cannon1000

Hoping to start attending some DE and AutoX events next year. Looks like fun.

Since I will need a helmet, should I bother with the SA2005 rated helmets or just get the SA2010 rated ones? I'd hate to buy a helmet only to find it doesn't meet requirements next year.

In addition, there are some premium brands and the more economy brands that I have never heard of before now. What are certain helmet brands to avoid?

MY86Carrera

If just starting - might as well get a 2010 - a few of the sight sponsors already have 2010 on the shelf - check them out.

I have one on the Christmas list - well more of a print out from the sight - size, colour and phone number all there in one place

ps - the better quality helmets are more comfortable - padding and most important weight -. I've been doing this for over ten years and wore simpson and bell - full face and open face - both fit my bean well. So my opinion is fit is most important - If I was doing double stints on tires and in the car for 3 hours - maybe weight would be top of the list.

the name of the game is be as safe as you can and have fun while learning

Brad

ltc

Fit, Fit and Fit.
Try on as many different manufacturers helmets as you can. Search out local shops, online shops that will allow you to return for credit a new helmet, etc.

The helmet manufacturers all have different models and assumptions regarding the shape/size of the human head. In other words, you might have a Bell shaped head, or an Arai shaped head, etc.

Or, you can have Stand21 make you a custom fit helmet ... very nice.

Also, invest in a balaclava, it will help your helmet lining and padding from absorbing sweat.

Helmet homologations are good for 10 years, so if you buy an SA2005 (which are likely to be heavily discounted), you will get 5 years out of it; buy a 2010 you can get 10 years from it.
If you plan on having the helmet painted, it might make sense to buy the 2005 and use the money you saved to pay for the paint job...just a thought.

Scootin159

For autox helmets are good for 15 years, i.e. 2010 was the last year for the 1995 models. I bought a 2000 helmet in 2005 for less than 50% the cost of an otherwise identical 2005 helmet, and while I still have another 5 years of autox legality on it, I'm still likely going to replace it just due to wear & tear.

In other words - having a helmet that's "legal" for 10 years doesn't mean you'll use it for more than 5 years. Unless you're spending uber-$$$ on it, it might make more sense to just re-buy outdated helmets every 5 years.

racer

A SA2005, for many clubs, is good till 2015. An SA2010 would be good till 2020. That said, depending on climate and your use, you could find the helmet liner failing/tearing/sweat soaked and generally "nasty" well before it becomes out of date. Some helmets have removable liners.. some can be sent back to be "relined". These might be features to consider when buying your helmet. Also consider H&N compatibilty.

cannon1000

Thanks all...I had a motorcycle for years - so I understand the importance of a good fit and the smells that can come from wearing one a lot. Still have the helmet, but can't use it due to it's age and M rating. Since I am now moving over into the world of auto-safety equipment...the only brands I recognize are Arai, Bell and HJC. So your advise is welcomed. Thanks for the responses so far.

ltc

There is also OMP, Zamp (basically Bell), stand21, impact (Simpson) and others.

There are RL vendors in this forum who can help you as well.

va122

I have the HJC and am very happy with the brand, fit's my head well. I have one for racing and one for riding. +1 on the custom paint, must have IMHO

SundayDriver

Forget fit - custom paint and special suit are vital to make sure everyone knows how fast you really are...

ltc

Thanks, I needed that.
There was a rumor that he was back under an alias ... The Admin authorized the use of excessive force to ban him again if caught.

A true RL Legend