Helment suggestions

I have decided to attend my first DE in July. I need suggestions in type of helment and a store in which to purchase said helment. Don't think my bicycle helment will work. Thanks

I used a motor cycle helmet the first 2 years. Bought it with the thought that if I didnt like the track it would be easier to resell a motorcycle helmet, plus I was able to try them on and see which one fit now I am in an SA rated helmet - wont need to sell it....gonna try and wear it out anyhow jusy a thought

HJC makes decent reasonably priced helmets. Mine is an M rated which is fine for NASA, SCCA, and PCA DEs in my area. Once it expires I'll probably get an SA rated helmet.

Find a race shop near you and try on a few. Don't spend a lot on your first one, but check your local rules for helmet ratings.

I like the motorcycle helment route. Easier to find a motocycle shop than a race shop.

I don't know about a motorcycle helmet. Which organization is sponsoring the DE? You should check with them for the required helmet rating. My PCA chapter requires "Snell SA/MA95/2000 or later" and they check every helmet during tech inspection. I bought mine online from Simpson and followed their sizing instructions.

Quotes source post: 8665510

+1 Some tracks/regions will not allow a motorcycle helmet.

I use an HJC...fitted on a motorcycle one, and bought an auto version from http://www.stableenergies.com . very confortable, and their motorcycle and auto versions use the same sizing

It's your head. Protect it. Don't get something cheap and don't use a motorcycle helmet. I would ONLY go with a Snell approved helmet. Make sure it is not an M designation but an SA. The M are for motorcycle and are not lined with nomex. Unless you want your lining to melt to your face, I would ONLY go with a Snell approved SA helmet. Check out SMF.ORG to see a list of certified helmets. My personal favorite.. Simpson Bandit... Good luck and have fun.

Soloracer.com is a pretty good website. They are located in Ohio actually. I purchased a Pyrotect SA 2005 helmet from them last year, worked very well. Good prices on most helmets.

Some events let you rent a helmet, if you don't mind sticking your head where others sweat. Make sure you get a snell 2010 in case your get "hooked" and do this stuff 5 years from now. You could borrow a friends helmet? That's how I started.

Regarding your question on which store, check out apexperformance.net I saw you're in Charlotte and they're close by in Murrells, SC so you can get your orders next day. They were super helpful when I bought my 1st helmet. Plus I got 10% off, free shipping, a free cotton head sock, and a free wool lined helmet bag. I ended up getting the Bell Sport SA2010 for $250, but they had a memorial day sale last month with SA2010's for $160. Also, VIR didn't allow motorcycle helmets when I went with TrackDaze and I only assume other events will follow suit. IIRC, the M helmets are good for several random impacts and the SA helmets are rated to repeat impacts in a focused area like you'd see in a car accident and have a fireproof liner that the M helmets dont require. I'd spend the extra cash to make sure you're valid for any tracks you decide to try out if nothing else. I also just dont like to skimp on safety. Good luck & have fun!

My advice would be to go to a race shop and have the helmet fitted by someone who knows what they are doing, a lot of people will buy helmets that are too loose which is a bit more comfortable but not as safe in a crash. You might pay a bit more but in my mind it's like paying more for a tailored suit - it fits. Hopefully you have a local shop that carries multiple brands/models so you can find one that fits you best - something you can't do online. Don't get a motorcycle helmet if your club checks all helmets before events as mine does. Snell helmets have a fireproof lining as mentioned previously.

Also another thing, I don't know who is doing the DE but I know SCCA requires a Snell approved helmet and that DOT won't be good enough.

When you buy make sure that the helmet is the newest Snell rating. Often the best price is a clearence because it is under the last Snell date code. IE: SA 2005 will be much cheaper when the SA 2010 are out. I think most sanctioning bodies will currently accept SA2005 for DE. I like Bell my last one was an M2. From NNJR PCA http://www.nnjr-pca.com/index.php?op...cles&Itemid=72 "For those that partake in the many events NNJR has to offer that require head protection, we got the scoop on the new 2010 Snell helmets that will not be available until late this year. So what does that mean? Well, if you need a new helmet, buy one and do not wait. The Snell date will change but in general the helmets will not change that much. What we also learned is manufacturers are still producing the 2005 Snell helmets and will do so until the change-over to 2010. Now why buy now and not wait. If your helmet is a few years old and looks perfect, it isn’t. The materials that a helmet is made from deteriorate and age. In general the rule is 10 years for a helmet if you go by the Snell Year. But, would you really want to risk it in the unlikely event you need the protection it affords you? You should always try a helmet before you buy it. There are plenty of helmets on display at the Stable Energies Retail Store."

I like my vented HJC....... Was not that expensive and perfect fit....