Helmet Question

[mjohns930]

I am preparing to make my first trip to a drag strip and I am very confused about helmets.

I am looking at the NHRA rules and there are numerous specifications that are allowed and there are many expiration dates. I am looking for a reasonably priced (sub $200) helmet, preferably full faced, that I can do test and tune/bracket racing with. I can find Snell SA2010 spec helmets that fit the bill but I am confused about the SFI/Snell Specs and expiration dates. Per the NHRA General Regulations a Snell 2010 helmet expires 1/1/2022 but looking at the SFI Specifications in Section 21 of the regulations it shows that an SFI 31.1A/31.2A (Snell SA) helmet expires 1/1/2014.

My questions: Is a Snell SA2010 helmet that same as the Snell 2010 helmet listed in the NHRA regulations? When does a Snell SA2010 helmet expire, 2022 or 2014?

For reference this is one of the helmets I am looking at and this is a link to the NHRA rules I am looking at.

Also if anyone has a helmet recommendation in the sub $200 range I would appreciate any info.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Marc s]

My questions: Is a Snell SA2010 helmet that same as the Snell 2010 helmet listed in the NHRA regulations? When does a Snell SA2010 helmet expire, 2022 or 2014?

An SA2010 or M2010 expires in 2022. An SA2005 or M2005 expires in 2014. When the NHRA says Snell, they are talking about both M and SA ratings.

Snell SA Rated Helmets:
Snell "SA" (Sports Application) rated professional helmets are designed for auto racing and provide extreme impact resistance and higher fire protection.

Snell M Rated Helmets:
Snell "M" (Motorcycle) rated helmets are designed for motorcycling and other motorsports. They offer slightly less protection than SA rated helmets.

What are the key differences between SA and M Rated Helmets:
- SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not.
- SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not.
- SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets aren't DOT legal).

 

[mjohns930]

Ah that clears a lot of things up. Thanks Marc.

Now do you have any sub $200 recommendations? I know that is not a lot to spend on a helmet but that is my budget right now so that is what I have to work with.

 

[86GT351]

There are many choices available. Are you looking for an open face helmet or a full face helmet? Are you looking for a color? Or are you looking for something with graphics?

 

[mjohns930]

I would prefer full face, Snell SA2010, black or white, $200 or less.

Also does anyone know of any places within 75 miles of Travis AFB, CA that I can go and try some on?

 

[stkjock]

I have a HJC

http://www.hjchelmets.com/


inexpensive and decent helmet for the money

 

[mjohns930]

I have a HJC

http://www.hjchelmets.com/


inexpensive and decent helmet for the money

What specific model? I have looked at HJCs but most of them seem geared towards motorcycles.

 

[fdjizm]

^this, I have an HJC (M2005) as well.
Look for HJC CL-15, it's fine for the track.
I wouldn't spend over $100 on a helmet for inside my car.

 

[mjohns930]

^this, I have an HJC (M2005) as well.
Look for HJC CL-15, it's fine for the track.
I wouldn't spend over $100 on a helmet for inside my car.

I can't find the CL-15 but they have the CL-16 which looks like the successor to the 15. I found that it is M2010 rated, it doesn't specify on the HJC website.

Realistically is the difference between the SA and M ratings something to worry about? My car is stock and no plans to go fast enough to need a cage or anything anytime soon so I guess it would be fine.

 

[stkjock]

What specific model? I have looked at HJCs but most of them seem geared towards motorcycles.

mine is at least 5 years old, I don't recall the model, however I'm pretty sure it was a motorcycle helmet. I bought it used (nearly new) from a local guy when I got it.

 

[tjm73]

I'd buy a motorcycle helmet. They are very easy to find. I used my motorcycle helmet at the local track because they required a helmet when anyone went 13.99 or faster. Not sure if they were making up their own rules or following IHRA rules.

Anyway, with a modern Mustang, like the S197 cars, in an accident at the drag strip... the difference between an SA and M helmet won't matter much IMO. These cars are designed to protect passengers in crashes with specific rules about head injury protection.

I'd buy what ever gave me full face protection and maximum peripheral vision.

I bought my motorcycle helmet here, but they have all kinds of helmets.... http://www.helmetcity.com/

 

[mjohns930]

I'd buy a motorcycle helmet. They are very easy to find. I used my motorcycle helmet at the local track because they required a helmet when anyone went 13.99 or faster. Not sure if they were making up their own rules or following IHRA rules.

Anyway, with a modern Mustang, like the S197 cars, in an accident at the drag strip... the difference between an SA and M helmet won't matter much IMO. These cars are designed to protect passengers in crashes with specific rules about head injury protection.

I'd buy what ever gave me full face protection and maximum peripheral vision.

I bought my motorcycle helmet here, but they have all kinds of helmets.... http://www.helmetcity.com/

The HJC CL-16 just moved to the top of my list seeing how many people are using motorcycle helmets. Found it here for $116.99.

I appreciate all the input everyone has given. Thanks.

 

[doogie]

I bought my G-Force a couple years ago from saferacer.com using a discount code someone on here provided for around $150. Here's at least one option in your price range http://www.saferacer.com/zamp-racing-fsa-2-sa2010-auto-racing-helmet.html?productid=2405

 

[mjohns930]

The Zamp Racing helmet is #2 on the list right now. I have found a 10% off code for saferacer.com so that makes it about $152 and free shipping. And it is SA2010 which is exactly what I wanted.

 

[Diabolical!]

I had a lot of the same questions as you the first time I bought a helmet. I called Pyrotect and the customer service I got made me a customer and word-of-mouth advertiser for life. They spent all the time I needed explaining what each acronym meant, what TRUE expirations dates were, and treated me like a king even as I bought one of their cheapest offerings. Years later when I needed a new helmet, they were just as good and I happily spent a LOT more on a much nicer helmet.

 

[mjohns930]

I had a lot of the same questions as you the first time I bought a helmet. I called Pyrotect and the customer service I got made me a customer and word-of-mouth advertiser for life. They spent all the time I needed explaining what each acronym meant, what TRUE expirations dates were, and treated me like a king even as I bought one of their cheapest offerings. Years later when I needed a new helmet, they were just as good and I happily spent a LOT more on a much nicer helmet.

Pyrotect has jumped up on the list right now too. I have found some deals on their open face SA2010 helmet and can get it for about $152 so it is up there too.

 

[Morris]

I went to cycle gear looking for a new helmet and had just about the same requirements you had. Lowest price helmet there that meet the requirements was 340 bucks. I'm fine with that for a motorcycle but not for one in the car. (I don't have a bike right now and my other helmets have expired). I'll be looking at the links that have been posted but I hate to buy any helmet with out putting it on my head.

 

[mjohns930]

I went to cycle gear looking for a new helmet and had just about the same requirements you had. Lowest price helmet there that meet the requirements was 340 bucks. I'm fine with that for a motorcycle but not for one in the car. (I don't have a bike right now and my other helmets have expired). I'll be looking at the links that have been posted but I hate to buy any helmet with out putting it on my head.

I'm with you there on not trying it on but I can't even find any places around that have a decent selection of automotive racing helmets to try on. All the places locally that I have called either have very few in stock to test fit or don't have any and they can just order it for you. No thanks.

 

[JEWC_Motorsports]

Have you went to Cycle Gear?

 

[mjohns930]

Haven't been to Cycle Gear but from the website and a call to the store it seems they just do motorcycle helmets. I know it would probably be fine based off other people using them but having an SA2010 certified helmet is important to me for some reason. If I am being made to wear a helmet I would like to wear the best I can afford within my budget and in a car it seems the SA2010 standard is exactly that. Maybe I am just over thinking it. Haha.