Any guidance for a first time helmet buyer?

[Firefighter]

I'm planning on doing my first Road Course in January and I need a helmet. I have no clue what to get. Full Face or Open Mask? Brand etc...

I'm 5'10" driving a 1LE w/o a sun roof.

Thanks guys.

[blazzin1]

Just make sure you get a helmet with a Snell "SA2010" rating. That is the latest certification for auto racing, and should be accepted by any race tracks or drag strips. The rest is up to you!

[Synner]

I always run a full face but with the visor removed. Wearing an open face with an airbag is not a good thing. Try it on and make sure its snug but not painful.

[blazzin1]

I agree with Synner, you gotta try it on!!! Don't buy a helmet online without knowing what it's going fit like. Different brands fit differently, you gotta find which one fits you the best.

I bought this one: http://bellracing.com/helmets/racer-series/m-4

Got it off ebay brand new for about $220.

[Firefighter]

See this is why I asked...

I never thought about the airbag or the need to try it on. I kinda figured a helmet is a helmet. Keep up with the advice guys thanks a bunch.

[Firefighter]

So why is it Motorcycle Helmets are cheaper than Auto Racing Helmets?

[Synner]

Well the motorcycle market is much larger and more selection as well as more offshore brands to drive down prices. Auto racing is made from fire retardant materials and requires a different certification process.

And there is drastically different sizing between some brands. Some only fit narrow or round heads best. Also the shell for some brands comes in more sizes which means less weight if you have a smaller head, others use more material inside to make an XL shell fit a M head. So just because a L fits you in one brand don't assume all others fit them same. I'm typically a L but a few brands I fit in a M best.

[Synner]

You also see things like HANS device hookup, external ventilation system connections, and different neck bracing which can add up.

But I do think the prices are ridiculous for no reason too. Niche market so niche prices.

[Firefighter]

Synner I've been looking at all these helmets and it is quite crazy.

I don't need any of the fancy hook ups for a HANS or ventilation etc. I just need something to cover my skull and qualify to race...

[jbrown13]

NHRA accepts M2010 certified helmets in certain classes and they are a little cheaper than SA2010. Difference between M2010 and SA 2010 is fire retardant liner materials in SA2010, as Synner said. Check with your race organization to see what they require.

[Synner]

Yeah I understand, I was lucky that one of my motorcycle helmets is a Bell which is also SNEL rated. I cheap out whenever I can so I can buy more parts. Something to consider is going to Motorcycle Superstore or other bike site and search for SNEL rated helmets. You will get a much better deal there, same rating, but technically not a "motorsports" helmet.

One other thing is if you wear glasses or sunglasses bring them to the store when you test fit. Some are not glasses friendly.

[Firefighter]

Yeah they require M/SA.

My only thing is I feel like I need a smaller helmet because as it is I only have about 1-2 inches above my head when I drive as it is. So that leads me to believe I need a Motor Sports one instead of a Motorcycle one...

[Synner]

There isn't that much difference size wise between the 2. Just find what fits your head and budget.

[Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Synner

There isn't that much difference size wise between the 2. Just find what fits your head and budget.

Gotcha... thanks again for the help man.