Which helmet for track/auto-x ?

[andrave]

I am hoping to finish my car early this summer and take it to some autocross events and track days (beginner drifting events and maybe a few hot laps). I have been looking at helmets and I have no clue what sanctioning bodies require what helmets. I basically want to know what it will cost me to get a helmet that will be accepted at the type of events I'm interested in. What ratings should I be looking for?
Thanks.

[TheSnail]

This one is at K-mart for 16.95.

[TheSnail]

Comes with a free star spunge.

[Modern Angel]

Well, AFAIK, you need a closed-face helmet for road racing/track type events whereas an open-face helmet will do for just Autox. I bought an open-face one last year for like $99. Closed-face helmets can run up to like $300 or more depending on how much you wanna drop. If you're planning on doing road racing as well as Autox then get a closed-face one so you can use it for anything. Plus, they look cooler. I always feel like a dork in my open-face helmet but whatever. :) As for safety ratings, basically anything rated as safe for motorcycle use will work. I think it's a Snell 90 rating?

Anyway, here's a link to a place where you can get some closed-face helmets -
http://store.yahoo.com/saferacer/

[russian]

go to motorcylce dealership, im 95% positive they sell helmets, test fit find your side/model, find it on ebay within 100-150 bucks :squintd:

[TheSnail]

Bell is the best, get one of those.

[RBS14]

Don't buy a motorcycle helmet. They have different certifications than automotive racing helmets. I've got a Bell SR Pro. Great helmet. Beware tho, bell's helmet sizing is usually one size smaller than what you actually need. Remember, the saying you get what you pay for is DEFINATELY true with safety equipment. DON'T SKIMP on it!!!

[sykikchimp]

you want SA2000 rated helmet if you are going to be driving a car, not an M2000 motorcycle helmet. SA2000 have nomex lining, and are built for multiple impact.

Open faced, or closed face doesn't matter if your in a car with a windshield. Closed faced are a little safer though considering that they actually protect your face in the event that debris should fly inside the car.

#1 thing about buying a helmet. TRY IT ON FIRST. do NOT buy a helmet without checking fitment. Bad idea. A helmet that fits improperly is not effective.

[Modern Angel]

What type of helmet do I need?
For autox, SCCA rules allow Snell M90+ (motorcycle) helmets. Typical HPDE events including NASA also allow motorcycle helmets although I've heard some other clubs and organizations do require Snell SA helmets (All Northern California groups I am familiar with accept M90 rated helmets). For competitive road racing, safety rules mandate SA rated helmets made sooner than 10 years or as specified in the current years rulebook. Some organisations specify "SnellXX" which means either SA or M standard helmets may be used with the XX+ year certification.

Whats the difference between Snell SA and M?
The following is taken from the Snell Foundation's FAQ
SA Standard was designed for auto racing while M Standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. There are three major differences between them:
1. SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not;
2. SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets may not be street legal);
3. SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not.

Thats it. Mainly a fire protection layer and an extra rollbar test to qualify a SA certification over a M. Both types undergo the same general impact protection test which are very rigorous. So, if you have no rollcage installed, or rollbar that may come in and possible contact with the helmet in in your car, and your auto club does not specifically require SA rated helmets, you do not need to spend the extra cash for a SA rated helmet and a M rated helmet will provide just as adequate impact protection.
Some may point out that it is a good idea to get a SA rated helmet if you ever plan on buying a rollcage or go road racing in the future. However, if you do indeed go road racing, you should buy a new SA helmet anyway since the usable lifetime of helmets is limited and the cost of a new helmet is only a fraction of the total costs to really prepare for road racing. The other counter point is the fact that its your head and life. Its up to you and if it makes you more confident spending extra on a helmet, more power to you. The fact is a M rated helmet is just as protective and is all thats needed unless you have a rollcage or are mandated by rules.

What is the difference in impact standards?
Like mentioned above, both SA and M standards must pass the same 3 anvil test. SA adds an extra rollbar anvil test. The test parameters for both SA00 and M00 standards are below:

a. There shall be two impacts at each site tested against the flat anvil. For the first impact, the impact energy shall be 150 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. For the second impact, the impact energy shall be 110 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, the impact energies represent 3.0+ meter and 2.2+ meter drops respectively of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.
b. There shall be two impacts at each site tested against the hemispherical anvil. For the first impact, the impact energy shall be 150 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. For the second impact, the impact energy shall be 110 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, the certification impact energies represent 3.0+ meter and 2.2+ meter drops respectively of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.
c. There shall be one impact at each site tested against the edge anvil. For each impact against the edge anvil, the impact energy shall be 150 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, this energy represents a 3.0+ meter drop of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.

SA standard adds this extra requirement for rollbar protection.

d. There shall be three impacts at each site tested against the roll bar anvil. Sites selected for roll bar anvil impacts must lie behind the fore plane and above the test line of the helmet. For the first impact and second impacts, the impact energy shall be 150 J and 120 J respectively for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. For the third impact, the impact energy shall be 100 J for all other testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, the certification impact energies represent 3.0+, 2.4+ and 2.0+ meter drops of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.

Impact Test Interpretation
The peak acceleration of the headform shall not exceed 300 G's for any valid test impact. Similarly, the helmet's protective structures shall remain intact throughout the testing. If, the Foundation's technical personnel conclude that the headgear has been compromised by breakage, the sample shall be rejected.

As you can see from the numbers, while the rollbar test requires a total of 3 strikes, the initial impact is not greater than the previous tests and the third impact is still less than the second impact of the flat and spherical anvil. It is my conclusion that SA standard is not much more rigorous of an impact test nor is the base test shared by both standards that relaxed that makes a SNELL certified motorcycle helmet inadequate for impact collisions.

What about an open face helmet?
What I think is more important than the difference between SA and M rated helmets is making sure you get a full faced helmet WITH a closed visor for track driving/racing - and keeping the visor closed as much as you can. There are too many small objects (bolts, rocks, parts, dirt) being flung around the track that you need to be protected from, including the event of fire. Especially when you go off the track and plow into the dirt, you will get a mouthful of dirt if you dont keep your visor down, even with a window net. Also, in case of impact, an open faced helmet obviously does not protect your face. However, for strictly autox use, I dont have a problem with a open faced helmet since the risk of impact or flying objects is very low.

What entry level helmet do you recommend?
For a M rated helmet, you can find many decent ones for $100-150 or more, check any motorcycle store or racer parts stores. It should be noted that not all motorcycle helmets are SNELL certified, check before you buy. Bell Motorsports has carbon fiber (lightweight) M helmets currently on sale (11/02). For a SA rated helmet, I like my Bell M2 helmet for its wide eyeport, but its the same as the Sport II. I dont recommend the SR-Pro or Mag-4 for reasons stated above. That upper visor is useless anyway and just gets in the way. You can of course spend much more on better impact absorbing and lighter materials like carbon fiber and kevlar.

How do I know what size to get?
What is very important before you buy a helmet is to try it on! Try to find a local race shop with the helmet you want and see if it fits. Different makers use different shaped heads to design the fit of their helmet and everyones head is shaped differently. Comfort is important and sizing charts are only guidelines. Measurements say my head is small, but I've found both my Arai and Bell helmets fit best as large, two sizes up. The small wouldnt even fit and medium was just too tight. Proper fit should be snug and test by pulling down on the helmet, the upper eyeport should not go below your brow nor should it be loose side to side. If you cannot prefit and must blindly order online, ask if they have a good return policy.

Where can I buy a helmet?
I truly encourage you to buy local and support your local race parts store. More than ensuring proper fit by trying it on, initiating a relationship with a local shop provides a good source for advice and guidance especially essential when starting out in racing, despite the extra price local shops must ask. Most shops will have clearance sales that you should look for. Use the two links below to search for a local race parts retailer, which will most likely sell race helmets. However, I understand that finding a local race shop may not always be feasible, so I've also included a list of a few online sources.

Taken from: Tyson's Helmet FAQ (http://www.norcalcrx.org/tyson/helmet.html)

[sykikchimp]

Nasa VA, and NASA SE both require SA helmets to get on track. May be different for other regions.. In my experience, MOST hpde/track day orgs. require SA b/c of the risk of fire. (matter of fact ALL the groups I've run with have required SA.)

[thx247]

get a helmet with a visor above all else, nothing worse than getting dirt and shit in your face when driving

[TheSnail]

I was able to go on the track before with out a helmet, but I had to duct tape my around the head rest, my friend told me the guy that instucted me to do this got fired. But yeah I would rather not worry about the visor for dirt (Off road yes, indy car yes) It will only detare from your visual perseption.

[formeRiceR]

is SM2000 good for Auto cross because I just bought [email protected]?#

102= helmet + face guard +shipping

Helmets (http://www.genuineaccessories.com/Closeout/CORT.htm)

[Mikes14240sx]

For scca autocross you'll be fine with a m2000 helmet.

[andrave]

OK, I have been reading up on this too, I think for the things I would eventually (within the next couple years) like to do in my car (and any that may come along) I should save up and get an SA.