Well I've decided to take the plunge and really start enjoying the SS by doing some racing. Nothing too intense. A little drag racing, 13's for now and hopefully 12's with some more mods, and some auto crossing. I know that some events, like the autocross in BG, require helmets so I want to pick one up. The trouble is that I know nothing about them. What's a good helmet? What's a good price? Where's a good place to buy from? I haven't got a clue, though I know it doesn't have to be top of the line. I guess I'm looking for a decent, entry level helmet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks...ya'll.
Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
Woohoo!!! Mr. Fenton23 gettin' out there representin'!! Hey...lemme know when/where u are racin'...I'll come cheer ya on!!!
(sorry for hijack....don't know cr@p about helmets... ....sorry)
Posted by Elie Garfinkel (Member # 1635) on :
quote:Originally posted by cytruffle: Woohoo!!! Mr. Fenton23 gettin' out there representin'!! Hey...lemme know when/where u are racin'...I'll come cheer ya on!!!
(sorry for hijack....don't know cr@p about helmets... ....sorry)
Hey! I see that you went ahead with the exhaust cutout! How do you like it so far?
Best regardSS,
Elie
Posted by Elie Garfinkel (Member # 1635) on :
quote:Originally posted by fenton23: I know that some events, like the autocross in BG, require helmets so I want to pick one up. The trouble is that I know nothing about them. What's a good helmet? What's a good price? Where's a good place to buy from? I haven't got a clue, though I know it doesn't have to be top of the line. Thanks...ya'll.
Most tracks that I've been to for lapping and drag racing look for a Snell-rated helmet if they're gonna inspect. The Snell rating goes im increments of 5 that relate to the year. So if you buy a new Snell-rated helmet today, you'd get a "Snell 00". When I bought mine in '98, I got a "Snell 95". I believe that the ratings are good for 2 issues or 10 years (not sure about this one) That means that an older "Snell 90" would pass inspection until the year 2000, or until the "Snell 05" comes out in a couple of years. You'd need to verify that... The other question is whether to to get a full-face or open-face model. I likie the open-face model since it is not as claustrophobic (and they are less expensive). However, a full-face offers better protection and a lot of go-kart tracks do not permit open-face helmets. Don'r know if this is a factor or not for you. Any motorcycle shop will have a good selection of helmets. My entry level Snell 95 cost about CDN$100 about 5 yrs ago. I'm guessing that helmet wouls sell for less than US$100 today. Have fun and be safe!
Best regardSS,
Elie
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
I did a really, really quick search and found this.
Basically, find out what Snell rating the association you are racing with requires and shop accordingly.
I bought mine at a motorcycle shop, paid less than $100 (US) for a basic open face helmet that does the job for me and meets the required ratings.
If I get into any significant track days where speeds and risk go up I will upgrade to a full face helmet with the best rating I can find.
Posted by 99 HOSS (Member # 109) on :
Rule 1: Don't scrimp on the helmet. Ask yourself, how cheap is my head? Rule 2: Go to shop/store and actually try them on. Mail order can be a hassle and you end up with what you get, cause it is a hassle to send it back for another. Rule 3: Make sure it's TIGHT. It should be so tight that if you turned your head real quick, the helmet would too. No slop.
Suggestion 1: Get a neck collar. It helps hold your head upright. Less fatigue. Suggestion 2: Get a good, padded helmet bag to protect your invstment.
As far as open/closed faced style, that's up to you and what you're going to participate in.
[ 31. October 2003, 07:10 AM: Message edited by: 99 HOSS ]
Posted by Bill Mason (Member # 1807) on :
Furthwer to what has been said, when you start looking you will find two Snell ratings. These are "M" and "SA".
The "M" rating is for motorcycle helmets. These helmets are designed to withstan one widespread really big hit. As in your head bouncing off of the pavement.
The "SA" rating is more for car racing. These helmets are designed to withstand a series of point loadings. As in your head repeatedly bouncing off of a roll bar. "SA" helmets also have a fire rated lining (i.e.: Nomex lined).
Having said all that, for drag racing, solo I and II as well as lapping you should be okay with either rating. Typically "M" rated helmets are less expensive than the "SA" helmets.
Fit is really really important. You will find that a helmet will loosen up slightly as the lining conforms/compresses to your head shape. I would caution about not going too tight too as it can really be uncomfortable. The initial fit should be quite snug without being tight, as otheres have already noted.
You will probably find that the more expensive the helmet, the more options you have on sizing. Less expensive helmets are usually limited to S, M, L, XL...you get the idea.
Other than fit, what I would look for are weight, as the lighter the better (less strain on neck muscles), good ventilation (if you go for a full face helmet) and the absobency or more correctly the lack of absorbency of the helmet lining. A removable lining is also a huge plus as it can be washed more easily (and after a while it WILL need to washed).
Good luck!!
Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
quote:Originally posted by Elie Garfinkel:
Hey! I see that you went ahead with the exhaust cutout! How do you like it so far?
Best regardSS,
Elie [/QUOTE]
Yessir, I did go with the cut-out.....the guy put it back a bit further than yours, back toward the center of the car....he said cops won't see it that far under!! haha!!!
I really do love the sound! It has a much deeper note than it did and sounds waaayyy more "muscley"!
There have been a few assorted dashboard rattles to appear, but I guess that's part of the package, right??
Sorry again, Mr. Fenton23..... Posted by 02BestSSyet (Member # 1998) on :
I purchased mine from a motorcycle/ATV store. They had a huge selection to choose from and you could try them on. I chose an HJC Helmet, Model CL-12. It's vented, has removable inner cushion and "Snell Approved DOT". The salepeople were very knowledgable and answered all my questions so I recommend buying from a motorcycle store. Only cost around $125, I think it was on sale.
Posted by fenton23 (Member # 878) on :
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their helpful advice concerning helmets. I got out at lunch today and picked up just what I need. Nothing fancy but it should fit the bill for now. The clerk even seemed impressed that I knew something about them.
Providing it doesn't rain tomorrow night, we're off to San Antonio Raceway.
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