. There's only certain ones you can use, so whatever helmet you get make sure it follows this regulation:

SCCA Rule Book
All helmets meeting the latest or two immediately preceding Snell Foundation
standards (SA2010, SAH2010, SA2005, SA2000, M2010, M2005, M2000, K2010,
K2005, K98), SFI standards 31.1, 41.1, 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, 41.2A or British spec
BS6658-85 type A/FR are acceptable.
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I have a Pyrotech open faced helmet that's SA2010 certified.

pyrotect_proairflow_of_sa2010_flatblack_helmet.jpg


I bought it from soloracer.com but I would strongly suggest not buying it from them. The visor on my helmet came cracked and there was a screw missing. I argued with the company for a couple months then just gave up. They're a bunch of idiots over there. There's plenty of other sites you can get gear from and if you're an SCCA member you get discounts at a couple places.

I think I paid $175 for my helmet and it protects my head just fine doing rallycross. Open faced helmets are fine too, all but 2 or 3 people out of a 50 car field at the last rallycross had open faced helmets. It allows you wear sunglasses easier and you can just skip the tinted visors. Worry about getting a better helmet when you start moving up to more advanced racing.
 
hawkeye122
On saferacer.com there's quite a selection of helmets, but most are out of my price range. If at all possible, I'd like to spend less than $300.
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If you're going to buy your own helmet, you might as well spend a few extra bucks and get one thats SA2010 rated. That pretty much covers you for any event that doesn't require an FIA superlicense :) I bought the G-Force SA2010 full-face helmet on saferacer.com a year ago...I think it was just under $300. Buying the newest rating will ensure that you're good to go for the next 10 years or so. I forget how long, but sanctioning bodies do eventually obselete older ratings, and won't let you use them in competition anymore.
 
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