Helmets for events?

[Terzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

I'm looking to buy a helmet primarily for drifting but i also do autocross and other events on the side.
I have the list of requirements for autocross helmets, but don't know about drift events. Anyone know?
Also being a n00b in the helmet world what are really good brands? (since helmets are protecting my head) haha
My friend recommended me Icon helmets, they do look cool but they are motorcycle helmets, i don't know if that acceptable to use for car events...help? thanks!

[gijoe392003]

SA2000 and HA2000 are the norm for most events I've seen. You just have to look at the rules for the event you attend. Although, not everyone will accept the same rating for helmets. I think most motorcycle helmets are SA2000.

[King Chilie]

SA2000 and HA2000 are the norm for most events I've seen. You just have to look at the rules for the event you attend. Although, not everyone will accept the same rating for helmets. I think most motorcycle helmets are SA2000.

Agreed, check the rules for the event to see if a normal motorcycle helmet will sufice, or if you need one with a fire retardent material on the inside, these are the SA followed by the year, HA are motorcyle, the rating changes every five years so 2000 then 2005 then 2010. As for brands i purchased an RCI, mainly because it was cheaper than most helmets, but for better quality your looking to spend at least $150, but it had and SA2005 rating so it worked for the class i was running in. Simpson is one of the most expensive, yet high quality helmet, i would just research, find something you like, and remember you get what you pay for wise man once said, "you can't put a price on your head"

[troskinatior]

Only get a sa2005 or sa2010. The reason for that is because most of the top drift events require atleast a sa2005 and you dont want to not be able to drive a event because you didnt want to pony up the extra 50 bucks. I just got a hjc ar10, its awesome and it expires in 2020 so I have a higher resell value if I ever want to get rid of it

[gijoe392003]

Whats the differences in the years of the helmets? Example, sa2005 vs sa2010

[King Chilie]

Depending on the rules for where your running, they usually require that you have a newer helmet. Since 2010 has passed, most tracks will require you to run a 2010 instead of a 2005. It sucks but were i run at, we have to buy a new helmet every 5 years . Most likley there is no major change in the helmet itself, but thats how they make money

[BusyBadger]

It sucks but were i run at, we have to buy a new helmet every 5 years . Most likley there is no major change in the helmet itself, but thats how they make money

Sunlight, debris, sweat & body oils all serve to break down the materials in your helmet over time. That's why, even if there are no significant "upgrades" to the safety standards, that you need to replace your helmet peridocally.

If you can't budget a $150 purchase over a five year stretch for a new helmet maybe you should find a cheaper hobby.

RaceQuip SA2010 Open Face Helmet

[troskinatior]

Whats the differences in the years of the helmets? Example, sa2005 vs sa2010

They expire within ten years, at my track atleast.

http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/SA2010/ ... er_5-18-09

[themadscientist]

Only Gs know what to rock.

[Red coupe]

Usually I have seen 10 years for helmets as well.

SA and M rated helmets seem to be more popular. The year at the end is just year it meets certification for, new certifications coming out every 5 years.

For drift and auto cross M is often accepted, and can be a little cheaper but its technically for motorcycles and likely will not be accepted for track days and such.

Best thing would be to find an entry level SA2010 helmet for somewhere just under $200 and call it a day.

[Terzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

so if they are good for 10 years, i might just get a SA2005. and buy a SA2015 helmet when 2015 comes around and keep my SA2005 as a spare? I found a scorpion helmet for $130 new that is SA2005 and i like how it fits and i can breathe comfortably in it.

[Bubba1]

so if they are good for 10 years, i might just get a SA2005. and buy a SA2015 helmet when 2015 comes around and keep my SA2005 as a spare? I found a scorpion helmet for $130 new that is SA2005 and i like how it fits and i can breathe comfortably in it.

Well, you shouldn't buy any helmet unless it fits perfectly. that said, since your brain is your second favorite organ, and you can;t function without it, you should not skimp by seeking the cheapest when it comes to helmets.

As far as the expired helmets, whether you can wear them depends on the event and their individual helmet requirements. It varies. Formal events like autocross or club racing tend to be more strict and demand helmets with current ratings. Though some Driver ed organizers, will extend the expiration of ratings a yr or two.

As far as the helmet itself, they have so many different features, you might want to think about what stuff you really want beside it being cheap. For example, full face vs open, vents, full visors, the size of the eye opening, interior material, etc.

[Terzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

the helmet im looking at is a predesecor of this one..

http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D9C0 ... D5354570F8

i test fitted it yesterday and felt very comfortable and soild. and its DOT and SA2005 approved... so it should be pretty good?

[Bubba1]

i test fitted it yesterday and felt very comfortable and soild. and its DOT and SA2005 approved... so it should be pretty good?

I'm not familiar with Scorpions as they are a fairly new brand. I also don't know anyone that owns one, so I'm not in a position to review it. If it has all the features you want, then it seems like a reasonable price.

[gmac708]

As far as the helmet itself, they have so many different features, you might want to think about what stuff you really want beside it being cheap. For example, full face vs open, vents, full visors, the size of the eye opening, interior material, etc.

My needs would be as small as possible due to the limited space in the Z. I am 6'1" the space above and behind the seat is limited. I would prefer an open style face due to the fact I wear glasses and I like the open feel of those type of helmets. I did a lot of dirt biking with the full face protection and it protected me when crashing but do not think it will be necessary with a car with a windshield. Not sure what to get...

[Terzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

thanks everyone for the advice, i settled on a HJC CL-16 in Matte Black. its SA2010 and full face and looks badass and got it for a pretty good price =)

[Bubba1]

My needs would be as small as possible due to the limited space in the Z. I am 6'1" the space above and behind the seat is limited. I would prefer an open style face due to the fact I wear glasses and I like the open feel of those type of helmets. I did a lot of dirt biking with the full face protection and it protected me when crashing but do not think it will be necessary with a car with a windshield. Not sure what to get...

The difference in overall size between full face and open face is not that much if you sit them beside each other. It still has to fit over your noggin. I'm an full time eyeglass wearer too and have always had full face. My current helmet is a Bell M4 Pro that has an extra wide eyeport. Athough the full face with visor is not really required for a closed car, it's handy to have if you plan to also ride a bike or an open car like a (formula or spec v for example) where a full face might be a little safer and handle it all with just one helmet. Plus you can easily raise or remove the visor. I usually have my visor attached and open. I found it was not a big deal to me.
As far as which style to get, that's more personal taste than anything else. If you feel more comfortable with an open helmet, then that's what you should get.

[Speedy7_7]

If you can get away with it, and usually you can. I would go with an open faced helmet for non motorcycle stuff. Motorcycle helmets limit vision quite a bit, and they can get hot and uncomfortable. That being said, a full face auto helmet lets you see alot more, it comes down to preference. I really like Peltor helmets, they are comfortable enough to wear for a whole day of head shaking rally. They are a quite a bit more expensive though.

I get alot of my stuff from here. They have good prices and they will help you with any questions really quickly. Gforce makes some great stuff for cheap, you can find full face as well.http://www.safedrives.com/products.asp?cat=81

[Terzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

Hey guys, I appreciate your input but I posted a couple days ago that I already bought a helmet lol HJC CL-16

[Bubba1]

Hey guys, I appreciate your input but I posted a couple days ago that I already bought a helmet lol HJC CL-16

Congrats on your purchase, but if you look a few posts above, gmac708 mentioned he was looking for a helmet too.

[Encryptshun]

I'm still trying to figure out if OP fell asleep typing his username.