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Thread: New Helmet for autocross ?

  1. #1

    Default New Helmet for autocross ?

    Ok I need some advice on helmets- I've been autocrossing with an older full face motorcycle helmet without the sheild and it is now expired. Looking to replace it with a new helmet that is affordable and safe for use in autocross and track days . I'd like to be able to find it online so it can be given to me as a Xmas gift . Any advice regarding :
    - open versus full face for safety
    - comfort
    - price ( I'm cheap )
    - quality
    - sizing online (same size as my current one ?)
    Please discuss 😃

  2. #2
    Team Cheap Bastard
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    Subscribed.

  3. #3

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    Good info here. (Read the part about sunglasses. )
    1995 M Edition

  4. #4

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    On the expired part did anyone notice he following in the December Fastrack??

    Tech Bulletins

    Safety

    In addition, the SEB has approved an extension of eligibility for Snell 2000 helmets to 1/1/2017, so the “SA2000” and
    “M2000” references in the above rule will remain in place for 2016.
    Link - http://cdn.growassets.net/user_files...pdf?1447960820

  5. #5

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    This is a pretty good sub 300 dollar helmet. You just missed their 20% off sale which would have made it a really good deal. Look for SA2010 if you want a bargain (SA2015 just came out), they will be good till at least 2020 by which time you will want a new helmet anyway.

    http://www.apexperformance.net/HJC-A...010_p_595.html
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  6. #6

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    I've used this for about 2 years. Very happy. Check around you may find it cheaper elsewhere, but you can try it on here:

    http://www.smileysracing.com/shoppin...=117567&c=1460

    Inexpensive and light.

    Good info here: (weight chart)
    http://soloracer.com/helmettech.html
    '99 Emerald Green - 2015 NASA Texas TTE Season Champion (showing up is really 100% of it)

  7. #7

  8. #8

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    I would think open face would be better, its too hot down here for closed face.

  9. #9
    Driver 865's Avatar
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    About sizing, every manufacturer of helmets publishes a sizing guide. What one manufacturer calls a Large may be an XL to another. Case in point, I just bought a Snell 2010 Bell Sport Mag open face helmet (big savings of $100 less than the 2015 version), size Large. It is the same size as my Shuberth full face motorcycle helmet in XL, perhaps a little looser, in fact.

    So pick the helmet you want, then measure your head multiple times following the manufacturers instructions in order to choose on the size from their size chart. I think all the online vendors will exchange an unused helmet for you if you got the wrong size. (But be sure to read the fine print when you order...)

    I decided on open face for autocross because I think it is too hot here for a full face helmet unless you really need it. And I don't feel you need it for autocross. For motorcycling, I wouldn't use anything but full face. I don't know about track days. I'd probably go with full face for that too, and just buy one for that purpose rather than try to use one of my other ones that is better suited to a different activity.

  10. #10

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    It is super rare, but it does happen that a piece of debris from the car in front of you flies in your face and you do want a full face in this case. I guess it is not that crucial for autox though. Also, if you ever at a road course and want a ride in an open-cockpit car, you need a full face.

  11. #11

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    I love my Bell Sport. I went full face, for safety, as I plan on doing track events. It's more comfortable than the HJC full face motorcycle helmet I used to use. A little lighter too. I wear a Large HJC, and the same size Bell Sport.
    "Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague longing for something salty" - Peter Egan

  12. #12

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    The bitter half wants both of us to get full-face from Black Armor. I like the idea of open face for AX, especially if I am instructing. I would not mind full face for track, though.

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by blackzx3_13 View Post
    i went full face, because i'm not pretty.....
    fify!

    Open face is the winner in a hot Texas Summer AX event... IMHO

  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by jrj512 View Post
    The bitter half wants both of us to get full-face from Black Armor. I like the idea of open face for AX, especially if I am instructing. I would not mind full face for track, though.
    Once you cut the windshield off, you'll need the full face helmets!
    1995 M Edition

  15. #15

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    I didn't notice any significant difference in temperature between open faced and closed face. I have full face helmet, but always run with the visor up on track. The car has a windshield and a hardtop.
    I don't remember any track groups requiring full face helmets (NASA, Apex or ECR), only SA2005 or later. But you'd better check anyone you're planning on running with. Karting tracks typically do require full face helmets.
    '99 Emerald Green - 2015 NASA Texas TTE Season Champion (showing up is really 100% of it)

  16. #16
    Orange cones fear me. cone-cerned's Avatar
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    I like the open face for autocross. It's much easier to get on and off with glasses. On the track I don't wear glasses, so I like a full face. If I put on my glasses I can see what I'm doing and that scares me.

    Last edited by cone-cerned; 12-05-2015 at 08:19 PM.
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    If you were as slow as me, you wouldn't be afraid either.

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  17. #17
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    I just picked up a Bell, ended up going over to Smileys in Mesquite to try them on. I was planning on the Gforce Pro Eliminator or the Carbon, but the Bell ended up being the one that fit the best. Very happy I tried on first, might be something to consider.

  18. #18
    Chassis Designer eliandi's Avatar
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    I did not see that, thanks. I still plan to replace mine this off-season, and am waffling between the cheaper 2010s or the longer-in-date 15s.

    Quote Originally Posted by POS Racing View Post
    On the expired part did anyone notice he following in the December Fastrack??



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  19. #19

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    Latest from SCCA - Start at 4:53 to hear the helmet discussion: http://www.scca.com/videos/1980140
    1995 M Edition

  20. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by wrx74 View Post
    Latest from SCCA - Start at 4:53 to hear the helmet discussion: http://www.scca.com/videos/1980140
    Even though SCCA is doing 2000, BMW and PCA will most likely not.

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