Helmet Q:

I'm shopping for an autoX helmet, and I've narrowed it down to a motorcycle-style helmet (from Z1R), and a automotive-style helmet (G-Force Eliminator). Both are M2005 rated, so I'm set for AutoX, but will the automotive helmet work OK for bike riding? It has a bit of a blunt face compared to the bike helmet.

The M-rating means it is already designated as a motorcycle helmet. The added benefit is that most all autocross regs accept M-rated helmets within the age limit.

With an M2005, you're good to go........

Have fun.

Rating-wise it's fine, but when I was at a bike shop trying on helmets, the sales guy was talking about motorcycle helmets being designed to reduce lift and fatigue when riding at speed. It may all be sales-floor BS, but I just wonder if the G-Force eliminator has all the "creature comforts" that a dedicated bike helmet would. I mean, the G-Force is Hans-ready, so it's obviously designed with automotive use in mind. The motorcycle helmets I tried all had a gusset around the neck to seal wind out of the helmet, and I'm not sure if the G-force has that.

In reply to MrMook:

Put the onus on that sales rep to prove the G-Force doesn't have the same features. Or, find a shop that sells G-Force and make the comparison yourself, or ask the right questions if it has to be done by phone or email. Keep in mind the rep is likely pushing the Z1R because that's what they sell.

There are always sizing and fit variations between helmets so it's a good idea to try on as many as possible - and remember that tighter is better than looser.

I rode with my G-Force race helmet for several months until I found a HJC bike helmet I liked. I didn't notice any problems with lift or air currents. Worked just fine, and it was SA rated, not M.

I would not recommend it. The tests done for motorcycle ratings and auto helmets are not the same.

Plus a blunt face, depending on the bike is going to be subject to a lot of buffeting, the wind noise will be bad, the venting is different and will be awful on the auto racing helmet, and a few others reasons that make them different.

The obvious answer is the most expensive one, which I suspect is the answer you are trying to avoid, which is have 2. But if you are autoXing and riding, and only want one, I would get a bike helmet.

I would say if you want a helmet that can do both I would chose the motorcycle helmet. I think the automotive helmet wouldn't work that well on a bike but I think the motorcycle helmet will work fine in a car.