Help me choose helmet
07-13-2007, 11:57 AM
#1
Help me choose helmet
As some of you may know, I have just started participating in autocross, and it's a blast, one thing I do not like is the fact that the loaner helmets are all sweaty and nasty. I am soon about to purchase one, I know nothing about what makes a good helmet or a bad one.
I just want a helemt under $150-$200 that is comfy as works well
Any suggestions?
I've looked in to this one
Force One M2005 Helmet
http://www.saferacer.com/foonem2he.html
but don't know if its worth it.
I just want a helemt under $150-$200 that is comfy as works well
Any suggestions?
I've looked in to this one
Force One M2005 Helmet
http://www.saferacer.com/foonem2he.html
but don't know if its worth it.
07-13-2007, 12:03 PM
#2
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If it's just for autocross, I'd go with an open face helmet...makes it easier to see those pesky cones and is cooler when it's warm outside. The other thing to consider is fit, which is more important than brand allegiance, price, or any other factor. If it doesn't fit right it can't do its job and, also, fit is directly responsible for comfort...if your head hurts, it's hard to concentrate on driving!
For track use, I have a higher $$ Bell full face, but for autocross, I picked up one of these on sale for about $50...full Snell certification (M2005) makes it just as safe, for our use, as any higher $$ helmet.
http://www.hjchelmets.com/cs5.htm
For track use, I have a higher $$ Bell full face, but for autocross, I picked up one of these on sale for about $50...full Snell certification (M2005) makes it just as safe, for our use, as any higher $$ helmet.
http://www.hjchelmets.com/cs5.htm
07-13-2007, 01:10 PM
#3
If it's just for autocross, I'd go with an open face helmet...makes it easier to see those pesky cones and is cooler when it's warm outside. The other thing to consider is fit, which is more important than brand allegiance, price, or any other factor. If it doesn't fit right it can't do its job and, also, fit is directly responsible for comfort...if your head hurts, it's hard to concentrate on driving!
For track use, I have a higher $$ Bell full face, but for autocross, I picked up one of these on sale for about $50...full Snell certification (M2005) makes it just as safe, for our use, as any higher $$ helmet.
http://www.hjchelmets.com/cs5.htm
For track use, I have a higher $$ Bell full face, but for autocross, I picked up one of these on sale for about $50...full Snell certification (M2005) makes it just as safe, for our use, as any higher $$ helmet.
http://www.hjchelmets.com/cs5.htm
Other than the brand name, what benifits to the $$$ helmets have, and how was that helemt for 150 that I had in linked in my original post.
and agian, thanks for the help.
07-13-2007, 01:23 PM
#4
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Its only for autocross as of now, but soon I'll be tracking my car in some open track days, maybe even road racing eventually, I want a helmet that will work in all ways. I have to order it online, local shops prices are outrages, how would I know that its 100% or close perfect fit? Is it a problem for getting a black one, will it get too warm?
Other than the brand name, what benifits to the $$$ helmets have, and how was that helemt for 150 that I had in linked in my original post.
and agian, thanks for the help.
Other than the brand name, what benifits to the $$$ helmets have, and how was that helemt for 150 that I had in linked in my original post.
and agian, thanks for the help.
The main benefits to higher priced helmets are features (removeable liners, better venting etc.) and lighter weight (use of carbon/kevlar etc.). Expensive or inexpensive, they are passing the same safety tests, so that's not an issue.
For fitting, different brands really have different internal shapes, so it is best if you can try a few before you buy. It's kind of rude, but you could try on a helmet at a local shop and then order it on line, I guess. Regardless, I wouldn't want to buy a helmet that I was going to be wearing for 20-30 minute track sessions without trying it first, not only for comfort reasons (pressure points can become very, very annoying after a few minutes), but also because a helmet really needs to fit correctly to do its job. The other option is that local shops will make an effort to match internet pricing, if you ask...in any case, make sure it fits before you buy!
Color is personal choice, in a closed cockpit car you won't feel any difference between black or white helmets.
07-13-2007, 01:38 PM
#5
OK, if you want a helmet you can use for track days, the one you linked won't cut it...you need a SA Snell, not M...most track groups (and all road racing groups) won't allow the use of M (motorcycle) helmets. Why is another discussion!
The main benefits to higher priced helmets are features (removeable liners, better venting etc.) and lighter weight (use of carbon/kevlar etc.). Expensive or inexpensive, they are passing the same safety tests, so that's not an issue.
For fitting, different brands really have different internal shapes, so it is best if you can try a few before you buy. It's kind of rude, but you could try on a helmet at a local shop and then order it on line, I guess. Regardless, I wouldn't want to buy a helmet that I was going to be wearing for 20-30 minute track sessions without trying it first, not only for comfort reasons (pressure points can become very, very annoying after a few minutes), but also because a helmet really needs to fit correctly to do its job. The other option is that local shops will make an effort to match internet pricing, if you ask...in any case, make sure it fits before you buy!
Color is personal choice, in a closed cockpit car you won't feel any difference between black or white helmets.
The main benefits to higher priced helmets are features (removeable liners, better venting etc.) and lighter weight (use of carbon/kevlar etc.). Expensive or inexpensive, they are passing the same safety tests, so that's not an issue.
For fitting, different brands really have different internal shapes, so it is best if you can try a few before you buy. It's kind of rude, but you could try on a helmet at a local shop and then order it on line, I guess. Regardless, I wouldn't want to buy a helmet that I was going to be wearing for 20-30 minute track sessions without trying it first, not only for comfort reasons (pressure points can become very, very annoying after a few minutes), but also because a helmet really needs to fit correctly to do its job. The other option is that local shops will make an effort to match internet pricing, if you ask...in any case, make sure it fits before you buy!
Color is personal choice, in a closed cockpit car you won't feel any difference between black or white helmets.
Last edited by imput1234; 07-13-2007 at 01:41 PM.
07-13-2007, 02:06 PM
#6
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I agree. Fit is the most important thing. Go shopping at local shops and find the exact model you want. Then check prices for that model online. If you will be standing around in the sunlight, that black will get very hot. It won't matter much in the shade or in the car. You can always have one custom painted as well. If you have some talent, you can even do it yourself.
07-13-2007, 06:14 PM
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07-13-2007, 06:48 PM
#10
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Never say impossible, http://www.soloracer.com/gfforcehybrid.html, just a quick 5-sec search. $199 with bag before S/H.
07-13-2007, 06:50 PM
#11
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I've been using this one:
http://www.saferacer.com/gfopfasahe.html
for track days. It is the lowest price SA2005 I have seen. Next time I will probably spend more for less weight and full face, but this has worked fine for me.
http://www.saferacer.com/gfopfasahe.html
for track days. It is the lowest price SA2005 I have seen. Next time I will probably spend more for less weight and full face, but this has worked fine for me.
07-14-2007, 12:53 AM
#15
New Member
I like Simpson helmets (gasp when I said I like American products)
Look like the Stig from Top Gear haha.
I will have closed face... I am too pretty to have it damaged by scattered glass.
BTW that is what I have
http://www.saferacer.com/sibahesa.html
Look like the Stig from Top Gear haha.
I will have closed face... I am too pretty to have it damaged by scattered glass.
BTW that is what I have
http://www.saferacer.com/sibahesa.html
07-14-2007, 07:57 AM
#19
I like Simpson helmets (gasp when I said I like American products)
Look like the Stig from Top Gear haha.
I will have closed face... I am too pretty to have it damaged by scattered glass.
BTW that is what I have
http://www.saferacer.com/sibahesa.html
Look like the Stig from Top Gear haha.
I will have closed face... I am too pretty to have it damaged by scattered glass.
BTW that is what I have
http://www.saferacer.com/sibahesa.html
07-14-2007, 07:12 PM
#21
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Never say impossible, http://www.soloracer.com/gfforcehybrid.html, just a quick 5-sec search. $199 with bag before S/H.
07-15-2007, 09:56 PM
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Another thing to consider is, how valuable is your head? A helmet is not something that I'd be counting my pennies over. I use an Arai GP5S which serves me pretty well. Recently I also bought an alphinestars facemask. It's superb for soaking up moisture and keeping your helmet nice a dry on hot days!
Main difference, as I understand it, between bike helmets and car helmets is that a car is a closed environment. A crash on a bike usually separates you from it, where as a crash in a car hopefully leaves you in it. In case of a fire, you'll want your helmet to be fire resistant for as long as possible. The inside of a bike helmet would likely just melt to your head. On a bike that wouldn't be an issue. I guess also different types of impacts are involved.
Anyway, have a look at these charming videos in order.
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh53ciwjopg
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVqNO...elated&search=
That guys helmet looks pretty charred! As does the rest of him. This is very unlikely to happen in a road car and even less likely in an autocross event. Still nice to be prepared!
I'm off to Fuji speedway on the 29th! I hope it doesn't rain!
Tom.
Main difference, as I understand it, between bike helmets and car helmets is that a car is a closed environment. A crash on a bike usually separates you from it, where as a crash in a car hopefully leaves you in it. In case of a fire, you'll want your helmet to be fire resistant for as long as possible. The inside of a bike helmet would likely just melt to your head. On a bike that wouldn't be an issue. I guess also different types of impacts are involved.
Anyway, have a look at these charming videos in order.
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh53ciwjopg
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVqNO...elated&search=
That guys helmet looks pretty charred! As does the rest of him. This is very unlikely to happen in a road car and even less likely in an autocross event. Still nice to be prepared!
I'm off to Fuji speedway on the 29th! I hope it doesn't rain!
Tom.