Q about helmets for motorsport use
 

Looking into buying a helmet soon and need some clarification about what rating it must be. Not entirely sure if I want to dish out $300+ if I don't have to for an SA2010 helmet but according to VCMC rules an M rated one will not suffice given that I have a rollbar installed. Technically the rulebook states roll cage but semantics aside, I'm leaning more towards doing it right the first time. Thoughts, anyone?

how much is your head worth? there are some shoei and arai helmets that are snell rated on huge sale at imperial motorcycles right now

Perhaps speak to Frank @ Drivers Edge. They sell many selection of helmets and offer advice on whats better qualified.

Cheers!
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I am assuming you have a Miata?
A M2010 helmet will be fine. It is when you have a roll cage with the side tubes that you will be required a SA2010 rated helmet.

You can cheap out a bit and buy an older SA2005 or M2005 helmet but that rating will only be good till the 2020 helmets come out.
If you find one cheap enough, a SA2000 or M2000 will be good till the 2015's come out in 2 years.

If you plan on going to trackdays in the US, some clubs require SA rated helmets.

I'd say do it once, do it right.
Got my Arai from modern motorcycling, Aron is a great guy to deal with and great price too.

Just re-read the SCCA rulebook and unless I missed it, I don't see anywhere in there where it says there is a helmet requirement with a roll bar but I'd say get an SA helmet as they are designed differently from a M rated helmet.
The SA helmets are designed to absorb multi impacts which is a must if the helmet can hit the roll bar.
As I said earlier, if you can find a reasonably priced SA2000 helmet, that helmet will be good for 7 or 8 years till the SA2020 rating comes out.

pretty sure the helmet expiry is 10 years from its design,
so the SA2005 will expire in 2015
and SA2010 will expire in 2020

from what i heard, the difference between an M rated and SA rated helmet is that
SA rated helmet has fireproof lining on the inside.

For autoX, both SCCA and CACC allow up to the 2 previous ratings, so for this year 2010, 2005 and 2000 ratings are ok.
In 3 years when the new 2015 ratings come out, the 2000 rating will not be allowed.
But yes, because of use and UV radiation, it is recommended to replace your helmet every 7-10 years from build date which should be stamped on your chin strap.

Yes, SA helmets also have a fireproof lining as well as being able to take multiple impacts which is very important if your helmet is within inches of a roll cage.

I'm using a pyrotect SA2005 right now, pretty cheap. Wish I went with open faced though.
G-force, Bell, and Simpson also make some SA2010 helmets for under $300

Leaning towards an HJC AR10 IIbut who knows, haven't even looked at any yet. Too bad the stores aren't open Sunday..

I have the HJC CL-16 that I use for autox, it was about $130

Which store would have the biggest selection of helmets? Looking for an open faced or closed.

Richmond Motorsports will problably have the largest selection of Arai, Shoei, Shark, Sumoy, HJC and a few other brands of helmets that are mostly M rated.

Drivers Edge will have Bell, Pryotect, G-force, Simpson hemlets. These helmets will be SA rated.

Drivers Edge (Stocks snell SA)
Daytona Motorsports
Holeshot Motorsports
Carter Motorsports
Imperial Motorcycles
Modern Motorcycles

They all have a decent selection of helmets, just go to the one closest to you!

The times that I've went to Mission HPDEs, I was required to use an SA rated helmet. Even though M-rated will be ok for most auto-x events, I would get an SA-rated helmet now so that you dont have to buy a second helmet later once you're addicted. And you will be.

Last I remember, Richmond Motorsports closed a while back... unless they reopened without me knowing

Oops. Didn't know they closed shop. Been that long since I was looking at bikes and helmets.

Thanks.

Ended up buying a Bell Sport helmet from Driver's Edge. Frank was a nice guy to deal with and answered all my noob questions. None of the Snell rated helmets at Imperial fit right on my head but they were cheap! Didn't really get any service there either. Meh.

Yea I recommend Driver's Edge when u guys need SA rated helmets also & Burnaby Kawasaki close to Edmonds & Canada Way for M-rated helmets.

Feel really welcomed shopping at Burnaby Kawasaki. And I bought two helmets from them now. Same good service everytime!