helmets

[djomlas]

i signed up for PCA finally, now im looking into a helmet to acquire b4 i do any events and got time to find the right on while the weather is whatever

any advice on where to get one, or specifications and any other info.

thx

[pecivil]

yea second that. I wanna do a DE and maybe autoX and need a helmet.

Which one to get???? I know nada about helmets.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Auto-X and most DE Tech requirements specify a Helmet rated SA2000 or higher such as SA2005, though some require only a Snell M rating. Go with the SA2005 because this is the newest rating certification.

Snell Foundation rates helmets against a much more stringent criteria than the DOT Helmets. Snell issues a new rating standard every 5 years. Snell or DOT 'M' rating is for Motorcycle use, not for racing. The SA stands for Special Application.

With a DOT rating, the Manufacturer simply states that they have complied with the DOT standards in manufacture, not actually subjecting the Helmet to Testing. In actuality, many of these Helmets fail when subjected to these DOT standards, as many as 30%.

Helmets carrying the Snell Foundation Rating have been subjected to the Test procedure and have been found to pass, so it is considered the better of the two ratings.

As far as a Helmet is concerned, buy a good one, it will withstand the greatest amount of use and will give good service. Also get a Balaclava or head sock, to keep from staining the inside with sweat etc. I am a fan of Bell helmets. They are more utilitarian and not as sexy as some other manufacturers such as 'G' Force, Impact, and others. It's been my experience that the flash of someone's Race Gear (Helmet, Gloves, Shoes, Driving Suit), is inversely proportional to their skill level. The guy's with the Darth Vader Faceshields on custom painted helmets with color-coordinated driving gear usually can't drive for ********************, while the guy in the oil stained suit and banged-up helmet often turns in the better times.

Bell's been around for nearly 50 years and have an excellent history. I also prefer a full face helmet and currently use the Bell GTX SA2005, because it is a full face helmet and is approved by all Sanctioning Bodies for the various types of events I participate in. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[djomlas]

to be honest man, i was posting this and hoping you owuld chime in.
ill look into it and find soemthing with that newest rating, i figured my arai dot approved bike helmet that i have left from the motorcycle days wouldnt do.

[Sammy]

Originally Posted by djomlas

to be honest man, i was posting this and hoping you owuld chime in.
ill look into it and find soemthing with that newest rating, i figured my arai dot approved bike helmet that i have left from the motorcycle days wouldnt do.

If you're motorcycle helmet carries the required Snell rating you can use it for every autocross I have done in vicinity of Chicago. I believe it will also satisfy the local PCA autocross requirements. If you want to jump into DE's than take a look at the rules as they will list the helmet requirement. Since all I do is autocross my HJC helmet that I bought from the local motorcycle store suits me just fine.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Sammy

If you're motorcycle helmet carries the required Snell rating you can use it for every autocross I have done in vicinity of Chicago. I believe it will also satisfy the local PCA autocross requirements. If you want to jump into DE's than take a look at the rules as they will list the helmet requirement. Since all I do is autocross my HJC helmet that I bought from the local motorcycle store suits me just fine.

Hi,

You must have a snell SA rated Helmet for cycling. Every Auto-X I have ever attended would not allow the use of a DOT or Snell M rated Helmet, nor would I want to wear one...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[z12358]

A few things to add:
1. Fire is a much bigger issue in a car than in a motorcycle, so it's much more important to have a fire retardant helmet in a car. You don't want plastic melting onto your face and head while you sit trapped in a fire.
2. Be careful when buying online without tryng it on as same sizes fit differently for different brands and even for different models within the same brand.
3. Make sure the fit is not too tight around your ears, to allow for the communication headset that will let you communicate with the instructor. Same is valid if planning to wear glasses. Some helmets can be very uncomfortable with glasses on.

Z.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Auto-X and most DE Tech requirements specify a Helmet rated SA2000 or higher such as SA2005, though some require only a Snell M rating. Go with the SA2005 because this is the newest rating certification.

Snell Foundation rates helmets against a much more stringent criteria than the DOT Helmets. Snell issues a new rating standard every 5 years. Snell or DOT 'M' rating is for Motorcycle use, not for racing. The SA stands for Special Application.



Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Yes. The Snell SA rated helmets are designed to protect you in a multi-impact collision and are made of fire retardant materials unlike M rated motorcycle helmets.

I recently upgraded my helmet to SA2005 as the old SA95 will no longer be accepted at tech inspection. Bell, Shoei, Pyrotec and Zaamp all have SA2005 helmets available from $200-$800. Maybe a nice Christmas gift to self...

[Houston C4S]

I got mine at discoveryparts.com

I ended up with a Bell, since G-Force didn't have the one
I wanted.

G-Force makes them a bit less expensive, but they meet
the same Snell 2005 ratings.

I bought a "hybrid." That is a full face one, but the opening
is larger than a traditional full face racing one. The reason
for that is that for DE's, you can communicate with your
instructor better. Less yelling, etc.

Although here in the Lone Star region our instructors use
a nifty earpiece/microphone setup so we don't have to yell.

Other regions may as well, I don't know.

But if you have to crash, and hopefully you won't (as
does PCA -- they get pretty whacked out about it if
you do), a full face one is better than an open one.

And the G-Force hybrid isn't really all that much more
than an open face one.


You can see them here. I called, talked to a guy named
Ron. Very knowledgeable and helpful. I recommend
them highly.

http://www.discoveryparts.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=helmets_gforce


Let us know...

- Mark

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Houston C4S

I got mine at discoveryparts.com

I ended up with a Bell, since G-Force didn't have the one
I wanted.

G-Force makes them a bit less expensive, but they meet
the same Snell 2005 ratings.

I bought a "hybrid." That is a full face one, but the opening
is larger than a traditional full face racing one. The reason
for that is that for DE's, you can communicate with your
instructor better. Less yelling, etc.

Although here in the Lone Star region our instructors use
a nifty earpiece/microphone setup so we don't have to yell.

Other regions may as well, I don't know.

But if you have to crash, and hopefully you won't (as
does PCA -- they get pretty whacked out about it if
you do), a full face one is better than an open one.

And the G-Force hybrid isn't really all that much more
than an open face one.


You can see them here. I called, talked to a guy named
Ron. Very knowledgeable and helpful. I recommend
them highly.

http://www.discoveryparts.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=helmets_gforce


Let us know...

- Mark

Hi,

Sounds like you have the Bell M2 or SR Pro Helmet. I have used them both and they're great!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99