Talk to me about Helmets, AX this season. Options

[lapuwali]

Helmets really aren't all THAT expensive. Don't buy a full face for AX because you "might do open wheel some day". When that day comes, buy a good full face. Helmets also don't last forever, so plan on buying a new one every few years, anyway.

For AX, anything the rules makers will let you use is plenty adequate. For any full track use, I'd only use a full face helmet.

The M v. SA debate is mostly going to be determined by the rules you run under. Everyone will accept an SA helmet, and the bottom of the line SA helmets aren't all that expensive.

[jhadler]

Britain,

If it's strictly autox, and you're not going into an open cockpit car, an open face helmet is nice. They're cooler under the heat of the summer sun, and are easier to put glasses on with.

Most sanctioning bodies will allow either M or SA rated helemts. DOT ratings don't matter. For nearly every sanctioning body in North America, SNELL is the rating that matters.

One big piece of advice that I haven't seen anyone post yet is this: "Try before you buy". There are a ton of helmet makers out there, but they all will have slightly different shapes, and not everyone's head is shaped the same. For me, Arai helemts fit me very well, Shoei helmets -hurt-. Bell helemts never seem to fit right etc... If it's for autox and the occasional DE, a closed face M rated helemt would be key. I really prefer closed face for track events. The extra protection is worth the minor inconvinience and discomfort. Anyway, go to a big motorcycle shop that carries lots of different helmets. Try 'em on. Find the one that's comfortable. If it's not comfortable, you won't want to wear it, and it will be a distraction at best when you are wearing it.

If it's _just_ autox in a closed cockpit car, then an open face M rated helmet is fine. Find one that fits, and enjoy. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a good, comfortable helmet. But you do need to try a few on.

The helemt should fit pretty snug. If you can move the helmet around without it pulling on your face/head, then it's too loose....

And the age old Bell advertising slogan still holds true for me today. "If you've got a $10 head. Buy a $10 helmet...".

-Josh2

[TimT]

Take a look at G-force helmets

[grantsfo]

I have a Simpson open face that is very lightweight. Allows for great visbility and the lightweight aspect of the helmet is nice as well.

[J P Stein]

QUOTE (Randal @ Mar 21 2006, 09:18 AM)

QUOTE Did I tell ya I hired Britain to put the hurt on youz guys at the Parade & WCC? We gots to get him some butt time in the car, but he'll have it by the WCC You picked a good guy to hire. When Britain was down here he was doing very well with his racing, considering he didn't have a rocket underneath him. But it looks like the rocket is ready to land. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/clap56.gif)

The kid shows promise.
All I gotta teach him is not the use my car as a coneplow (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif)
A 2X4 will serve, me thinks.

He whupped me by a couple seconds when he drove it......not counting cones. He said my brakes were too soft, so I asked him why he was flat spoting my expensive tiars.....who, me? says he. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)
He allowed as how hp took some getting used to....no more of this foot to the floor & steer BS.
He'll do better with butt time.

[Britain Smith]

Thanks all for the great input. I think I am going to look into getting a SNELL2000 or better, open face helmet for AX'ing. Anyone know of a local place up here in OR that sells various brands so I can try to squeeze in my noggin?

-Britain