AadosX

I just signed up for a rallycross event and I'm planning on going to a solo II event as well. I'm not too heavy into racing but will do it whenever I have time for fun. I want to buy a helmet, something 'cheap', and would like some advice. Basically I've got it narrowed down to two items, unless you guys suggest anything else. Please let me know what you think.

The first one is the G-Force Force 1, it's $150 and seems to be a larger company than the second one.

The second one, which I actually like more, based upon looks and price, is the Ultra Race Gear Avenger, at $130.

Both of the helmets are on this page. Thanks!

http://www.discoveryparts.com/cgi-bi...roduct=helmets

Flybert

Get the G-Force because it's an automotive helmet and it should be SA00. Find out if it's SA00 before you purchase it. The other one is a motorcycle helmet and probably has less ventilation because of this and it's only MA00. MA00 works in most circumstances but just in case, it's better to get the SA00 helmet.

AadosX

I've already found out about the rules, etc. They both will work, both are M2000.

Rennen

Congratulations on signing up for rallycross, you will have a blast.

One of the most important things about a helmet is that it fits your head comfortably, so I suggest that before you buy a helmet online you at least to past a local motorcycle shop and try on different brands of helmets. I found a nice M2000 full face one for less than $90 that fit my head perfectly. But keep in mind that if you do decide to get a M rated helmet, that you cannot get into some track days, drift events, etc. but if you are sticking to autoX and rallyX, you should be fine.

-Matt

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mrmephistopheles

want nice M2000 helmets for el cheap?
http://www.genuineaccessories.com/Closeout/CORT.htm
~$81 shipped.

DSC

Wow, thats awesome. Just remember m2000 is for auto-x/rally-x/SOME drift events only. So if thats all you planning to do, this is a damn good deal. But if you plan to do any open track days I think most places require sn2000 or something like that.

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drift into a curb

Currently, I have an old HJC CL-12 I've been running at the drift events. Is ventilation the only difference between SA and M rated helmets? I ask because I imagine M(otorcycle) rated helmets to protect just as well if not better than SA automotive rated helmets. I was looking at the Pyrotect and the SA2000 is over $100 more than the M2000.

I've been thinking about participating in auto-x events. Can I run M2000 rated helmets in autox? Thanks for your help.

Flybert

I'm pretty sure that MA helmets are designed for one solid impact while SA rated helmets are designed for multiple impacts because of the chance of a rollover. I thought I read that somewhere.

THX1138

SA helmets also have fire-resistant liners, IIRC.

Kreator

also i believe SA are fire resistant while M are not. Thus M are valid for rally cross, but say clubrally requires SA

edit: hah, went to get a cup of tea and got beat to it

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кто болеет за Зенит, у того всегда стоит!

AadosX

Autocross and rallycross only require M or SA... either one.

thx247

get an SA if you are seriously going to run on the track. The crash diff between M and SA is minimal though.

drift into a curb

Plan to get an SA2000 Pyrotect. Have you guys any reviews about it? They're made by Bell and I'm satisfied they are consistent on their quality of helmets. I just picked up a cheap Fulmer helmet at Autobacs. $50 for a m2000 rated helmet. It's a clearance sale on the Fulmers for the silver colored ASF7 just to let you guys know. I don't plan on using it long just for the next week actually because I have a track event.



Thanks for all the info guys.

mrmephistopheles

i'll get an SA rated helmet soon enough, but a nice M helmet is fine for the events i'm doing now.

balmo

M2000 helmets are ok for solo2. i got an hjc m2000 rated helmet and its good thoughout the '04 season.

nightwalker

how much is your head worth?

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mrmephistopheles

tree-fitty.

HippoSleek

A few points. Generally, there is no difference between the crash structures of an SA ("special application") and an M ("motorcycle") rated helmet. The tests used are different (check out the Snell foundation website for particulars), with the M being subject to a single large impact and the SA being subject to a single impact and several smaller impacts (simulating a roll bar hit). Because the structures will usually pass both tests, the big deal is fire. An SA helmet has a nomex lining which would come in handy if you were in a burning car and didn't want foam melting onto your head (not such an issue on a bike).

Will an M rated helmet work? -- yes, unless your car catches fire (which I've seen at the track and no where else). Is it a good buy? -- I don't think so. I've known several people who cheaped out and got an M rated helmet, only to get hooked on driving and learn that they couldn't use an M at the track. When that happens that $150 M rated helmet becomes a pricey paperweight and they're off to spend another $200-250 on an SA hat. IMHO, buying an M rated helmet is penny-wise and pound-foolish (though not to the degree of letting the Yankees get A-Rod).

Racer wholesale and some other places usually have good deals on GForce SA helmets (iirc, about $230 for a full face SA). I'll also offer the standing warning that you should try it on if at all possible for at least 10 minutes. Important for two reasons -- one is to learn how a helmet should fit. The second is that track sessions (if you eventually do these) can last 40 minutes w/ some groups. That's a LONG time in an uncomfortable helmet. If you can't try one on, ask about the exchange policy and order, try, and exchange until you get a good fit.