Which Helmet?

[Sinister]

I'd like a cheap SNELL helmet for track days. Nothing fancy, etc... I'm just sick of using the rental helmets. They smell, and they're sweaty.

What do you recommend?

[Sasquatch]

Whatever the price, get one that fits well.

Check the track you run at to see if you need a helmet rated for automotive motorsports or if a less expensive motorcycle helmet is allowed.

[SD_GR]

There's an open-face Sparco if you can keep a stiff upper lip with the prospect of having your face exposed during a big wreck, but I don't know if it's Snell SA05 or not.

Otherwise there's the Bell S2R that comes with a "shade" style visor.

It's best to go some place and try all this stuff on because the fit will vary and something that doesn't fit quite right might get annoying over time.

[Sinister]

The plan was to find out what helmet I want, then go search for it.

I don't mind the open face. I'm only ending at 100mph, and I'm not outside my tire's rating, or even much above highway speeds. It'd be nice to have a visor, but it's not a necessity.

This helmet thing is more of a luxury than a necessity. I'm right on the border of being required to have a helmet, and some days they let me slide.. others I have to pay 5 to rent one.

[Sinister]

Whatever the price, get one that fits well.

Check the track you run at to see if you need a helmet rated for automotive motorsports or if a less expensive motorcycle helmet is allowed.

SNELL is all they require for anything over 11.5 seconds.

[Sasquatch]

It's best to go some place and try all this stuff on because the fit will vary and something that doesn't fit quite right might get annoying over time.

A guy at work bought the cheapest motorcycle helmet he could find online and quickly hated it because of its poor fit. I tried to warn him, but cheap is his nature.

Try before you buy. A proper fitting helmet should be snug.

SafeRacer - Auto Racing Safety Equipment, Auto Racing Gear, Auto Racing Helmets, Auto Racing Suits

Many other online sources to be found ...

[Sasquatch]

SNELL is all they require for anything over 11.5 seconds.

Will ever want to go to a road track for a performance driving event or the like? They may require a automotive rated helmet.

If you ever think you'll ride a motorcycle a full face helmet is the better choice.

I have an open face G-FORCE SA2000 (automotive).

Snell Memorial Foundation

[Sinister]

Will ever want to go to a road track for a performance driving event or the like? They may require a automotive rated helmet.

If you ever think you'll ride a motorcycle a full face helmet is the better choice.

I have an open face G-FORCE SA2000 (automotive).

Snell Memorial Foundation

Not much for Motorcycles. I'll look around. I don't want to buy used... but I may end up doing it.

[Sasquatch]

Not much for Motorcycles. I'll look around. I don't want to buy used... but I may end up doing it.

You can find a decent new M (motorcycle) helmet for under $100. Why buy used?

One autox event with a sweaty loaner was enough for me to buy my own.

[Sinister]

I'm having trouble finding anything under 200... Where are you finding these under 100$ automotive snell helmets.

[Sasquatch]

I'm having trouble finding anything under 200... Where are you finding these under 100$ automotive snell helmets.

My mistake ... I meant motorcycle. A chief difference is SA helmets use a Nomex (fire retardant) lining, whereas M helmets will use cheaper nylon. Do you want / need the fire protection? Plan to drive on a SA only track?

I think I paid $130 for mine back in 2005. I had a relatively limited selection as I needed one in XXL.

[Sinister]

I'm not using large amounts of highly volatile race fuel, and I don't have any tracks close besides pueblo. I'll have to check to see if they require SA, but I haven't been down there yet. I'd like to AutoX, but I haven't looked into it at all, and I can't afford new tires right now so I'm stuck on all seasons. The drag strip doesn't require fire retardant anything until under 11.5seconds. Then they require the full suit hood gloves, etc.

[Sasquatch]

Then it comes down to whether you want to wear someone else's sweat.

This is similar to what I have: G-Force*Pro Phenom SA2005 Helmet*-*SafeRacer

Got it at Jeg's (they do not seem to carry this one now). It was $130 + $8 for shipping.

I removed the tinted visor and the HUGE decals.

[Sinister]

I think I could definitely do 150.

Thanks

[Sasquatch]

I think I could definitely do 150.

Thanks

You are welcome.

Be sure to read the fitment guidelines to determine the proper size and return policy if you do not like the fit.

The one I bought fits well and is comfortable.