Helmet Recommendations

[n8marx]

Looking for recommendations for an economical helmet to be used for autocross and trackdays. I would prefer to buy local versus ordering off the net so I can try 'em on and keep my money from floating off to California or some such place.

Another question. Do the full face helmets cut down on vision appreciably?

[DCM]

Bob's Cycle shop in Maplewood. Or any motorcycle place. Let you fingers do the walkin' through the yellow pages. And no, when you are as concentrated as we are in competition, you don't even know youv'e got a helmet on. Full face, or open. [at least I don't]
BTW I'm not a patient, patient.
Dwight

[914 Dave]

Check the club rules- You'll need a snell rated model of 1995 or newer. This is from the 2002 rules. SA or M is OK to use. SA is an auto rated helmet, the liner has more fire proof/retardant materials used. M is for motorcycle, and has a slightly different liner material. M is generally cheeper than SA. Different clubs may have differnet requirements. The Porsche Club requires SA. If you think you even might drive with other groups, check their requirements before buying. To save a couple bucks on an M helmet, and get bounced at tech for another club would suck. You can spend enough on a super light kevlar wonder hat to put new R tires on your car, or get into a good, snell approved model for a couple hundred or less, by shopping a bit. The snell foundation is an organization that tests and certifies helmets from mfgs. I think they re-do and re-new certification every 5 yrs. You could probably do a search on the internet for snell or snell foundation to find out more. I live just north of the middle of nowhere, so I bought thru the mail.

Full face or open face, that is the question. I don't know if our rules require this, but SCCA might, that open cars, like a Formula Ford, Swift, F500 or go cart need full face helmets. I bought one of these helmets, as I liked the idea of the extra protection to my face, jaw, teeth. On the other hand, if I wreck hard enough to need all that protection, I expect I'll have other problems as well... Full helmets can make putting glasses or sun glasses on a little harder, and a little more uncomfortable. I run mine with out the plastic face shield. I don't know if hot breath on a cold day might fog you up or not. The open face models are a little lighter, a little cheeper, you can talk to others a little easier. White is a good color to keep the helmet cooler on your head, and to add stickers to.

Thats about all I have to add. Good luck shopping, and see ya in the cones!

[miata#37]

As you also said you were going to be doing "track days", I wouldn't consider buying anything less than an SA2000 rated helmet. I never considered buying an open faced helmet to be an option, but then I'm an old Kart racer and a bit of a safety fanatic. My personal hat is an SA95 rated Bell. (The SA2000's weren't out when I bought it :( )

[SaturnRaycer]

If you consider doing "track days" go for the SA rated helmet. As far as open face or closed face - that depends on personal taste and use. If you think you might be driving an open cockpit car, bike or kart, get the full face. Otherwise open face is cooler on hot days and easier to use with glasses.

The biggest difference between "M" and "SA" helmets is "reusability". M helmets must be trashed if you "use" them once. They're one-hit wonders. SA helmets can take multiple hits, but to be safe, consider replacing it if you've smacked the roll cage or the pavement with it. SA helmets also have fire-retardant lining and padding that isn't required on M rated helmets.

[SaturnRaycer]

If you consider doing "track days" go for the SA rated helmet. As far as open face or closed face - that depends on personal taste and use. If you think you might be driving an open cockpit car, bike or kart, get the full face. Otherwise open face is cooler on hot days and easier to use with glasses.

The biggest difference between "M" and "SA" helmets is "reusability". M helmets must be trashed if you "use" them once. They're one-hit wonders. SA helmets can take multiple hits, but to be safe, consider replacing it if you've smacked the roll cage or the pavement with it. SA helmets also have fire-retardant lining and padding that isn't required on M rated helmets.

[n8marx]

I guess I should have given a little more info in my post. I plan to do a few "Driver's Education" days with the Porsche club so will need an SA helmet. It sounds like a full face helmet is in order due to increased safety.

As far as local purveyors, does anyone have experience with Donnybrooke racing? Where else could I go "touch and feel" the available helmets?

[Josh S #771]

You might want to try Apex Performance & Graphics. They are located in Oakdale. Jim Bryant @ 651-735-7400. Adam Cunningham(Benz with stickers on it) was promoting them at our auto crosses. I haven't been there. You might want to call first. ;)

[Dennis G.]

You can also try Lou Fegers in Long Lake. They cater to the oval track guys and prices are ok... Model selection might be the only question. BTW...Buying a helmet mail order IS risky. I did it thru Racers Wholesale and got a G-Force M-2000 for a very good price. Fit ended up ok (Thank god!) but after using it several times I think quality is questionable. It made me wish I had spent more for a Bell or Simpson. A word to the wise!
DG