Okay, I'm going to buy a helmet soon but I'm having a hard time deciding exactly what to get. I normally do autocross but plan on doing a couple HDPE or road course events this year. I've decided to get an SA2000 helmet to save a few bucks.

From what I've read here and elsewhere, I would do good to get a full face helmet rather than the open face if I go beyond the plain AutoX events.

Because I'm going to be doing a whole lot more AutoX than track, I'm leaning toward one of the hybrid helmets like the G-Force Pro Hybrid or the Bell SR Pro. They have the chin bar like a full face but have a larger view opening like the open face helmets.

I'd like to hear opinions from some of you autoX and track "pros" on the pros/cons of going with either the hybrid or an open face.

Thanks - Dave

 

i'd go with the sr pro. tried one on a while back and loved how light it was compared to some open face helmets the club had. this is definitely a large factor when choosing a good helmet since you'll have this on your head for 30+ minutes at a time! the sr will definitely be lighter than the g-force helmet due to the construction of the shell.

you should go see whats on ebay. i just bought an sa2000 m3 pro for 300 on ebay! that's wicked cheap. the seller i bought it from has many bell products for sale and just recently sold an sr pro for like 150. PM me for his name, he's got good feedback ratings.

 

I use a Simpson hybrid - SA2000 and I like it. However, if I had a car with an airbag, I'd get an open-face helmet for AutoX and HPDE. If your car does not have an airbag, or its in some way disabled, then go with a full face.

Here's my take on it... if you've got a car with an airbag, the chin guard/full face helmet doesn't do you much good. (btw this has nothing to do with the SCCA's research on possible injury caused by full-face + airbag incidents... that was research into adding airbags to formula-type cars and has no bearing on street vehicles where the driver sits in an upright position.)

IMHO... an open face helmet is perfectly fine for autocross and HPDE... and many times it is preffered due to its convenience and ease of wearing. Instructors like them because it allows easy access for communicators. They are generally less expensive as well... even the SA models.

Honeslty... I'd stay away from ebay, unless the seller is a reputable 'store' selling new products. DO NOT BUY A USED HELMET!!! You have no way of knowing if the helmet has been compromised either by it being dropped, or an unscrupulous seller switching Snell labels or something. Do not risk your life just to save a few bucks

 

The most improtant feature of a helmet is that it fits you properly. A helmet that is loose on your head is not going to work properly in an impact. Make sure you try it on before you buy it.

 

i tried on a bell m2 yesterday and it fit pretty well with my glasses. They didn't have the SR so i can't tell you how they compare. my current helmet is a simpson open face helmet that fits well but has expired.

 

I have an open face Bell. Good peripheral vision. Comfortable in July and August.

Note: you autocross guys get to drive with the windows down.

 

I'd recommend a full face helmet, or at least not an open face helmet for a number of reasons. Primarily for versatility. You'll use your helmet for autoX and HPDE, but you'll eventually want to go karting with it...or to race school in an open wheel car...or on a friends motorcycle, etc. A good full-faced helmet will prevent you from having to borrow a sweat-soaked loaner from race school, etc.

As for protection, I've seen two incidents over the past 2 years that tell me a full face is the way to go. 1. When Karting a guy I know busted his face off a steering wheel with an open-face. 2. At a recent HPDE here in SoCal, the owner of an STi smashed his face to bits off his steering wheel during an accident. That's not a lot of evidence, but enough for me to see firsthand to tell me I want to stick with a full face.

As for instructing, most guys I know use an inexpensive earpiece system that you can simply talk into in a normal tone of voice...so there's no advantage to an open-face.

I'd recommend the Bieffe Predator. I've been using my SA95 for about 5 years, and it has been outstanding. It is constructed with a lot of kevlar, and it's very light and comfortable. The eyeport is rather large, and I've never once wished for more visbility in it. It has a removable liner to keep it fresh, and it's reasonably priced. You should be able to find a new SA2000 for around $300.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a used helmet, but that's just my opinion. I want to know that my head is being protected by something that has never been compromised. Unfortunately there are too many untrustworthy people out there to risk my noggin to them!


I got my helmet here: http://www.helmetusa.com/Outlet/helmets.htm
As others have said though...try on the model you plan to buy to make sure it fits properly...absolutely key.

 

I bought myself a Pyrotech open faced SA2000 helmet because I have an airbag. I don't like mine because it makes me look like marvin the martian. Also, the cheek supports are so tight that it pushes my cheeks forward. It looks like I got a mouth full of almonds while I'm driving. This is what I ended up with because I didn't go around trying different helmets...Don't trust those sizing charts!

Luckily, I have my trusty Arai motorcycle helmet for days I'm really not in the mood to wedge my head into that pyrotech.

 

I vote for full face too.

I think Saferacer.com is offering 20% off SA2000 G-force helmets right now if that's the way you want to go. The Bell is nice too though. I don't know if its everybody, but I got an email today about the sale.

 

After owning and using about 7 or 8 different helmets over the years (I've lost count), I much prefer a full face helmet. I actually have three that I currently use right now (a closed one for auto-x, an open face for auto-x, and a full face for HPDE, open road racing and time attacks).

Since it's very hot here in AZ in the summer, an open face is nice for auto-x so I don't die of heat stroke. That is the ONLY reason that I own an open face helmet.

However, I have had the experience of smacking walls at decent speeds in a car, as well as falling off motorcycles at over 100mph, and know the value of a good helmet.

If I were going to buy just ONE helmet, it would positively need to be a full face helmet. They offer unrivaled protection versus an open face helmet. The Bell SR Pro is an acceptable choice if you are going to only be in an enclosed car. If you even think that you might try formula cars, get a full face helmet with a thick shield.

If you are going to do some long events, you want a lightweight helmet. If you have ever driven real race cars capable of pulling multiple g's in corners, your neck will thank you. That's why I have a Bieffe F1 helmet. It's made from a lightweight kevlar composite. It is FAR lighter even than my Bell Mag IV open face helmet (fiberglass). I am amazed how light it is every time I put it on. WORTH EVERY PENNY. Nothing wrong with Bell (I have owned three) or Pyrotect or G-Force, but I will gladly pay a little extra to save that pound or so of weight on my neck.

Nothing wrong with buying a helmet on eBay, but I would make sure it was a NEW one from a reputable seller.

 

Thanks guys for the info and suggestions. Finding one that fits does seem like it will be a problem though since I doubt I'll be able to find SA style helmets locally. Motorcycle helmets is all I see around town.

 

Most places have a fairly liberal return/exchange policy with regards to fitment. In my case, the helmet was the right size, but the padding was too thick (around my cheeks) so I sent it to Simpson and they adjusted the padding in that area... only charged for shipping

-Stacy

 

just got my m3 in! seems to fit nicely. i measured using the tape around the forehead and it seemed to be pretty accurate.

 

That's good to know as I'm probably going with a Bell. Went to an AutoX today and got to look at a couple helmets. The size designations really vary by brand so you really have to go by the head measurement rather than SMLXL.

 

I had a similiar exsperience with my Sparco, I decided to step down in size as the helmet was little too loose. I was only charged for shipping, they sent me a L back in place of my XL and they swapped cheek pads in it to help make a good "intermediate" size for me, now it fits perfectly snug without being restrictive. I also recommend, if at all possible, trying the helmet on in the car. My first helmet was a Bell and in my normal driving position, the helmet would rub on the roof. The Sparco I have now clears for all head movements. Of course, I have a really long torso and this might not be a common problem. And, as others have stated, a full-face helmet allows much more versatility for karts and racing school programs, and the tinted visors can be nice.
Will

 

+1

a helmet will not work properly if it is not fairly snug. as others have stated, most reputable mail order shops have a liberal return policy because of fitment on items like helmets/shoes/gloves.

i bought the gforce hybrid last year, and am thrilled with it. i wear glasses and had been using my arai motorcycle helmet with the shield removed, but the gforce's larger eyeport is much nicer.

ditto folks recommendations against used helmets. they are, in essence, one time use items. a single good drop crushes some of the foam inside and may compromise the shell even if it looks perfect.

since you're talking about primarily autox with an occasional HPDE thrown in, i wouldn't worry too much about needing a true full face (with shield) for driving a formula car. sure, you may go to skip barber comp school, but they have loaners. it sounds like you've found a good compromise for you (with the gforce hybrid or bell SR Pro), so i'd suggest you go for it. just make sure it fits...

ahm

 

Full Face +10

 

I think it's all been said already, but thought I'd throw in my 0.02 based on my limited experience.

My vote is for the full face because of the versatility, protection, and you look cooler I had an SA90 Bell M2 and just bought a SA00 Bieffe Predator. Visibility was good with both, with ample room if you wear glasses. I only do short races, but the light weight of the Predator (compared to the M2) would definitely have its advantages. Defenitely make sure it fits and be willing to spend some money, considering what you're protecting. Safety equipment is a waste of money, until you need it!

 

I have both. I have a Simpson Voyager and an HJC open face that is sa2000 that I got a killer deal on.

 

Thanks everybody. I've definitely decided to buy a full face helmet. It's too late to get one here for Xmas so I'll be ordering something after the first of the year. Probably something SA2000.