I'm going to my first HPDE event in June at Sebring and I need a helmet. Is there any justification to the prices of the different helmets? If they're all SA2005 what justifies the price difference between say an open vs a closed helmet or closed helmets vs other closed helmets? Is it personal preference? Thanks
I'm going to my first HPDE event in June at Sebring and I need a helmet. Is there any justification to the prices of the different helmets? If they're all SA2005 what justifies the price difference between say an open vs a closed helmet or closed helmets vs other closed helmets? Is it personal preference? Thanks
Bryan
Any SA2005 helmet will work. It really all comes down to comfort and budget. Usually, you will pay more for a helmet because of construction and "features". More expensive helmets are usually lighter and may have features such as venting, ability to hook to HANS device, ability to hook to cooling system, etc. Also, a more "known" name helmet such as Bell will usually cost more.
As far as open face vs. closed, it is a personal and safety issue. For proper protection in both a crash and/or fire, a full face helmet is going to protect the entire head better. However, some people find the full face to confining and more of a pain if you wear glasses. Open face are also cheaper as you have probably seen.
Sizing is also the other thing you have to take into considerations. Each helmet brand and even style will fit a little different.
My recommendation is to set a budget and go try some helmets on. Based on the fact that you are probably not doing an event each week (or probably month), you really don't need the lightest or most feature packed helmet. You should be able to find a helmet in the $175 - $300 range that will last you for quite a few years.
I have one of these Pyrotech Open Face helmets and it works great for me for autocross and the HPDEs that I've done. My personal preference is open face for a street car with airbags on a non-competitive track event. I have no scientific knowledge about this but it just seems to me that if I wreck and that airbag goes off, I'd rather not have a full face helmet on that's strapped to my jaw meeting an airbag.
I have one of these Pyrotech Open Face helmets and it works great for me for autocross and the HPDEs that I've done. My personal preference is open face for a street car with airbags on a non-competitive track event. I have no scientific knowledge about this but it just seems to me that if I wreck and that airbag goes off, I'd rather not have a full face helmet on that's strapped to my jaw meeting an airbag.
I have one of these Pyrotech Open Face helmets and it works great for me for autocross and the HPDEs that I've done. My personal preference is open face for a street car with airbags on a non-competitive track event. I have no scientific knowledge about this but it just seems to me that if I wreck and that airbag goes off, I'd rather not have a full face helmet on that's strapped to my jaw meeting an airbag.
Doesn't road racing require an SA, where as that one is an M? Or do you auto-x?
Doesn't road racing require an SA, where as that one is an M? Or do you auto-x?
Yes, road racing would require an SA but that isn't what an HPDE is. But come to think of it, my Pyrotech open face is the SA version. On the website that one goes for about $150 now. Sorry for the confusion.
MC helmets are not legal in drag racing....lowest price Snell 2005 ones are at Motorcycle helmets and Motorcycle helmet - Helmet City
Of course I drove to Impact Racing (Simpson) and spent over $400 and THEN I find this place.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Helmets?
Thanks. yeah I saw that post. Just have to get paid and weigh some options before I buy
Linear Mode
