I'm currently planning to get to the track this summer/early fall. Just wondering what helmets you guys like wearing at the track? I honestly have zero knowledge when it comes to helmets, so I was just looking for advice for different materials/ratings/etc.

 

You're going to want a snell SA2010 rated helmet, which means it'll be good for a long time. As far as which helmet goes it depends. The best thing you can do is go to a shop that has many helmets in stock so that you can try a lot of them on. That way you'll find one that fits you the best and is comfortable.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll take note of snell SA2010 rated. Do tracks require this rating, or not? How much do you typically pay for a decent helmet? I'm asking because when searching online I see a lot for around $50ish and a lot for around $500+. When I searched snell SA2010 most seemed to be in the $500 range. I plan to go to the track about once a year, so for me I don't think a helmet that expensive would be worth it.

 

Try soloracer.com. I bought my G-Force for $249 recently. Take care to ensure the fit by trying out locally first.

 

Always try on a helmet in stores before purchasing. Helmet fit is critically important. Each brand, and even helmet model, has their own internal shape and some will cause pressure or pain even.

The primary issue to look for is the certification level. That will account for part of the pricing. The lowest priced are DOTs that have less stringent requirements and don't require actual independent testing outside of the manufacturer.

Another issue for pricing differences is materials and fit and finish. The padding of an Arai is generally plusher than an HJC, but whether or not that is "worth it" is a personal call.

If you get an SA2010 that fits you, you pretty much can't go wrong.

 

How much is your head worth to you?

 

I knew this would come up. I'm not saying I am going to buy a $25 ebay helmet, but I feel there may be some helmets cheaper than $500 that are just as safe as the $800 helmets that you can buy. As already stated in this thread, fit and finish are often what warrants the mark-up in price. Like anything else, I'm sure you pay for the "bling" factor to some extent. If I can get a helmet for $200 that is plain and maybe not as comfortable as a $500+ helmet, I would rather do that.

 

lol i went to my local drag strip a couple months back and a guy brought a bike helmet not wanting to pay 20 bucks for a rental.


he was pretty angry cause they wouldnt let him run HAHAHA

 

I was just on soloracer.com checking out some helmets. Lots of good options in the $200-300 range. One question though, what is the difference between M2010 and SA2010 rated helmets? I have noticed that there is about a $40 price difference. Is the extra $40 worth it? Again, I know nothing about helmets, but want to learn so I don't sacrifice my safety to save a few dollars.

 

A bike helmet as in a bicycle helmet? If so, that is ridiculous, haha.