I bought a HJC AC-11 M2000 helmet that is snell rated etc but now found out I need a SNELL SA and the one I bought is more a motocycle melmet...UHG....

can anyone recomend the best helmet in the 200 range that will qualify me for driving schools, etc... I need a SNELL SA Rated helmet

thanks all
Steve

 

You are SURE you need SA? Most driving schools allow M helmets, as long as they have a new enough Snell rating. But if you really do need SA, good luck finding one for $200. SA is a lot more expensive than M -- for supply and demand reasons, I suspect.

Honestly, I would either rent/borrow or go out and find whichever helmet fit me best and then buy it regardless of the price.

 

I have an AC-11 or 14 or something also. Same dilemna, some schools allow it (CGI) and some don't (SpeedTrial) in the Midwest. Either go to the ones that do allow M, or you can buy yourself an open face, easily under 200. Here's one I happened to just come across today http://www.bergmanracingsupply.com/home.php at the bottom of the page, 130 bucks shipped. But it is mail order so you can't try it on.

Open face may be OK or even better (?) with cars equipped with air bags...at least that was the line of thinking from the SCCA a few months back.

On the internet, you'll have no trouble finding an SA helment for less than 200, you just can't try it on.

 

youngjun91 - If you're near the barrington area, look up Northstar Motorsports (www.northstarmotorsports.com). That's where I got my helmet. They have an actual store in addition to online. Trying on is almost a necessity (even if you buy somewhere else). Also, speedtrial is awesome.

Open face may be cheaper but if this is something you think you may get into, get a full face. An extra $100 is a small price to pay for your safety.

There's an article about helmets in the latest issue of Grassroots motorsports magazine. I can take a look at it when I get home and I'll see what they suggest.

 

I just picked up an SA rated helmet (RCI is the brand) full face for $208. National performance in Las Vegas is where I picked it up.

 

 

[QUOTE=twohoos,Mar 22 2005, 09:26 PM]

 

I'll second Northstar in Barrington...I've picked up stuff from them before! I currently have a full face, but have considered picking up an open face too.

-Justin

 

Copied this from the GR Motorsports article (you guys are lucky I type fast). It is in their buyer's guide in the "Under $300" section:

Starting prices for SA-rated helmets range from less than $200 to about $300, and most of the models in this range will feature a fiberglass shell and an open face design. For example, the G-Force GF750 Open Face is priced at a mere $149, and its selling points are a lightweight composite shell, Kevlar chin strap and a PBI/Durablend interior.
Impact Racing offers the Bill Simpson-designed open-face helmet called the Velocity. The $219 Velocity has a computer-modeled interior matched with a foam-fit system to offer a comfortable fit.
Simpson's entry-level helmet is the Shark LX. It features a fiberglass shell and open-faced design. Listed at around $270, it offers the famous Simpson name at an affordable price.
SPECTORRacing has started importing Zamp's line of SA-rated helmets to the US. They offer the fiberglass full-face FSA-1 for $199.95 and the composite FA-10 for $259.95.
For about $250, Bell's SR-Pro helmet feels like an open-face helmet but its unique design offers full-face protection. Features include a removable visor and "goggle grabbers" for secure and comfortable fit when used with goggles. According to Bob Booth ant Bell West, "rallyists requiring communication with co-drivers prefer the SR-Pro."
While most full-face helmets cost more than $300, the G-Force Pro Force 1 does carry a retail price of $279.99. It doesn't sport any aero aids, although the helmet does feature a flow-through ventilation system.
Pyrotect sells a high quality, SA-rated, closed face helmet called the Full Face for just $248.45. A patriotic graphic version is available for just $50 more.

 

I'm also a street motorcyclist, and now some of the groups I do car track events with require SA helmets so I'm stuck buying two. For the bike I have always spent a huge bundle to make sure it is quiet, and I just love my Shoei! So last year when I picked up my SA I wanted a really good safe helmet but at an attractive price. I bought a G-Force and I have to say, it is one of the most comfortable helmets I have ever owned...

http://www.saferacer.com

Snell SA2000 Approved
Pro Force 1 SA2000 Helmet
$429 Regular price
$279.99 Our price
$249.99 Sale price (and free shipping)