Helmet reviews

Ok so my cheapo autox helmet finally aged out. I'm looking for some sage advice on best helmet for the money.

Budget is up to 300 or so and it would seem like the answer to this one is the best fitting and lightest weight helmet I can afford. Currently only using for autox and hdpe events so not necessary to have helmet cooling or hans hookups.

Would rather not wait till the 10/15 release of the latest helmets as I need something for next season.

First pass at the selection on the market is below. Please hit me with others to consider or input on those listed.

Helmet Price Weight of Medium
Bell Sport. $279.95 3.45 lb Bell M4 $379.95 3.35 lb G-Force Pro Eliminator $249.99 3.35 lb G-Force CFG Carbon $349.99 3.15 lb Simpson Voyager $299.95 3.50 lb HJC AR 10 II $299.95 3.55 lb

Just buy a Bell Vortex MC helmet.....it'll be Snell2010+ and DOT rated for less than $200. Cool designs for the same price.

In reply to yamaha:

That's an M2010 rated helmet. Most HPDEs require SA rated helmets.

I've been very happy with my HJC AR10 II in matte black for the past 2 years. Finish has held up well. The longest I've had it on is for an hour and it was comfortable the entire time.

One thing to look at also is how much replacement or different color visors cost. The ones for mine ar about $60-70 last I checked.

I always liked the Voyager.

Good input guys. Definitely want the SA rated design. There do seem to be a fair number of sub 200 dollar helmets out there but I was concerned about the added weight being a problem if it ever gets put to real use...

I can second the HJC recomendation. My past two helmets were Bell M2 or M3 and i was impressed with the HJC for the price. It is light and comfortable. It seems well made and has held up well. Mine is a white AR10.

Don't get a snell M2010 helmet it will hold you back and if you want to step up to door to door racing you will have to buy another helmet. Ask me how I know

I have a Bell Sport openface for rallycross and an M4 for road racing. But with helmets, it's all about how it fits your head. HJC helmet shape doesn't fit me well, nor do Simpson. Go try them on. You wouldn't ask us what shoes to buy. Helmets are the same: all about the fit.

I had very bad luck with my HJC AR-10 II and interior pad wear. HJC was very unaccomodating on a warranty replacement despite it disintegrating in less than a season.

I've had excellent luck with my Bell M4.

Whatever you choose, strongly consider white if you have a convertible and look into polarized lenses. They're wonderful!

Good stuff guys. It's good to hear there are so many good budget options out there. Hoping my local motorcycle shop has a decent selection as I can't think of another place off hand that has them on hand to try on. My first helmet was poorly fitting it's whole life due to my blissful ignorance at time of purchase. Have a few months till race season to get this sorted along with too many little details on the car.

In reply to 84FSP:

Your profile says you're just outside Dallas, there's plenty of performance shops around there. Any reputable place should let you try some on to ensure a propper fit.

Oops - guess i never updated that. Back in Cincinnati Ohio these days...

Ive only owned one helmet but I really like it. Its a zamp racing one. Forgot the exact model but it fits well and is fairly light. Good option if you want to go really cheap.

Will look up the zamp brand as i haven't heard of it. Seems like 150 buys safe and reasonable and 250 gets you to a lighter solution of similar quality. First ill fitting one was approx 80 for a motorcycle helmet.

100% go to a store and try them on. You will pay more, but trust me it's worth the added value of being comfortable.

Very pleased with my Bell M4. Bigger opening, good for eyeglasses.

I already pimped the M4 above. I forgot to mention that you should ensure your head and helmet fit in your car!

I'm a big guy wearing an XXL M4 in a borrowed Miata with floor-mounted Corbeau seats. It was comical but could be done!

The M4 is a bigger helmet than most. I personally appreciate the extra padding.

In reply to tomtomgt356:

True I suppose, just mentioning for autox it wouldn't really matter.

Snell 2005 are good through the end of 2015 per scca. If you had a 2000 it went out 4 years ago. If you wait for the 2015's to be released at the end of 2015 the 2010's should be cheap and will be good for another 5 years.

Good points all. Doing some hunting this weekend to see who in the area has some good options in stock. Wifee just told me to go buy it as a birthday present to myself so it's time to get moving.

evildky wrote: Snell 2005 are good through the end of 2015 per scca. If you had a 2000 it went out 4 years ago. If you wait for the 2015's to be released at the end of 2015 the 2010's should be cheap and will be good for another 5 years.

actually the SA and M 2000 helmets are still good until the next cert. come out (the 2015) which won't be until late in the yr 2015 … so 2000 will be good though all of 2015, it the SCCA follows the same rules interpretation as they have in past cert. years

their reasoning is that a cert. is good THROUGH the 10 yr process which means until the following cert. comes out … which is actually 15/16 yrs later

http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/assets/2014_Solo_helmet_cert_decals.pdf

I have a Pyrotect Airflow SA2010. It should be readily available under $200. I like it well enough for the price, and it has held up fine for the last 2-3 autox seasons. Still looks brand new.

Pros: Not too heavy, not too expensive, fittings seem nice. Fully removable / washable pads. Predrilled for HANS or similar.

Con: Could be 12 oz lighter. Eyeport not the largest, but not the smallest either. Don't believe the size chart - I am solidly in the middle of the L range and I definitely should have bought an XL. On the upside, I can just order the XL pads and stick them in this helmet to solve the issue.

84FSP wrote: Will look up the zamp brand as i haven't heard of it. Seems like 150 buys safe and reasonable and 250 gets you to a lighter solution of similar quality. First ill fitting one was approx 80 for a motorcycle helmet.

I have been using a Zamp helmet the last two years. I like it. Not too heavy, comfortable, inexpensive.

G-Force has some pretty good buy's.

It is weirdly worded, "current or past 2 certifications". My point was no helmets expire this year, at least not for scca use, the 2000's are good through the end of 2015.