RI Fast Eddie

I have to upgrade my helmet this year for DE events. Anyone know the best (i.e. cheapest) place to get them?

Tom R.

if you are happy with a M helmet (de does not require a S helmet and the difference is just nomex) try helmetshop.com

944Fest (aka Dan P)

All of the PCA DE events I've been to DO require an SA bucket, and now our SA95's are history. I just ordered a Simpson Super Voyager from http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/p...s/Helmets.aspx
The shipping was free.

While not cheap ($429) I think they are very good, and I'm not sure helmets are a place where I want to find the cheapest possible solution to the problem. Figure you will get 10 years out of it at $43 a yr. Not a bad deal to protect your most valuable asset.

xsboost90

ouch, ive been looking at www.soloracer.com and some other places but have yet to put down the cash.

GlenL

Some PCA regions require an "SA" helmet and some just want "M" so check that out. About $100 difference on any helmet style. Besides places look at brands. G-Force is good and less expensive.

shiners780

I would hesitate to purchase a helmet without trying one on. They all fit differently. That being said, you might want to consider an SA approved helmet. More and more regions are requiring them. Not only do the fabric materials contain nomex, but the shell is designed to withstand a multiple impact crash, unlike the M rated helmets designed to withstand single impact crashes. I'm sure someone more helmet-savvy can elaborate on that, but that's what I recall reading. Fit is very important, so if you purchase one online, make sure they have a return policy. G-Force makes affordable helmets, both M and SA rated. Someone sells RCI brand SA helmets on ebay for around $200, you can do a search. I'm sure somone is going to blast you for wanting to buy a "cheap" helmet, but as long as you're comfortable with it then so what? Not everyone can afford a $800 + helmet.

Gator_86_951

I have the same helmet as dan, only a 2000 model. My previous voyager was a 95 series. They fit my gigantic polish melon well. Don't cheap out on a helmet. Also, don't ever drop it.

GlenL

Don't cheap out!? Don't cheap out?!

I got a "blemished" G-force full-face SA00 helmet off eBay for $187 delivered. Still can't find the blemish. Might have been a return or something. Whoohoo!

You can spend more, but how is it _really_ better?

Rich Sandor

how hard are you pushing at a DE? I don't advocate cheaping out on safety - but you shouldn't need a $600 helmet if you drive like a grandma.. or in other words aren't going to be pushing that hard...

I'm really happy with my RCI helmet.. it's an M2000 and only cost me $120 CDN two years ago. I use it autocrossing, go karting, and at Seattle DE's... (Mission and Portland DE's require an SA, but they have loaner SA's on site..)

Now that I've advanced a bit in run groups and will be pushing a bit harder, I'll be getting another RCI, but this time an SA2000 - which I will reserve for DE use only... the M gets banged up too much at auto-x and karting.

I tried on a lot of hemlets, and honestly the cheapest one, the RCI, was by far the most comfortable for me. For my application, I don't see a need for a $400 or $600 helmet that is just going to get scratched up before the rating even expires. When I start moving up and taking more risks, then yah.. clearly I will upgrade my safety equipment.

just my $9 and 44 cents

Scott M.

Hey Dan; A $400 helmet for a $50 head.

I can't see where an SA2000 is better than a SA95 or M... It's not like I plan on wrecking my car more than once anyway.

xsboost90

i think the deal w/ the sa and m is the way they are built- impact rather than sliding on the ground from a motorcycle- and the time the fire resistant material is "ok" to use. SA95 was good for ten years, or til last year, so if your gonna spend the money get a 2005 that is good for the next nine or so years instead of a 2000 that has only 4yrs on it.

-- Im a pca tech and we do not allow anyone on the track w/ an expired or M helmet .....at a DE.

Peckster

You think impact isn't a factor in bike helmets? The fire resistance is the factor IMO.

GlenL

A G-Force is the lower line from Bell so it's a pretty nice helmet. Usually ~$250 new. At least as nice and safe as an RCI.

The funny thing about this talk of spending money on a helmet is that it's not where to put it after the initial, entry-level helmet. Much better to get a race seat and 5-point harness installed. Then add HANS and fire-proof clothing.

I used to have an open-face M helmet. I'm way too good looking to not have a full-face model.

944Fest (aka Dan P)

For what it's worth, the Voyager I mentioned from Simpson IS the basic unit, they go up from there. I'm not exactly sure why, but some helmets they make come in S, M, L XL, etc and then the same series, only ad "Super" they then come in measured increments such as 7 3/8, 7 1/2, etc. Who knows, the better sizing adds $25.

A recent E-bay search for "SA2000 Helmet" showed a bunch, some new for under $150. That would be the best bang for the buck there, you get 5 seasons of use fairly cheap.

N_Halbert

Being in the NorthEast you will be running with CVR, NCR and NER. They all require SA helmets and NER will require them for AutoX.

Sponsor OGracing.com has good prices on Bell with discounts on SA2000's. Go with a full face with shield. Tire snot likes to do a bank shot off the side mirror into the car and 120 you don't want to be getting that in your face.

The other difference with M is the SA rating also includes testing for multiple impacts. i.e. door jam, rollbar...

When considering a helmet you may want to look for one with a removable liner.