Racing Helmet Buyer Help?

"Kailand09" (kailand09) 08/17/2015 at 18:01 • Filed to: None

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So I’m looking into a racing helmet. I want to get into racing one way or another - three options.

One, start autoxing my ST. I would like to do an event or so every summer with this option, and it is likely to start this summer.

Option two- there is a kart track opening near me, and I’d rather have my own helmet if I go often enough (probably fairly often).

Option three- I’m looking into a dedicated, cheap race car for auto-x and some road racing, but that depends on the SO’s job situation and will be at minimum a year before I find something to buy.

That said, what would you get? Where is the best place to buy a helmet? Online, in store? Which site/store?

Do I wait for SA2015 to release, or just get an SA2010?

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:06

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If you don’t need it immediately, wait for the SA2015s. It will save you money in the long run.

As for a helmet, the HJC AR-10 II is a great helmet that isn’t too expensive. It will be fine for autocross and karting. I know because I have one that I use for both of those right now.

If you ever plan to do some more serious racing, you might considering spending a bit more on a helmet that’s perhaps a bit lighter and equipped with hans posts (or at least has the holes to mount them). I bought mine at a local shop for the same price they were on Amazon, I think even less actually.

Kailand09 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/17/2015 at 18:07

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For now it is just auto-x and karting, though if I get myself the type of car I want it will certainly evolve to road racing at some point.

Thanks for the advice! I was thinking of just waiting for SA2015.

Jake Stumph Racing > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:09

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Buy the SA2010. Good ones can be had for like $100 now that ‘15 is coming out at the end of this year. the ‘10 helmet will be good until 2020 or later, depending on who you’re running with.

Kailand09 > Jake Stumph Racing 08/17/2015 at 18:10

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And where would I find such a deal? Look local? Online?

Jake Stumph Racing > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:11

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Depends on your locale. I strongly advocate buying in person, so you can test fit. You’re gonna need to be comfortable wearing that big bucket on your dome. It’s worth paying an extra $10-15 to buy in person and know that you got the right thing.

Kailand09 > Jake Stumph Racing 08/17/2015 at 18:13

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Good point. A coworker races, I’ll have to go to his favorite supplier. Thanks!

hsv > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:18

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Stick to something cheap and enjoyable to start with. Any kind of motorsport comes with expense; weigh up what could realistically go wrong or leave you out of pocket. It’s much better to spend less and get more seat time than dump money into something grand that leaves you skint.

With regards to safety gear, never skimp. I’m not familiar with American AutoX series, but I’m guessing you only need a quality helmet - it’s better to get something approved that can last you a long time, and most importantly, save your life if needs be. Something like a Bell Sport 5 which is FIA approved and affordable is a good starting point.

Remember than karting sounds affordable, but it really isn’t - most young top-level karters are finding it cheaper to get a full season of car racing. If it’s just arrive and drive, remember that you will need a full suit, a karting helmet, boots, balaclava and neck brace - a rib protector is also recommended, because crashes do happen and you are exposed. Car drivers who have done karting just for fun have found their seasons curtailed because of broken ribs before - personally, I would recommend against karting unless you’re dead set on it.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:27

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This so much. Always buy a helmet in person. Do a duck walk as well if the helmet will remain on your head for any extended period of time.

Also, consider the Snell 2010. Helmets have a shelf life and should be replaced. Not a big deal for autocross but for karting where a dome strike is a distinct possibility, you will probably need to replace long before the rules/regs force you to upgrade to a newer Snell rating. On average, 5 years for a helmet before you should replace it.

scoob > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:29

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You should probably go in a store to try them on and see which fit best. I don’t have anything else to add, lol.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:31

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find a local place and TRY ON HELMETS...

different sizes fit differently from different manufacturers

Kailand09 > Future next gen S2000 owner 08/17/2015 at 18:45

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Great advise, thanks! Really, the $200 or so for 5 years is not bad at all for safety. That’s why I wanted to ask.

Is it pertinent to avoid any certain brands?

Jake Stumph Racing > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:46

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No prob. If he doesn’t know, and there are no race/race accessories shops near you, look for motorcycle shops. They will have them, guaranteed. Bought my SA2005 at Iron Pony (a motorcycle superstore) on sale for $90 in 2009, right as the ‘10s were about to drop.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:48

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Not that I am aware of. Arai it top notch but you pay for that. Shoei is good. Some people give Scorpion a bad wrap because they are fairly cheap. I like the fit and wrecked in one at 50 mph. It did its job fine.

Kailand09 > hsv 08/17/2015 at 18:54

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Thanks for the advice! The Bell looks nice, and for safety, the extra $100 or so is worth it for something higher level of safety.

As far as the karting, point well taken! While not necessarily less dangerous, I’m talking about an indoor karting facility that isn’t all that high-po. I definitely don’t care for full on kart-racing. My real plan is either FV or F5.

Everyone will suggest a miata or something, but I’m just not interested in them one bit.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 18:58

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Cheapest helmet I’ve found is from the LeMons store

Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 20:50

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Simpson (simpsonraceproducts.com) sells great helmets at competitive prices. They will oftentimes reduce the price of their older stock (SA2005, SA2010) when new the Snell rating helmets release.

A new helmet is a pretty significant investment, regardless if you go premium or budget. Around Colorado, SCCA auto-x events often time have loaner helmets for participants to use. I suggest running a few events before committing to buying helmets or gloves/shoes to see 1) if you like the sport and 2) if the time investment is worth it. For example, SCCA events in my region often time take all day for what amounts to 4 minutes of track time.

I’ve had a lot of luck finding helmets on Craigslist from people who jumped into entry-level motorsports and then lost interest or didn’t enjoy the experience. There’s money to be saved there, and remember many motorcycle helmets meet track requirements with a DOT/Snell rating. (For some reason there are ALWAYS a ton of motorcycle helmets on my local Craigslist).

TA4K > Kailand09 08/17/2015 at 22:17

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I wouldn’t cheap out, since in theory you buy a good helmet to last you quite a while, so it is a sound investment. Go and try it on too, you dont want an uncomfortable helmet that doesnt fit. Always remember though, with whatever discipline you enter into, consider everything to potentially be a total loss. Most insurance companies won’t cover on a racetrack or under racing conditions, and you don’t want to prang your DD in a no-cover situation. Also be nice to everyone, especially the officials and marshals.