REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

elyk · 01-27-2009, 09:52 PM

going to join a drivers training program at mission and need a Snell Foundation approved helmet SA95 or newer. where the hell can i buy one locally. and whats a decent brand? bell? thx !

Rich Sandor · 01-27-2009, 10:40 PM

First of all, you need an SA2005 helmet. Forget about the "snell" label, as motorcylce helmets are also Snell tested. You need an SA2005 (special application) Do not buy an M2005 helmet. (that is for motorcycles)

There are a TON of brands: RCi, HJC, Bell, Arai, to name a few. You basically have to try each one to see which is the most comfortable for you. You do NOT need to buy the $1000 Arai GP5W helmet. The $200 RCi will work just fine. BUT it has to be comfortable for you.

You can get the RCi's at MOPAC performance, You can get Bell's at Driver's Edge Autosport, and Arai's are available at Speedware in Seattle, and one of our sponsors, Overseas auto, also sells a few brands of helmets. Like I said, you need to try them on before you commit to buying any of them.

elyk · 01-28-2009, 07:45 PM

ya i do have a Shoei motorcycle helmet, but like you said its not SA. i thought i was good to go until i did some research.

thank you rich for your post. everything i need to know!

tnkw · 01-29-2009, 07:11 PM

are u going to attend lots of events?
if not, or if you don't know that if you will like it or not, there are helmets tat you should be able to borrow @ the track.

Raid3n · 01-29-2009, 07:53 PM

depends on which club is holding the event. there might not be loaners. and would you want to use a helmet someone else has sweat in?

tnkw · 01-29-2009, 08:14 PM

^well, would you spend additional 400 bucks just for 1 event? you can get a head socks if you dont' like it. it is up to each individual. just my 2cent.

tamazoid · 01-29-2009, 09:14 PM

I haven't gone to an event in a while. But won't a motorcycle helmet be good enough? Or did they change the rules?

Blinky · 01-29-2009, 09:33 PM

A SA-rated helmet need not be $400 -- you can get one for less than half that. Inexpensive if you decide to "get into it".

As to the helmet requirement, check with the organizer. SA2005 and you'll not have problems. The organizer may accept a SA2000 helmet or may even accept a M2005/M2000 helmet. Again, check with the organizer.

death_blossom · 01-30-2009, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamazoid

I haven't gone to an event in a while. But won't a motorcycle helmet be good enough? Or did they change the rules?

It sounds like you only participated in auto-cross, where motorcycle helmets are accepted. But on race tracks, an SA rated helmet has always been required.

I believe SA2000 helmets are the minimum for track events right now. If you are just "trying out" HPDEs, then maybe you can buy a used or older SA2000 helmet for cheap and then go like that.

elyk · 01-30-2009, 07:00 PM

im definantly going to do as much autocross and track days as i can this year. i changed my mind and will not be going to the training course. i might just use my motorcycle helmet until im required to get an AS approved one.

Rich Sandor · 01-30-2009, 07:41 PM

Autocross is going to be extremely limited this year. We only have a couple of probationary dates which will be shared by all the clubs, and they will likely be filled up by pre-registered club members. An M2000 or M2005 is fine for autocross, though.

Like I said, most track day clubs usually have loaner SA helmets. Don't go out and buy one until you are hooked on track days... which you probably will be once you do one.

SumAznGuy · 01-30-2009, 07:53 PM

Depending on which club is running the event, you might not NEED an SA helmet. That being said, if you know you are going to run many events, then get an SA helmet. Also, when looking at them, don't just concern yourself with the price. Get one that fits right, and feels good. For one, the helmet is meant to protect something important so a proper fitting helmet is very very important. And since you will be wearing the helmet for 20-25 minute sessions at a time, get one that is comfortable. If you go cheap and get a heavy ass helmet, well guess how your neck will feel at the end of the day.

Lastly, look into the rules of the club hosting the event. Some might allow open faced helmets without eye protection, some might require goggles with open faced helmets.