Hey everyone,

I am in the market for a new helmet for autocross and some driving schools. My old Shoei is about 15 years old so I think it is time to get a new one. Which would you recommend and where in the Bay Area would be a good place to get one?

Thanks!

 

Conversion Techniques has some Sparco helmets in stock. The helmets are pretty expensive but they're very nice and they look better than the spaceman Simpson helmets.

 

i went to belll in oakland robbie is awesome even gave me some driving sunglasses, i bought a defect helmet, defect meaning it didnt have the bell logo stickers put on it so i got 100 bucks off other wise perfect

 

what size helmet do you have? I have a size small shoei that i bought with my motorcycle, but i sold the bike within a week cause my dad wouldn't let me keep the bike, so it's in great condition never droped.

 

Not sure what level of advice you are looking for but at the basic level make sure whatever you get is Snell 2000 or later rated. Dot rated is not generally accepted for auto sports

For Autocross/Rallycross MA helmets (motorcycle) are generally sufficient but if your serious and are going to do a lot of track or karting get an SA helmet (autosports). They are generally more expensive by at least $50. The main difference is that SA rated helmets are fire retardent.

For Autocross/Rallycross an open face helmet is generally more comfortable but for track or karting use a full face helmet. This may be required and it is safer since it supports your head when you are thrown forward while in a harness.

I ended up getting an Snell 2000 MA open face for about $99 for autocross/rallycross use figuring I would upgrade later if I got into it more. I haven't yet. At that time the cheapest SA helmet was around $150.

Its harder to find stores that sell SA rated helmets where you can try them on which is really what you need to do to be sure of fit and comfort.

 

Thanks for the responses. I have a small shoei right now, but the foam I think is starting to go.

 

We are also looking into doing some karting next year at Infeneon so I think it would be beneficial to invest on a better helmet. We'll keep that in mind.

 

I should note, motorcycle oriented stores generally do not carry SA rated helmets.

And a 15 year old helmet is not going to be acceptable in any condition. I think SCCA allows SNELL 95 or newer.

 

just head to a motorcycle shop and try some on. If you fit a shoei good, then you should try and stay with them. Most people say you have a shoei head or an arai head, cause they fit a bit differently. Anything Snell 2000 will be safe enough, the rest is making sure it's snug and fit. The people at the shop can help you to make sure it fits properly.

 

This place has a good selection and some really cheap helmets.

closeout helmets
http://www.genuineaccessories.com/Closeout/closeout.htm
main page
http://www.thebellstore.com/

 

The closeout hemets look to be motorcyle oriented M type and many of them are only DOT not SNELL.

The cheapest SNELL SA 2000 bellstore appears to carry is the Pyrotech Open Face for $178 and the Bell SR Pro full face for $260. The SR Pro is kind of a hybrid and probably not good for karting. For a true full face it appears you need to spend $300.

 

+1 for the Bell warehouse. I wnt there to get my helmet. Very kind/helpful. And I also got free glasses (though i didn't get 100 bux off: ()

 

I would recomend going out to Wine Country Motorsports out at Infineon raceway. Most people think that they are too expensive since they are a trackside pro shop, but they will match most internet prices. Wine Country carries most of the top name brands with a good selection to try them on. I personally have the Motor Quality MQ1. It's a little spendy but light weight(carbon fiber) with great aerodynamics. I use it for open wheel racing, karting, and sedans. SA are designed for hits on a roll bar or car interior and usually have a more narrow eye port(more protection) Not all SA helmets are fire retardent. Motorcycle helmets are not going to be fire proof and are designed for hits and sliding on pavement. They have a wider eye port due to positioning on a motorcycle. Anyways, food for thought, but try them on, don't buy for style, name or price.

 

I have a nice Arai RX-7 R4 motorcycle helmet, from when I had a bike, I've used it at autocross and it fits really well, I wonder if snap-in nomex liners are available for it to make it SA...