viperbob

Thanks Mark - Wow, I swear that I got my last SA2000 in October of '99. Guess when it is 4-5 years ago, you kind of forget....

mnmblu

Thanks Mark, I appreciate your letting us know this. Looks, like the University of Illinois for me (SA2000)! That was a line from Risky Business, in case you were wondering.

Chaos

Try on before you buy.
Alot of deals to be had at big events.

burgass

Check OMP also. They also produce the MQ brand but that one is mor
expensive. Here is the HJC Motorsports:
http://www.hjchelmets.com/auto/prd_ar11.htm
http://www.race-sport.net/HJCHelmets.html
The Bieffe Predator is also a SA2000 and can be find for a bit more than300$
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/Pro...p?Product=2794
Regards

mnmblu

Gregg, what events are you talking about were they sell helmets?

Burgass, thanks for the links and suggestions, gonna check em out.

Flying Finn

Buy full one, it looks more cool and protects better. I have Bell M3 (the one with small opening) and I've been very happy with it.

And yes, buy a new one.

TrackJunke

I have the older Bell M2 pro and it fits me great. I would definatley recomend a full face helmet, it will also give you the option of riding or driving open cockpit cars in the future. As for safetly equipment, I will echo what others have said on not skimping on it. I was just reading reading a book by Ross Bentley and he said "If you cannot afford the best safety equipment, you cannot afford to race."

Pzkw993

I've been using a Bell M2 Pro for the past two years. It's only $479 from Bell and the peace of mind is, I think, invaluable. I have enough scar tissue already that I don't mind skimping on driving outfits but I need by head to make a living.

For a cheaper option, thebellstore.com has the Bieffe F1, which is an SA95 helmet, for $129 or something similar. I know a few people who have had good luck with them.

That being said, buy the best helmet you can. I'm not saying this to be a sanctimonious safety jerk. High-quality helmets are more comfortable, smell better, last longer, and you will drive better when you have one on. Going from my motorcycle helmet (Shoei RF-700) to my Bell in 1992 was worth a second or two per lap because I could concentrate better.

mnmblu

Well,
Thanks guys for all your replies. As far as Ross Bentleys comments are concerned, does this mean that if I don't spend a $1000 on a helmet I can't afford to race? I don't subscribe to that kind of thinking. Any of these full face helmets will protect me and none better than any other or they would not be rated by snell, no? It is just if you want better quality, i.e., fit, smell, lighter,etc, kinda like what Pzk stated above. I think they will all protect the old noggin from injury.
And as many of you know, Racing is not the only thing that we have to pay for so I gotta budget accordingly. I have other hobbies to that require boatloads of cash so I have to watch what I spend so I can do everything I want to do... and that's a lot of stuff.

Again, thanks for the tips, and knowing me, I will probably end up spending twice as much as I budget for. So what else is new?

paradisenb

I missed this thread. Must have been drooling over my car in the garage. I bought a Bell helmet this year, M2 I as I recall. New standard. Full face. If you haven't bought one yet, don't even consider an open faced. I don't think they are even permitted on most tracks. OK for AX not DE. Buy where you can try on different models. They all seem to fit a little differently. I paid $300.00. Plenty for a good helmet for non racing, i.e DE. Now having it custom painted is going to cost a few bucks. I'm going to attend a workshop/presentation on auto painting in Sept or Nov. I want to try to do the graphics myself. I have a lot of painting experience, but not auto. Hopefully a few tips will get me up to speed. I have all the equipment.

mnmblu

Thanks Randy, I am going to go with closed face as most everyone has suggested. Gonna try some on and see. I think I'm going to go with Darth Vader black and not sweat the paint job. The color of my car is bright enough already.
Did I tell you I love your car? Oh yeah, I did. Well, I wanna tell you again. I just love that face of yours with the Chesher cat smile, made me smile ear to ear. Have fun, I know you will.

Arrwin

Alan....have you decided on a helmet yet?

ScottMellor

Bob,

I am ready to buy a HANS.
Group buy anyone?

Anir

I agree that closed is the only way to go.

Sparco will soon be selling a full carbon fiber helmet with pre-fitted HANS clips that looks great. OMP is also now selling a full carbon model. I plan to try them out when I can find a shop that carries them.

mnmblu

Arrwin,
Going tomorrow to try on a few. Then I am going to buy on line. Will let you know what I decide.