I am hoping to start participating in DE events, and need a helmet. Is purchasing a used helmet so I can test the waters a good idea? Am I being cheap/stupid skimping on the one thing capable of saving my life? Anyone have a medium Snell 00 or newer they want to get rid of?

Thanks
Stefan

 

There are some nice, cheap helmets available for sale new. I picked up mine for around $200. If you just want a basic helmet, no fancy graphics, I would recommend going to a shop and trying them on, and going with new.

I rented helmets for almost a year from our PCA region, which worked out ok. But I used a head-sock to minimize how of other peoples' sweat I shared. Even so, I still didn't like the idea of putting my head into the rental helmets, everyone tends to sweat a bunch during driving events.

I actually have my doubts about the safety value the helmet adds. Our region does most of our events in parking lots, and we've never had any rollover or significant accident. With a 996, unless you've stripped them out, you get a ton of safety equipment. But the rules require helmets, so I bought one.

 

Frequently, DE programs will have rental helmets. I suggest you use one of those for your first event. If you like the DE scene, just buy a new helmet. If you can't rent a helmet, just buy one and sell it if you don't like DEs (but you'll probably be the only person I've ever heard of who didn't!)

 

Pyrotect helmets are relatively inexpensive. I believe I paid less than $150 for the open face version. It is money well spent.

 

I must have been looking in the wrong places. Most of the ones I found were at least $350+, and I don't really like the idea of renting a helmet. For about $200, I will def. go with a new one.

Thanks
Stefan

 

Here is a link to the one that I bought for $148. http://www.extremesupply.com/pyrotec...tectautoOF.htm

 

I ordered mine from Apex Performance http://www.apexperformance.net/cartg...t.asp?scat=274(a rennlist sponsor), great service and selection and a rennlist discount too.
no affiliation, just a happy customer.

 

+1 great price, lots of included extras, great discount and 1st class service.

 

+2 on Apex Performance. I bought my Arai from them. They really helped me with getting a good fit and size and I got a free helmet bag. Get my brake fluid from them too. Be sure to ask about the Rennlist discount.

My $0.02 is to just buy a new full face Snell 2005 SA rated helmet to cover all your bases. There are inexpensive models available. For autoX I think open face helmets are OK, but at DE speeds I feel more secure with a full face helmet and visor. Plus with a full face helmet you have the option of using it in open cars. Helmets are perishable, Snell 2005 will not be out of date as quickly as a 2000. SA because some clubs won't allow motorcycle helmets for DE.

 

+3...that is where I got mine from.

 

i bot a pyrotech open face from apex performance. it's about $135 shipped with a rennlist discount. Comes with a nice helmet bag too. i think open face helmets are less restrictive, feels better, cools well. i have a couple close face and never liked it unless if I were on a motorcycle.

 

Here's where I got mine

http://www.thebellstore.com/

I have the silver Sprint ($140) There are cheaper ones on the same page if you're in for wild graphics - mine is plain silver - I'm not big on graphics on a helmet.

http://www.thebellstore.com/Helmets/sprint.html

Which is Snell 2000 and a great beginners helmet

 

I found an Arai ($400) helmet on Craigslist for $225. The guy had bought it a few weeks earlier to use when he borrowed his friends motorcycle. His friend crashed his motorcycle shortly after and wasn't replacing it, so he no longer needed the helmet. The shop wouldn't take it back because it had been worn a few times. Perfect condition and he took $150 for it. If you buy used you can get a great deal. Just make sure it hasn't been in an accident and has all the proper ratings.