How to shop for a car Helmet?

[BATMANs]

I'm in the market for a helmet for the following uses:

1. go-carting (mostly indoors)
2. auto-x
3. some track events at Laguna Seca

I like the look and weight of Carbon Fiber.

There are so many brands (Bell, Simpson, Impact, etc.) that tout that they are the best and have the latest and greatest.

From initial research the helmet should be at least a Snell SA 2005 for the aforementioned uses.

Are there other standards that I should be paying attention too?

 

[pgilliam1]

I wonder the same thing. They let Snell 2000 (motorcycle rated - not car) on the track HPDE's here in St. Louis. I've heard car rated helmets are fairly exspensive and I really don't know the best place to buy them. Maybe someone with experience in "where to buy" and "how much $$" will respond.

I did it again - I posted before "searching". There's quite a bit here about helmets.

 

[BATMANs]

I wonder the same thing. They let Snell 2000 (motorcycle rated - not car) on the track HPDE's here in St. Louis. I've heard car rated helmets are fairly exspensive and I really don't know the best place to buy them. Maybe someone with experience in "where to buy" and "how much $$" will respond.

I usually start with Ebay and Google shopping. There are a few good ones out there, but too many standards to keep track of.

My understanding with why car racing helmets are more $$$ is that their safety standards are higher than the motorcycle ones.

Standards are suppose to encompass multiple-impact (you may bounce around in a car a few times from roll overs or multi-car impacts before settling down), flame retardant materials (in case ur trapped for a little longer in a burning Ferrari before the rescue team get you out).

 

[Cozmo]

I was researching this for the past couple days actually.. Check out the Helmet Testing page on http://www.smf.org/
They show you what it takes to get SA2005 certified.

 

[CL65 Captain]

helmetcity.com is a good online shopping site. However, the best way is to find one local and try them on for comfort.

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: A couple of things........

If you haven't already and it sounds like you haven't yet, do a search. The helmet purchase topic has been beat up several times over the years.

But to reiterate the most important thing: get the fit right. As noted above, see the purchase page on the Snell site. http://www.smf.org/ There is a different feel/fit from different manufacturers. So definitely wear a helmet for 30 minutes to see if it will still be comfortable at the end of a session in the car. This often rules out a cheap on-line purchase with no return option.

Oh, and one more important point, there is only one level of SNELL safety; A $1000 SNELL helmet may, but does not necessarily, provide any more protection than a $200 SNELL helmet. The extra money boils down to comfort and other subtleties.

Unfortunately, this is the transition time between 2005 and 2010 standards. There are a few 2010 helmets on the shelf, but not many. For example, Arai, my choice, is not selling any 2010 helmets yet. Waiting a few weeks/months might be worth it if you want to keep the helmet 10 years instead of just 5 by not wearing (sweating in) it a lot, and if you're going to get an expensive custom paint job. Some tracks rent helmets to get you by awhile.

 

[nsxtasy]

I wonder the same thing. They let Snell 2000 (motorcycle rated - not car) on the track HPDE's here in St. Louis.

Snell issues standards every five years, and the standards are named after the year they are issued: SA2000 or M2000 in 2000, SA2005 or M2005 in 2005, etc. Often the standards are delayed and then it takes a while for the helmets to be manufactured and in stock. Based on past experience, I would be surprised if any SA2010 helmets are available before next year.

Most groups holding track events accept the two most recent standards, but they typically allow an extension of a couple of years due to the time needed for helmets to be widely available in the latest standard. Most groups currently allow SA2005 or SA2000 helmets, but some time around 2012, will stop accepting the SA2000 helmets.

If you need to buy a helmet now, you will probably be buying an SA2005 helmet, which you should be able to use till around 2017; if you can wait until you can find an SA2010 helmet, you should be able to use it till around 2022.

Hope that makes sense.

Oh, and I definitely agree with the advice from the Captain above. It's very difficult to predict which ones will be comfortable when trying them on, so find a shop in your area where you can try them on, and buy one there.

 

[Moses]

I'm in the market for a helmet for the following uses:

1. go-carting (mostly indoors)
2. auto-x
3. some track events at Laguna Seca

I like the look and weight of Carbon Fiber.

There are so many brands (Bell, Simpson, Impact, etc.) that tout that they are the best and have the latest and greatest.

From initial research the helmet should be at least a Snell SA 2005 for the aforementioned uses.

Are there other standards that I should be paying attention too?

Don't remember if this is snell or not.

Shark Evoline Motorcycle Helmet

http://www.revzilla.com/product/shark-evoline-helmet#

 

[pgilliam1]

Snell issues standards every five years, and the standards are named after the year they are issued: SA2000 or M2000 in 2000, SA2005 or M2000 in 2005, etc.

Maybe a typo, but did you mean "M2005 in 2005", or are the motorcycle standards issued differently?
Good advice on "waiting" if the new issues are about to be released. Saves buying another helmet in a few years although Snell recommends replacing your helmet every 5 years (Does anyone ever do this?). Happy Motoring!

 

[akydakyx]

you have to go to a store. try it on for 30 minute like the other poster said. they fit differently. like shoes from dif manufacturers. snell 2010 was supposed to be out 10/2009. now slated for 10/2010. if you can wait, you'll get a helmet good for 10 years. i have 2000 and that'll be good till 2010 available.

 

[92 white 0650]

...... Good advice on "waiting" if the new issues are about to be released. Saves buying another helmet in a few years although Snell recommends replacing your helmet every 5 years (Does anyone ever do this?). Happy Motoring!

The main issue with helmet age and safety is the integrity of the liner, not the hard shell. So, if you don't do a lot of track events and don't sweat a lot (balaclavas are good), your helmet may easily last 10 years. On the other hand, if you're in the car for hours every week like a NASCAR wanna-be, the helmet might need to be replaced every few months.

Although there are 2010 helmets available, as noted above, the SA 2010 models won't (can't) be sold til 10/1/2010.

Here's OG Racing's pitch on the deal: http://ogracing.blogspot.com/2009/09/snell-sa2010-rating.html

 

[Feffman]

Bought my SA2000 helmet from Simpson Racing (www.TeamSimpson.com). No worries, no issues.

Simpson has a full faced SA2005 helmet, the V-Sport, for $250. The SA2005 rated helmets will be good until at least 2015 with most organizations.

Feff

 

[Liquid]

You must try the helmets on in person to get the right fit. If you aren't sure what that is, you should ask the person at the motorsports store who . It is the same thing with seating... each body/head are different so certain manufacturers will be great for me, but bad for other people and vice versa. Comfort is very important -- you need your mind to focus on things other than "This helmet is giving me a headache." Once you know what you want, then feel free to shop around on the internet. Be very careful about buying used gear on Craigslist or whatever -- you are potentially trusting your life to a stranger.

The only standard you need is "Snell-rated". It is my understanding that Snell 2010 cannot be sold before October 2010, so if you want to head to the track this summer, you'll be buying a 2005 helmet. As noted above, that will be good for 5+ years. If you can wait, you'll get 10+ years out of the newer standard. As noted earlier, the standards are higher which leads to higher costs than motorcycle helmets.

The primary determinant of expense, as I see it, is how light the helmet is (and to a lesser extent whether it has built in comms, etc.). You should be able to get a very good helmet for $500 or less. From there they get lighter and so will your wallet. Up to $2k or more. Many people swear by getting as light as you can afford. I have a Bell M4 (I think it is a Pro?) and a skinny neck and never noticed the weight as an issue. I think a lot of the expense at the upper end is to increase your on track bling-factor.

 

[BATMANs]

Re: A couple of things........

If you haven't already and it sounds like you haven't yet, do a search. The helmet purchase topic has been beat up several times over the years.

But to reiterate the most important thing: get the fit right. As noted above, see the purchase page on the Snell site. http://www.smf.org/ There is a different feel/fit from different manufacturers. So definitely wear a helmet for 30 minutes to see if it will still be comfortable at the end of a session in the car. This often rules out a cheap on-line purchase with no return option.

Oh, and one more important point, there is only one level of SNELL safety; A $1000 SNELL helmet may, but does not necessarily, provide any more protection than a $200 SNELL helmet. The extra money boils down to comfort and other subtleties.

Unfortunately, this is the transition time between 2005 and 2010 standards. There are a few 2010 helmets on the shelf, but not many. For example, Arai, my choice, is not selling any 2010 helmets yet. Waiting a few weeks/months might be worth it if you want to keep the helmet 10 years instead of just 5 by not wearing (sweating in) it a lot, and if you're going to get an expensive custom paint job. Some tracks rent helmets to get you by awhile.

I was eyeing this helmet, but since you brought up a good point of obsolesence in terms of safety standards a few years down the road, I think I will just hold off for now.

 

[nsxtasy]

Maybe a typo, but did you mean "M2005 in 2005", or are the motorcycle standards issued differently?

Just a typo, now fixed.

The primary determinant of expense, as I see it, is how light the helmet is (and to a lesser extent whether it has built in comms, etc.). You should be able to get a very good helmet for $500 or less. From there they get lighter and so will your wallet. Up to $2k or more. Many people swear by getting as light as you can afford.

The last time I bought a helmet (SA 2005 purchased in 2006), I was considering spending a bit more ($800ish for an Arai helmet, vs $300ish for a Bell). When I actually tried them on at a local dealer, I found that the Bell was more comfortable. I was also very surprised to find that the Bell was a similar weight to the more expensive Arai helmet, and was significantly lighter in weight than my previous $300ish Bell helmet. I'm sure you can look up specs for weight on the helmet manufacturers' websites.

 

[Tytus]

Another point to consider is the height of the helmet. Some of us above the average height and/or with T roofs have a hard time fitting even after seat modifications, cushions, etc. with some helmets. They are not all the same height, I found up to an inch difference. I finally settled on an HJC as it had the lowest profile.

Tytus

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: And another thing.............

you may want to think about the full face vs. open face discussion. Some folks think that an open face is better if you have a stock steering wheel with airbag. It's a long winded discussion which is not easily summarized, so do a search if you want to explore that issue. Some of us are not so sure it's really a big issue, since there's not a lot of definitive information (like no formal testing) that we know of.

A more practical question is about using an intercom mic during in-car instruction. Not a big deal, but some instructors prefer students have full face helmets as the wind noise is less. So, if you're going to have an instructor/coach in the right seat, you may want to consider the communication benefit of a full face.

And probably not last, but almost least, is the eyeport and temple padding. If you plan on wearing sunglasses, you may find them easier to put on with one helmet over another.

Now that I think about it, there's one more thing that open cockpit pilots pay attention to and that's how a full face would fit if you're going to wear a HANS or other yoke type H&N restraint. Some helmets with a deep chin spoiler may hit the HANS yoke and prevent adequate head movement to see your gages. Probably not an issue in a sedan since you're sitting more upright but it may be a minor bother if you're picky like some people I know.

I'm going to shut up now, but all these things illustrate how minor but intensely personal helmet criteria is for each of us. And it illustrates how you need to try it on and "test it" as thoroughly as possible in your own way.

 

[td2k_nsx]

I got a Bieffe Predator for all the above. It's been great. I love it. Much more than any other helmets I tried. It's super light and comfy. carbom Kevlar I think it is. Has a bar for tear off strips when karting.

Personally though I'd buy a new helmet. They are one time use items and I'd feel much better knowing mine hasn't been sitting out in a garage in extreme heat or heaven forbid dropped/struck on or by something. They advise you to send in any helmet that get's a decent strike to be checked to make sure it is still structurally sound. It's one of them most important pieces of safety equipment you will buy so it's worth getting one brand new. I wanted more of an open wheel helmet for karting and figured it would work ok in the car at track events and autocrossing. I've been really pleased with it. I don;t remeber how much it initially cost.

Good luck!

 

[ss_md]

One thing to consider when trying on helmets is the use of a Balakava (head sock). It may seem like a non-issue but the fit is different with and with out.

I highly recommend a headsock to help keep some of the perspiration off the helmet liner. Some helmets have removable liners most don't. Always wipe or wick out the sweat out of the liner after use with a dry towel. Your nose will thank you for it!!

If you plan to use you helmet for karting, and cars you should consider buying a SA2005 or SA2010. Most if not all karting clubs allow the use of an SA helmet where some HPDEs will not allow the use of a KA or M helmet.

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: The important parts

I'd feel much better knowing mine hasn't been sitting out in a garage in extreme heat or heaven forbid dropped/struck on or by something.

During a SNELL lab tour a couple of years ago, I asked Gib, the original and still chief engineer (he's pushing 80) about damage from accidentally dropping the helmet, like when you're just walking along on your way to tech. He explained that the first concern for a helmet strike is the liner.

So if your head is not in the helmet (and you're not using it to carry your bowling ball or bag of rocks :biggrin there would be no impact and deformation of the helmet liner. He said that an accidental drop from a few feet onto the ground or flat surface will not damage the rigid shell as most people would intuitively suspect. Of course the shell could be damaged in a typical car crash, but the liner would be ruined before the shell is compromised.

Not that there couldn't be exceptions; just sayin' the liner is more fragile than the shell and is often the first reason to change a helmet.

 

[Cozmo]

Unfortunately it seems that local shops are clearing out what little inventory they have making space for the SA2010 models when they start to arrive. I ended up ordering a Pyrotect online without being able to try it on first, and luckily it fits perfect. They are inexpensive and have the removable liner.

 

[BATMANs]

I'm going to buy the Pyrotect Pro Airflow

Standard Features:

• 100% Carbon Fiber shell
• Lightweight... 3.3lbs (size Large)
• Patented air-flow liner with removeable/washable cheek pads
• Thin or thick cheek pads can be ordered separately for custom fit
• Large eyeport w/.125 flat polycarbonate shield w/multi-step ratcheting pivots
• Uses standard BELL tearoffs
• Snell SA2005 rating

http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?productid=140&cat=14&page=1

With the HANS device clip:

 

[VegasSpeed]

I just saw this post. I went thru the same thing a year ago after doing one HPDE event. I wanted to stop renting the helmets. I learned you have to try them on. I got a basic black Bell full face helmet while at Spring Mountain Speedway. Not many places have them where you can try them on. BTW, most events I went to would NOT let you wear a motorcycle helmet rather than a car helmet. You should look into that with your local track events before committing to one.

 

[Cozmo]

This is the one I got..

Pyrotect with the Tribal graphics.

 

[BATMANs]

I just got it in the office....

Got an extra Dark face shield