What kind of helmet do you wear?

"Rainbow" (rainbeaux)
07/01/2016 at 10:32 • Filed to: None

After I get my first paycheck from my new job (which I start on the 18th, so that should be around the end of the month) I’m gonna get myself my own helmet for rallycross. I would prefer it to be open-faced, but beyond that I dunno. Under $200~ is a plus, and obviously it’s gotta be SCCA compatible and not horribly uncomfortable. My car isn’t top-heavy or fast, so a rollover is highly unlikely and I really don’t need it to be the best on the market. Just durable enough that I can use it for a long time and it won’t fall apart on me.

DISCUSSION (8)

RyanFrew > Rainbow
07/01/2016 at 10:41

I’d go to saferacer.com and find your best option. Honestly, helmets aren’t insanely important in Rallycross, so don’t hesitate to get the cheapest legal option, as long as you won’t use it to ride. They’ll all be phased out before they really break down, so quality should never be a huge issue, since you’ll only wear it a few times per year.

Little Black Coupe Turned Silver > Rainbow
07/01/2016 at 10:43

Helmets really depend on how they feel to you and how it fits. Your best bet is finding a local store to try some on in person. For what you’re using it for, as long as it’s Snell rated it’s fine, just find one that is comfortable to you to wear.

mcseanerson > Rainbow
07/01/2016 at 10:46

I bought an openface and I do enjoy it but the one thing I don’t like is if you have an ounce of fat on your face the helmet will make it look like a pound in photos. For this reason alone, and the fact that I can’t quit grinning like an idiot I’d want a closed helmet for my next one.

A side note to consider is what regions you’ll be competing in and how strict they are. I’ve been to some regions that will let you use a motorcycle helmet and if I were to only compete in that region I’d just get a motorcycle helmet. Race helmets are more for guys who get knocked around a lot more and are good for lots of small hits where motorcycle helmets are designed for one big hit.

450X_FTW > Rainbow
07/01/2016 at 11:01

Can’t speak for car racing helmets, but motorcycle helmets I can. One thing I will say, with every $50 more you spend the quality goes up exponentially (to a point obviously). My current dirt moto helmet only weighs 1120 grams and it is amazing. At the end of the day my neck is not the least bit sore.

DynamicWeight > Rainbow
07/01/2016 at 12:00

I agree with what 450X said. With helmets you aren’t paying extra for them to be safer, you’re paying extra for them to be nicer. I just paid 600 bucks for my new riding helmet to replace my five year old 400 dollar helmet. I regret neither purchase. An open face might not matter as much since there is no visor/vent stuff? My own experience with motorcycles has taught me to go for the nicer helmet though. It’ll be nicer “in the moment” and you’ll have it a long time. Unless you aren’t sure you’ll really get “into” the sport, then borrow something or buy used?

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Rainbow
07/01/2016 at 12:24

I have a closed face Bell which is nice but I still prefer my dad’s peltor. The peltor costs twice as much though.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
07/01/2016 at 12:26

Also get the latest specification you can, ideally SNELL2015. Most series don’t allow scpecifications older than 10 years. SCCA is currently phasing out SNELL2005 and those helmets only have about 1 year left on them.

BayAreaMiataBoi > Rainbow
07/01/2016 at 19:28

I would check the rules for all the events in which you will be participating, and make your helmet decision based on their requirements.
(For instance, I expect to never go SCCA racing, so I can get away with an M-rated (Multiuse-rated) helmet, and save a few bucks.)
And if you are running with your windows open for any reason, I would get a full-coverage helmet or at least a full-coverage shield. Having caught a couple of bees and a few pebbles bouncing off the mirror into my face at speed, I would choose not to be distracted in the heat of battle. . .