platinum997

So first event is coming up. Had an old sa2000 helmet but obviously too old these days.

Plan on 1 or 2 HPDE events, plus an autocross a year.

Should I rent or just buy my own. Leaning towards buying as I see some in the low 200s but not sure if there any good. Besides style and comfort if a helmet is sa2015 is there a difference?

Any recommendations?

gbuff

At this point most orgs require an SA2015 (I'm sure by now most of the 2010s are gone). I've been using Bell helmets for years as they fit my coconut well (fit is THE most important consideration) and just got a new Bell Sport EV (wide eyeport for my glasses) for $400. Very happy with it.

Just buy one--you can use it for 10 years. You can spend more, or less, but you usually get what you pay for; again, just make sure it fits your head.

Gary

CosmosMpower

HJC AR10 is a good budget helmet. I would just buy one if you're going to be doing events for more than a few years. Go for SA2015 spec. The difference in addition to comfort and style with an equivalent rating is weight ($$$ CF) and other features like built in communications, hydration, air flow systems.

Martin S.

You can afford. There are certain things in life you don't scrimp on, parachutes, helmets, seat belts, etc. Get to a store that has an inventory of helmets...see what fits, then get the best you can afford.

platinum997

Thanks all. Good info...

I will check out a few stores this weekend

Carrera51

If you have a distributor local to you who has inventory, then it's worth the drive to try some on since helmet fit will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you are close to Springdale OH, US Race Gear has a store. www.usracegear.com

You can get a measurement of your head to get you a baseline for choosing the right size by doing the following: Have an assistant use a measuring tape, or a piece of string to measure the circumference of your head starting at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, around a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement, and finally wrapping back to the front. It is a good idea to take several measurements to make sure you have the largest one.

If you have any questions about features and sizing, we will be happy to assist you. Just give us a call at 1-800-934-9112. We have a good stock of Bell, Arai, G-Force, Simpson, HJC, and Roux in stock.

http://www.ogracing.com/driver/helmets

Kind regards,

Wild Weasel

I'm actually going to disagree on the premise here.

I agree that your head is important and that you wouldn't want to try to slip through slapping an SA2015 sticker on a paint can, but I haven't seen anything to indicate that you're any safer with a $2000 helmet than you are with a $300 helmet.

Spending big money will make you more comfortable and give you some features you wouldn't otherwise get and might like, but this isn't a case of "your head is important... spend as much as you can".

As mentioned above, first and foremost the most important factor is the fit. Different brands and models are different shapes and some will fit you better than others. Get a quality brand that fits well. If you've got money to burn, by all means get something lighter but it's not as though we're out there for several hours at a time. A 25 minute DE session isn't an endurance race.

If you're looking to spend extra for more safety, you'd be better off with a HANS device and then maybe a fire suit before blowing your whole wad on a very expensive helmet.

Quadcammer

I bought a $175 zamp sa2015 helmet. fits me well, doesn't give me any noticeable neck fatigue and the quality appears to be just fine. for your usage, seems like a good solution. don't think you have to pay $2k to get adequate safety

Paul Solk

I have a Bell SA2010 here never been used in Black... $150 and it's yours... I will check, pretty sure it is a Medium

RickBetterley

As noted elsewhere in this thread, make sure you visit a store that knows how to fit a helmet. Getting the right fit is critical for your safety and comfort, and helmets can often be adjusted at the store by adding or removing padding.
A store and somebody who knows how to do that is worth finding and probably won't be any more expensive than a 'ya, we got helmets here somewhere' store.
Good luck with your search and have fun in your new hobby.

NYoutftr

+1

hsmith

Arai GP6. Best helmet IMO.

bpu699

If you sign up for a Tracknight in America event with SCCA ($150) they will sell you a new Bell Helmet (open or closed) for $150/$200 dollars...

That's a good deal...

ExMB

What is the difference between Black Armour and Bell Helmets? Looks like they no longer do Bell.

https://www.tracknightinamerica.com/pages/need-a-helmet

CosmosMpower

Black Armor is a small company started by a racer out in Austin. Seems to be pretty decent quality. The Circuit closed face for $200 is a pretty good value if it fits you well.