12-01-2015, 03:33 AM | #1 |
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Helmet recommendation
I am planning to go to my first autocross event with my M235i and the one thing I have no idea about is what kind of helmet to buy. I understand I need it to abide to the recent standards but other than that I'm pretty clueless. I also don't want to invest it in too much money. I am planning to do several track events a year but not too many of them.
Any recommendation would be great, thanks! |
12-01-2015, 07:35 AM | #2 |
Major General
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First there are Standards, Snell, DOT, ECE. You can investigate those on your own.
Then there is deciding on open face or full. You won't know which style helmet works until you try them on. Pumpkin shaped heads or blockhead skulls require different style helmets. At motorcycle shows, many times Arai helmets have a display where the rep looks and measures your skull and recommends a style. I like Suomy helmets for fit and comfort. So Google your closest race supply shop and see who carries helmets. Almost forgot, make sure your helmet has removable and washable cheek pads and dome pad. Last edited by overcoil; 12-01-2015 at 07:44 AM.. |
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12-01-2015, 01:16 PM | #3 |
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Remember the old adage---if you have a $5 head, buy a $5 helmet. If you can't afford to buy a great helmet, please think twice about participating in the sport.
Personally I prefer open face if I am in a closed car. They are lighter and cause less strain on my neck. Plus the field of vision is wider. Please note that if you have an open face helmet, remove the visor. If you use a closed face, make sure the visor is always closed. In the event an airbag deploys you don't want it catching a visor and hurting your neck. In the end go to a store with a wide variety of helmets and try them on. Buy the most comfortable one for the shape of your head. |
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12-02-2015, 10:21 PM | #4 |
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Some thoughts about the Snell ratings: around here autocross events will allow an "M" rated (motorcycle) helmet, but track events require the "SA" (sports application) helmets. The Snell rating will have a year (2005, 2010 or 2015) and some events will disallow a helmet 2 generations out of date.
If you think you might do some karting, a closed face helmet would cover that task as well. Open face helmet + karting = dirty face.
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12-03-2015, 12:18 AM | #5 |
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I'm on my second HJC helmet and like them a lot. I got the full face CL-17 Streamline model for $135 at the Motorcycle Superstore online. The visor locks in both open and closed position or is easily removed, the interior pads are removable and washable, and there is plenty of venting for air circulation. It has both DOT and Snell certification.
Like others have said, go to a local motorcycle shop to try on helmets and see what feels best for you.
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12-03-2015, 02:38 PM | #6 |
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open face, Snell 2015 or 2010. No need to get crazy on auto cross helmet, seat time is pretty light so just make sure it is comfortable on you and in the seat of your car.
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12-03-2015, 11:34 PM | #7 |
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Best advice I can offer is if at all possible go try some on. It's really the best way to do it. That aside, I have a slimmer face and found the Arai's to fit nicely. Mine expired this year and I will be getting a new one for next year.
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