what's the best helmet for the money? i'm going to my first track event in three weeks, and i anticipate getting hooked so i figure i might as well get my own helmet. it was 112 here yesterday, so prob will get an open-face variety. is it considered poor form to run the a/c? i think i heard hurley haywood did that at some famous race so...

 

Bell make a nice cheap one. Just remember full face will help keep you from kissing the steering wheel.
Make sure you get the most current SA rating too.

 

Check with your local track and/or club before buying an open face helmet. A local track here requires a full-face type.

I recently bought a G-Force Pro Eliminator SA2010 rated full face helmet after a bit of research. Simple, comfortable, safe. Ordered online from Apex Performance; Good service, prompt shipping (no affiliation). Tip: sign up for their e-mail list to get discount codes. Paid $205 for it.

Also there is a comparsion guide put together by SoloRacer.

 

+1 on Bell....fitment is everything.

 

if you are un-sure of your tracking future...you can rent one from most clubs for like $20....

I have 2 spares I could loan you one for a single event too.....

 

I'd definitely go full face. I like chewing my food.

I always run my AC. A DE isn't a race so the couple of hp you lose to AC is really meaningless. Not to mention since you're just getting started with DE hp is the least of your concerns.

-Shawn

 

A/C will shut off under full throttle anyways. A/C on will also keep the fans on. So two good things for run with the A/C on.

 

With respect to helmets, I would worry more about fit and weight than brand name.

 

Completely agree with the fit. Nothing like getting a headache half way thru a run because it is too tight. Your concentration is blown because you are thinking of the pain in your head and not the road ahead of you.

 

HJC, Bell, Arai...all are good....I had fitment issues with some of them, but I have had no issues with my HJC...been very comfortable....

 

I like the full face for another reason than posted here (i.e eating the steering wheel). Lots of debris gets thrown up and it can hit you in the face as the side windows will be down.

 

Fergus...just cuz the window is open doesnt mean you have to stick your head out like a dog!

 

Just ordered an SA2010 G-Force open face (I have airbags) for $150 & free shipping no tax... from Safe racer. This should work fine for my Auto-X use. I have a full face SA2005 but did not like using it with glasses.

 

Show up with this you will be the shizzle !

 

chaos, too funny. is your 996 cab listed on here?