OK, Final Say on this - What Helmet to buy?

[Breadfan]

So, I know I'll need a helmet for racing. I keep hearing so many different thigns about which are allowed, which aren't, etc. I hear some say M rated is ok (motorcycle), Snell95, Snell2000, etc etc etc etc....

So...I need to know what I need to buy. What is the most compatible and reasonably priced?

Where's a good place to buy?

I'm looking for a very competitive price on this item and also to be legal at the track. I'd hate to purchase something and find out I get turned away.

I don't have a helmet at the moment so I'm ready to buy whatever I need. I just need a straight answer and get pointed in the right direction. :)

Keep in mind I have a big head, and don't watn to spend more than I have too. And, I'm OK with open face if they're fine to use still - probably more comfortable anyway.

So...for those of us in the same boat, where should we go, what should we get?

[BK_GrandMarquis]

I got my helmet from here:

www.saferacer.com (http://www.saferacer.com)

I would get an automotive full face helmet with a large eye opening with the latest Snell rating. This allows for more acceptance with racing organizations. If you get into road racing, they may be more strict and not allow motorcycle helmets. You want to purchase one helmet and be done with it. So get the best you can afford.

[magindat]

Go to a motocycle shop. There will be a huge selection. You can try them on and, of course, retail stores have sales and clearances. Tell the man what you need. Most cycle shops are used to selling helmets to car racers.

I took me 10 minutes to find a helmet that matched my paint job, was Snell2005, and fit, for a decent price. This after spending hours on the net guessing size, quality and price.

As I understand NHRA requires Snell95, Snell2000 OR Snell2005. DOT approved is not good enough.

Happy Shopping!

[Hotrauder]

I bought a Pyrotech, made by Bell but less expensive. Road racing requires a SA rating not an M. Not sure on Drag. The SA05 in the latest and will be the last to phase out. You can buy SA95 and use this year but will not pass next year. Prices are all over. You can buy an open face for around $150 and a closed for $250. Bell closed face with xtra large opening (like open with a wide bar) is near $350. The big names with high tech models go to near a grand. Good luck. Google and you will find many. Ebay has a few SA, millions of M. Dennis:D All the sellers have size charts. Just measure your gourd.

[Breadfan]

Thanks guys, I'm realizing now the strips are less concerned with the rating, but I may hit the road race circuit, NASA does open track weekends at two somewhat local tracks to my area.

I think I found some open face ones for about $150 last night that were '05 approved. I may just grab one of those, probably more comfortable than a closed face one.

[merc]

I like Simpson helmets because they are widely recognized in the industry. I currency use a Motorcycle helmet that I purchased at Coleman Cycles in Falls Church.

http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat_id=34&prod_id=4841