Helmet recommendation/SA-Snell certified

[AviBen]

Can someone please recommend a good helmet (SA-Snell rated for fire protection)? I will be driving in my first SCCA PDX track event. Thanks.

[Mr1der]

what's your budget?

[AviBen]

Although I'd rather not spend a fortune, my priorities are safety, comfort and cost, in that order.

[tigersharkdude]

I have a HJC CL-15 Mutant. Its very comfy and only ~$140 new

[Mr1der]

http://www.gforce.com/products/helmets.php

the gforce helmets seem to be getting a good reputation.

[AviBen]

Thanks very much for the prompt information -- I've saved links to these items. Anyone else have recommendations?

[flohtingPoint]

http://soloracerdotcom.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

They have a good selection of SCCA/NASA legal helmets and some good specials at times.

Do you have two of the same seat and harness/belt's in your car? If not, swap your old seats back in, as you may fail tech for a PDX. Your instructor is to have the same setup as you do in your car.

[troskinatior]

I think enjuku racing sells a closed face sa2005 for $150

[Joe]

I used to sell racing safety equipment, I would say "$10 head, $10 helmet"

Bell and HJC make great entry/mid level helmets for the money.

[Bubba1]

I used to sell racing safety equipment, I would say "$10 head, $10 helmet"

Bell and HJC make great entry/mid level helmets for the money.

Well said, Your head might be your second favorite organ, but its only one you have. Never skimp on safety equipment.

The cheapest helmets you'll find carry an SA2000 snell rating. Unless this track venture is a one and done deal, you don't want SA2000, because they are about to expire. Once they expire, you won;t be able to use them at most sanctioned/club events. SA2005's still still have several years to go, so that's what you should probably look for if you plan on doing track events regularly.

That said, you next need to decide the type of helmet (open, fullface), the features (including vents, visor, eyeport opening, etc) and price range.

You can pay anywhere from $125 to $1000 for a helmet. The best strategy after figuring out the type and price range is to try on a bunch of them to see what's comfortable , what fits. determine your size. Don;t guess as proper fit is critical.

there are many manufacturers out there. I've been using Bell helmets pretty much exclusively. That's not to say they are the best helmet out there, but I found them most comfortable for me. I'm using an M4pro (midrange full face helmet with an extra wide eyeport and visor (I wear glasses, plus I might occasionally drive an open cockpit car.