Recommended helmets for AutoX
 

(I hope this is the right place to post...) :badpokerface:

Looking for an affordable (sub-$200) helmet for autocross use.

Any recommendations or stores that I should check out? I've tried googling for up to date information on helmets/specifications but I seem to be either illiterate or my google-fu is simply not strong enough. Also, most of my searching seems to come up with motorcycling helmets, so that didn't help.

Preferably full-face!

Thanks,

m0sh

Motorcycle helmets are allowed in auto x just as long as they're SNELL approved

The most popular is HJC CL-17 from what I've seen. I actually use a CL-17 myself.

Don't get a motorcycle helmet, if you're spending the money get an SA2010 approved helmet- that way you can use it if you decide to get into track days.

SA2015 rated helmets have been available for a few months now

The go-to store I'd recommend for motorsports related gear in the Lower Mainland is Driver's Edge:

Driver's Edge Autosport - the store for Drivers

If you already have a motorcycle or plan on riding a motorcycle, I'd say a SNELL M2015 helmet is an acceptable alternative. However, note that while many (most?) organizations are fine with SNELL M-grade helmets for autox and track use, not all organizers accept M-grade helmets for track use.

Assuming you are a novice, I'd say an open face helmet is more suitable since it is better suited for communicating with senior drivers and so on. But hey, if you like a full face better, or if you find the full face fits better, by all means, go for it.

I think I will pick one of these up.

Thanks!

-m0sh

Make sure the HJC fits your head.
I have an Arai head so a lot of helmets don't fit properly.
I second with Traum about getting an open face helmet.
Make sure you pull open the inner lining and look for the M20XX or SA20XX sticker.
Just cause the back of the helmet says Snell rated or DOT rated isn't good enough and will not pass tech. Lots of fakes use those 2 stickers but when I do tech, I will look for the reflective M/SA stickers.

Same recommendation as Traum above go to Driver's Edge and try the helmets on and ask for advice

This is what I am talking about.

This on the back of the helmet is not good enough.

as long as it is SNELL approved - motorcycle helmet or not - you can use it for track + auto-x

however - if you are on a budget then get what fits your budget

but down the road you would want to get an automotive helmet over a motorcycle helmet mainly because of the foam construction

to my knowledge (correct me if im wrong) - motorcycle helmet is made with 1 impact in mind (since the initial impact is the most severe in a motorcycle accident)

whereas an automotive helmet is made for multiple impact (in the event your car rolls over and you have a roll cage etc.)

and a sidenote for those who have older snell helmets sitting around

SNELL 2005 is still valid but expires in 2017
SNELL 2010 expires in 2022 (and are on discount at the moment since SNELL 2015 is on the market)
SNELL 2015 is now on the market and is your best bet

modern motorcycling on commercial/12th had good selection/color and great service to boot. got my HJC there, SA2015. wayyy under $200.

As far as I know, when you use race track or auto x, you MUST have SNELL helmet, which always is full face.
I guess it has something to do with liability or safety.

CL-17 is a lot of helmet for the price.
Very comfortable and SNELL rated.

The only down side is that it's a bit heavy.

if your head is a L i've got this helmet for sale, brand new, $50

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...r.jpg~original

http://www.revscene.net/forums/70346...le-helmet.html

I got a Zamp from summit racing. The unfortunate part is you can't try it on before hand. I got kind of lucky and ended up with an ok fit, but next time I'd spend more, buy local and find a perfect one. 140 bucks for 2 years of track days when I was more broke than I should have been as a track day participant was great though out of the helmet.

I think I paid ~$300 a few years back for my SA2010 Bell Sport full face helmet. Worn it a grand total of....... 3 times, not including mirror selfies. :facepalm: Now that I don't have a fun car anymore and won't be buying another one for the foreseeable future, I should probably sell it seeing as it's practically new still, but a part of me can't completely let go....

How much leeway would I have with an SA2005 helmet in local events? I know the expiry is coming up, but I have a large head, and I have to give up some comfort to get any form of Snell helmet. Driver's Edge has XXL open faces for $140 with SA2005, but nothing cheap in SA2010. Should I just bite the bullet if I intend to track/autox locally?

you would have no issues since the inspector is well aware of the rules and that snell 2005 doesn't expire until end of the year

they might give you a bit of hassle to get a new helmet (i know i would)

Ugh, that is a bit of a concern...210CAD for a 2010 out of Summit Racing. A lot of the AutoX clubs still use SA2000 as the standard. Tough call if I don't really intend on a full season of hard driving.

woops. mb_ pointed out that mine was a M2015.

quick search for differences, autocross relevant context: SoloRacer.com Helmet Guide

wait till end of the year and see if our dollar improves or wait for sales

Bell Vortex from Canada motorcycle. Paid $210 for the helmet and $14 for shipping. As far as fit measure your head with some string and then use that against a measuring tape to figure out what size helmet is right for you. Remember it should fit snug, not slip on/off with ease/move around once on. I just checked the prices and they have since gone up (bought it a year ago but some still around $210 and go up to $250 range. snell m2010 approved so you won't have any problem with autoX or drag racing at Mission as I've run both with approval. Probably won't be approved for track days though but if you want something for $200 range that will be good for autoX I recommend it. Otherwise just save up for an SA2010 helmet since you can borrow helmets from vcmc and UBCSCC autoX events for free.

Personally, I would *NEVER* recommend buying a helmet of any kind -- be it for motorcycle or motorsports -- without trying it on first hand. An extremely important thing to remember is, heads don't just come in different sizes -- they also come in different shapes. Some have a round head, some have an oval head, some have a square-ish head, etc. etc. Different models from the same manufacturer may or may not have different cores that cater to differently shaped heads.

If the helmet is a good fit, your head will tell you that loudly and clearly. The first time when I put on an ARAI, it was so supremely comfortable that I knew the fit was perfect. The Shoei I ended up buying was also very, very comfortable. The HJC -- not so much, and I wouldn't fault the company. It's just that I didn't have an HJC-shaped head.

track days only need you to have a snell approved (and not expired) helmet

I've purchased a handful of helmets over the years, but am not up to date on new rules and whatnot, but a few guys have said it before, and I will stress the point across - Always try on the helmet before buying it.

There are guys who have a horseshoe up their ass like westopher, but not everyone is westopher, so try before you buy. Would you buy a car without ever driving it or click on "Buy now!" on RussianBrides.com? Probably not.

Pay Frank a visit @ Driver's Edge.