Re: helmet for autocross (m) (archive)

in theory, 'SA' type helmets (for cars) are somehow supposed to protect you better in a car interior. i'm not familiar with the details of the specs, and so can't comment on that. but here are some opinions based on personal experience:

- most clubs will accept MC helmets for both a/x and track days, although some will give you a hard time. i've never been turned away because of my MC helmet.

- MC helmets do work. my unfortunate encounter with a piece of desert at willow springs (on a rented bike, thankfully) resulted in a 1/8" deep gash in the helmet, but left its contents no more messed up than they were to begin with.

- a full-face helmet is far better than open face, because it is theoretically possible to break a jaw hitting it on something like the steering wheel (never seen it happen, but heard of at least two incidents, both on the track - not a/x).

- most a/x clubs have loaner helmets that are by definition acceptable to the club. a cheap solution may be to just buy a helmet liner ('sock') for hygienic reasons, and use loaners.

- if you already have a MC helmet, just use that. 99% it will be OK regulations-wise, and 100% safety-wise (i've never heard of an incident at a/x where driver actually benefited from wearing a helmet).

- if you don't own a helmet, might as well look for an SA one (assuming you don't plan to ride a bike). a good quality piece will cost about the same as a good MC lid, in the $300-400 range. if you don't want to spend that kind of money, see the item on loaners above.

disclaimer: the above are just MHO.

good luck.

Follow Ups:

Re: helmet for autocross (m) Tony S 00:31 4/30/2001 (1)
- Re: helmet for autocross (m) Bruce 03:19 4/30/2001 (0)

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