George84

I need to buy a new SA2000 helmet and I wanted to know what kind you guys have and why you picked the model you have and how much they run. I want to get the best price also so if you know a good place to buy one let me know. Thanks.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

If you are buying a *new* helmet now, get a SA2005 one. It doesn't make sense to buy a new SA2000 when it will be unusable in 2 years.

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

Chedstar

Go with a good brand name, I currently have a Bell, but have had good luck with both Simpson and Arai helmets. The best place to buy a helmet is where you can actually try it on, you can usually same some money if purchased on line, but then you are gambling with proper fit. Fit is the most important issue in how well a helmet will work, protect your cabeza. If it does not fit your head, it will not perform the way it was intended. As you get to more expensive helmets, usually $400+, they are actually sized in inches, not just small, medium and large. Buy the best helmet you can afford, do not skimp on safety equipment. It is really hard to restart your on board computer.

SPiN Racing

Had a Simpson RX4 originally. Similar to the Bandit, but with a smaller Eyeport.

THought it was badass. Fit perfect.

Problem.. I couldnt see the Dash in my RX3. GRR. I had to Tilt my head down slightly to see them. SO I had to look away from the road to see things. I couldnt just flick a glance.

Currently have a Simpson Voyager Sidewinder. Its wonderful. Plenty of vision, and a cooling vent.

wrankin

++ on the SA2005 rating. Understand that the ratings indicate when a helmet was made and thus defines how long it will be "safe". Helmets made between 2000-2004/5 have an SA2000 rating. Helmets made since then have an SA2005 rating.

Most track events require helmets with the current rating (SA2005) or one prior (SA2000). So in 2010 when the next ratings come out (SA2010), the SA2000 helmets will no longer be deemed safe for track use.

Note that for Auto-X use, the SCCA allows for current or previous two ratings, so that SA2000 helmets should be usable through 2015. Most other organizations seem to follow this policy.

-bill

Zyrano

I recently picked up a new pyrotech for $200 bux, which is a sa2005 helmet, pyrotech uses old simpson moldings (maybe it was bell). but eitherway, the key is to get a helmet that fits you well, make sure it is comfortable.

alvin

sunshine

iTrader: (3)

http://www.soloracer.com/helmettech.html

George84

thanks for the insight guys, I guess I will try for the sa2005 and just shop around. Do you guys have any more good links for helmets?

sunshine

iTrader: (3)

I think soloracer and saferacer are two of the best places to go.
When it comes to new helmets, there are not too many deals to be had out there. I just (two weeks ago) bought a new helmet myself, and all the prices were really, really close. So, with that being the case, I opted for soloracer, and their stellar reputation. They helped me alot in choosing the right helmet for me.

Do some research on soloracers helmet guide, then once you found 2 or 3 options, do a google search to see where you can get the best price.

Also, some ppl have had bad luck with the bellstore.com. But who knows. they have a decent selection too. Also, the head measuring works well...just make sure that you check the size chart for each manufacturer individually. Cause a 23" head can be a L for Bell, but a M for another brand.
-a

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

I recommend that you do NOT buy online w/o trying them on locally first. Fitting a helmet is crucial to both your comfort and safety. I bought a Pyrotect to save a couple of bucks and I was not at all satisfied with the fitment on my head. All heads are shaped differently and some helmets will feel better than others.

Find a good local race shop or go to a motorcycle shop and try a bunch on. Once you find one you think feels good, wear it at the shop for about 20 minutes (which is typically how long races are) to be sure that it is still comfortable.

I wound up getting a Bell M2. Feels great but after about 20 minutes I start to feel pressure at the front of my head. If I had worn it for 20 minutes before I bought it, I would have picked a different helmet. I previously had an HJC which I used for years at HPDE events and kart racing.

Bimmerforums actually has a lot of good threads on helmets and few places with special sales if you want to go there and search.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...play.php?f=128
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...archid=7787267

George84

I really need it just for autocross as on now, what do you guys think about this one http://www.soloracer.com/gfgf750.html

SCCAITS

iTrader: (3)

I found this place to have the best deals http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/CTGY/AH

I had no problem doing an exchange for a different size either.

Simpson Super Voyager N - $439 + $25 for silver. Got a free smoke shield and free shipping.

sunshine

iTrader: (3)

Thats great advice Gracer7 -
However, I did not have any local places to go to try them on. After a bunch of research, I ordered two helmets, a Bell M4, and the HJC Ar-10. Soloracer was nice enough to hold my CC number, and only charge me for one helmet, even though they shipped me two. I wore them around the house for a while, and ended up returning the Bell.

So, to the OP. If you can, def try them on. Test it for comfort and also see if you can pull it off your head by grabbing the back of the helmet and pulling it forward off your head, with the chin strap fastened. If you can pull it off - thats a deal breaker. If not, most reputable helmet places should accept an unused helmet return w/o charge, since fit is so important. So, you have the opportunity to order a few and try them out.
-a

Chedstar

George 84, I have never auto crossed and I can only assume the level of substantial bodily harm is much less than karts / road racing. That said I would never use an open face helmet. I use to skydive with a closed face carbon fiber helmet. Just to much risk, ask Dale Earnhardt, oh wait ... he died because he hit his face on the steering wheel.

finky

iTrader: (2)

Jegs and Summit both have good priced helmets. If you are just Auto Xing I you pick up an open face G-force SA2005. You should be able to find one for under $160 easy. I have used my 2000 for years with only some fabric tears by the chin (taking helmet on/off between runs all day long is hard on them).
*edit I could not find G-force helmets on Jegs*
http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-750...?productid=997 This is the one I use. A lot better than a sweaty loaner helmet.

Also on the above post about closed/open face you can search but there have been many discussions about airbags and close faced helmets you may want to read. I use an open face to see better when Auto Xing.

JSmith0101

iTrader: (6)

I've been looking at something like this lately.

http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-pro...productid=1269

The local drag strip requires full helmets for cars with sunroofs.

Specter328

iTrader: (2)

I have a Bell M4 which I like quite a bit not only for the fit but it provides good visibility as well.

He actually died from a basilar skull fracture which could have been prevented by wearing a HANS device.

Chedstar

Specter328 you are absoutely right in the cause of death, but it was caused when his seat belt failed, allowing him to move forward and hit his chin/jaw on his steering wheel.

Specter328

iTrader: (2)

I didn't know the seatbelt failed. Do you happen to know what failed on it? Just curious.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mot...impson_report/

aznpoopy

i got a zamp fsa-1. it was $200 and sa2005.
and +1 on prefitting. i wish i had gotten an XL... apparently my head is huge.

http://www.soloracer.com/zampfsa1.html

RoninRX7

I cant decide between the Bell K-1 or the Sport 3. I dont care about a $20 difference... They both meet my needs, and i do like having the added lower chin spoiler the K1 has. Any input or direct experience with either of these? thanks!

sunshine

iTrader: (3)

The only thing about those is the small eyeport. If you wear glasses (which I do), then those are probably a poor choice. If not, go for it!
-a

RoninRX7

Ive got a pair of ducatti Oakleys (sunglasses) that i wear, they are the five 0's, so they arent too big. they are really close to my face too. Im gonna buy one from summit, but i need a tinted visor too, and they dont carry them.

wrankin

Not to hijack the thread, but does anyone have a link to a critical analysis of the NASCAR report? From the comments made by Simpson (manufacture of the belts) there seems to be a rather open question as to whether the belt failure was the primary cause of Earnhart's death. It would seem that the purpose of the report was more to diffuse blame away from NASCAR and Childress racing, rather than actually give a critical analysis.

Old subject, I know. But is is safety related!

-b