Ok, so after being that bud that has borrowed everyones old helmet a dozen times, it is time for me to go get a new one on my own. Here is my dilema...

I compete in SCCA solo II and make some passes down the quarter mile at least 10 weekends a year. On top of that this upcoming spring I am getting set to go do some track time at Lime Rock with the Porsche Club of America (Wheel to wheel Solo I style) , and I know that they should have different reqirements again.
I have read from varying sources that each of the regulating bodies (NHRA/SCCA) have different requirements and there are a lot of conflicting sources online.
Do I absolutely NEED a SA2000 helmet to participate legally and safely in all 3 types of competition, or is a M2000 helmet sufficient? (The cost differential is my main motivation. From my understanding, the main difference is that the SA helmets are fireproof whereas the M helmets are not. ... I am not concerned with my head spontaneously combusting)

Also... have a helmet you particularly like or dislike? I am looking at the Bell Sport III, as it looks to be a good value, meets SA2000, and have heard its pretty durable (wear wise)

link


Thanks for all your help!

 

Do yourself a favor, just find a decently priced SA2000 helmut. This way, you will never be concerned about it being acceptable for any event. This is what I did and I go to all kinds of events (about 30 this year alone)...

The least expensive that I could find was here:

http://www.racerwholesale.com/

PS In an f-body, you'll LOVE the uphill section at Lime Rock.

 

I seconf racerwholesale as a great source for helmets. That's where I've bought all of mine from. My first helmet, I got an SA95 version of a Bell open face unit. Nice helmet, but I've found I really don't like the open face design, closed face works much better (especially when you spin off the track and have grass and dirt flying everywhere ). The one I'm using right now is a GF800 (racerwholesale brand) M2000 closed face that sells for $100. I did some very extensive research and found out that their is only one testing difference between SA & M for impacts, with the SA being tested for impact with something like a roll bar. Since I didn't have a roll bar in the car (and haven't in any of my cars), I went with the M version. Also, the SA has better fire protection, but since for the events I run in I'm wearing regular clothes I thought it would be somewhat overkill to go for the extra fire protection of an SA helmet when I'm wearing street clothes. All events that I've been too (SCCA, PCA, local roadcourse, dragstrips, etc) have all accepted the M rated helmet as sufficient.

Anyway, I'm not saying buy the cheapest M you can find, just trying to give you more info. It basically all boils down to how safe you want to be. In a perfect world I would prefer a full roll cage in the car, with a top of the line SA full face helmet, driving suit, gloves and shoes and Nomex underwear, plus a fire system in the car. I can't quite afford that though.

 

i think the different PCA regions have different rules. also if you are going to a DE (drivers ed) you probably will be allowed to use the M rated helmet, but wont be allowed to use the chevy.

once you step up from an educational setting like a club autocross or DE to a non educational setting you will need an S rated helmet.

check the PCA rules at their site. i think there is a link from the main site to the regional sites.

 

Thanks for the info so far. I know I can run the chevy with them, because my buddy runs his Z24 Cavalier with the PCA. He works for VW/Audi group and I would be specified as his "guest" to the event and allowed to run. Not to mention, I let a few of the local PCA guys run at our "closed event" autocrosses, so its sort of the reciprocity thing.

I was most worried about the NHRA rule for an SA2000 helmet, SCCA seems to be ok with a M2000. I know PCA allows M rated helmets... the guy with the cavalier runs a M95.

EDIT: NHRA only requires Snell 90, DOT, or SFI rating. Guess I have more choices than I first thought.

 

SA rated helmets have fire protection, M2000 don't. For SCCA Solo2, either helmet will work. Road racing is a different story, SA is required.

 

which local PCA chapter are you hanging with?

last year i was told i had to run my 944 and couldnt run my rx7 at the zone autocross in springfield.

i thought they only let porsches run at the DEs.

i should have signed up for the DE this weekend with the camaro.

 

Hudson Valley region... I am basically in albany my whole life

I dont know that much, but I was told I wouldnt have any problems goin out there with the camaro, since my "sponsor" is driving a cavalier.

We arent doing it till spring, so who knows by then what PCA has changed or allows..

 

im going to the pca zone autocross next weekend just to visit. im gonna talk to the metrony region DE guys and see if i can run the z28 there.

as a side note this autocross season was a no go for me with two days rained out, the porsche in the shop for a motor rebuild and break in for two, and stolen two weeks before the last one, just after it was teched and confirmed 100% for DE and competition.

i bought the camaro the day before the last autocross and would have run it if i had it registered..

 

I'm with KeithO, just get the SA2000 and you'll never have to worry about it, at least not for several more years. I bought a Bieffe JetAuto and really like it.

 

It all depends on the area if you can run non Porsches. Our local PCA region usually lets other cars run, but lately they haven't had the space so it's been closed to non Porsches.

 

I like my Bell SR Pro. It's $240, SA2000. It's technically a closed face helmet (which I prefer), but has a big eyeport so you can wear glasses or sunglasses and no flip-down visor.

Any of you guys who manage to catch World Rally on TV have seen it. Robert Reid (Richard Burns co-driver) wears one. I think it's great bang for the buck and like the others have said covers you for anything you might do. And being a SA2000, won't go out of date for things like Solo2 anytime soon (90's are legal, but only until the 2005 Snell stuff comes out).

 

It's your head gentlemen, make sure you buy a good helmet. I would not be on a road course without a full face style. Just a note to add to the conversation - it make take some trying of several different brands before you get one that fits. Go to a shop and try on different brands, never buy a mail order helmet without knowing it fits. I did for my first helmet and boy did I regret it!

Be sure to also wear a collar (about $50) or a Hutchen's type device (more than $300) as part of your safety gear. Several companies have come out with different low budget versions of the Hutchen's and they are worth a serious look if you plan on doing many RR events
annually.

 

Thanks for all the advice. There is a bike shop locally which has a bunch of SA helmets... guess Ill have to trek down there to check them out.

One thing I know I want... full visor... Never know when I might be buying a bike (ok... prob like 2007-2008) but if for nothing else, Ive tried both and like the mental comfort the full face shield offers... even if the bastard fogs up a bit...

 

I leave the shield up.

Be careful of helmuts with actual visors. I like to sit pretty high and close to the wheel. In fact the part of the helmut that is in front of my forehead is very close to the flipdown sun visor on the car... And my helmut doesn't have a visor, just a plastic shield.