helmets

rammstein · 08-05-2003, 11:49 AM

Any recommendations? I was going to go get one on Saturday before I go to autocross on Sunday.

Also, besides a helmet, I can just show up (I actually preregistered) for an SCCA autocross event right? Never gone before, want to be sure I do everything right.

JRMock · 08-05-2003, 01:09 PM

It is always wise to spend a little extra on safety. Cheap helmet = cheap protection.

Not to mention names, but Bell, Bieffe, and Simpson will have a large selection, and both will offer helmets that are rated Snell 95 or later.

SA Rated = Special Application, is fire retardant - most event organizers will want drivers to have this type.

M Rated = Motorcycle application, is NOT fire retardant - many event organizers will not let you on the track with this type.

Full Face vs. Open Face is a driver preference, however you will notice almost all racers now days have a full face helmet.

Hope this helps.

ronin · 08-05-2003, 08:01 PM

check out this thread, it has some good info that you might find useful.

Helmet - which one

Mike924S · 08-05-2003, 08:20 PM

I run a lot of Drivers Ed events and autocrosses (about 20 yrs)
Get an open face helmet, much cooler - unless you are running an open wheel car. Look at RacerWholesale dot com - they had about the best prices. You can spend a lot, but a $600 SA2000 rated helmet is no better than a $150 SA2000 rated helmet. Be sure to ask for a Snell rated helmet, not just DOT rated.

Baza · Baza's Garage

Ronin

That was a good thread and I agree about the Snell ratings being the most important, The next important thing is the fit. If the fit is not right it does not matter about the rating it can be FATAL! I teach Occupational Health and Saftey to Australian Postmen Who ride motorcycles all day everyday, and display the needs and consquences of the correct fit of a HELMET.

Rule 1 Make sure it meets requirements (Snell, Race officals)

Rule 2 Make sure it Fits right. Tight almost to the point of being uncomfortable, it will mould to the shape of your head

Rule 3 Never let anybody use your helmet as every body has a diffenent size/shape head.

Once you have meet rule 1&2 you can think about all the rest.

Just remember this is a life or death choice your life could depend on it.
I have had many helmets over the years and I have never had the same brand twice, not because I did not like them but due to rule 1&2 some have been cheap and some have been expencive but all meet rules 1&2.

ronin · 08-05-2003, 08:49 PM

exactly. and it's this that makes buying a helmet over the net a bit more difficult as you can't really test fit one through your monitor

Baza · Baza's Garage

My 2 cents worth on buying helmets over the net is don't do it.

And replace them every 3 years, as the acids in you body oil will make the foam break down, if you dont use it often check it often. I could go on all day about this subject but I won't.

ronin · 08-05-2003, 09:06 PM

when you think about it, makes the selection process for a good helmet pretty cut-and-dried!

1.2gees · 1.2gees's Garage

I wouldn't spend money on a helmet to do a couple of auto-x runs with. There's usually loaner helmets out there.

I also wouldn't spend $600 on a helmet before I spent at least that much in a cage/solid roll bar +harnesses.

I've personally been using an M 95 helmet, that way I don't have to own a seperate one to ride motorcycles with. It should be noted that most organizations are moving away from (and beyond) the snell 95 requirement, it may not be a bad idea to pick up a helmet w/a newer approval.
Ahmet

Baza · Baza's Garage

As my signature reads " there are no stupid questions just stupid mistakes" And If you a willing to ask the question you are not stupid.
should be added.

rammstein · 08-06-2003, 06:12 AM

Thanks for the input. I have to get a rating of SA2000 to use it in Drivers Eds anyhow, so I'll certainly get the newest certification possible. I'm going to a store, because I have no idea what size to get, and I have to make sure its compatible with glasses too. I think I have a pretty big head.

I used a loaner at the lasy DE, and while it was convenient, it was also kinda nasty. Other people sweat a lot. Besides, I plan to go to every event I can possibly make it to for years to come, so its probably a good investment, not to mention the safety of a proper fit. As for open-face/ closed-face, I'll have to see but some people have me leaning towards closed.

ronin · 08-06-2003, 09:57 AM

leads me to ask, does anyone know any good places in the Seattle area that sell helmets?

rammstein · 08-06-2003, 12:33 PM

I dunno about Seattle, but in Cincy there's nothing. I will have to drive to Dayton (of all places!).