New to Autocross

[BrokenVert]

Where is the best place to buy a helmet?

[lib]

IMO, you should start somewhere local. Even if you buy it online you'll want to try on a few and you can't do that through a browser

If you want an M2005 rated helmet: Any store that sells motorcycle equipment.

If you want an SA2005 rated helmet: Call a few local racing supply stores and/or shops that specialize in that kind of car work. They'll know where to go.

[larryn]

I usually get mine at Helmet City via mail order. I can do this because I know definitively which size HJC fit me.

Helmet fitment is huge in their effectiveness, and you may be better served going to a local speed shop that sells helmets to get the correct fitting helmet, and pay a few extra dollars for the service.

If you are thinking of doing HPDE's (track events), you may want to get a Snell SA2005 rated helmet. Otherwise, save some major cash and get a Snell M2005 rated noggin shield. For autocross, I use an open-faced helmet, as I instruct and I need the extra airflow.

[BrokenVert]

On my chapter's website it says snell 2005 helmet. Does that mean S2005 or M2005.

And what are the differences between the two?

[larryn]

Should say SA2005, not S2005.

SA adds fireproofing in the form of Nomex...

[lib]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

On my chapter's website it says snell 2005 helmet. Does that mean ...

That generally means both M2005 or SA2005 are acceptable.

If you would prefer an official answer I'm sure they'd be happy to clarify through email. Most clubs love to get new members and go out of their way to help them get started. They may also be able to recommend a good local source for helmets.

You can also probably borrow a helmet the first time. The three autocross clubs I've seen around here all have several helmets you can borrow for free at each event. They're sweaty and disgusting, but if you need one...

Edit:
W.R.T. HPDE's, definitely listen to Larry (always good advice ). I started with an M rated helmet which is fine for any autocross but within a year encountered an HPDE where they required SA ratings.

[LemansE82]

You're in luck...I have one for sale.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278179

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by LemansE82

You're in luck...I have one for sale.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278179

That looks like an awesome helmet...but its a bit out of my price range.

[scorcherjf]

Get a SA2005 helmet. That way you can use it for autocross as well as HPDE. A decent one will run you around 400 bucks. The one I chose was the Simpson Bandit, which looks like the stig helmet =)

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/produ..._id=5581&sort=

Oh, and sizing matters. You have to get the absolute correct size for your head, and it should be quite snug. I mean, this is your noggin' you're protecting - don't wanna go cheap on something like this.

Not sure what stores sell them in the tri-state area... I'll do some research and let you know.

[axoid]

My current helmet is the Simpson FR Cruiser. You can get them through Jegs.com for $130. I like the open face helmet because it is easier to get on in the car. I wouldn't use one for wheel to wheel racing, but for autocross and open tracking it will do fine.

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/produ..._id=5951&sort=

[BrokenVert]

So one more quick question. Should I go for an open face helmet or a closed face one? I do eventually plan on doing some more serious track days so should I prepar for the future now?

[lib]

Both would work fine for what you're doing. There are subtle pros & cons between the two but none are significant enough for there to be only one correct answer to that question.

Personally I've had a good experience with an open face helmet but my next helmet will be closed face for the rare occasion I get to drive or ride along in something with no windscreen. Besides, it lets me hide my ugly mug

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

I would get a closed face if you plan on dong real track days and a open face if just doing auto-x. Also, if you are using a convertible, you will probably want a white helmet.....

I love my flat black helmet, but it gets pretty hot in the summer with the vert. I only know Stable Energies in northern NJ. They seem to be rather knowledgeable and very friendly.