Autocross/ Track Helmet Discussion

[MattR]

Someone was asking me about helmets, and I can't remember who it was...sorry.

Regardless, I found that www.soloracer.com has a great selection of entry level and higher helmets, for solo, and track days. They also have Free shipping!

If you are looking to do strictly autocross, there are lots of good Open-Face options, which are very low in cost. However, for track days and trial events, a closed face is much smarter.

I have always run with an open face helmet, even on tracks and decided recently that I really want a close faced helmet for high speed events. I've been reading up on different options, and I came across the PyroTect Full Face which is designed and manufactured by Bell (it is derived from their popular RacerIII design), it carries a new SA 2005 rating, and costs less than $250.

With free shipping I couldn' pass it up, so it's on the way. I tried on the Bell Racer III at Summit, to get my sizing correct, but saved $75 by going with the PyroTect. From what I can tell they are very similar.

I also purchased a smoke visor for sunny days.

For entry level Autocross helmets, I've been using a SA2000 G-Force (cheapest brand) and it has done fine for what I need it for. If you're going to run more than a handful of SCCA events next season, I'd suggest trying to get your own helmet.

[Nick Koan]

Agreed. I picked up the G-Force open faced SA-2000 helmet last season and its pretty good. For the price, you can't beat it. I've been thinking about something a little more heavy duty as well. Maybe not this year, but maybe next if/when I get more serious.

[Dean]

Edit: fixed teh prices...

At this point, there is no reason not to get an SA2005 helmet. They are designed for use in cars which includes side impcats, and fire resistance. Open and full face start at about $150. Careful not to select the m2005s that show up.

Full Face: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?bt...line&scoring=p

Open:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?bt...line&scoring=p

Weight is the biggest issue. Buy the Lightest SA2005 in teh style you want that you can afford within your budget.

One of the past issue SportsCars has a chart I think that has weights.

[MattR]

Originally Posted by Dean

At this point, there is no reason not to get an SA2005 helmet. They are designed for use in cars which includes side impcats, and fire resisance. Full face start at $99, open face at $99 also...

Full Face: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?bt...line&scoring=p

Open:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?bt...line&scoring=p

Weight is the biggest issue. Buy the Lightest SA2005 in teh style you want that you can afford within your budget.

One of the past issue SportsCars has a chart I think that has weights.

Yep, the weight is important! And there really is no reason to buy a SA2000 from this point forward (although if you have one you're still fine for a while) the pricing on many of the new helmets is great.

My new helmet is the first one that comes up on that search COol.

[sperry]

Well one reason to get an SA2000 is if you want a really nice helmet for cheap. SCCA will still allow the SA/M2000 ratings for the next 5 years, so you might be able to get a really nice setup at a discount since the new helmets are SA2005's.

That said, I keep thinking about picking up an open-face for autocross, since they're so much cooler than my closed face Bieffe (and don't fog up on cold days either). On the other hand, a nicer closed face SA2005 w/ good ventilation might be a better investment, since it'll be safer, cooler, and legal for longer than my current SA2000.

hrmm...

[MattR]

I really like the full face Non visor helmets like Debbie has. I almost got one of those. They are designed for sedan drivers after all, and can be used for AutoX or track.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by MattR

I really like the full face Non visor helmets like Debbie has. I almost got one of those. They are designed for sedan drivers after all, and can be used for AutoX or track.

I can't say I know exactly what you're talking about... link? pic? Are we talking full-face with an oversized viewport?

[MattR]

Hang On, I'll find one for you...

[MattR]

Here you go....http://soloracer.com/bellsrpro.html

As you can see, it has a really open profile, but still planty of grill protection.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by MattR

Here you go....http://soloracer.com/bellsrpro.html

As you can see, it has a really open profile, but still planty of grill protection.

I get it... looks pretty cool, but $290 for an SA2000 rig seems excessive.

[MattR]

It's a SA2005, but yeah, I chose to go full face w/shield based on the cost. Although, I think that one would be the most comfortable and light. You can get a SA2000 for closeout price of $219

[sperry]

Originally Posted by MattR

It's a SA2005, but yeah, I chose to go full face w/shield based on the cost. Although, I think that one would be the most comfortable and light. You can get a SA2000 for closeout price of $219

Oh, I must have mis-read that site... I thought the closeout price on the SA2000 was like $288.

[dknv]

Originally Posted by MattR

I really like the full face Non visor helmets like Debbie has.

I like mine, I got the G Force hybrid. The only issue I have with it is remembering to remove the sunglass before the helmet comes off.

[doubleurx]

Matt that's the same helmet I got. It is comfortable although the felt strip around the shield came off at RFR and was flapping in my face for several laps..........not cool!

[tysonK]

http://soloracer.com/sparcowttf1.html

hot.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by tysonK

http://soloracer.com/sparcowttf1.html

hot.

It better be made out of carbon nano-tubes and crack cocaine for $1000.

[M3n2c3]

Originally Posted by sperry

It better be made out of carbon nano-tubes and crack cocaine for $1000.

By nude exotic women.

Are closed-face helmets a pain in the ass for those who require glasses, or are they not a big deal? I'm gonna get my own for this season, and that seems to be the toughest choice I have to make. Can anyone here who wears glasses make a recommendation?

[sperry]

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

By nude exotic women.

Are closed-face helmets a pain in the ass for those who require glasses, or are they not a big deal? I'm gonna get my own for this season, and that seems to be the toughest choice I have to make. Can anyone here who wears glasses make a recommendation?

Here's what I wear:



A Bieffe F1 (their base model closed face SA2000 composite helmet). Unfortunately, Bieffe went outta business recently.

The only issue is on cold days, my breath tends to fog my glasses (even with the visor up) if there's no airflow from driving, and on hot days, a close face helmet is just plain hot.

I'm thinking a Bell M2 or M4 pro is the way to go... full face helmet w/ visor, but a much bigger portal, and ventilation:

[M3n2c3]

The price on that seems a bit hefty for just regular autocross use. . . I might go with the SR Pro. . .

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

Are closed-face helmets a pain in the ass for those who require glasses, or are they not a big deal?

I usually wear glasses at autox, and I just have to remember to take off the glasses first before putting the helmet on. Then again, I have a motocross helmet, not a road race helmet

Scott usually races with glasses too.

[MattR]

I believe the Bell M2 and M4 are designed for drivers who wear glasses, I think I read that somewhere.

[doubleurx]

Mine works well with glasses also. Mike I do the same thing with the glasses.

[MattR]

My new helmet arrived today, I couldn't be happier with my choice, it's definately a nice unit.

[tysonK]

Originally Posted by MattR

My new helmet arrived today, I couldn't be happier with my choice, it's definately a nice unit.

for some reason I don't see any pictures?

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by tysonK

for some reason I don't see any pictures?

I know the reason!