Need a new helmet

[00 SS]

I need to get a new helmet, my old one is now out of date. Does anyone know of a local place that sells inexpensive SA05 rated helmets? I found a couple G Force helmets online, but I'd like to be able to try them on before I buy. I'm not stuck on G Force by any means they just seemed to be reasonably priced. I haven't shopped for a helmet in a long time so, if there are other reasonably priced brands I should consider let me know. If G Force are no good, please let me know.

The helmet will be for autocross only, at least for now. Someday I may get a real race car, but that seems along way away right now.

Thanks,

[blrmotorsports]

In the past Matt(Hot Truck) and Jeff(Batmobile) at RPM Motorsports(cycle shop on S Wadsworth by Alameda) has been able to get deals for Solo people.

Just about any local motorcycle shop will have cheap helemts that meet our requirements.

[kirstein]

Mike,
I think SA2005 helemts will be way more expensive than M2005, and either is legal for Solo2. The SA is a "Special Application" helmet specifically for Auto Racing, while the M is a motorcycle application, so they are much more common. Often the only difference is the nomex lining on the SA helmets. If you really want an SA helmet, Bill Mortons Motor Sports in Commerce City has a good supply at a good price, but SA helmets ain't cheap.
7200 E 54th Pl, Commerce City. (303) 287-0313

For M2005, motorcycle shops are the way to go. Matt and Jeff and RPM should hook you up.

[hderr]

Mike, let us know what you find out. I'm also looking for a helmet.

Thanks,

Hank

31 ES

[jhadler]

A friend of mine is looking into a possible group buy from a local Bell distributor. Don't knwo any more specifics than that, but if something comes of it, I'll post it here...

-Josh2

[russjnco]

On Track Performance in Englewood has a pretty good selection of helmets and they're competitively priced.

[00 SS]

First, thanks for the help everyone. Since russ asked, I'll post what I've found so far cruising the internet.

I think I've decided to go open face so the rest of this is based on that. All of the helmets I'm concidering right now are SA05 rated.

Bell: has 2 models the MAG 4 and MAG 5. The MAG 4 is cheaper, about $250 but the MAG 5 is kevlar and is supposed to be noticably lighter. It goes for about $330.

Simpson: has the FR Cruiser which goes for about $270

G Force: has the 750 that goes for about $150-$160

The G Force looks like the easy choice, but I want this helmet to last and I don't really know anything about the quality of the materials they use in the liner. I trust the quality of both Simpson and Bell. Ultimately, Id like to make my decision based on fit, but I'm not sure I can find all of these locally. Bill mortons sells Simpson, and I need to call RPM and On Track to see what brands they have. I also will call 3R and see what, if anything, they carry.

[jhadler]

Mike,

I'm currious as to why you're looking for an SA helmet if you want an open face lid. Why not an M rated helmet for half the price?

-Josh2

[00 SS]

Mike,

I'm currious as to why you're looking for an SA helmet if you want an open face lid. Why not an M rated helmet for half the price?

-Josh2

Are open face helmets not allowed in other motorsports that require the SA rating? If they are not, you're right, it's silly. That would be good information to have. It's mu current understanfing that full face are only required in open cockpit cars.

[jhadler]

No, open faced SA helmets are indeed allowed in all but open cockpit cars. But if you're going to spend the extra money on an SA helmet, why go with an open face?

SA helemts differ from M helmets a few criteria.

SA helmets have a fireproof lining.
SA helmets generally have a narrower field of view.
SA helmets are designed to pass a multiple point impact test (bouncing off the roll bar as you roll down the track), M helmets are designed for the "big hit" (the pavement after a high side at speed).

Just my opinion, but the fireproof lining isn't gonna do much good if your face is still exposed. That, and if you're really gonna take to the track, wouldn't you want as much protection as you could get? Yes, open face helmets are cooler (temperature wise), no question about it. And for autox, it's a perfect match. But if I were taking to the track, I'd want a full face. And if I were gooing to spend the extra coin on an SA helmet, I'd want to get all the benefits I could.

Oh yeah, and if you ever want to drive a kart...

IHMO, YMMV etc. etc.

-Josh2

[00 SS]

I understand what your saying and maybe my thought of buying one helmet for everything is not the best approach. I want (I think) an open face for AX to stay cooler in the summer. I also think the open face would be a bit lighter which might help with neck fatigue on tight and/or rough courses. AX is my immediate need, the SA rating was simply an attempt to not have to buy another helmet in a few years if I can get into road racing.

[jhadler]

Well, not to say you -can't- wear an open face helmet runnign Wheel-to-wheel, but my thought would be why would you want to?

I know enough people that were able to avoid major injury because the chin bar of their helmet absorbed a large amount of impact in an even low energy collision. And I know of a couple people that would rather have been wearing a full face when they got together with another car at the wrong time...

That, and if you're contemplating going wheel to wheel in a few years, keep in mind that helemts don't last as long in road racing as they do in autox. Solo events allow the current SNELL standard and the two previous standards. The GCR allows the current standard and the previous standard. A helmet used for road racing has service life of 10 years max. Solo is 15 years.

-Josh2

[00 SS]

I appreciate the advice and information. It looks like now I need to decide if I want to spend the money now and get a full face SA05 now or just get an open face M05 now and get the appropriate helmet in future for whatever I get into. I'm leaning toward the M05 now based your info above and not knowing what or when I might be driving in the future.

[jhadler]

Just my thinking, and not an opinion of any committee or otherwise...

If there's a budget involved, and you're not sure if/when you're going into road racing, I'd get a nice, comfortable M05 open face for a good bit less than an SA helmet. Then, when the road racing thing comes into play, look seriously at SA lids.

If you have a bit more room in the bank account, and plan on running track events sooner rather than later, then maybe an SA helemt is a better way for you to go. The choice of open face vs. full face ultimately comes down to preference. The open face allows for easier removal, and is cooler on a hot day. The full face will provide more protection in the event of flying debris or collision with something other than your roll bar.

If the budget is not tight at all. Get two, they're small.... A nice light, cool, open face for autox, and good full face SA lid for the track...

I'm looking at getting a cheaper open face for autox, and then down the road, getting a good full face for track events....

-Josh2

[blrmotorsports]

I understand what your saying and maybe my thought of buying one helmet for everything is not the best approach. I want (I think) an open face for AX to stay cooler in the summer. I also think the open face would be a bit lighter which might help with neck fatigue on tight and/or rough courses. AX is my immediate need, the SA rating was simply an attempt to not have to buy another helmet in a few years if I can get into road racing.

If you think you might do some club racing in the near future(1-3 years) then spend the money on a SA rated helmet. You will save money over the long term since you will need a SA helmet to go club racing. That's what I did several years ago.

A few other things to keep in mind. A open face helmet is cooler than a full face one. It can get pretty hot in a race because of the full face helmet. But on the flip side, even with a window net things still come in through the drivers window. I've been hit in the face a couple of time during a race. I think a 1-2 ounce chunk of rubber hitting you in the face at 70-100mph might hurt.

[00 SS]

I found a little more info in my helmet search for anyone interested.

1. I don't like the G-Force helmets. They have very little interior padding and I could actually tell I had styrofoam on my head.

2. HJC seem to have the best prices for a comfortable M2005 open face helmet although the M2005 are a bit tough to find. Most shops seem to still have a large number of M2000's and very few M2005's. Plus they are cheaper than the G-force open face helments.

3. I really like the Simpson Super Bandit, but it's 3 to 4 times the price of an open face HJC.

Anyway I'm still looking.

[jhadler]

Keep looking...

One thing I found is that if the helmet isn't comfortable, you won't want to wear it, or it'll be a constant distraction...

-Josh2

[Built-By-Bones]

One thing I've noticed.

The M - helmets are not comfortable to wear if you have to wear a neck collar. It appears that they are shaped a little differently near the chin area, and when you are wearing a collar the helmet tends to ride up higher, and cause extra neck strain.

The SA helmets do not seem to have this problem - at least the ones I have worn.

Some sanctioning bodies are leaning to requiring HANS devices. At less than $1000 they are still expensive but I think they offer real safety benefits. Not all SA helmets are compatible with the HANS system. I'd check to see what you sanctioning body requires. If they are going to require a HANS in the near future make sure that the the helmet you buy will be suitable.

It amazes me that racers will happily spend thousands on bling-bling light weight wheels, or super sticky R-compounds, but we moan and complain about spending a few hundred dollars on a suitable helmet.

what's the saying? - if you have a cheap head, buy a cheap helmet.

Currently in my gear bag.
M-rated closed face for karting
SA closed face - my old Indy crew helmet for going over the wall
SA closed face for road racing
SA open face for Auto-x, Rally and hillclimb, I also use this in summer when it is hot.

What ever happened to the SCCA recommendation that we should wear open face helmets in cars equipped with airbags? Jawbones were being broken by the airbag contacting the helmet and forcing it up and back, the chin straps were breaking the jaw bone.

Bones

[jhadler]

What ever happened to the SCCA recommendation that we should wear open face helmets in cars equipped with airbags? Jawbones were being broken by the airbag contacting the helmet and forcing it up and back, the chin straps were breaking the jaw bone.

Bones

The -recommendation- is still in effect.

It is not a requirement, it is simply a recommendation.

It was based on an FIA study of airbag use in F1...

-Josh2

[kirstein]

When I was checking on helmet rules for karts, I spoke with the folks at Simpson who told me that their helemts are identical for SA and M except that the SA helmets have Nomex lining. Same shape, same padding. Different manufacturers may be different.

Also, if you EVER want to use your helmet in a kart in Solo2 it MUST be full face with face shield.

[hderr]

Here's what I ended up doing for a helmet.

Based on some of the previous posts and a suggestion by J. Barton, I looked into a HJC CS-5.

I pick up one from Helmet city for $69.89 to the door. It was a couple bucks more for being flat black. It is a Snell 2005, so good for ten years. It is very similar to the ones rented at the meets except it has a buckle chin strap rather than velcro. The size chart seemed to be right on. Looks good to go for auto-x and maybe a hand me down to the kids, wife, ...

http://www.helmetcity.com

Regards,

Hank Derr
31 ES Garnett Red Porsche 944

(I don't remember hearing the PA guys say anything about me stopping for coffee this time on my last run so the new shocks and brakes must be working, they did say something about cones, ice cream?;) )

[00 SS]

I picked one up at a local motorcycle shop the day before the event. My check book balance decided I didn't need an SA helmet. I looked at some open face helmets, the CS-5 was one of them, and just didn't like the way they fit, so I bought another full face very similar to my old one. It's an HJC but I can remember the model, CL-15 maybe? It's Snell M2005.

BTW, the G-force helmets felt very cheap to me. It actually felt like a I had a big piece of styrofoam on my head. Very little internal padding and a cheap lining. I would not recommend them. The HJC's feel much better and were more comfortable.

[Matt Leicester]

Sorry I don't spend as much time on the forums as I used to, so I'm a little late with my two cents. Helmet sizes do and do not vary considerably from brand to brand - if you measure the circumference of your head and divide by pi, you get a numerical size. Most manufacturers that go by numerical size and S/M/L/XL etc agree in what number equals S, what number equals M and so on. The big difference, and it is a BIG difference, is if your head is more round or more oval. Many times if a helmet feels much too small because it's crushing your forehead, it may be the right size but the wrong shape. Out of snowmobile, autocross, motocross and so on helmets, I think I have about 8 laying around that fit me. One is a large, most are XL, and I have one XXL that is pretty painful for me to wear. Don't be afraid to try different brands. Shoei sticks out for me as a fairly round helmet, as is KBC. My favorite for fitting my apparently long head is an M2R, but they mostly make motocross style helmets.

That all said, RPM Motorsports supplied the new loaner helmets for Colorado region, which I'm pretty sure we can sell to autocrossers for just under fifty dollars. There are some really nice Snell 2005 full face helmets in the hundred dollar range, then if you want to get into the really light carbon fiber mix helmets, you can get into the $3-400 range really quickly. I have all M rated helmets and haven't had any issue with neck braces fitting, but if you use a neck collar, for sure bring it when you try on helmets. If you are looking for a helmet at RPM, ask for either myself in service or Dave Mills in parts and we'll get you the best price we can. I think we will be competitive with mail order, but I can't be sure - I don't check prices that often (okay, ever...), but we've had pretty happy customers on the autocross helmet front.

Matt Leicester
RPM Motorsports
1251 Wadsworth Blvd
Lakewood, Co (303) 232-7576