Attention AutoX ppl!

[Yoshi]

Hey AutoX peeps... just wondering what everyone was using for a helmet.  I've got an all day track event at the end of the month and I need to get a helmet.  Just wondering what everyone uses and/or what I should look for/stay away from.

Are full-face motorcycle helmets okay?

Help me out &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>

[HippoSleek]

It depends on the group you run with and what you plan to do. &nbsp;Some will let you run w/ an open face M rated helmet. &nbsp;Check w/ the sanctioning body.

But, if you ever plan to do a track day, get an SA2000 rated piece - otherwise, you are just throwing away that $70-120 for the open face M. &nbsp;The other thing is to try on any helmet before you buy. &nbsp;If I hadn't, I was all ready to buy one that cost 30% more and looked cooler but would have been uncomfortable to wear. &nbsp;You only buy one ever 10 years, so do it right!

[kurissuS13]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Just wondering what everyone uses and/or what I should look for/stay away from.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
loaners, baby! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':cool:'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

but, since ur interested in acquiring ur own, try www.soloracer.com. they have a few helmets that they feel work the best for autoX. i like the Bell Mag 4, looks cool & functional. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'> plus, it's snell SA2000.

whacha'll think aboot the Bell Mag 4?

[DSC]

http://www.racehelmet.com
http://www.helmetcity.com
http://www.ioportracing.com

Maybe look around there for one. &nbsp;PDM-racing.com sells bell helmets now, e-mail him to check pricing.
Don even says that the size chart isn't 100% accurate as some = sized heads may be different shapes causing differnt levels of comfort in the same size helmet.

From all the sites i've been to, M rated (open or closed IIRC) or SA2000 are cool for auto-x but SA2000 are the only ones you can use on a race track. &nbsp;Also, like kurissuS13 said (and contact them b4 the even to make sure) most places will have loaners. &nbsp;Especially auto-x, they can't expect people to shell out ~$200 for a helmet when they've never even tried it before.

[tnord]

i have a Bell M2. i got mine from Northstar Motorsports. i also suggest checking donnybrooke.com. call up don, tell him i sent you and he may be able to help.

[Yoshi]

holy crap these things are spendy! WOW!
(thanks for all the links btw guys)
What's the difference tween Snell M2000 and SA2000?

[DSC]

2000 IIRC is the last year they were updated, and you can use 4 years back? maybe just 2...I duno, it may not even be the year.

But 'M' is motorcycle, no fireproof lining and only designed to sustain 1 impact. 'SA' no clue what it means but its for racing <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> comes with fireproof lining and is designed to sustain multiple impacts.

[uuninja]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DSC @ July 02 2002,02:28)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">comes with fireproof lining and is designed to sustain multiple impacts.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
That isn't correct all helmets are only really designed for one major impact. They are made to crush and absorb the shock of the impact (so that your brain dose not). If they were made to bounce (resist the impact), that would actually cause more trauma to the brain. I believe Bell even offers a service to inspect their helmets after they have been through crashes. Because even if it appears undamaged it very well be and not offer you the maximum level of protection the next time around. Not a gamble I would take.

I have a Bell SA2000 helmet the "sr pro" <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'> (bah can't remember the name) I paid $280 for the Helmet and the bag. Like Hippo said it is best to try them on. There is no way to judge fit on a web page. Example Hippo and I wear the same size and he is 4 or 5 inches taller. I never would have guessed that, and probably would have an ill fitting helmet as a result. Also there is a big difference in the way helmets fit even from the same manufacturer, you should try several in your price range and actually wear them for a good 10 - 15 minutes a piece. That will give you a feel for how they will be to wear for a long period of time.

[DSC]

Hrm...I must have been misinformed <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

Is the fireproof lineing part correct or is that wrong too?

Do note: this is all stuff I have heard/read, I do not own a helmet myself.

[uuninja]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DSC @ July 02 2002,02:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hrm...I must have been misinformed <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

Is the fireproof lineing part correct or is that wrong too?

Do note: this is all stuff I have heard/read, I do not own a helmet myself.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I wasn't sure about the nomex lining and if it was part of the "SA2000" rating, that is why I didn't address that point. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/butbut.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':but:'>

I did a bit of reading on Bell's site and it dose not look like a nomex lining is a "standard" requirement for an SA2000 rating, or featured in most of their helmets.

http://www.bellmotorsports.com

[HippoSleek]

A bit more info:

SA = "Special Application" (i.e., not motorcycle)

Ratings are updated every year and most sanctioning bodies will let you use a helmet that is up to 10 years old (rating date, not purchase date). &nbsp;Example - you may currently use an SA95 or SA2000, not an SA90. &nbsp;You may not use an SA95 after 3 years when the SA2005's come out. &nbsp;SA95's are cheaper - but remember, it will be obsolete in 3 years.

Nomex is a part of every SA helmet. &nbsp;There is little chance you will be caught inside a burning motorcycle... it happens w/ cars. &nbsp;Nomex is your friend!

Impact testing is slightly different for an SA helment - there is an additional impact and load designed to simulate impact angles likely w/ a roll bar. &nbsp;Popular belief (that is unconfirmed) is that M and SA have the exact same testing done in most cases (b/c it doesn't cost any more), but the nomex is the big difference.

A helmet is a one use item - unless you are fvcking crazy!

Try it on! &nbsp;I read all this stuff about how the switchgear on Bell is plastic and wears out faster, etc. &nbsp;Plus the Simpsons looked cooler. &nbsp;When I tried one on, I couldn't move my jaw comfortably b/c it was too tight. &nbsp;Bell was the winner even though I didn't plan on getting that one.

I too own an SR Pro. &nbsp;It doesn't have a shield - which is bad if you race open cars/carts, but not a big deal when you are behind a windscreen. &nbsp;About 50% of the people I know w/ shields removed them b/c they fog if you keep them down on a track.

Consider a balaclava (headsock). &nbsp;You can't throw your helmet in the washing machine &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

Fit should be SNUG, but not uncomfortable. &nbsp;When you move the helmet, your scalp should move w/ it. &nbsp;Like uu said - 10-15 minutes is a test. &nbsp;It's expensive and you only buy a few in a lifetime (hopefully <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> ). &nbsp;There's no rush!

he he - Matt has a fat head...

[tnord]

i'm 90% positive that all SA approved helmets have nomex lining.........i mean, just smell the damn things. i will also disagree that the SA's aren't designed for multiple impacts. if that were true........you'd be f'd in a rollover, something that unfortunately isn't all that rare. or also multiple car crashes. if the helmet wasn't capable of sustaining such situations, are they any better than sticking a cantelope on your head?

[uuninja]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ July 02 2002,09:25)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i'm 90% positive that all SA approved helmets have nomex lining.........i mean, just smell the damn things. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
So that is what that smell is. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'> You guys are probably right about the nomex. Though I didn't see any mention of it on Bell's sight, I suppose it is assumed.



</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i will also disagree that the SA's aren't designed for multiple impacts. if that were true........you'd be f'd in a rollover, something that unfortunately isn't all that rare. or also multiple car crashes. if the helmet wasn't capable of sustaining such situations, are they any better than sticking a cantelope on your head?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

That is not really what I ment. I was saying that the Helmet is not designed to be reused, after a crash. Hippo phrased it better, "it is a one time use item". Everyone I have talked to says that even if you drop it. You should either discard it or have it inspected. No point in gambling with your life to save a buck.

[HippoSleek]

Actually - about the dropping thing... it would take a pretty big drop! &nbsp;The reason it is a one use item is that the internal foam gets crushed and stays crushed. &nbsp;Unless your head is in it, the foam can't get crushed. &nbsp;The only thing you have to worry about is dropping it hard enought to crack the shell - which ain't easy!

[Yoshi]

Wow, thanks for all the info guys <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
I just need the helmet to be legal on the track. &nbsp;I know this particular raceway is really lenient so I think I"ll get the cheapest SA I can find (new one)... I'm pretty screwed for actual sanctioned autoX when my SR goes in this winter anyhow no? &nbsp;I was once told that it would put me in the modified class with all the hardcore guys that have the $ to smoke my ass without blinking... feh... that's no fun...

I'm all about the fun anyhow <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[AKADriver]

an SR puts the car in E Modified ar Street Modified. &nbsp;E Mod is a pretty hardcore class, but Street Mod is a relatively recent class intended for "dual purpose" street cars with engine swaps - like the 240SX. &nbsp;The inspiration for the class was actually all the genuinely fast hybrid Civics, but they extended the displacement limits to let the muscle car crowd play too. &nbsp;Street Mod also doesn't allow 2-seaters, so there's no pesky Miatas, CRXs, MR2s, RX7s, S2ks, or Vettes. &nbsp;In Street Mod, just like Street Touring, it's the Subarus you need to watch out for.