What should I look for when choosing a helmet that I am going to use in a car? I want to be able to do track days and autox, as well as use it when I ride my now-running moped.
What does it need to be NASA legal? SCCA legal? Open-face of full-face? What am I forgetting?
I think most road racing (as of this year) requires at least Snell SA2005 full face.
Snell SA2005 yes... full face no... depends on the application .. maybe for an open cockpit car... but I run TT and PDX with NASA & SCCA with a M2005 open face / or a SA2005 full face depending on the weather conditions
If it were me with the same requirements, I'd be looking for the cheapest comfortable full face SA2010 or SA2005 helmet you can find. If it were autocross only, I'd say open faced. I don't know if thats a requirement, but it would be for me.
I just bought a Pyrotect Airflow SA2010 for $250 shipped. Even though I only autocross at the moment, I went with a full-face unit because A) I drive a Miata and B) I hope to do some track days/PDX later. I figured in the open car I would probably want the extra protection.
It's nice and light - about 3 lbs - and seems well made.
Sounds like it just needs to be Snell SA certified? Open or closed face is a preference?
For the moment it sounds like a full face SA helmet and I can remove the visor when driving?
Having trouble finding a shop that stocks SA helmets. Anyone have a lead in the Bay Area? Not something I feel comfortable ordering online.
mr2peak wrote:Having trouble finding a shop that stocks SA helmets. Anyone have a lead in the Bay Area? Not something I feel comfortable ordering online.
Ask around at your next autocross to try on a bunch. Find a few that fit, search for those ones online.
I've been told that if the car still has airbags then an open face is preferred. Full face obviously has the best protection but could cause neck injury if an airbag blows.
At this point full face is a must, no point in wearing a helmet if you have no face after.
I think I'm going to go by the BMW dealership, BMWCCA should be able to point me in the right direction to start hopefully. I'd try the honda dealership but they have no legally sanctioned race bodies runs and ducks
Asking at the autox is a good idea, I'll have to see when the next one is in SF, haven't gone yet as I'm still getting the car drive-worthy. Brake rebuild at the moment and subframe install with the E30tech adjustment tabs!
The car has airbags but they have been disabled by the PO
I'd like this to be a real safety discussion.
Duke wrote:I just bought a Pyrotect Airflow SA2010 for $250 shipped. Even though I only autocross at the moment, I went with a full-face unit because A) I drive a Miata and B) I hope to do some track days/PDX later. I figured in the open car I would probably want the extra protection.
It's nice and light - about 3 lbs - and seems well made.
Where did you get it for $250, seems like most want $289-$299 shipped....
