Helmet Advise

[Railroad]

Maybe the roadster guys will allow this question here. I am looking at a Bell or Simpson carbon fiber helmet.
I notice they are mostly SA2020. Is this what I would need for most sporting events, ie auto cross and other low speed competition? I have an old G-Force, but it is open face and weighs a lot.
When I bought it, the event specified MA rating rather than SA. I can look it up, but have no problem trusting the brain trust on here to educate me.
thanks,

[NAZ]

You should get the specific requirements from the sanctioning body of the auto sports you want to participate in. Some have specific requirements and others not so much. I think you'll find that most will require SA ratings as these are specifically designed and tested for auto racing and have fire resistance standards they have to meet. Show up with a motorcycle helmet and you may get turned away.

More here: https://www.racinghelmetguide.com/auto-helmet-ratings.html

Whatever you decide on, get one that fits your head. We all have different shaped heads and not every brand helmet fits like others even in the same size. For drag racing I use a Simpson Voyager, for off-road racing I use a Simpson Viper, and for the motorcycle I use a Showi helmet -- because they all fit a particular need. Pay attention to eye port size and if you wear glasses, make sure the liner has an eyeglass channel.

[Railroad]

Naz,
Thanks for all the sage advise. That will definitely give some guidance in making a good choice.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Automotive SA will cover you for anything you want to do. The M (motorcycle) designation and of course the more stringent SA are accepted by SCCA and many clubs for autocross but most open track events will require SA. With our open top cars some open track organizers insist on a full face helmet with the shield down.

Jeff

[Railroad]

Thanks Jeff. Will definitely regard that info.

[JohnK]

For autocross maybe not necessary, but if you're thinking of taking the car to the track also think about whether you want to use a HANS device. Since I have low back seats, I'll definitely be using a HANS on the track. Most helmets I've looked at have at least the ability to add the required posts to attach the HANS to, and some helmets come with them already installed.

[Railroad]

For autocross maybe not necessary, but if you're thinking of taking the car to the track also think about whether you want to use a HANS device. Since I have low back seats, I'll definitely be using a HANS on the track. Most helmets I've looked at have at least the ability to add the required posts to attach the HANS to, and some helmets come with them already installed.
I posted previously about my concerns for shoulder harness w and w/o hans. Definitely a good idea. Thanks.

[CraigS]

I only autocross. I buy the least expensive open face helmet I can find w/ the most current SA designation. For that use I don't really care about the Snell date other than that my helmet will be legal longer w/ the most current date.

[JohnK]

Also, to NAZ's excellent point about internal shape - yes, pay a lot of attention to this. This is an often-discussed topic on motorcycle forums but I don't see really any discussion about it with regard to motorsports helmets. To give you a sense, here's a good explainer and list of motorcycle helmets by internal shape:

https://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmet-reviews-by-internal-shape/

My experience with motorcycle helmets is that some brands are reliably one shape (e.g., all Arai helmets are slightly narrow) while other brands like Shoei seem to vary in shape from helmet to helmet. The only good way to know if it's a good fit is to try it on and wear it for at least 20-30 minutes. That's how long it takes to know if it's causing pressure points anywhere. All new helmets will feel nice and comfy out of the box for a few minutes. Nothing sucks worse that dropping some major coin on a new carbon fiber helmet and discovering that it's giving you a migraine at the end of the day. Find a local shop that will let you try it on and look like a dork walking around the shop with a helmet on for half an hour, or find an online retailer with a good return policy.

[Railroad]

John K, yes after reading Naz's advise, I realized, I would need to order more than 1 helmet at the same time. Then, I need to make sure I can return the helmets not selected.
Will shop local and see what I can find.
Thanks for the advise.

[NAZ]

Helmets seem to be like holsters, I accumulate a bunch of each trying to find that one perfect fit that you can wear all day. Summit Racing and a few others used to have a great return policy. With Covid, I'm not sure that will still apply to helmets. But worth it to ask.

[BradCraig]

Maybe the roadster guys will allow this question here. I am looking at a Bell or Simpson carbon fiber helmet.
I notice they are mostly SA2020. Is this what I would need for most sporting events, ie auto cross and other low speed competition? I have an old G-Force, but it is open face and weighs a lot.
When I bought it, the event specified MA rating rather than SA. I can look it up, but have no problem trusting the brain trust on here to educate me.
thanks,

If you have a helmet shop within reasonable distance, well worth the drive to get fitted and discuss use case. I thought I knew what I wanted until then, lot of it has to do with what fits your melon correctly. Here in Nascar country we are lucky to have all the vendors shops locally. I went with the Bell K1 Sport (SA2020), love it.

B

[Avalanche325]

I ordered 3 helmets form Summit. Tried them all, and sent two back. I would check COVID rules as NAZ stated.

You may feel like an idiot, but put each one on and wear it for at least an hour. Watch TV or whatever.

I agree, get an SA. SCCA autocross allows MA, but why limit yourself. You may want to try a track day. Most events, if not all, allow at least the two latest certifications. 2020 and 2015. You can often save money going one cert older. Helmets do wear and get smelly, so a fresh one in five years is nice.