Tire barrier, that sounded like you speak from experience

Anyway, that's quite right, it depends on what kind of events you plan on doing, and an SA helmet covers all of them. But also remember some organizations allow helmets that are 15 years old and some only allow 5 years. As for his comment on buying the "best" you can afford, it doesn't mean the $900 helmet with all those air vents is the best, just that you can hook up some cool air hoses to it if you had a rear race car but Simpson, Bell, Bieffe (I know I'm missing one or two) are the top brands to choose from, and make sure the helmet fits properly.

 

Well, I know I've lived it. Turn 6 at Tremblant in the rain. Not pretty. I guess it's bound to happen sooner or later with most track junkies.

The B-pillar came in and slapped me in the side of the head. There were stress cracks throughout the side of the helmet, but it stayed together. If it weren't for my Bell helmet and proper neck brace (Sparco) I might not be here. After my experience, I've gotten pretty **** about safety equipment. No cheap-***, DOT approved crap for me, thanks. This is not the place to skimp out!

Emre

 

Well like everyone says your not really exploring the limit until you spin or go off the road. I have been very fortunate, the few bad off track experiences i have had usually only cost be body work. The one time I did have a really nasty incidence I went off the track at about 90 slide through wet grass and hit the tire barrier at a 100 (you know that you accelerate when you are on grass ). My helmet bounced of the roll bar behind me, it had a nice big dent in it. I do about 12 races a year, and yes I believe that safety equipment is very important. When I get in my car I am wearing about $1500 in equipment.

The best you can buy statement, your right you don't need a vented helmet for most events. I meant more if you can afford one of the Kevlar helmet then buy if. The decrease in weight creates less strain on your neck and is less weight in motion when you do hit something. .

Shad

 

I got my taxes done at HR and Block they gave me H & R coupon book which had $20 off coupon for Pep Boys. So I bought 99$ helmult from Pep Boys for $86 with tax. It is good deal. If you did your taxes at H and R block you can save $20 on new helmut

 

I didn't even know Pep Boys sells helmets. Well, as long as it's Snell approved you're fine autocrossing with it.

 

Hello,

Just thought I'd check in a year later.

I picked up a nice inexpensive Snell 2000 DOT helmet at Helmet World. I used the helmet for nice rides on the Heritage AND three autox's last year.

Right now I am writing this in Great Barrington Massachussetts where real early tomorrow, helmet in hand, I am heading down to Lime Rock Park for my first track day.

It is going to be funnnnn.......

Flybyevo...

 

I just attended a HPDE at VIR this past weekend. Before I went I had to decide if i wanted to rent or buy. After much debate, I decided to go ahead and buy one. I picked mine up from www.soloracer.com Brett helped me out a lot. Nice guy. The first one i ordered was a M2000 Bell Racestar V . After recieving it. I decided it was too small. Called him up and I decided to up my choice to a Pyrotect Full Face SA2000. And from what I saw, I thought the Pyrotect was NICER than the Bell . It seemed to be put together a quite a bit better than the Bell. I used it over the weekend and was very very pleased with it.
So those of you not sure whether to buy a pyrotect or a bell. save a few bucks and get the pyrotect. From what i could tell the outer shell is the same as a Bell , but the inner components were a little nicer in the pyrotect. From what i saw at the track, everyone had either a Bell, Pyrotect, GForce or Simpson helmet.

 

i bought a bell helmet 200 bucks

 

Batty, M or SA approved? And open or full face?

TomSound, I was thinking about getting either a Pyrotect or G-Force Helmet. Glad to hear they are nice quality. I don't feel like spending $400+ when it's time to get an SA helmet!

 

Last year the group I track with announced that this year we would all need SA2000 (or better) helmets for for 2004 events.

I decided to buy locally as I wanted to be able to try it out for size and fit as part of the purchase.

I ended up with good Simpson full-face helmet. I've used it for 4 or 5 events now and I'm really happy with the fit and comfort.