looking for an autocross helmet.

Suggestions ?????

 

There is a autocross / road racing forum. The only advice I can give you is to go try on helmets, find one that is comfortable... don't just buy one online and expect it to fit. Also get a newer helmet... I don't think the Snell 2005 rated helmets are out yet, but they would be your best bet if they are.

 

I've always been partial to Simpson helmets. I measured my head once per their online suggestion, ordered online, and had no problems. The Bandit line is fairly reasonably priced for a good composite helmet. There are less expensive helmets, but they weigh more.

Whatever you get, I'd ensure you get an SA vice M rated helmet so if you ever need it on the track it will be legal. Current standard is SA2000, but the SA2005 will soon be out. Usually, when the new standard comes out, the old one is still allowed until the next revision, e.g. a SA2000 will be legal for most sanctioning bodies until 2010. Both my Simpson Bandit and Shark helmets are SA2000.

 

As long as it is Snell 2000 rated and not just DOT approved you should be OK for all except SCCA which I believe requires the SA rating which is a fire resistant rating above and beyond the Snell 2000. For autocross/ NHRA drags and most road race clubs ie. NASA you should be fine with the Snell 2000. I have found some great deals on EBAY on quality helmets. Good luck. I forgot to mention, Don't buy used!! A dropped hemet or one that has sustained an impact even though there are no obvious signs may be less than safe. Your head is worth the price of a new helmet!

 

arai is quality helmet for motorcycles and a few of my friends use them for drag racing in cars...

 

Most helmets have a Snell rating. M for Motorcycle and SA for Special Application i.e. nomix fireproof liner and kevlar shell. SA helmets are lighter then M helmets.

Snell come out with ratings every 5 years, 1995, 2000, and the new ratings will be out late Oct 2005. The ratings would be M95, SA95, M2000, SA2000.

Helmets that have ratings over 10 years old, M85, SA 85, or helmets with NO ratings should not be used.

With the new ratings coming out in Oct 2005, many car clubs will give ppl until Jan 2006, the SCCA is debating waiting until Jan 2007, for the 10 year limit. SA2000.

Several clubs are stating come Jan of 06 they will no longer accpet M or motorcycle rated Helmets and only allow SA 2000 and SA 2005 rated helmets for auto-x or DEs.

Besides if you have an old helmet and use it frequelty, you may want to consider getting a new one, even if you ware a head sock / belcava. can get a bit stong. Fabric softinger or oder eliminators break down the nomix liner

 

i bought a bell helmet,snell 2000,dot approved,for 60 bucks on ebay a couple of years ago.oh,it was brand new,

 

Wait till October when the new 2005 ratings are out and on new helmets. I use a Bell Mag-4 open face helmet for both autocross and track days. I wear glasses so the open face helmet makes it easier to change between my prescription clear glasses and prescription sunglasses when I'm wearing the helmet.

I tried a full-face helmet and found that it was hard to put on with my glasses on although some full-face designs are made for glasses wearers. I did find that the full-face model was heavier and it seemed to restrict perpherial vision to a degree.

I bought my Bell helmet from Helmet City www.helmetcity.com in Oakland CA for around $230. Both JEG's and Summit Racing have Bell and Simpson helmets at very reasonable prices.

You might stop by a bke shop and try on some helmets first. I found that Bell and Simpson fit differently even though they use standard hat size measurements. For me the Bell fit better than the Simpson.

Don't skimp on a helmet. Even though the chances are slim of a nasty accident in autocross, the possibility does exist of a rollover or being bounced around violently in the car. SA-rated helmets are designed for multiple hits and IMHO, will protect you better than a M-rated or simple DOT rating.

If you also ride a bike, be aware that some states do not accept a SA-rated helmet for motorcycle use.

Just after I joined the CF, I read a thread on helmets and a poster basically said that "If you have a $10 head, then get a $10 helmet". Though that was pretty sage advice....