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Posted by: jimtab Dec 21 2003, 11:36 PM

I think I want to buy my own helmet for the up coming season and beyond, it's been years since I bought one, so how about some advice from you teener floggers. What are your recommendations? Where is the best and least expensive place to buy one. Do we have sponsors who sell them? What color is fastest? Etc. Etc. Thanks in avance. Jim

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 21 2003, 11:37 PM

I dont think anyone close to you sells helmets. I normally send people to Frey racing or Wine county motorsports at Sears point.

Dont buy one online. You have a fat head (I can say that.. I know him personally.. dont jump my ass in PM's and emails..LOL)

You need to test fit several helmets before you decide.

B

Posted by: redshift Dec 22 2003, 12:32 AM

I made mine out of tinfoil.. cuts down on the intercepted brainwaves.




M

Posted by: stock93 Dec 22 2003, 12:37 AM

What are the requirements for an auto x helmet? I'm just wondering because I plan to autox eventually myself and I always figured I could use one of my motorcycle helmets. They are dot and snell95 rated.

John

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 22 2003, 12:40 AM

A lot of the AutoX orgs let you run what you want (I have seen MotoX helmets used)

I personally value my skull and dont mind spending *some* money on it with a real racing helmet.

A motorcycle helmet is designed for one hit. The racing helmet is designed for multiple hits (bouncing around inside a car).



B

Posted by: aufaber Dec 22 2003, 12:44 AM

You can go try them on at your local motorcycle shop to figure out your sizing. I know there is a http://www.cyclegear.com/in San Francisco.

The consesus on this board is to buy cheap, and I've already argued that enough. So all I'll say is, "You get what you pay for."

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 22 2003, 12:54 AM

The cyclegear is one block from Andy's office (Resident German)


B

Posted by: jimtab Dec 22 2003, 12:58 AM

I made mine out of tinfoil.. cuts down on the intercepted brainwaves.




M

Posted by: aufaber Dec 22 2003, 01:03 AM

SA2000 snells are tested against a roll bar anvil 3 times in the same spot for mutiple locations on the helmet and once against a sharp edged anvil, while M2000 snell's are just tested against a sharp edged anvil once for mutiple locations on the helmet.

SA2000 helmets must also be flame retardent, while M2000s don't need to be.

At least make sure it is snell certified. http://www.smf.org/

Posted by: VegasRacer Dec 22 2003, 01:29 AM

Check out this old helmet thread.

Posted by: seanery Dec 22 2003, 07:41 AM

the biggest thing in buying a helmet (IMO)

1. It's SNELL certified
2. It FITS
3. You can see out of it. (there are several different eyeports available from the different manufacturers)

Posted by: redshift Dec 22 2003, 08:23 AM

Posted by: seanery Dec 22 2003, 09:57 AM

lavendar isn't really my color.

Mine is more Green & Maroon.

Posted by: Don Wohlfarth Dec 22 2003, 02:09 PM

This link gives a couple differences between M and SA helmets
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/track/all_helmet_selection.html
Find the Snell Foundation here http://www.smf.org/
IMHO I would not want to bet any money that there's any difference in the way SA and M helmets are manufactured. Main difference is the fire rating of the liner and how they are tested.
If you already have a M helmet you "may" be able to use it for ax. If you have to purchase a helmet buy a SA (special applications) that you can use for both ax and track events (comes under the category, right tool for the right job). "Most" people that run track events will not accept a M helmet.
You want a helmet that's snug, not tight. Put the helmet on and fasten the strap. Grab the back of the helmet and lift. If the helmet comes down over your eyes it is too large.
FWIW every helmet I've ever had pinches my ears. I remove the liner and trim a very little off the foam on both sides until it's comfortable.
Depending on your budget a light weight helmet can help with sore neck muscles. For track events a dog collar that fits around your neck will help with sore neck muscles and in case of a crash will cut down on the amount of movement from the helmet.

Posted by: ChrisReale Dec 22 2003, 02:35 PM

PCA requires a Snell 95 or greater. I have a Snell 2000 that I got at a motorcycle shop. It works great for AX, but I would not road race with it. Some tech people at AX's will check your helmet, some wont....