JumboShrimp

I would like to take my 03 Z to a 'track day' to have some fun, learn a bunch. Tracks are far from me but that's life. There are some Auto-X events much closer. Either way, I'll need a helmet. What's a good beginner / reasonably priced model? Open face or full face? What should I focus on - deal maker / breaker? My Old Bike helmets won't pass for this.
Back in the day, when I rode bikes in the woods 'they' always said - 'If you have a $49 head, buy a $49 helmet'. That always stuck with me and makes sense. I just don't want to spend +$400 right now while I'm still such a NOOB. I'm sure there are LOTS of opinions on this subject.
Thanks all

'Shifter

If all you're going to do is Auto-X (for sure), an open-face Racequip would be fine (and still a good product).


Check your local club rules to see if you can run a SA2012 (one spec out of date for track racing), and economy possibilities abound!

3sACROWD

Sometimes the hosts at the auto-x events have extra helmets you could borrow. May be an option if you are just trying the event out to see if it is something you want to pursue.

jjc508520

I have an HJC - bought it at Englishtown - at first I didn't think much about it but seems to be a popular brand. Make sure you try it on - and if you are hair-challenged or wear a balaclava try that too. Also if eyeglasses/sunglasses check that out. Also if it has a flip-down face shield - how easy is to clean and operate? My only gripe with my model of HJC is that operating the flip up/down is a bit wiggy - but besides that good value and fit.

http://www.hjchelmets.com/

2k2wranglerx

https://www.summitracing.com/itemgro...ll-sa2015&ar=1

I have one like this (slightly different) from summit. SA2015 is needed for the track vs a DOT rating. but you can use DOT rated helmets for autox.

c4cruiser

Check with the group that is putting on the event to see what their requirements for helmets are. Most will require an "SA"-rated helmet and the date should not be older than two Snell certification years. Chances are that only a SA2015 or SA2010 rating will be allowed. They may also have helmets that can be rented for the day.

For track days or HPDE events, you really should have a "full-face" helmet along with a shield that protects your eyes. Most HPDE events require that you have the door windows down and that can allow stuff to fly up into the car and in your face.

Many autocross events will require similar certification ratings but an open face helmet will work fine for autocross. Some organizations may allow a SA2005 rating. Others may accept a motorcycle helmet with a current M rating. Most will not accept helmets with just a DOT sticker (beanie types, old german army helmets or similar) But do check before you enter.

A good helmet can cost a bunch, but there are some good entry-level helmets from Bell, Simpson, Pyrotech and a few others that can be had for around $200 to $250.

Dbl_D718

^ That's pretty good advice right there. A Snell SA2015 full faced helmet is your best option, in my opinion, to have a safe helmet that is acceptable with the most organizations and events.

As far as price ranges go, as long as it is an SA2015 helmet, a $200 and $600 helmet will offer similar safety. The expensive helmets can be lighter, have more shell sizes, be more comfortable with nicer liners, and may have other features that cheaper options don't have.

JumboShrimp

I agree with DD - C4 made some good points. Never did this before - lots to learn. Never thought about windows down but that makes sense too.
I have a feeling I'll get hooked hard on this and I don't want to 'rent' a sweaty old helmet so I'm GONNA buy one.
I'll check with the Auto-X club about year requirements - the Track Day people want '05 of newer (at least that's how it reads)
Thanks so much for all the input!!
LOVE this place!

Bobtam

I have read that if you have a air bag that an open face helmet is safer than a full face helmet. A full face can cause neck damage if the air bag goes off.

JumboShrimp

Man, This just keeps getting more and more interesting.
If your avatar is your car... It looks just like mine. I bet its FAST! They say yellow IS the fastest color.

Gordy M

I do not know of any organization for autocrossing that would allow just a DOT helmet. Most organizations have a SNELL rating of M, SA or higher. Some allow s SNELL 2005 rating or higher and some only allow 10yrs from manufacturer date and SNELL rated.


I have been a Tech inspector for a few organizations and every helmet is inspected for rating and date.



MY advise is to purchase a SNELL 2015 SA rated helmet, if you are going to do HPDE or similar high speed events, check to see if they have limitations on an open face helmet before you purchase one. For mainly autocross an open face is often preferred, for HPDE and high speed events a few require full face...check twice and spend once.

'Shifter

Maybe, but it makes bees chase you...

joezr2

Can't add technical to the above except- these guys usually have great prices on pyrotect helmets. I bought mine from them and also purchased a handful of our club loaner helmets from them.
http://www.soloperformance.com/Snell...ets_c_722.html


oh... and you guys are wrong- "all corvettes are red. The rest are just mistakes"

sstonebreaker

What shape is your head? I really, really like the styling of the Simpson Bandit helmet (what the Stig wears), but my head's too oval for Simpson. Turns out Bell helmets fit me like they used my head for a model. So even though I don't care for the styling (or lack of it, rather), I use Bell helmets.

I'd suggest going to a motorcycle shop since they'll have the largest selection and start trying helmets on until you find a brand that fits your melon.

If you wear glasses, be sure to try them on as you're fitting the helmet.