Buy a Racing helmet

[ricks57]

Hi,
anyone know of a site that has helmet reviews or comparison? Or even a quick tutorial on what to look for when buying a helmet? New 2015 rated helmets are available now. I've heard all the "what's your head worth" comments before but I'm just an amateur, occasional user and want a value priced model.
Thanks
Rick

[ZIGGY]

Assuming you mean auto racing helmets. Motorcycle helmets differ.
http://www.windingroad.com/articles/blo ... g-helmets/
http://www.racinghelmetguide.com/
Summit, Jegs, Speedway, etc. all sell and can advise you.
Should be Snell rated. IME most amateur venues require not over 5 yrs old.
Should fit snugly without pinching but key test is when you move your head vigorously side to side,
the helmet should not move independently. The rest is what your vision and other personal preferences are.
JMO.

[bruce69camaro]

I like this place: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/
I purchased the HJC CL-17 helmet, very comfortable and I like the pin system on the face shield.
Meets all the spec's from NHRA and doesn't hurt your wallet.

[ZIGGY]

The helmet referenced shows a Snell M rating, which AFAIK means not flame retardant.
I know jack about NHRA's helmet requirements but doubt they allow such unless the safety
rules are less stringent for slower classes.

[bruce69camaro]

2016 NHRA rules states for 13.99 and quicker, helmets with Snell M2005, M2010, M2015 are accepted.

[ZIGGY]

Ah, I see it down the list. My background with mostly open cockpit front engine circle track
cars would make me very reluctant to wear a lesser rated helmet. Whatever, his money, his choice
as Packard likes to say. Also his ass.

[Confused]

I'm not sure about NHRA or any other drag racing groups, but IMCA requires an SA-2005 or newer rated helmet. The SA is for automotive racing and has a flame retardant lining. If you buy an SA rated helmet, most sanctioning bodies will accept it as well as the tracks.

[Greenlight]

Motorcycle (M or MA rating) helmets have a larger peripheral vision than SA rated helmets. Helps a little for bracket type racing.

[ZIGGY]

That's interesting information. I'm not involved with racing squirt cars but it might be
useful for some of my drag racer friends.

[Coloradoracer]

Here's my advice. Don't buy a helmet just due to price. See where it's made, look at the reviews, and then TRY ALL THE ONES ON THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT. Even the best helmet can't protect you properly if it doesn't fit right, and when they are uncomfortable that makes it worse. I've owned Racequip, G-Force, Simpson, and a few others. Hands down now my choice is the Impact Champ. Fits better than anything I've tried, is very comfortable, and made in America! Also performs very well in testing. But that's my preference.