Racing Helmet Advice

[Aikouka]

So, one of the requirements of SCCA racing is having a Snell 95+ helmet, which I do not own. Typically, there are extra helmets that people are more than happy to let you use, but I have an unfortunate problem... my head is too big for pretty much all of them! To give you an idea, my hat size is 8 (the largest normal size), which seems to be an XXL helmet size

So, I've been looking around at helmets and I found this thread earlier posted by JLee, which made me wonder... is it recommended to get a full helmet vs. an open-face helmet? I was considering getting Pyrotect Open Face SA2010 as it's a decent investment, but not terribly expensive as other helmets ($300+). I'm not sure if there's anywhere local to try out helmets. I'll probably have to ask some of the local racers for that sort of thing.

Oh, almost forgot... I normally wear glasses if that makes a difference in the type of helmet. Contacts dry out too quickly, so I'd rather not wear them with.

 

[JulesMaximus]

So, one of the requirements of SCCA racing is having a Snell 95+ helmet, which I do not own. Typically, there are extra helmets that people are more than happy to let you use, but I have an unfortunate problem... my head is too big for pretty much all of them! To give you an idea, my hat size is 8 (the largest normal size), which seems to be an XXL helmet size

So, I've been looking around at helmets and I found this thread earlier posted by JLee, which made me wonder... is it recommended to get a full helmet vs. an open-face helmet? I was considering getting Pyrotect Open Face SA2010 as it's a decent investment, but not terribly expensive as other helmets ($300+). I'm not sure if there's anywhere local to try out helmets. I'll probably have to ask some of the local racers for that sort of thing.

Oh, almost forgot... I normally wear glasses if that makes a difference in the type of helmet. Contacts dry out too quickly, so I'd rather not wear them with.

Personal preference most likely. Unless you're driving a car with an open cockpit or without a windshield, then I'd definitely recommend a full face helmet.

I'm sure you know this but you cannot use motorcycle specific helmets in some race series because they do not have fire retardant linings like auto racing helmets do.

 

[Aikouka]

I'm sure you know this but you cannot use motorcycle specific helmets in some race series because they do not have fire retardant linings like auto racing helmets do.

Yeah, the pricing on the DOT-certified helmets was certainly a lot nicer, but I need a SA95 or above. I was finding mostly SA10 helmets, which is fine. They definitely cost a bit more though. The open-faced one that I linked is about $200.

 

[Zenmervolt]

SA95 was a spec published in 1995 and is no longer current. I don't think that Snell is even issuing SA95 certifications anymore because they've deprecated the spec. You're pretty much not going to find anything with an SA95 rating unless you're buying used helmets. Snell updates their spec every 5 years, so there have been three intervening standards since SA95 (SA2000, SA2005, and the current SA2010).

An SA95 helmet would have a very limited useful life since most racing groups periodically update their requirements to reflect newer standards. Because of this, I'd recommend getting at least an SA2005 helmet so that you can keep using it for longer into the future as the racing club updates its requirements.

For auto racing, unless you have an open cockpit I'd go with an open-face helmet. The cars get very hot and, unlike motorcycles (where I recommend a full-face helmet) there's a much lower chance of jaw/mouth injury when you've got an entire car around you.

One word of advice though: Never buy a helmet that you haven't tried on. You can't know for sure if it will fit you unless you've tried it and fit is the single most important thing about a helmet.

ZV

 

[Aikouka]

SA95 was a spec published in 1995 and is no longer current.

Yeah, I wasn't aiming for a SA95 certified helmet, but that's just the minimum requirement for the SCCA "league" (not sure what to call it). I was mostly looking at 2010 or seeing if 2005 had any decent clearance deals.

One word of advice though: Never buy a helmet that you haven't tried on. You can't know for sure if it will fit you unless you've tried it and fit is the single most important thing about a helmet.

Yeah, I think that's why I may have to ask some locals where I could go to try some on. I've mostly been looking at them using sizing guides.

 

[saratoga172]

If you can find a motorcycle shop you might try some on. There might be a Cycle Gear in Alabama. Ask them if they have Arai helmets. More expensive but I believe they make helmets for your application.

 

[Apex]

One word of advice though: Never buy a helmet that you haven't tried on. You can't know for sure if it will fit you unless you've tried it and fit is the single most important thing about a helmet.

ZV

+1 Definitely the first consideration.

 

[JCH13]

I would recommend that you get a full-face helmet for the added protection.

I believe that some optics outfits can make a film that sticks to the inside of masks with your prescription on it, so you may want to investigate something along those lines for a helmet.

FWIW I wound up buying an HJC Snell rated helmet for SCCA events, and I am now getting an SA rated helmet for chump car, the G-Force Pro Eliminator. It's a little bit of a gamble because I haven't tried it on, but there aren't any local motorsports shops with SA rated helmets. I believe that SA helmets are fire-rated whereas Snell and DOT helmets are not.

 

[cbrsurfr]

SA2010 for sure. I have a M2005 open and I've had a few occasions where they don't like that it's an M or don't like the open face. Ultimately they let me on, but I'll be picking up a SA2010 full face soon. Less hassle that way.

I have the Pyrotect brand as well and like it. I wear glasses too. I'll probably stick with them for my next one.

Got mine from Helmet City - http://store.helmetcity.com No hassle returns, fast shipping. Seems to be a top notch place.

 

[helpme]

If you can find a motorcycle shop you might try some on. There might be a Cycle Gear in Alabama. Ask them if they have Arai helmets. More expensive but I believe they make helmets for your application.

Make sure you check the ratings if you go to a motorcycle shop. Many of the helmets will be Snell M, and not Snell SA rated.

The SCCA issued a statement long ago that recommended open face helmets in cars with airbags. I am NOT sure if there has been any new recommendations since:

http://www.scca-chicago.com/press_releases/PB_05-01_AirbagAdvisory.pdf

 

[thedarkwolf]

I bought an open face sa2010 earlier this year off amazon, cheapest place at the time. I just autox so spending big bucks for comfort and safety wasn't a huge concern. I just didn't want to have to wear a sweating nasty loaner helmet anymore.

 

[Aikouka]

In regard to full-face, I'm liking this one so far:

http://store.helmetcity.com/page/HC/PROD/autosnellsa2010/proairflowfullface

Someone happened to ask about helmets on the local SCCA forum a few days ago, so I'll call up the one place that they mentioned to see if they carry any SA-2010 helmets.

I am now getting an SA rated helmet for chump car, the G-Force Pro Eliminator.

What's chump car?

They have the Pro-Eliminator at SoloRacer, and it's a bit cheaper. Unfortunately, they don't have XXL in either black.

 

[JCH13]

What's chump car?

They have the Pro-Eliminator at SoloRacer, and it's a bit cheaper. Unfortunately, they don't have XXL in either black.

It's an endurance race series for amateurs.

SafeDrive might have them in gloss black, there is a nation-wide shortage on matte black, which is why I'm getting gloss black XL.

 

[KentState]

I would recommend an open face helmet if you have an airbag. I know it's a long shot, but it can cause more severe injury.

 

[Aikouka]

I would recommend an open face helmet if you have an airbag. I know it's a long shot, but it can cause more severe injury.

I guess I can put off my dream of being the new Black Stig for another day.

SafeDrive might have them in gloss black, there is a nation-wide shortage on matte black, which is why I'm getting gloss black XL.

I see a few sites with shortages in these cheaper helmets... is there something going on behind the scenes or just too much demand?

 

[JCH13]

I guess I can put off my dream of being the new Black Stig for another day.

I see a few sites with shortages in these cheaper helmets... is there something going on behind the scenes or just too much demand?

I don't know if it's a supply issue or demand issue. I assume it's a demand issue being that we're most of the way though race season.

I've got all black racing gear on the way from SafeDrive, you'll have to vicariously be the Black Stig through me :awe:

 

[Zenmervolt]

I believe that SA helmets are fire-rated whereas Snell and DOT helmets are not.

SA helmets are Snell helmets.

Snell issues many different certifications:

SA = Snell Automotive
M = Motorcycle (very similar to SA but without fire retardant requirement)
K = Karting (in the most recent versions this has merged with SA)
L = Low-power vehicles (e.g. mopeds)
B = Bicycle

There are others, but you get the idea.

ZV

 

[JCH13]

SA helmets are Snell helmets.

Snell issues many different certifications:

SA = Snell Automotive
M = Motorcycle (very similar to SA but without fire retardant requirement)
K = Karting (in the most recent versions this has merged with SA)
L = Low-power vehicles (e.g. mopeds)
B = Bicycle

There are others, but you get the idea.

ZV

Ah, thanks for the clarification. :thumbsup:

 

[Viperoni]

I just bought an HJC FS-3 open face helmet and I'm pretty happy with it.
It's a little tight around my jawline/chin, but it is a good fit otherwise.

That being said, definitely go with open face if your rules allow it, you need the extra airflow since you won't be running the AC (unless it's raining).
Definitely grab an SA so you're ok if/when you get a rollcage.... my FS-3 is an "M2010" so I'll have to worry about the cage problem when I get there.

And most definitely try the helmets on before you buy one!!!

 

[vshah]

check your local shops. since you are an unusual size, you may find an older new helmet on discount. i bought a new bell m4 pro SA2005 this summer for $250

 

[Aikouka]

Definitely grab an SA so you're ok if/when you get a rollcage.... my FS-3 is an "M2010" so I'll have to worry about the cage problem when I get there.

According to the website, SA95+ is required:

http://www.huntsvillerallyx.org/2.html

 

[Gillbot]

Many automotive facilities and events will no longer allow M rated helmets and you are required to step up to the SA rated ones. Most points have been covered in this thread already, but typically if you are just looking for a deal you can get an idea of size by trying on helmets at a motorcycle shop then just pick one up online.

 

[Aikouka]

typically if you are just looking for a deal you can get an idea of size by trying on helmets at a motorcycle shop then just pick one up online.

Ah, that's a good idea too. The one thing I wonder about hat-to-helmet conversions is that most hats aren't a static size (they stretch) where helmets are static. For example, a size 8 hat fits me like a glove, but a size XL (7.75 to 8) is a little tight. Unfortunately hats with one size seem to come in flat-billed style, which look really goofy.

Only problem is... the site said they were in stock, and they actually weren't. It probably won't ship until today (direct from the manufacturer), and the event is tomorrow. Oh well, I'll just have to wait until November.

 

[Gillbot]

I didn't trust the "hat to helmet" conversion and found out my helmet size was a bit different than hat size. IIRC, I wear a 7 3/4 fitted hat but I can squeeze my melon into a simple L or XL helmet. Though, don't hold me to these as i'm going from memory since i'm too lazy to actually go look in my garage to see what size my helmet is.

FWIW, I snagged a SA00 helmet from an old auto-x'er for a mere $35 shipped. He had given up on the sport and I took the chance on the helmet fitting since it was the same size as my M00 rated one. Best $35 I ever spent IMHO.

 

[Aikouka]

I didn't trust the "hat to helmet" conversion and found out my helmet size was a bit different than hat size. IIRC, I wear a 7 3/4 fitted hat but I can squeeze my melon into a simple L or XL helmet. Though, don't hold me to these as i'm going from memory since i'm too lazy to actually go look in my garage to see what size my helmet is.

FWIW, I snagged a SA00 helmet from an old auto-x'er for a mere $35 shipped. He had given up on the sport and I took the chance on the helmet fitting since it was the same size as my M00 rated one. Best $35 I ever spent IMHO.

Based on the sizing chart at SoloRacer, each helmet size only spans 1/8" (XL = 7.625 - 7.750). So that means L to XL would literally be the difference of just right to maybe a tiny bit loose, right?