anyone know a good place to buy race helmets? like a good website or retail store? and what helmets are better than others?

 

www.saferacer.com is where i got mine. I have a "racing" helmet which is SA2000 certified... for fun days at the track or HPDE's you only need SA95 or something like that.... but to race you need the fire proof kind.

I spent just over $300.00 for mine.....which is full face, but sort of a lower level Bell Helmet.

You probably just want to get the fire safe kind now vs saving $100 for the cheaper one.

 

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/solorace...bellsrpro.html

This was one of the cheapest places I could find the Bell SR Pro.

 

Buy from Saferacer, if it doesn't fit they will let you exchange without hastle. And buy SA2000, 95 is discontinued.

 

I bought my Bell M2 from Northstar Motorsports: www.northstarmotorsports.com

The Bell M2 is a reasonably priced and a relatively popular choice. I like it because I wear glasses and the eye port is larger than most helmet's--a larger eyeport could be beneficial even if you don't wear glasses.

If you intend to run on road courses or participate in track days, my suggestions: stay away from "SA95" rated helmets or "M" rated helmets. SA95 helmets might not be permitted at many events effective 2005 (most clubs don't allow helmets with ratings longer than 10 years past). Wait a couple of months for the 05 certified helmets (helmets are re-certified every 5 years) to come out. At that point you will have an option to get a deal on an SA2000 helmet or get a newly rated SA2005 helmet. If you buy a helmet with an SA2000 rating it's essentially 5 years old already. Also, an "M" rated helmet is a motorcycle helmet, it won't have the flame-resistance or the crash-worthiness of an "SA" rated helmet, furthermore, you may not be allowed to participate in some road racing events with an "M" rated helmet.

 

Arai GP5k from www.speedwaremotorsports.com

You will hear all the time "buy $100 helmet if you have a $100 head." I personally think this is BS because all SA2000 helmets will protect your head. The biggest thing you gain with extra money is comfort. if you wear it a lot, this becomes well worth it. I say buy the best helmet you can afford. If you treat it well it will last you a long time.

-Steve

 

I use a Bell M3 helmet.

Skimping on safety is NOT a good idea...

And don't forget gloves, shoes and a suit

Have a look at the racing safety and equipment we offer here:
http://www.racecompengineering.com/motor.htm

 

I bought all my stuff at www.upracing.com. Excellent service.

 

FYI...The 2005 Certifications won't be available until October.

If you're only going to auto-x (no hillclimb/solo-I/Track Days) then an M rated helmet will be fine. If you see yourself heading to a track for an HPDE or anything of that sort, then invest in an SA helmet.

It's not really a matter of 'years' prior.... because helmets safety specs are reviewed/released every 5 years (as you said). Some organizations allow Current and 2 prior (which until the 2005s are out are 2000, 95, 90). Some only allow Current and previous (2000, 95). You have to check with who you race with to see what is allowed. Personally, a helmet should be replaced every few years anyway.

 

October?! That's a bit away, thanks for the info.

Do a little research with the groups/clubs/organizations you plan to run with. Last year I ran with some groups that allowed 90s and others that went back only to 95--it was brought to my attention at one event last year that 2004 would be the last year I would be allowed to run with my 95, others stated that the 2005 season would be my last . The same went for using M rated or SA rated, some clubs allow M rated, some don't.

 

bookmarking. Thanks for the info guys!

 

SCCA Auto-x rules state than an M rated is fine. Most other clubs (even NASA) also state M is fine for auto-x and auto-x only.. since the chance of damage to your noggin is .0001% or something like that in a proper auto-x environment. I've run with about 7 different clubs thought the northeast for auto-x.. never ran into an issue.

And it wasn't until around Sept/Oct (Snell released the date in July) when the notice that the 2005 ratings wouldn't be out until october 2005 gained any momentum (when people actually started digging to find out when they'll be available) so many local clubs had no idea. Just pick up the phone and give them a call and ask. Not hard really. Most people who run the clubs are very personable and wouldn't think there are any stupid questions, especailly when safety is concerned.

Here's a link to the release on when Snell 2005 is going to be available. Explain that to the safety people of the club, or bring it to the clubs president. They'll let the '2000 and '95s still in in the very least. http://www.smf.org/headsup/headsup39.html#1

--kC

 

FYI: This is taken from the Aug '04, PCA-Chicago Region GingerMan registration: "Mandatory requirements for helmet...a SNELL approved SA '95 or later helmet..." The word "Later" in this context means 95 or 2000. I believe the local BMW (Badger and Windy City) chapters also require SA rated helmets--can't find those registrations.

Good luck and happy tracking.

 

SCCA has recently raised a safety issue that is says it will be evaluating. Apparently there is some concern that full face helmets and airbags dont work well together. It may be that the airbag hits the lower chin of the full face helmet first, snapping the head backwards and injuring the neck. Apparently this dos not happen with open face helmets, which also seem to offer a little more visibility. This is only an airbag issue so it doesnt' apply to typical racecars. Since most of us are in Evos with airbags, it is an issue worth watching.

 

Please signify if that is for Auto-x or track days. My whole stance has been from the auto-x perspective but I have also stated that a) Some clubs may only let in the current plus 1 previous, and b) TRACK events are required to have SA period.

I think the Airbag issue is DOA with the SCCA. E-mailing Doug Gill right now about it.

--kC