I have a very small amount of cash for a helmet availible, So please help me out?

I have seen a few that I like but unsure if I can use them.
To all the people who are knowledgeable step in please.
I will be participating in HPDEs and AutoXs soon.

I have seen :

Bell Star 1 : Price: $129.99


Bell Racestar 3 : Price: $214.99


Bell SR-Pro : Price: $250.99


Bell METROPOLIS YELLOW : Price: $139.99


Simpson LX PLUS : Price: 250.99


Out of these Helmet which would eveyone recommend?

thanks everyone!

 

OR if someone has a Helmet that you reccomend that is not on the list but with in the price range or up to $250.00 please say so along witha site to get prices & pictures.

thanks Again!

(not used)

 

Just get one that is SA2000 rated and fits your head properly.

Generally speaking - cheaper helmets are heavier that's all.

Unless you are driving for long periods or pulling serious G forces - a heavier helmet is ok. Lighter helmets are somewhat kinder to the neck muscles though.

AND IT IS YOUR MELON WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE - don't go cheap man.

 

I really appreciate your input. thanks. as for spending more money on a better helmet I would but right now I don't have Any extra cash, trust me I would like to save my life or prevent a serious head/neck injurgy-

So if you had to choose one of the above which one?

 

Of your choices I like the Racestar 3. I know your range is $250. But I suggest you add another $30 to $50 and get either a better Bell (M2 or sport III) or a Bieffe predator. You'd need to do a web search, but there are a couple places out there that sell them at $300 and under. I have seen either the Sport III or M2 for $259 in one place. I had some links but deleted them after I got my Bieffe.

Edit: Typed this message after your last one about your strict budget, so never mind.


[Modified by Vitt1, 9:09 PM 10/16/2002]

 

Try them on and get the one that's snug but still comfortable.

You can't tell how they'll feel by measuring. You HAVE to try them on.

Don't spend money on a helmet and then spend more money to send it back because it's not comfortable. Buy one in person.

A cheap helmet that's agony to wear is no bargain at all.



[Modified by nsxtcjr, 11:16 PM 10/16/2002]

 

Chalk up another vote for saving up another few bucks and getting a Bell M2. If that is completely not possible then I vote for the Racestar.

 

Of these choices, I'd have to go with the Simpson LX Plus since it's the only SA rated helmet in the list. [edit... so is the SR-Pro] If you're only autocrossing it doesn't matter, but some (all?) HPDE's require an SA helmet.

Vitt, http://www.ogracing.com is one place that has the prices you mentioned.
Bell Sport II - $259
Bell M2 - $279
- these prices don't include shipping though. The ones Bbasso posted look like helmetcity.com prices so they would. You still might want to shop around... OG has the Simpson for $229. You might save a couple dollars even after shipping.

One note... people have varying opinions on open-face helmets... or in this case, helmets without a visor (semi-open?). I was shopping without a price range, but severely limited due to my huge head. I chose to go with the Bieffe Integral GT because I thought I might like a more open helmet.


I've yet to regret the purchase and really like the open face. I understand this one is out of your price range, but you might want to think about whether you want/need a visor. You can always take the visor off, but you can't put it on if it doesn't have one.




[Modified by JeffS, 12:52 AM 10/17/2002]

 

Jeff - The SR Pro is available in an SA-Rating as well.

 

missed that one somehow.

 

i will go against popular opinion and say since you are cash strapped, you can buy a decent M2000 rated closed face helmet and youll be fine. As far as my experience goes, M rated helmets are allowed for both autox and HPDE. What differentiates a SA and M is two things, rollbar crash protection, and a fireproof layer. This is of course assuming you dont have a rollcage, even if you had a rollbar it would be just as irrelevent. Also, I dont imagine youll have to worry about fires in autox and HPDE. I do encourage a closed face because when youre on the track, crap flies and can make it into your helmet if its open, especially when you go off and plow into the grass/dirt sideways, and leaves you with a mouthful.

The arguments against this are obvious. Its your head. period. But remember, these helmets are also fully capable of motorcycle use, its not like just because its M rated its made of paper, and nor do any reasonable motoryclists think about getting a SA rated helmet. The second argument is that you might as well buy a helmet that will grow with your auto racing activity to possibly racing where you definately need a SA rated helmet. Well, quite frankly, helmets should only be used for a finite amount of time, M or SA. So when you do install a rollcage and need to worry about fire protection, then you should buy a FRESH SA rated helmet.

Anyway, I'm likely going to get a couple flames for this. Its up to you, I really like my Bell M2, but its no where near comfortable as my Arai Quantum. I'm just leaving more options for you. I certainly wouldnt discourage you from spending money on safety, but its your money and not mine.

 

No flaming or anything, but I thought that most clubs that put on HPDEs require SA rated helmets. I know http://www.speedtrialusa.com does. Unless this is one rule that they don't really stick by the book. I recall asking a speedtrial rep once, and he said that to go on ride-alongs I might be allowed a M rated, but not to drive. At the drivers meetings they also remind about the SA rated helmet.

RE: The other point, I"m not too clear on what you're saying. I understand that M rated helmets are designed to withstand "one" big impact, whereas the SA rated are designed to withstand "multiple" impacts, including when a car rolls over and your head keeps hitting the (hopefully there is one) roll bar or cage. is that what you mean? This is just from what I've read around forums like this though.

 

like i said, from my experience, my regions street (track) school and NASA's HPDE allows M helmets, other regions and clubs may not that I dont know of. it goes without saying to suit whatever your region or clubs require.

Snell testing requires two immediate impacts of three different anvil shapes; flat, hemisphere and edge for both M and SA. Theres no difference in that. SA adds another impact test of three impacts of a rollbar, perhaps simulating a rollover, or just multiple impacts (pileup?). Its recommended for any helmet that has been in any significant impact to be checked or replaced. So dont drop your helmet!

 

Almost all Clubs require SA2000 (or SA95) for the Track (HPDE), no M ratings allowed. Helmets should be replaced at least every 5 years or immediately upon impact. For more info on Snell Ratings, check out the Snell website:

http://www.smf.org





[Modified by Alexis, 7:19 AM 10/17/2002]

 

i dont mean to be defensive about my comments, but this is what NASAproracing.com has to say about preparing for HPDE.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT – Seatbelts must be in good condition. Factory seatbelts are OK. Cars without fixed roofs are required to have roll bars. Natural fibers are recommended for clothing. Minimum allowable clothing is jeans, a T-shirt & closed toe shoes. You will be required to wear a helmet when on the track. The minimum rating is SNELL M85 . Newer helmets with a SA rating are recommended. Eye protection is required (face shield, goggles, safety glasses). The more and better the safety equipment you have & use, the safer you will be.

 

So I need to have a SA95 at a min but a SA2000 would be the best. OK so where is the best helmet for under 250?

 

So from I see the Bell RACESTAR IV : Price: $232.99

(Snell M2000 and SFI 41.2 certified. Extended Coverage)


Would be fine?
what do you thinks guys?

EDIT: forget it I have seen my error- M vs SA.


[Modified by Bbasso, 2:54 AM 10/17/2002]

 

I'm surprised NASA hasn't updated their requirements, but then again, NASA leaves it to the HPDE groups to self-Tech themselves, while most other clubs are strict about helmet requirements and tech inspections.

 

go with Bell, Racestar will do i guess, but I wonder why its less than the Sport II and M2. yeah, that little visor on the SR-pro looks neat, but its completely useless and gets in the way when you turn your head left (as a driver).


[Modified by Tyson, 11:40 PM 10/16/2002]

 

I don't know about under $250, but check out this place:

http://www.bellmotorsports.com

 

AH! because its M rated.

 

too many ratings, I'm getting lost.

SR-PRO looks like a good choice, I think that might be my decision
(as for the visor- I'll take it off it gets in the way)

A quote from the site "The SR-Pro is the choice of closed-cockpit racers who want the added protection of a full-face helmet with the feel of an open face model. Features "goggle grabbers" for secure and comfortable goggle fit and a D-Ring for helmet restraint strap attachment. SA 2000 and SFI 31.2 certified. Bell helmets are manufactured with an outer shell of hand-laid fiberglass and thermo-set resin. All Bell helmets feature Extended Coverage (E.C.) an FX-bead foam liner that completely lines the helmet shell, literally surrounding the head with protection. "

and for $249. it seems like it will do

 

ill say it again, just cuz i think its more important than whether its M or SA rated, the VISOR is a must for track use, stuff (ie rocks, rubber, bolts) flies on the track and you should keep your visor down as much as you can (it fogs up too much if im not moving, and i do have to remind myself to close it sometimes) anyway, just giving my opinions cuz its past 12 (or 3am) and no one else is talkin. but if all youre doing is autox, then open face is fine. but come on, whens the last time you saw someone wear goggles with their open face...

besides, if youre gonna spend $249 on the Sr Pro, Sport II is only $259 from ogracing.com, link above.




[Modified by Tyson, 12:45 AM 10/17/2002]

 

Good advice, ALWAYS keep visor down.

 

i'm gonna agree with tyson. i've done NASA, BWWCCA, EMRA and CGI events and no one has mandated an SA helmet. I have an M helmet and have never had a problem.