I did a search, and found some threads, but wanted to start one on helmet prices.

how much and what causes variations in helmet prices, assumed they are to safety spec (DOT, SNELL) etc..?

What would you recommend for someone just gettting into auto x, driving schools who could see up to 2 to 10 track days per year?

thanks

 

I went to a local yamaha dealer/store, picked mine up for about $150.00. You can spend as little as $100 on a good helmet, just have to look.


SCCA came out with a bulletin this year about the use of "closed face helmets" due to airbags.

http://www.scca.com/_Filelibrary/Fil...agAdvisory.pdf

http://www.scca.com/_FileLibrary/Fil...etBulletin.pdf

When searching for the right helmet, try a bunch of them on. A helmet must fit properly.

 

If you're doing track days, some clubs require the use of Snell "SA" rated helmets, which are more expensive than "M" rated (where both are allowed in auto-x). Openfaced or closedfased is up to you. (I prefer open face myself).

http://www.soloracer.com has SA rated helmets at a decent price.

--kC

 

How much is your life worth to you if you end up in a situation where your helmet does what it's intended to do?

 

i have the G-Force GF750 open face helmet, been using it for ~4 years now, fits good and is SA2000 rated

may want to consider the newer SA2005 helmets if you're buying now though...

 

^ the answer is obvious, im def not trying to skimp, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't pay attention to differences in helmet styles and prices though.


Thanks everyone thus far for the links and info, more is appreciated too if you got it...again, in any specialty/industry there are good buying patterns depending on how much you 'do' the said trade. I.e., someone learning guitar wouldn't go out and by a 69 Gibson Les Paul-they'd work their way up. Im just trying to see if there is the same philosophy in helmets.....assuming they are all Snell or DOT...

 

a good open face SA2000/2005 helmet would be a very good starting point, imo

should run you about $150-250, depending on what brand you get

 

Get something Snell certified. DOT is a joke. Pay attention to the rules of the series/club etc. you're going to be tracking with. Snell 2005 is the new standard, and I had to replace my old helmet a) because it got dropped and b) because it won't be allowed in next years series. Though many series will allow snell2000 still.

I spent $1000 CDN on my new helmet, so, the sky is really the limit. I would say as long as it's SNELL certified, and comfortable, it will do. When buying a helmet, be sure to try them on with someone familiar with fit present. Best bet is to go to a racing supply store. Fit is crucial! not only for comfort, but for the helmet to work properly in a crash. As well, a helmet may feel comfortable for the 5 minutes you have it on in the store, but you may have pressure points which will ache after longer periods of time. A good salesperson will help you ensure a proper fit. There is nothing worse than a helmet induced headache!

 

here's another good link:

www.saferacer.com

For a limited time, in addition to a 10% discount, all orders over $100 will have free domestic shipping included.


use discount code "srxmas05" for the 10% discount

 

i liked this link thanks- anythoughts on Pyrotect Helmets?
they have a SA2005 full face for 248...says its designed by Bell

 

As long as it fits, it will work fine. Don't order it off the internet without trying it on first.

 

my personal favorite, I don't like closed-face helmets and all my rides have had active airbag steering wheels

http://www.bellracing.com/product/pmg5.htm

the SA05 helmets are only just coming out, will take a while before they all get converted over, I'd be leary of the cheap ones, lightweight = less strain on your shoulder/neck muscles in high G situations

 

thanks Blue Eyes...what 'made' your helmet 1000? I defintely will try on in person to make sure everything's a good fit- but is weight a factor in price? or are there other 'features' . I know that closed faced obviously seem to be more...but what separates your 1000 from your 300 dollar or so helmet (assumming SA2000 OR 05)?

 

Thanks, pretty cool- i'll wait for the SA05 conversion i guess-
what made you dislike closed face helmet? is it hotter or hard to breathe? or just personal pref?

 

There is no speakable safety difference between a 300 dollar helmet and a 1000 dollar helmet, provided they meet the same certification. For the split second that their purpose is called upon, they'll both do the same job. However, my last helmet lasted for a few years and many many trackdays/races. So, it's safe to say the majority of the time you are wearing the helmet it's not doing what it was designed to do, protect you in a crash. That differnce in price is simply things like comfort, fit, ventilation, style, quality etc.

IMO, it's worth the extra cash to be comfortable, especially since I wear it a lot. I know a lot of people who feel differently though. Just preference. For instance, my new helmet was designed for closed cockpit cars, it has a larger visor area than my old helmet. Little stuff like that adds significantly to price.

EDIT: I should add, you can make the argument that the more expensive helmets are safer, but it's a stretch. Comfort can certainly affect your concentration on the track. If your helmet is hot, or giving you a headache, it can throw you off, and could lead to a mistake. Again, it's a stretch.

 

www.ogracing.com

they are located in Sterling, a good place to check out if you prefer to test fit in person.

 

I can only add what was said earlier in this thread - Cost should not be the factor to consider - protection should. If you run track events than I suggest getting the best SA 2005 you can afford. Go full face, get a good harness bar or roll bar and than buy a Hans Device. Now thats protection.

Jay Goldfarb
Instructor with NASA, BMW CCA & PBOC

 

all good advice---one point I would like to add-- there are some in the medical community that believe that a full face helmet in an air bag equiped car(obviously not in a real race) can be a hazzard. Air bag catches the lower part and can/possibily snap the head back---no studies--just thoughts. Seems lodgical to me.
olddragger