ok, so I need a helmet for some track days and maybe a AutoX or 2. I'm looking for some advice on what to get. I'm thinking that an SA2000 rating is probably the best way to go since some organizations don't allow M rated helmets (so I've heard). I kinda like the "hybrid" style hemlets, but I'm SOL if I want to ever use one for Karting.

oh yeah I'm also on a budget. So I'm looking for advice on a good, inexpensive, yet safe, helmet that has SA rating (or your reasoning of why M2000 rating is ok) and possibly where to get it. I'll probably go to Sube Sports in HB this weekend to take a look.

I kinda like the Bell SR-Pro (~$265)


http://www.subesports.com/prod...D=171

your opinions will be much appreciated.

Steve

 

i'm in the same boat.

i just bought a used bieffe m2000 closed face helmet just because with all the money flying out of my pocket i can't justify buying a nice sa2000 number.

so far as i know the only real difference is the fire resistance testing that SA2000 helmets are subject to. i know most HDPE's and all of the CSCC auto-x's will allow M2000 rated helmets. M2000 helmets usually have a better field of vision and more range of motion in the neck area, which i guess is another reason sa2000 helmets are safer.

i've seen some used sa2000 helmets on ebay for less than retail.

 

I have a Bell M2 and I'm happy with it. Good full face helmet @ $299



The Bell Sport III is similar @ $299, but I think the M2 has a bigger visor.

http://www.helmetcity.com

Modified by Greg Brady at 4:41 PM 11/7/2003


Modified by Greg Brady at 8:04 AM 11/8/2003

 

this is the helmet i use, SA2000
http://www.racerwholesale.com/...lmets

 

I wouldn't get an M helmet unless money is really seriously tight. An SA helmet will allow you to compete in timed events and/or races years from now should you choose to do so. An M helmet becomes a paperweight if this happens.

I'd also go with something with a flip-down visor, as opposed to the pictured SR-Pro above. If it's raining, windy, or you wear contacts, or if you ever go for a ride in an open car like a Caterham, a visor is your friend.

 

As stated above, the M2 is perfect for autocrosses and track days. It's got a big eyeport which aids in visibility, which is especially good for autocrossing.

The Bell SR-Pro is a good choice also, as is the G Force Hybrid which is virtually a clone of the SR-Pro. Pyrotect also makes some nice helmets.

The M vs SA rating thing has been debated on here a thousand times. M rated helmets are fine for autocross and most track events. If you have a rollbar or intend to do wheel-to-wheel, go with an SA rated helmet.

I carry Bell, Pyrotect, and G Force helmets. IM me or email me if you have any particular questions. Here's a link for ya... http://www.soloracer.com/helmets.html

And just a side note, if you are going to be doing HPDE's, you might want to consider a neck collar: http://www.soloracer.com/pyrocollar.html

 

Im very fond of my Bell Sport 2 (now Sport 3). I debated like most people the whole M vs SA and decided to go with SA..they are not THAT much more, and I figure if I was ever in a situation where it required the SA Id be super pissed I had an M and would have to buy another helmet.

Also Brett@soloracer.com = great customer service

 

thanks for the help guys. I think I might go with the Bell M2 afterall . . . . I think

Steve

 

FWIW I ended up buying a Bell Sport 3. It fit my head much better than the M2 did.

 

I strongly recommend you try on helmets in person and buy the one that feels comfortable. You can't tell which model will be comfortable beforehand, not even with measuring your head (which some places recommend).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I strongly recommend you try on helmets in person and buy the one that feels comfortable. You can't tell which model will be comfortable beforehand, not even with measuring your head (which some places recommend).
</TD></TR></TABLE>

i bought my M2 helmet from soloracer.com. according to the chart on their site, i would be a medium, but i've worn elgorey's XL M2 helmet which fit me perfectly so i ordered the XL... the one i got also fit perfectly, so i'm scared to think how painful the medium would've been... despite the discrepancy in sizes, my helmet rocks as does soloracer!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jetydosa &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Im very fond of my Bell Sport 2 (now Sport 3). I debated like most people the whole M vs SA and decided to go with SA..they are not THAT much more, and I figure if I was ever in a situation where it required the SA Id be super pissed I had an M and would have to buy another helmet.

Also Brett@soloracer.com = great customer service </TD></TR></TABLE>

The M is not going to protect you that well in a car with roll bars. the SA is fire resistant, and is destined to take an impact form a roll bar.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 95tegLSS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> ...the SA is... destined to take an impact form a roll bar. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I certainly hope not!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Maengelito &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i bought my M2 helmet from soloracer.com. according to the chart on their site, i would be a medium, but i've worn elgorey's XL M2 helmet which fit me perfectly so i ordered the XL... the one i got also fit perfectly, so i'm scared to think how painful the medium would've been... despite the discrepancy in sizes, my helmet rocks as does soloracer!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I couldn't agree more with trying on before you buy. I was ready to get a medium M2, but when I tried it on the padding around my cheeks was too loose. The medium Sport 3 fits like a glove though. I'm glad I went down to a place that allowed me to try them on. I would highly recommend trying on more than one helmet before spending the cash, especially since most places sell helmets as a final sale, meaning no returns.

Steve

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Brett@SoloRacer.com &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
...
I carry Bell, Pyrotect, and G Force helmets. IM me or email me if you have any particular questions. Here's a link for ya... http://www.soloracer.com/helmets.html
...
</TD></TR></TABLE>


Brett,
Are there any major quality differences between the Bell (Mag 4) and the G-Force (GF750)?

I have an full face now, Bell M2, and I'm interested in buying an open face. Obviously Bell is a little more recognized name, but is the price premium for the Bell only because of the name. Since both are SA rated, then they will pass the standardized tests, but there may be longevity differences between them that warrant the additional price for the Bell.

Obviously fit and comfort will be the deciding factors, but do you see any quality differences between these two brands?

Thanks