Helmet: help me choose!

[andrave]

I want to buy a helmet because I like to do parking lot drift events, autocross, drag racing, and other "weekend warrior" type events (no SCCA sanctioned road racing or anything).the "M" certified helmets are much cheaper and I could get fitted locally quite easily. I'm told that the SCCA requires SA cert. for all events (even parking lot events?) and some tracks require them also. They are substantially more expensive and it would be more difficult to find them locally to test fit them. However, they are supposed to protect better against multiple impacts, and they have a flame retarded lever. I don't know if it makes a difference but I'd like an open face design.So, my questions are:1) Should I go with a cheaper M cert. or pony up extra cash for the SA?2) will I need the SA for the type of events I want to do?3) is the open face design ok for my intentions?4) do you guys have any suggestions for an economical helmet? If so, where to buy?

[240marcuSX]

^ x2

im in the same boat and x-mas is coming up. help us!::shakesfist

[nismofly]

im looking at sa 2000 type helmets

bell or something i guess

[toptechracing]

OK, The SA rated helmet is designed for automotive type use. If you are going to use your helmet for SOLO, HPDE club days, SCCA racing, GO Kart racing, ect. You will need a SA rated Helmet. Safety is not cheap but exactly how much is your head worth? Spend the few extra bucks and get the SA rated unit. One other thing to consider is Airbags. There is a recent memo out indicating that a closed face helmet and an air bag combined are bad. I will dig up the memo and post it somewhere if I can.

Joe

[skydragoness]

Airbags would be a non-issue with andrave since he has an s13 (you still do right?).

One thing i like about the auto-use rated Helmets is that some of them have a Nyoprene (sp?) material that is flame retardant. If your vehicle catches fire with you in it (for whatever reason, **** happens), a 'M' helmet's lining will stick to your face so when its removed by the emt's your skin will be ripped off. woohoo!

If you pick up an issue of GRM, you may be able to find some different racer-supply stores that have varying prices. I've seen SA open-face helmets for $119-$199. Not bad for the extra safety margin. The open-face helmets are more economical and give a better view. I'm sure if you measure your head, order a helmet, and its too small or too big for you when you get it--they'll have a lenient return policy.

good luck.

i'm not going to buy my helmet till 05 spring or so, i have an open-face helmet in my closet that's way to snug. (sz adult small) it's more for like a 12 yr old kid. Anyone interested?

[toptechracing]

Good point I did forget. All SA rated helmets have a nomex lining...(fireproof) and on that subject anytime you are competing at an event wear cotton cloths........Ladies this includes you cotton undergarments only. Nylon and lycra type materials melt at a very low point. Have that material removed is very painfull.

[skydragoness]

Something i saw on the back of a woman's racing suit: "Real Women Wear Fireproof Underwear"

[Nismo_Freak]

Something i saw on the back of a woman's racing suit: "Real Women Wear Fireproof Underwear"

LOL... I can see it now.

"Introducing the Nomex collection from Victoria Secret..."

Some skinny cute woman wearing a Nomex balaclava all strutin out onto the runway hahhaha.

Pertaining to the Question: M-cert's are easier to see out of and work fine for cone dodging and other low risk environments, but you can't go wrong with additional safety! I'd spend the money on a GOOD high quality SA-cert. helmet.

[toptechracing]

LOL, I know somebody has a line on ladies safety stuff. I think Lynn St.James was part of it originally.....I have a very good friend and competitor that I race with that's a chick...(funny term only) and she is a fierce as any guy I have ever run with.

[Toddles82]

LOL... I can see it now.

"Introducing the Nomex collection from Victoria Secret..."

Some skinny cute woman wearing a Nomex balaclava all strutin out onto the runway hahhaha.

Pertaining to the Question: M-cert's are easier to see out of and work fine for cone dodging and other low risk environments, but you can't go wrong with additional safety! I'd spend the money on a GOOD high quality SA-cert. helmet.

LOL that would be AWESOME!!

[andrave]

sky- yes I still have my 89 coupe, but its got so much more done to it! I'm waiting on my KAAZ 2 way to come fedex, and trying to finish up the dual exhaust (on a 4 cyl, one off each turbo) and the V mount setup.

Anyway if I could find an SA for under 150 that would def. be the way to go. I forgot about GRM, I have the subscription card laying on the table as we speak. Need to mail that out. Its hard as hell to find it in the stores around houston. So far I've only found SA open face for 210 plus shipping and to me thats a little much.Thanks for the input, keep it coming.

[Anand]

if you are going for a SA helmet, just buy a closed face.... better to get that added protection...

[andrave]

yeah except for the fact they are hot, itchy, get steamed up, and in general suck.

[andrave]

http://www.soloracer.com/gfaero.html

the search is over! I found one of these used and in my size. closed face cause I didn't want to get glass in my eyes if I crashed, and I'm tired of black boogers after drift events.

[574-240sx]

ouch thats expensive. I found a used one, 3 months old off of ebay for $40. Thats a very nice helmet.

[Anand]

that's what I did... bought a Bell full face for like $40 as well... works great.. but now I want a better one

[JESTER]

Dont know about car helmets, but my motto for motorcycle helmets, is never go the cheap route. It is your head it is protecting, and in my experience, money does reflect the quality.

Buy a good helmet the first time, instead of buying one, and then up grading if you decide to de events.

My $0.02.

[Mr1der]

so true...always go with something that's got a good rep for taking a pop...

bell...araui...uh...****, I can't really think of many helmets...

I'd get a motorcycle helmet personally...one that's got the snell and SA 2000 on it.

you'll have one laying around if you want a bike in the future anyway!

[JESTER]

I'd go with Simpson for Automotive racing, or what ever.

You can't go wrong with their products. If not that then Arai or Shoei (sp).

[andrave]

Yes the helmet I went with is very expensive, but I got it used from someone that didn't get much use out of it. And it has a custom lime green/eyeball paint job on it (which unfortuanately I will probably be painting over). The best part is that I got it for less than half what he paid for it last year.

[JESTER]

I went that route when I got then wrecked my last bike. Good helmet, that was used. Got a good price, and it saved my life. Landing on my head after slamming into a cadilac at 50. LOL

[Kaizen]

Get a SA helmet.

I got a Bell M2 small for sell. Used once for Autox, perfect condition, will sell for $275 OBO and i'll throw in the helmet bag for free. I need the money, just gonna borrow my universities M3 for upcoming events.

[andrave]

try the for sale forum. I already bought an SA helmet.