I need an SA-approved helmet.(Some events require this instead of just the M approved ones)

Would like to keep it under $200 -- but would consider spending more if the helmet is really that much better. For now, I'd like to keep it cheap since I'm new to this whole thing.



Any suggestions where to start looking?

 

Everyone's head is different...

Go to a local race shop(s) and Try Some On.

Price generally equals lightness, so depending on what you're going to be doing, you're budget may be ok, or you might want to save up another hundred.

I don't condone shopping locally and then buying off the Internet, but check prices carefully - I can't imagine any Mfgr. holding prices firm in this economy.



ps. For HPDE or other higher speed events, please get a full-face helmet with a shield. Glass is a Bitch to de-embed from your face.

 

Try here, fairly inexpensive and it really is a great helmet on budget.

http://ogracing.com/catalog/1-Driver...-RACING-HELMET

 

I would just say don't be cheap. Approved or not you want to be sure you're buying something that is comfortable, gives you plenty of vision, doesn't fog easily, and will keep your head from getting reshaped.

If you can get to a store that carries them make sure you try on the ones out of your price range and in your price range and then decide if you need to adjust your price range.

FWIW I went with Impact racing and have been happy thus far:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

 

http://www.helmetcity.com

Great selection and price... if you aren't too picky about color you can find some super deals on the clearance helmets. Just search the SA2005 or M2005

 

You may want to visit Simpson Racing (www.TeamSimpson.com) for a variety of helmet choices. Good luck!

Feff

 

hmm, I need to look into this also... for down the road.

Anyone use their racing helmet as a motorcycle helmet also? Just trying to justify the cost...

 

As a note, you may want to be careful with that, as some SA rated helmets are considered not suitable (legal?) for on motorcycles since they have a narrower field of vision

Somehow I doubt that that would be an issue with most of the helmets though

 

The difference in the design of a Motorcycle and an Automobile rated helmet is what type of impact they are going to take. A motorcycle helmet is made to cushion blows from hitting the ground. Where as, Automobile rated ones are designed to take hits mostly from roll bars/cages.

 

http://www.smf.org/


Some in-depth reading on the whole rating system & standards

 

Good read as I'm looking for at getting a helmet soon.

 

www.saferacer.com has the best selection and the lowest pricing. If this is your first helmet, may I suggest you get a LARGER eye opening. A removable lining is a good thing if you live in a hot climate.

 

Thanks for all the input....

As I'm just starting out and the helmet will be mostly for autocross, I went with a Pyrotec open face helmet. It fit well, and seemed to take care of all of my needs.... once I consider anything beyond HPDE and autocross, I may step up to a closed face helmet, but this one should work for now

I got mine at apex performance, since I was able to get 10% off with code NASA-10