A question on helmets

[SinglemaltWSKY]

My father and I both need to purchase helmets for the upcoming season - we're new to this.

Looking for feedback on preferred helmets - I'm 6'4", so head room is always an issue.

Do you guys have a suggestion - best bang for the buck? Most comfortable? Things I should avoid?

Let me know
Cheers!
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[miatagirl77]

There's no one set helmet for everyone. Each manufacturer designs a different fitting helmet, so the best thing to do is go try a bunch of them on.

They should be snug. You shouldn't be able to grab the helmet and move it back and forth or side to side while it's on. But not too snug. The sales person can probably help you out with fitment. Just remember, if it feels slightly tight, it'll be fine as the padding will eventually mold to your head.

Depending on what you'll be doing, you may need an SA helmet. Or can get away with an M rated one. Check with the different organizations.

[SinglemaltWSKY]

Thanks Melanie!

Is there a catch all certification that is good for all/most organizations? I only want to purchase one :-)

I guess they're all technically motorcycle helmets? Full face is probably a must.

[miatagirl77]

SA is for cars and M is for motorcycles.

SA would be best for all automobile racing organizations, but they are going to be a bit more expensive than a cheapo M rated one.

I hope you and your dad have the same sized noggins if you're only going to pick up one.

If you're close by, try JRP or CSC Racing. They have SA rated helmets you can try on for size.

[SinglemaltWSKY]

Ah - I meant only one for me :-)

Thanks for the clarification. I'll look around for an SA helmet. Should be some places in London that supply these.

[JoeT]

Slight Correction on Mel's post:

SA = Special Application: Designed for multiple impacts. This type of helmet is required for use on any vehicle with a Roll Cage.

M2005 / Snell 2005: Motorcycle Helmet which is ok for use with cars with no Roll Cage. Buy the ones with M + Snell + DOT labels that way you won't get turned away.

[SinglemaltWSKY]

ahhh - perfect - thanks for the clarification Joe.

[STeveD]

Some of the M helmets seem to have thicker foam for top of the head / human missile impacts. This would reduce your clearance in the car.

HJC SA's are relatively cheap. The downside of buying right now is that the new 2010 standard is supposed to come out in August. The upside is that you can pick up some 2005's cheap that will be good for 5 more years (instead of 10.)

If you and your Dad want to do Targa or other type of rally, talk to Dan at Fourstar about Peltor helmets with the built in speaker / microphone.

[SinglemaltWSKY]

Oh. Speakers and mic - that would be awesome.
Thanks for the suggestions

[Sir-knight]

[SinglemaltWSKY]

[Serge]

[oldguy]

[SinglemaltWSKY]

[JoeT]

[oldguy]

[SinglemaltWSKY]

[JoeT]