Need to Buy a Helmet

[AaronZ51]

I plan on getting to know my car better by taking it to the track and the drag strip. Who sells good helmets for this purpose in the Seattle area? I used to race motorcycles but the helmets I've seen for car racing look a fair amount different and don't need all the vents for channeling air to keep the rider cool.

If you have a helmet, which one did you buy and why did you choose the one you bought. All feedback and thoughts are appreciated.

[TAC]

Originally Posted by AaronZ51

I plan on getting to know my car better by taking it to the track and the drag strip. Who sells good helmets for this purpose in the Seattle area? I used to race motorcycles but the helmets I've seen for car racing look a fair amount different and don't need all the vents for channeling air to keep the rider cool.

If you have a helmet, which one did you buy and why did you choose the one you bought. All feedback and thoughts are appreciated.

I bought from Speedware Motorsports in Redmond. They have a good supply and you can try them all on. Different helmets fit different head shapes so you want to try one on and wear it for at least 10 minutes to see if it starts to hurt. The helmet should be tight enought that if someone grabs the visor and pulls from side to side your head goes right with no slop but not tight enough to give you a headache after wearing it for a while. I bought an open face helmet because I don't like full face helmets. I recommend you don't buy a motorcycle helmet because some HPDEs won't accept it. The main difference is that a motorcycle helmet isn't fire rated., iirc. I'm not sure but I think the latest spec for auto helmets is SA2005. Buy the latest available if you plan on using it for a long time.

http://www.speedwaremotorsports.com/

[efranzen]

Speedware Motorsports is where I bought mine as well. I think the school building at Pacific Raceways sells them too.

[Iroczlover]

Bent bike in aburn sells them to, plus if you go to BR they have a pro shop I think that sells helments

[Salem_Vette]

Go to: gforceoutlet.com
They have a good price

[c4cruiser]

with TAC, go for a SA2005 helmet as the M-rated helmets may be not allowed by some organizers or sanctioning bodies. The different ratings determine whether or not a helmet is suitable for single-impact or multiple-impact; the SA rating is for automotive use and multiple-impact. But be aware that SA helmets do not meet the state or federal requirements for motorcycle use.

SA2005 is the current safety rating and these ratings are for a 5-year period. SA2010 helmets will be coming out in late 2009 but most organizations will accept ratings going back two cycle periods. So in 2010, a SA2000 helmet will still be acceptable.

You should try on different helmets and you will hve to decide between an open-faced version or a full-face helmet. The full-face helmet is a big help for track days where you run with the windows open. Cars in front can kick up debris and it can go thru the window and hit your face.

An open face helmet may be easier to put on and take off and if you wear glasses or sunglasses they are easier to deal with. But there are also full-face versions that will easily accomodate glasses.

Good helmets cost money. It has been said here (or at least in the autocross and roadracing section) that if you have a $10 head, get a $10 helmet. A quality helmet will have a Nomex lining and meets the correct SFI standards in addition to the Snell SA2005 rating.

Speedware does have good selections and peole that can help with selections. Stick with brand names like Bell or Simpson and you will get a good helmet. And avoid the M-rated or DOT rated helmets.

[AaronZ51]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I went to Speedware yesterday afternoon and ended up getting a very comfortable Arai helmet (GP5-W - SA2005). It was more expensive than I had planned but I've already had my life saved by a helmet once when I had a catastrophic motorcycle accident so I know the value of protecting my noodle.

[abc 123]

Originally Posted by AaronZ51

Thanks for all the feedback.

I went to Speedware yesterday afternoon and ended up getting a very comfortable Arai helmet (GP5-W - SA2005). It was more expensive than I had planned but I've already had my life saved by a helmet once when I had a catastrophic motorcycle accident so I know the value of protecting my noodle.

Nothing irritates me more than somebody going to a local showroom and trying on equipment then walking out the door and buying online.

You kill the local little guy who just provided you with a chance to try on several different brands and find the exact proper helmet.

Kudos to you for supporting local

[TAC]

Originally Posted by AaronZ51

Thanks for all the feedback.

I went to Speedware yesterday afternoon and ended up getting a very comfortable Arai helmet (GP5-W - SA2005). It was more expensive than I had planned but I've already had my life saved by a helmet once when I had a catastrophic motorcycle accident so I know the value of protecting my noodle.

Great! Now that you have the helmet you gotta test it out.

School Daze 2008 Driving Event (07/10/2008)
The 2008 CMCS School Daze driving event will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA. Here is a chance to get your car out on a road course and remind yourself why you drive a Corvette. Tell your boss that you're taking the day off to go play.
On-track instruction will be provided by qualified instructors. Drivers will be divided into four run groups and given sufficient time on the track to develop your driving skills. Safety is paramount and certain rules will apply. We require that convertibles have a hardtop or roll bar installed. A ground school will be conducted at the Shoreline Community College on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 to review safety rules and cover driving techniques.
School Daze is open to Corvettes (of course), BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Viper, Lotus, Alfa, Audi, Mustang, Firebird V8, Camaro V8, Cadillac V, and other marques as approved.
Qualified instructors will be available to help novice drivers. Convertibles are required to have a hardtop or roll bar to participate.
Prices:
First Driver $190.00
Second Driver same car $150.00
Registration at the event $225.00
Late Tech inspection fee $ 25.00
Instructors (When driving their own car) $ 95.00
Helmets (Snell 1995), long sleeve shirts, long pants, and closed shoes are required.

http://www.corvettemarqueclub.com/Do...7509062500.pdf