Help with helmet selection
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
Help with helmet selection
I will be going to a performance driving school for the first time and I am supposed to bring a "snell 2005" certified helmet. Years ago I rode motorcycle and am somewhat familiar with helmets, but I am not sure what I should be looking for in a helmet used for automobiles.
Is open face or close face better? Is the "M" or "SA" rating preferred? Do I go "cheap" or do I have to spend $500.+ to get best protection?
Any adivice would be appreciated.
Glen
Is open face or close face better? Is the "M" or "SA" rating preferred? Do I go "cheap" or do I have to spend $500.+ to get best protection?
Any adivice would be appreciated.
Glen
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: New York NY
I started riding a few months back and I did tons of research on helmets as well...
Turns out that the "cheaper" helmets offer the same, if not better protection than some of those high-end helmets. My advice is get a relatively inexpensive helmet (~$200) and make sure its DOT and SNELL approved. That will protect you against low and high-speed collisions
Turns out that the "cheaper" helmets offer the same, if not better protection than some of those high-end helmets. My advice is get a relatively inexpensive helmet (~$200) and make sure its DOT and SNELL approved. That will protect you against low and high-speed collisions
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 10
From: Simi Valley CA
I'm a BIG fan of Full Face.. on a Motorcycle. In a car it's just too confining and hot! There's not enough air moving through there. You may not get to have your windows down at school. I got an open face Snell SA off ebay for less than $150.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 956
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia pa
I got the coolest damn helmet off ebay for than $100... Love it.
And I can't see any difference from it and some other helmets I've had in the past. I agree with the other post in some cases you're paying a lot for the name. I have no concerns about the helmet I got at all.
And I can't see any difference from it and some other helmets I've had in the past. I agree with the other post in some cases you're paying a lot for the name. I have no concerns about the helmet I got at all.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 46,764
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From: Boynton Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '07-'12, '20
The "M" is for motorcycle. This helmet has a nylon inner liner. Some auto race venues accept them others don't. Check with your organizations requirements."SA" rated helmets are designed for automobile use. They are designed to hold up to multiple impacts (such as hitting the roll bar) it also has a NOMEX interior liner. The Nomex will be better protection in the event of fire.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
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From: Vancouver Washington
The cheap helmet will provide adequate protection, but it will also weigh more than the more expensive helmet. After a long day at the track your neck will thank you for stepping up to the better helmet. 