Need some help deciding what type of helmet to buy

[Sarah]

Can someone please give me suggestions of what type of helmet manufacturers I should check out??

I am going to be taking drivers training & drivers ed this June with the local Porsche Club (Nord Stern). They said we need a helmet rated snell 95 or newer. (I think they said a motor cycle and/or racing helmet is fine).

So, if there is any info you can provide, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Sarah

[makaio]

I would get a SA 2000 rated full face helmet, if you plan on attending DE's and auto-x's.

The full face is just a personal preferance. And the SA 2000 is approaved by all sanctioning bodies.

[Don Wohlfarth]

The 2 best known helmet manufacturers are Bell and Simpson.
Helmets are rated for safety by the Snell Foundation. 2 types you are interested in are SA (cars) and M (motorcycles). Different regions have different rules on what is acceptable, check with your region as some will not accept type M, but all will accept SA.
Helmets can be priced from 160-170 for an open face type SA to 900+ for a kevlar full face type SA.
Do a search on this board for helmets and find more info that you really want to know.

[John Brandt]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?threadid=59614&referrerid=5667


Sarah,

this thread was a good one on this subject

hope the link works!

[GeorgeM]

The Bell M2 is a great, affordable option. It has a wider opening for visibility and for specs or sunglasses. You should be able to get one for $300 or less.

[thebondman]

I too, am getting setup for my 1st PCA Driving School(04/20-21 Gateway International Speedway). So I started looking for a Helmet. The site that had the best deals I could find online is >pyrotect< click here. I went with the open faced Bell MAG5(Snell SA95), its a very nice helmet made from Kevlar. It's very light and comfortable. Take a look, I'm sure you'll find a "DEAL".

BILL

[Jgordon]

I have an Arai that I used with my bike. I'd actually go with a bike helmet, because peripheral vision is so important on a bike, and the manufacturers realize this. Someone I know got a bell autoracing helmet, and found that his vision was severely limited to the front.

I also run hot, so a helmet with a lot of ventilation was a priority. I ended up with an Arai renegade. I'd recommend it to anyone.

I think the best thing to do would be to try as many on as possible. As long as the ratings are there, the helmet will be safe and comparable to others like it, but the important thing after the safety rating is comfort. and, if you're vain like me, style. keep in mind that you'll (hopefully) be spending a lot of time in it. it should be a little snug on the cheek bones and around the head, because those are the parts you want to have mold to your head and fit the best. You will have chipmunk cheeks for the first couple of hours of wear, if it's the right size.

Good luck and be safe.

[pbs911]

I just picked up a Mag 4, Bell, open face. It is SA 2000 rated. I tried on several, and this really felt comfortable. Open or closed face is a personal preference. You will not be able to use the SA 95 in about 2 more years. The SA 2000 is the newest and you will be able to use it for several years.

[jtdig64]

I just purchased a bell mag 4 also which is SA 2000 approved. I bought mine from northstar motorsports, I think for 280. They are very good to deal with there and very helpful with questions

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Motorcycle and automotive helmets may serve similar purposes but do so in wildly different environments--I'd strongly recommend using the correct lid for the job, regardless of what the event sponsors "allow".

I'm also a strong proponent of full-face helmets, but I if get into that it'll degenerate into another into fisticuffs with Superman again.

That said, I've heard nothing but good things about the mid-to-higher-end Bell SA helmets.

[Sarah]

Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions!! I also did a search (after I sent my original question) on this site for "helmets" and there was a lot of information there too. Thx

[skinnerd]

When I went to a Skip Barber racing school many years ago, this was their advice about buying a helmet. "If you've got a $25 head, get a $25 helmet." Their point was to basically get the best helmet you can afford. Kevlar is nice because it's so light. I'm also partial to Bell. I have mixed thoughts about open vs. closed face helmets, so I've got one of each. Open face for auto-x and low key DE, while I always wear the closed face for club racing, or if I really pushing it at DE. My 2 cents. -Doug

[Peter Kelly]

I wear glasses. I tried the Bell M2 and the Simpson Voyager, and went with the simpson. I have had 4 racing helmets and probably 10 cycle and snowmobile helmets over the years, and the Simpson voyager is the most comfortable one I have ever owned.

[turbo dave]

Most important advice: try many helmets on before buying! The fit is more important than the brand- if it passes Snell, I guarantee you it is safe, if it fits! You can slightly adjust the fit if you have a spot that is rubbing, but helmets from different manufacturers fit differently, and one that is incredibly comfortable for someone here may not fit you at all. A loose fitting helmet is not safe, but a helmet with a too-tight spot will give you a nasty headache, interfering with your driving. Also, a 7-1/8 Bell is a little different in size than a 7-1/8th Simpson, etc. One may be the largest size that will fit in a shell size, while the other might be the smallest that will fit in the shell (there are several different sizes per each shell & liner, by varying the padding thickness).

[spyderman]

Since I happen to be from MN myself I seem to remember that all of the snowmobileing gear is probably on sale right now, especially since you all had a rather light winter. Many of those helmets would suit your purpose, and I agree that you must try them on before hand. One of the worst investments I ever had was a helmet that didn't fit right. Good luck at Drivers Ed.

[juanbenae]

i will have to have you post your picture before i comment on a full or open face model.

[Sarah]

Not sure if you are kidding or serious.....but my pic is on the owner's photo gallery section and also on the 2nd thread showing pictures of people with their cars. I would say my face is more oval (so I don't think I would fall into the pumkinhead category...smile). Thanks

[juanbenae]

i say this because my when ive worn an open face,, way too much face hangs out...