Hpw much does a decent helment cost?

[kenratboy]

As in, if I was going to a track day and was either going to drive or ride.

I know you can probably rent or borrow a helment, but if I wanted to buy one, how much would it cost, like I said in the question, a 'decent' one, something comforatable, but not something thats going to be 'used' often.

I have a really big head if it matters

[brink]

I got a Snell M2000 Approved helmet for around $90 USD at local chain called Meijer's. I personally wouldn't get anything for less than $100 (unless you find a good deal on a Snell like I did). You might want to check where you're racing or who you're racing with. SCCA requires a Snell helmet, others just need DOT approved helmets.

Buddy of mine found a full-face race helmet Snell 95 for about $130 with visor. That's probably a good ballpark.

Make sure you try it on, though. You don't want it too loose or tight... this is your head's safety, here.

[kenratboy]

I would go with whatever the 'better' rating was. That price seems pretty good. I imagine the REALLY good stuff is like $1000, but I would spend $150 no problem. My head will probably not grow or shrink.

That bee in your avitar is sick, where did it come from?

[brink]

The avatar is from a comic short called Filler Bunny. If you search for it you may be able to find the full comic on the net, though the copyright owner is pretty thorough about finding those sites and taking them down (as they did with me ).

Yeah, I'd definitely go with a helmet that's Snell 2000 if you can find one for a good price. That'll get you both DOT as well as the higher Snell foundation rating, just to be on the safe side. As I understand it, the snell foundation basically does extra tests for flamability of paint, ability to withstand rollbar impact, and other things that aren't tested under normal DOT testing.

What I'd do if I were you is go to local bike shops and find a brand/model you like, then test fit it to find the right size. Then go online and see if you can find that size and model... you'll potentially find one $20 cheaper online.

[kenratboy]

If I only saves $20, I would buy it locally so I could have someone to go to if I had a problem. Also, it's nice to support a local place and have someone to talk to.

[brink]

Word

[88 LE]

Are the helmets for autocross / roadracing different then motorcycle helmets?

Cos a good full face motorcycle helmet with flip up visor is around $300 - $400.

[brink]

Well mine is actually a motocross helmet, thus it's M2000 rather than just 2000. Mine doesn't have the flip up visor tho. And it isn't any kind of name brand or anything. The style is different on the motocross ones too, it's pointier in front... I guess that's to protect the face better should one fly off over the handlebars.

[BenG]

Originally posted by 88 LE
Are the helmets for autocross / roadracing different then motorcycle helmets?

Cos a good full face motorcycle helmet with flip up visor is around $300 - $400.

I believe that auto racing helmets are designed for multiple impacts in the even of a roll over (hitting the roll cage as you go over and over). Motorcycle helmets designed for only a couple hard hits mostly because you only bounce so much after you get thrown from your bike.

[Lafora]

i got me an SA2000 rated helmet.
it cost me more than a bike one, but i figure it's my head, i'll splurge on that

i figure i went to 10 track days this year, 5 years of this and the money that went into the helmet per trackday isn't even enough to buy me a macdeal meal

[BLUEMEANIE]

My best helmet cost me $500 but its a top of the line Arai.
My cheapest was a $100 HTC.
...both are full face motorcycle helmets and are DOT and Snell approved

[Flashmn]

I got mine for about 20euros, FM is the brand and its certified its really good too

[bgrieger]

Take a look at the tracks/sanctioning bodies for the events you want to run. Some are very anal about what certification that they are willing to let you run, and some check for M classifications. Others just want to see something plastic over your mellon, and it could be a Spiderman Super Big Gulp Collector cup with a sholace for a strap for all they care.


No sense buying more than once!

Bob

[88 LE]

Originally posted by bgrieger
Others just want to see something plastic over your mellon, and it could be a Spiderman Super Big Gulp Collector cup with a sholace for a strap for all they care.

Haha... Sounds like something the boro crew would use, but instead of a shoelace it would have zipties or duct tape.

[kenratboy]

Originally posted by 88 LE
Haha... Sounds like something the boro crew would use, but instead of a shoelace it would have zipties or duct tape.

No way man, wear a tinfoil hat so the other drivers can't read your mind...