Ok, so I ran my first Auto-X in over 30 years. I am hooked, again. BTW, kudos to the SC Region SCCA for a very well run event at Columbia, SC despite the 98 degree heat.

Now, I am looking for a helmet with SA2005 certification so that it is approved for track days. I'd like to know what you folks prefer?

Open face vs. full face?
Brand? Model?
Best price sources?
Other advice?

Thanks

 

Count me in for the same question.

 

Whatever fits you best. They all have slightly different shapes.

 

I definitely prefer a full faced helmet, but that is a personal preference. It is smart to go ahead and spend a little more for an SA helmet as the "M" helmets will work for Solo II, but won't qualify for some track events.

I think the best buy in a SA helmet are the Pyrotect helmets made by Bell. But whatever you buy you really, really should try it on first. Fit is the most important part of your purchase. Also, the size of the eye opening, where it hits on on the chin (full face), etc. can only be determined with a test fit.

A couple few places to buy (price wise) are:
http://www.soloracer.com/
http://www.saferacer.com/

No affiliation, yada, yada....

 

Even though I prefer a full face helmet, I have to admit that when it is hot.......open faced helmets offer a cooler comfort level.

I use a Bell M2 full faced (SA 2000 Rated), and my wife has a Pyrotect Open faced (SA 2005 Rated) helmet.

As MTS suggested, SA rated helmets are more $$, but can be used for more track events.

I bought both of these with Soloracer.com

Joe

 

wutever you decide on try it on, different companies have different fits. personally i like a closed faced helmet and just run with the visor up when im hot, if you plan on only doing autoross i would probably go with open faced, but if your going to do track days i would go with a closed face but its mostly what you prefer as long as its within the saftey if what your doing.

 

I am leaning towards the Bell M2 because of the large opening.

But thanks to everyone for your advice, I will indeed go try on a number of different helmets to check for personal fit.

 

May I suggest the Simpson Super Bandit. I purchased one from saferacer.com for autocrossing, and I absolutely love it. The silver color is perfectly matched to our silverstone cars, and the sizing is by 1/8" increments, so if you know your hat size, your helmet will fit wonderfully. The helmet is full faced, with a removable visor, and breathes very well. I'm in FL, so I know what heat is, and I can honestly say my head stays comfortable and cool whether I'm running the course, or sitting in staging. The helmet is also fairly lightweight, so your neck won't be complaining by the end of the day. I am 1000% satisfied with my Simpson helmet.

 

i got a pyrotect and im happy with it i got the full face one. like everyone else said its a personal preferene and all that must hold true for all is a snell/dot rating (of 2000 or later seeing how you are just beginning and dont want to have to replace helment anytime soon).

 

i've become a big fan of Impact Racing helmets. they are a spinoff of simpson. i also suggest going to a track event. there are always vendors with excellent deals.