I'm started autocross (low speed) and I need some recommendation on helmets. Besides SA2000 compliant, what else should I look for? The difference in prices is very greatly. $150 - $1000

Any suggestions?

 

I've got a Snell 95 certified helmet that I have used for a few years at the dragstrip. Bought it off of EBay for a very good price (was brand new - in box). At the last event, I was told by the tech inspector that Snell 95 won't be valid next year.

I don't know if he was joking around with me or not ???

 

Snell 2000 (SA2000) is the new standard from what I was told.

 

UH-OH. Looks like I will have to make new decals for my current helmet...

 

Yes, Snell 2000 is the minimum acceptable standard beginning next year.

 

I think even M2000 helmets are perfectly legal in Autocross. The difference between M and SA is just a few things like fire retardance and roll-bar-impact testing. To be legal you must use the newest or second-newest certification. I don't know if 2005s are out yet.

I highly recommend going somewhere you can try several types and brands on. Like shoes there a some that will just fit better.

-Chris

 

I bought my helmet from Helmetcity (they have a website). I prefered (and bought) an open faced helmet because I wear glasses and thought it would be easier, and it works fine for me. The reason to have a closed faced helmet is to protect your face in case of a windshield shattering accident. Just something to consider in your decision making process. You can get a very good helmet for $150 - $200 and I think it is important enough to not cut corners and buy a $50 model that might not be adequate.

I think mine is something like this:

 

The new SA2005 standards take effect this month so those sanctioning bodies that allow two prior cycles will no longer allow SA90/M90 helmets. SA95 and SA2000 woud be the acceptable ratings.

Check with your sanctioning organization to see what they will allow. Some autocrosses will allow DOT helmets (motorcycle) but check first. Some events will even hae loaner helmets and there are even entrants that will bring extra helmets.

I got my Bell Mag-4 helmet from Helmet City. They have good prices and a wide selection. But be careful in determining the size you need. I had found out that (for example) Bell and Simpson helmets are not sized the same way. They have different methods of determining the size you wear.

I would find a large bike shop and try on some different helmets. Most big bike shops will have Bell, Simpson, and Biffe helmets for bikes but the sizing will be the same within the brands. Try one that fits and use that size to order.

I would definitely go with a "SA" rated helmet. It's sole use is for motorsports and not bikes. "M" rated helmets are for bikes but not motorsports. The SA-rated helmets feature Nomex lining and will handle multiple impacts. Choosing between open-face and full-face is your choice but ask if the sanctioning organization requires a specific style.

I went with open face as I wear glasses and I can put the helmet on without removing my glasses. There are full-face models for glasses wearers but I found that you have to remove your glasses to put them on.

A long time ago here, I read a thread about buying helmets. One of the points I remembered was regarding just how good or expensive a helmet do you want or need. Somebody replied that "if you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet". Thought that was pretty sage advice....

 

I have a closed face helmet but this is for my boat where the possibility of face impact is pretty high. I saw a video of sleds jumping a creek and the guy with an open face helmet lost all his teeth and nearly cut his lower lip off. That was the choice breaker for me.
I figure the helmet don't stop at protecting your life but reducing hospital stay and reconstructive surgery.
I do have to take off put on glasses but this helmet also has whats called a helmet restaint (mostly for boats) and is a pain by itself so the glasses thing is minimal. If glasses is the only concern don't restict a choice based on that. Once they're on they're on.

BTW once a helmet is "used" it is no good anymore. The foam inside the helmet has more to do than the shell for protecting your brain, it crushes and can't do that a second time.