[F1ST]

Looking to get a helmet for autocross. Any suggestions on what to look for and where to purchase?

 

[Mightymango]

Most clubs and the SCCA require a SNELL rated helmet. This is the last year that the 2005 Snell will be allowed so you will want to find a 2010 rated one as the 2015 ones are obviously not out yet. I can tell you from doing Tech that there is a huge difference between a SNELL rated and not SNELL helmet, the sticker is on the inside behind the padding. The links below will help.

http://www.saferacer.com/auto-racing-helmets

http://www.soloperformance.com/Helmets-and-Accessories_c_13.html

You could also check with your local club and see if anyone is selling.

 

[CrookedRacer]

I just got an HJC CL-16 with Snell 2010 rating from MotorcycleGear.com in White to match my car for $69. Added on some sunglasses to get it up to the free shipping threshold.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/hjc/cl16_solid_motorcycle_helmet.html

 

[Nik17]

I just got an HJC CL-16 with Snell 2010 rating from MotorcycleGear.com in White to match my car for $69. Added on some sunglasses to get it up to the free shipping threshold.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/hjc/cl16_solid_motorcycle_helmet.html

I bought this same helmet last season, although not on closeout. Works well, and never fogs.

Where are you located? It's usually best to try them on in store first to find out your size.

 

[AlanBDahl]

I have a medium Pyrotect SA full face helmet I've been trying to unload for a long time. Only used 4 times.

 

[mkeperson]

Very complicated and confusing area, so I will try not to go overboard. There are various helmet standards, they lowest being DOT certification and the highest being Snell Foundation. Snell has multiple standards...so for autocross/track days look for a helmet with a Snell SA2010 rating (The 2015 standards have been released but I do not know if anyone has a helmet out meeting them). SA stands for "special activities", Snell speak for auto racing. A Snell M2010 helmet is for motorcycles and they have different standards. Although buying on the internet may be cheaper, as Nik17 points out, FIT is all important! Talk to your local SCCA region to find out a local store. In Milwaukee, my area, Pegasus Racing has a great selection and top notch staff.

 

[CrookedRacer]

You can pay more for SA2010 if you like. A Snell "M" rating is all that's required for autocrosses and most track events that don't involve wheel-to-wheel racing. The helmet I mentioned, even though it's a closeout, satisfies the latest available M2010 certification and, if it fits you, it could suffice all your autocross events for at least eleven years (or when M2025 rating is released).

mkeperson is correct to note that fit is VERY important. I was pretty sure the HJC would fit me because I used to own an X-Large HJC helmet (a precursor to this one with an old M1990 cert) which I used for autocrossing from 1993 through 2005. Fortunately, the new one fit me just as well. (I bought the first one at a motorcycle dealership)

That said, at least one of your local motorcycle dealerships probably has some form of HJC helmet you can try on just to see which size would fit and whether the shape works for you at all. Even HJC's own website refers you to try other manufacturers if none of theirs fits well. It's that important.

 

[Mightymango]

Yeah I should have mentioned sizing which is very important. I was going off of a poor assumption that his size was already known.