Need to buy a helmet for both track and bike...

carnut169 · carnut169's Garage

Any suggestions? Going with Adam, Steve, and the BMW club to the AutoX Sunday and I would rather bring my own helmet than rent one for $5 (yuck). I will be buying a bike soon and would prefer to get a helmet that can be used for both- any ideas? Also- it would be great to find a retailer here in Atlanta so I don't have to pay for overnight shipping (love to wait until the last poss moment- reminds me of college!)
THANKS!!

DavidPorter · 08-02-2002, 05:54 AM

Check with the club running the event first. Most have "recommended" against using Snell M helmets for years, but I think some are now refusing to allow them.

So far I've been able to use my bike helmet at DE events, but I fear the day is coming when I'll need two helmets.

ECSjr · ECSjr's Garage

I know the snell ratings are different for Bike vs Car helmets, one reason being the bit of fire protection in the car helmet.

I am in the same boat here because I now have to get a Car helmet since my Motorcycle helmet does not pass the tech requirement for a track day.

I know the motorcycle helmet has been ok for autoX I have done in the past, so you might be able to get away with the motorcycle helmet for some autoX.

Ed
'92 C2 Cab

Dug89 · 08-02-2002, 06:12 AM

Snell MA (Motorcycle Applications) may not be allowed in certain events, depends on the club. Most Autocrosses allow MA hats.

SCCA and more clubs running competition or DE events are requiring SA (Special Applications) helmets. SA helmets are nomex lined, have stainless hardware and in some cases different shell designs (around the back of the skull).

SA hats are typically $100 more but worth the extra $$.

If you use your SA helmet for motorcycles, be sure to get a helmet with a wide opening so that you do not loose peripheral vision (some states have minimum periphery rules).

Also make sure you get the latest Snell date, SA 2000. There are some deals on helmets out there but you may find that these are on SA 1995 hats.

ErVikingo · 08-02-2002, 06:13 AM

Car and Motorcycle helpmets are purportedly designed to undertake different types of blows. You can get away with using a car helmet on a bike but most certainly not the other way around as the tech inspection checks the helmet rating.

If it were up to me, I'd get 2 different ones. Its your head.. Personally I have different ones.

ECSjr · ECSjr's Garage

"If it were up to me, I'd get 2 different ones. Its your head.. Personally I have different ones"

ERVikingo, you have different heads? (sorry, couldn't resist)

Ed
"92 C2 Cab

ErVikingo · 08-02-2002, 07:20 AM

good one.........................

Doug Zielke · 08-02-2002, 09:16 AM

The interior lining materials of Snell approved motorcycle helmets are *not* fire retardant.

JackT · 08-02-2002, 09:53 AM

Depending on how big the DE is, there may be some vendors there with displays and they usually have some type sale going on. You can also buy on line for discounted amounts, but once shipping is paid you are about the same price.
Get a good helmet, Simpson, Bell and many others. This is the one expense on the car that could make the biggest difference, if needed.

carnut169 · carnut169's Garage

Anyone use the G-Force 950? Snell 2000 SA, Nomex lined, all the vents, "nose shield", etc for $239.99..... going to look at one this afternoon.

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

FYI - Depending on the state, SA helmets may not be legal for Motorcycle use (go figure!). When I was selling my old SA helmet, I had it pointed out that it was missing the M rating on the outside that a lot of officers look for. If the state requires an M rating, I don't think that the local enforcement official will accept an SA rating since it isn't an M rating. It might be worth a call to your local constabulary to confirm if an SA will be accepted as duel purpose.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

I recently got the BELL SR Pro from OG Racing

SA 2000

It was very comfortable - even in the Florida heat - and offered full face protection - cause I have a nice face -

JackT · 08-02-2002, 11:21 AM

I bought the Simpson Voyager. Ditto Jeremy 964 except for the nice face.

FlaCarrera · 03:12 PM

Thanks everyone for this post. I have a brand new SM2000 (Kevlar) helmet Ok for autocross and "thought" it was OK for first DE next Sat. You possibly saved me a tech fail.

Ted in So Fla
86 Carrera
UPDATE: I'm OK "for now" according to DE chairman. They "encourage and recommend" SA rating.

carnut169 · carnut169's Garage

Just went and picked up a G Force 950. Seems like a very nice helmet..... and the $$ was right!!

ToyCollector · ToyCollector's Garage

Sean, Sorry I saw this late, but you did the right thing. Helmets are designed usually for either car use or motorcycle use, almost every racing governing body I know of will not allow them and now also many insist on SA2000, you are better wearing an auto helmet when riding bikes (since you are the governing body of what is OK to put on your own head). That said, auto helmets are designed for a different type of impact that occurs with contact of helmet to roll cage and other parts of vehicle. this is a different type of helmet "crash" than what occurs in most motorcycle accidents.