I came across a really cheap full face motorcycle (AGV R3) helmet a guy was using for Auto-X. It is Snell-M95 and I guess approved for DE's, Auto-Xs and whatnot. Does anyone know how long till this approval is out of date (ie. no longer acceptable the stuff I'll be doing)?

 

I think they let it go 10 years, so that helmet may be good for two more years.

I'm not an expert, though. Just trying to remember what I read in the PCA member's handout.

 

From what I've heard recently, each region decides on the helmet specification required for their region. PCA club racing allows the current or recent ratings for helmet, so I think that means 1995 or 2000 is okay. The local region president told me at the last autocross that they're only allowing 2000 rated helmets as of next spring.

If you get more clear answers, please post. I've sent out e-mail to local people and am not receiving replies.

Bryan

 

There is a big difference in a M-95 and a SA95. M for motorcycle is NOT allowed in any DE I've been to. The CIR, MOR, and NOR PCA schools all require a SA95 and soon a SA00. I have no info on the autocross laws.

 

Dont skimp on Helmets ... get a good one!

944turbo

 

I totally agree with 944turbo... don't skimp... as far as it goes between M and SA... here in San Diego at least, M helmets are allowed for both time trials and autocrosses, but I have neever heard of anyone being allowed to run with one at a DE... The SA helmet is safer and will offer you much more protection... www.bieffe.com has some pretty good deals on SA helmets... good luck...

Cheers
Jonas

 

All the DE's I have been to require SA, but I have heard of people being allowed to use an MA in a pinch.
From what I understand, the major difference between MA and SA is related to flame retardance of the lining, etc. The SA uses more flame retardant materials since there is a greater risk being trapped in the car with a fire. Obviously, not really an issue with a Motorcycle. From a crash protection perspective, I'd expect them to be the same.

 

Motorcycle helmets are not as safe??? I would have thought they'd be at least as safe as a car helmet.

Jonas, you wouldn't happen to have a website in english, would you?

I'm getting this one because I need a helmet pretty quick and want to really look around for the right one for me. This one is pretty cheap and if there are new requirements or will be new requirements, I'd hate to buy a new helmet now and another new helmet in a year or two.

 

http://www.bieffeamerica.com/

Try that one... sorry... its pretty obvious. the SA helmets are classified under Auto and the M helmets under Motorcycle... they have really good deals on some of the M helmets, and the SA's aren't terrible either.... Good luck!

 

Motorcycle helmets are designed to withstand a single impact, after which they need to be replaced. Racing helmets for drivers are designed to withstand more than one impact. Our DE sessions do not allow the use of motorcycle helmets.

 

I would never get myself a USED helmet!!

Buy a new one and replace it as soon as it gets a hit!

 

Dont skimp on helmets. What can you do with a wallet if you've incurred a brain injury?

 

SA Helmets are good for more than one hit? That's not what I've heard.

I've been told an SA helmet is the same as an M helmet but with more fireproofing. If you're not wearing a fireproof suit for autocrosses/etc...

 

The flame might burn all the skin off your face and torso, but your hair will be okay.
I'd get a simple open faced snell2000. They're not too pricey, and they'll be good for years. If you sweat a lot, get one with a washable, removable lining. I'd avoid helmets with a closed faced or big visor, since you don't need the bug deflection, and it gets stuffy and hard to drink with one on.

 

It's not exactly used. The guy bought it, then got a new bike (sweet Ducatti), and got a helmet right away that match the bike.

I just heard back from the guy at the track, he said this helmet would be fine. If and when I get more serious, I will get a good helmet, not gonna skimp on the bean cap. For now, I will just take the face shield off and keep looking for a new helmet for next season.