[TJay74]

So it seems if I want to try and have some fun at a HPDE this year that I will need a SA2010 or the newer SA2015 spec helmet. I kept my old Arai Corsair RX-7rr but have now found out it is not able to be used to Auto-x, SCCA or our local track events.

So with that, can anyone recommend a brand well under the $500 range for a newbie to be able to get their feet wet.

[Tomiboy]

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...Q2fRoC-_Hw_wcB

[OminouSS]

I have a G force which is cheap and okay but runs large. I also have a Zamp cheapo but also SA 2015 which runs super big. My favorite is my M class which I run at some mellow events. Everything else I use the Simpson Bandit SA 2015. THIS is a really good SA helmet. Comfortable and runs consistent with accurate sizing. If somebody needs an XL open faced for cheap, I have a Zamp SA 2015 that I will damned near give away at $50 and it has never been used.

Whatever you do, try to stick with the most current SA stamp so you're not buying a new one in a couple years.

[Sub]

Its your head. Arai

[Ian SS]

I have a $100 snell 2010 helmet for autox. You aren't going fast enough for a $500 helmet if you're just in the middle of a parking lot surrounded by cones.

[TJay74]

Originally Posted by Sub

Its your head. Arai

Believe me, Arai is all I have ever worn or used. You cant beat their quality and they make the best helmets on the market, but with that they also start at $820 for their entry level full face helmet.

With that, for some parking lot auto-x/SCCA events or maybe a HPDE event, open face or full face?

[JeromeS13]

I would recommend one that fits your head shape. Once you know which shapes fit you, most all brands that are rated at SA2010+ are perfectly fine.

[OminouSS]

Originally Posted by TJay74

Believe me, Arai is all I have ever worn or used. You cant beat their quality and they make the best helmets on the market, but with that they also start at $820 for their entry level full face helmet.

With that, for some parking lot auto-x/SCCA events or maybe a HPDE event, open face or full face?

Originally Posted by Sub

Its your head. Arai

Respected opinion but still subjective. There are plenty of options available to similar standards as the Arai. It really does come down to fit and feel as long as specs are adequate.

[TJay74]

ok, so the next question open face or full face?

[MatthewAMEL]

Originally Posted by TJay74

ok, so the next question open face or full face?

I have been agonizing over a new helmet for about six months.

I am 6'4", so clearance in the car with a helmet was an issue. I also just don't like full-face helmets. The few I have found comfortable are in the $1,500+ range and came with features I'll never use (comms, hydration, etc).

I finally picked the Arai GP-J3 open-face.

It's remarkably comfortable, has a very low profile (as compared to others), and HANS posts.

Go to a shop and try on as many as you can. In the car in your normal driving position, if you can. And get the best helmet you can swing. It's a vitally important piece of gear.

[TJay74]

Originally Posted by MatthewAMEL

I have been agonizing over a new helmet for about six months.

I am 6'4", so clearance in the car with a helmet was an issue. I also just don't like full-face helmets. The few I have found comfortable are in the $1,500+ range and came with features I'll never use (comms, hydration, etc).

I finally picked the Arai GP-J3 open-face.

It's remarkably comfortable, has a very low profile (as compared to others), and HANS posts.

Go to a shop and try on as many as you can. In the car in your normal driving position, if you can. And get the best helmet you can swing. It's a vitally important piece of gear.

So that is my next issue, from what two of the locals said there isn't a local shop in the OKC metroplex anymore. So that puts me in a quandary for sure, more so to spend that kind of money and have fitment issues. I am short only being 5'8" so I have that on my side, but I would love to be able to try one on first.

[sholzer]

I like closed face personally, especially if you think you'll ever do any track time. I'd want a visor to protect my eyes and face if anything were to happen (mostly breaking glass).

I just picked up a Black Armor helmet and like it a lot: https://blackarmorhelmets.com/

[JeromeS13]

Originally Posted by sholzer

I like closed face personally, especially if you think you'll ever do any track time. I'd want a visor to protect my eyes and face if anything were to happen (mostly breaking glass).

I just picked up a Black Armor helmet and like it a lot: https://blackarmorhelmets.com/

+1.

In the unfortunate event of actually needing your helmet, additional protection in front of your jaw area can prevent more severe trauma.

[TJay74]

Thanks guys, I was kinds figuring for the extra protection and being able to keep the visor closed but cracked for airflow.

Not a bad price on those either.