can anyone link me to a website that sells decent racing helmets. SA95.

i've searched here and looked up google. Just not sure what i exactly need.

Track noob here~

 

http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-pro...?productid=934

 

I wouldn't get a SA 95, that rating is going to be out of date soon. If you're on a budget at least get SA2000 or if you just autocross just get a M2000/M2005 helmet. I got a Pyrotect closed face on Ebay for about 150. I think I'm going to ugprade to an Arai or OMP soon though.

 

ok...thanks for the quick responses.
how do i calculate what size helmet i need?

 

There should be a sizing chart on one of the retailer websites. Check saferacer.com, apexperformance.net etc.

 

That is a tough question. It is easy enough to measure your "hat size", but different brand helmets fit very differently, for a given size, so you might need a different size in, say, a Bell than you would in a Arai, for example.

In the best case, you should try on any helmet you're interested in before buying...and leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes. What can at first seem like a minor "pressure point" can end up being a major headache (literally) after 20 minutes or more on track.

More than anything else, fit is key when choosing a helmet, both for comfort and for safety reasons!!!

 

+1000

Fit is the #1 priority... and don't skimp - the most expensive helmet is still a lot cheaper than a broken cranium!

 

Find a big motorcycle store. The one we went to had over a hundred helmets to try on so the misses took her time and found a really nice bell class M2005.

 

Before buying a M rated helmet, I'd check and make sure none of the groups you plan to run with require, or are considering requiring, SA helmets. Many of the HPDE or open track groups no longer accept M helmets...

But, as was said above, if you are just running autocross, M helmets can be had for bargain bin prices...the one I use for autocross was around $50, is light and also full Snell certified, of course...once a helmet gets past the Snell standards, you really are just paying for bells and whistles (removeable liner, vents etc.), prettier graphics, lighter weight and name brand...you aren't picking up any additional "safety" that is easily quantified...

 

Arai of Bell, if you have the cash

 

The misses only plans to do a little auto-x and maybe a couple fun runs on the heartland track in topeka. Both only require the M class. She picked up the new Bell Apex "Tagged"

 

+1000 more.

Already said it in another thread, but I'll copy & paste it here:

For track days I would recommend an SA-rated helmet over an M-rated helmet (click here to learn the difference between SA and M ratings) due to the extra flammability and multi-impact requirements.

Beyond an SA rating, more expensive helmets tend to be lighter (which is nice during a 20-minute track session), offer better venting, and additional features like removable/washable liners. I would personally recommend getting the best helmet you can afford.

I would encourage you to try on helmets from several different manufacturers to ensure yourself of a good fit. Different brands fit differently. When I bought my current helmet, I was leanining towards a Bell M3 Pro. While Bell makes excellent helmets, they don't fit my head shape very comfortably. After trying several on, I ended up with a Simpson Super Bandit instead. Pressure points may not be critical to you if you're looking for an autocross helmet where you're only wearing it for a minute or two at a time, but for twenty minute track sessions helmet fit can have a big impact on your concentration levels.

Also make sure to size your helmet properly. To do its job properly in the event of an accident, it should fit snugly. If the helmet moves when you nod your head, it is too big.

 

A two hour stint with so much a a slight pressure point issue sucks rocks

lol

 

Just get a neck protector, your helmet rests on it so its no problem to wear it for long periods.

I haven't had any problems with visibility at both autox and track days.

 

A neck protector isn't going to do anything to alleviate pressure points if the helmet doesn't fit the shape of your head properly.

 

My understanding (which is minimal, like it is on most subjects) of the differences between the SA and M standards are, as Iain said, greater fire retardation in the SA and a different set of impacts used in the actual testing, with the SA helmets receiving more "concentrated" impacts (think of hitting a roll cage bar, hopefully well padded!) while the motorcycle helmets are tested more on broader impact (think of hitting the pavement).

Regardless, just because of the trend to requiring SA for lapping or HPDE groups, I wouldn't consider a M, if I planned on doing mostly track events.

 

buy the best you can afford, WRT to safety equipment being cheap doen't pay off in the long run ...

 

I was reading through the link above and uncovered this gem:

"The Foundation recommends that if you are participating in an activity that requires that you wear a helmet, that you avoid hitting stuff with your head."

Brilliant!

 

Paying for a SA rated helmet is a waste if not needed. PLZ read the post it was about fit.

 

Trying on the helmet in the store is key! It's worth the price premium.

Some brands like Pyrotect and G-Force have dealer listings online. Find a local dealer.

I tried on three different helmets, all sized Large, and they all fit differently! And in fact the one that I probably would've ordered online did not fit my forehead well!

 

Actually, the original post was about helmets in general. And buying a flame retardant helmet rated for multiple impacts is obviously a waste when driving a gasoline-powered, enclosed car.

As a good friend of mine likes to say, "If you don't think you need a good helmet, you're probably right."

 

Racehelmet.com

This is a company that is local to me. Murray (I think is his name) is a knowledgeable guy who will give you the information and answers you need. Toll-free call. His prices are fair and he sets them at the "lowest advertisable price."

Personally, I would go with the highest rated and nicest helmet you can afford. It is a little known fact, but your brain is inside of your head. Even in autox, very bad things can happen.

 

Can anyone point to any data that supports the idea that higher priced helmets are "safer", given the same shell material? I've always been led to believe that once a helmet of normal construction passes Snell, that the only real differences are the features, weight and name...but, I'm sure that could be wrong.
Of course, once you get into exotic CF weaves and stuff, I'm sure the impact characteristics change significantly....

 

Try Helmetcity.com. Good service and prices. I just got a Bell GTX that I'm real pleased with. Don't go cheap on safety equipment.