Which helmet should I buy?


Short Answer:
Helmet choice largely depends on what you need it for to meet minimum requirements and how much money you want to spend.

  • What type of helmet do I need?
  • Whats the difference between Snell SA and M?
  • What is the difference in impact standards?
  • What about an open face helmet?
  • What entry level helmet do you recommend?
  • How do I know what size to get?
  • Where can I buy a helmet?
  • Whats a balaclava?
  • Do I need a collar?
  • Do I need to replace my helmet?


    What type of helmet do I need?
    For autox, SCCA rules allow Snell M90+ (motorcycle) helmets. Typical HPDE events including NASA also allow motorcycle helmets although I've heard some other clubs and organizations do require Snell SA helmets (All Northern California groups I am familiar with accept M90 rated helmets). For competitive road racing, safety rules mandate SA rated helmets made sooner than 10 years or as specified in the current years rulebook. Some organisations specify "SnellXX" which means either SA or M standard helmets may be used with the XX+ year certification.

    Whats the difference between Snell SA and M?
    The following is taken from the Snell Foundation's FAQ
    SA Standard was designed for auto racing while M Standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. There are three major differences between them:
    1. SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not;
    2. SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets may not be street legal);
    3. SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not.

    Thats it. Mainly a fire protection layer and an extra rollbar test to qualify a SA certification over a M. Both types undergo the same general impact protection test which are very rigorous. So, if you have no rollcage installed, or rollbar that may come in and possible contact with the helmet in in your car, and your auto club does not specifically require SA rated helmets, you do not need to spend the extra cash for a SA rated helmet and a M rated helmet will provide just as adequate impact protection.
    Some may point out that it is a good idea to get a SA rated helmet if you ever plan on buying a rollcage or go road racing in the future. However, if you do indeed go road racing, you should buy a new SA helmet anyway since the usable lifetime of helmets is limited and the cost of a new helmet is only a fraction of the total costs to really prepare for road racing. The other counter point is the fact that its your head and life. Its up to you and if it makes you more confident spending extra on a helmet, more power to you. The fact is a M rated helmet is just as protective and is all thats needed unless you have a rollcage or are mandated by rules.

    What is the difference in impact standards?
    Like mentioned above, both SA and M standards must pass the same 3 anvil test. SA adds an extra rollbar anvil test. The test parameters for both SA00 and M00 standards are below:

    a. There shall be two impacts at each site tested against the flat anvil. For the first impact, the impact energy shall be 150 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. For the second impact, the impact energy shall be 110 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, the impact energies represent 3.0+ meter and 2.2+ meter drops respectively of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.
    b. There shall be two impacts at each site tested against the hemispherical anvil. For the first impact, the impact energy shall be 150 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. For the second impact, the impact energy shall be 110 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, the certification impact energies represent 3.0+ meter and 2.2+ meter drops respectively of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.
    c. There shall be one impact at each site tested against the edge anvil. For each impact against the edge anvil, the impact energy shall be 150 J for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, this energy represents a 3.0+ meter drop of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.

    SA standard adds this extra requirement for rollbar protection.

    d. There shall be three impacts at each site tested against the roll bar anvil. Sites selected for roll bar anvil impacts must lie behind the fore plane and above the test line of the helmet. For the first impact and second impacts, the impact energy shall be 150 J and 120 J respectively for all testing regardless of headform size or weight. For the third impact, the impact energy shall be 100 J for all other testing regardless of headform size or weight. Given an ideal frictionless mechanical test facility, the certification impact energies represent 3.0+, 2.4+ and 2.0+ meter drops of a 5 kg headform and supporting assembly.

    Impact Test Interpretation
    The peak acceleration of the headform shall not exceed 300 G's for any valid test impact. Similarly, the helmet's protective structures shall remain intact throughout the testing. If, the Foundation's technical personnel conclude that the headgear has been compromised by breakage, the sample shall be rejected.

    As you can see from the numbers, while the rollbar test requires a total of 3 strikes, the initial impact is not greater than the previous tests and the third impact is still less than the second impact of the flat and spherical anvil. It is my conclusion that SA standard is not much more rigorous of an impact test nor is the base test shared by both standards that relaxed that makes a SNELL certified motorcycle helmet inadequate for impact collisions.

    What about an open face helmet?
    What I think is more important than the difference between SA and M rated helmets is making sure you get a full faced helmet WITH a closed visor for track driving/racing - and keeping the visor closed as much as you can. There are too many small objects (bolts, rocks, parts, dirt) being flung around the track that you need to be protected from, including the event of fire. Especially when you go off the track and plow into the dirt, you will get a mouthful of dirt if you dont keep your visor down, even with a window net. Also, in case of impact, an open faced helmet obviously does not protect your face. However, for strictly autox use, I dont have a problem with a open faced helmet since the risk of impact or flying objects is very low.

    What entry level helmet do you recommend?
    For a M rated helmet, you can find many decent ones for $100-150 or more, check any motorcycle store or racer parts stores. It should be noted that not all motorcycle helmets are SNELL certified, check before you buy. Bell Motorsports has carbon fiber (lightweight) M helmets currently on sale (11/02). For a SA rated helmet, I like my Bell M2 helmet for its wide eyeport, but its the same as the Sport II. I dont recommend the SR-Pro or Mag-4 for reasons stated above. That upper visor is useless anyway and just gets in the way. You can of course spend much more on better impact absorbing and lighter materials like carbon fiber and kevlar.

    How do I know what size to get?
    What is very important before you buy a helmet is to try it on! Try to find a local race shop with the helmet you want and see if it fits. Different makers use different shaped heads to design the fit of their helmet and everyones head is shaped differently. Comfort is important and sizing charts are only guidelines. Measurements say my head is small, but I've found both my Arai and Bell helmets fit best as large, two sizes up. The small wouldnt even fit and medium was just too tight. Proper fit should be snug and test by pulling down on the helmet, the upper eyeport should not go below your brow nor should it be loose side to side. If you cannot prefit and must blindly order online, ask if they have a good return policy.

    Where can I buy a helmet?
    I truly encourage you to buy local and support your local race parts store. More than ensuring proper fit by trying it on, initiating a relationship with a local shop provides a good source for advice and guidance especially essential when starting out in racing, despite the extra price local shops must ask. Most shops will have clearance sales that you should look for. Use the two links below to search for a local race parts retailer, which will most likely sell race helmets. However, I understand that finding a local race shop may not always be feasible, so I've also included a list of a few online sources.

    Competition race parts dealer store locator:
    Longacre
    Sparco

    Online Stores:
    I/O Port Racing
    Bell Motorsports
    Solo Racer
    OG Racing
    UPRacing
    RacerWholesale

    Whats a balaclava?
    A balaclava looks like a ski mask. For auto use, it is typically made of fire retardant material like Nomex or PBI for an obvious extra layer of fire protection under the helmet. Some also like to use it to collect their sweat as its easier to clean than the inside of the helmet. (although I personally wonder if it just causes more sweating...) It is not required for SCCA club racing, but recommended. Be sure to fit your helmet with it on if you decide to use it.

    Do I need a collar?
    A collar is to lessen the amount of whiplash in case of impact and is not mandatory. Helmets add extra weight to your head and thus adds more momentum around your neck, so its a good idea to use it. It should be made of fire retardant material. Round, U or anatomic shapes are up to personal preference, either will do. I personally found the collar a bit restricting at first, but after a few times wearing it, I dont feel comfortable wearing my helmet without it in my car.

    Do I need to replace my helmet?
    The Snell foundation recommends a helmet be replaced every 5 years based on a general concensus of manufacturers and the Snell foundation. "Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials, and general liner deterioration as a function of hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, and normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, design and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from prudent safety philosophy."

    Also, if a helmet has been in any significant impact, it should be inspected by the manufacturer or simply replaced, even if it looks ok from the outside. Helmets are made with a hard rigid outer shell with an inner impact absorbing liner. The inner liner absorbs impact by deformation and may not be evident under the hard outer shell while the inner layer may no longer absorb or be as effective as before initial impact. The general rule explained to me is any drop from waist height to the ground is considered a significant impact, so dont drop your helmet!


    Northern California Groups accepting at least a Snell M95 rated helmets
    NASA HPDE
    SCCA Solo2
    Thunderhill (SCCA) HPDS
    Speedventures
    Unlimited Laps
    Greenflag Driving
    TracQuest
    PCA autox/TT/track school











    The purpose of this FAQ is to provide a centralized source of information to common questions frequently asked that provides a comprehensive answer that may not be given for each time a question is answered. I just wanted a place to brain dump my knowledge. All information in this FAQ is a product of my own thoughts and shall be regarded as my own opinion, unless otherwise noted. Take it for what its worth. I do not pretend to be an authority and am open for correction and input.