Auto-X, What helmet(s) do you use?

[H1 GT]

Last time I did it I ended up using a dirt bike helmet that I had and they were okay with it. Now I just picked up a DOT open face helmet and think it'll be alright, but I've seen online that a Snell rated helmet is usually required.

Are there any open face Snell helmets?

Should I just get a full face Snell helmet? I am hoping to eventually get some track time at a road course in the future. I already have this DOT helmet, maybe bring both if they nix the open face?

Anyways, I guess any guidance on helmets will be helpful!

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[BmacIL]

There are some Snell open-face helmets available, and most places will check your helmet.

 

[TNcoupe]

Last time I did it I ended up using a dirt bike helmet that I had and they were okay with it. Now I just picked up a DOT open face helmet and think it'll be alright, but I've seen online that a Snell rated helmet is usually required.

Are there any open face Snell helmets?

Should I just get a full face Snell helmet? I am hoping to eventually get some track time at a road course in the future. I already have this DOT helmet, maybe bring both if they nix the open face?

Anyways, I guess any guidance on helmets will be helpful!

I use a Simpson Voyager closed face and a Simpson Cruzer open face. The Cruzer is more friendly to people that wear glasses. Both are DOT and SNELL approved to the latest standards. I wear the Voyager for kart racing and sometimes in the car cause I had a tiny piece of tire rubber go in my eye with the open face. I wasted two laps at a track day trying to get it out of my eye.

 

[Kyle@ROUSH]

I use the G-Force Pro Eliminator. I wear glasses so i took the shield off it works well IMO.

 

[Nitro]

I have a simpson bandit full face. I figured if I ever ran into an instance where a track required full face I would be all set.

Plus I dress up as the Stig every halloween.

 

[Kyle@ROUSH]

Something to keep in mind, if something did happen and your airbag deployed I'd rather be in a full face as opposed to taking the air bag right to the face.

 

[H1 GT]

Something to keep in mind, if something did happen and your airbag deployed I'd rather be in a full face as opposed to taking the air bag right to the face.

I've actually read quite a bit into this and there is a big debate on which would be better. It seems as though a full face helmet may put more stress on your neck but either way, it's all something to think about.

My local Auto-x's are slower speed than the east/west coast nationals for sure, so I am trying to get in contact with the guy that runs it here to find out. Went to a few places to look, we have one speed shop in town that carries the Simpson Voyager. They didn't have my size (S) but he ordered one in case I wanted to come back. I may go that route or may order something else.

I am hoping to do a few track events at Hallett Raceway in OK if possible, sometime in the near-ish future.

 

[Grintch]

Might want to at least consider a SA rated helmet, as they are required for TT or racing. But the M rated Snell helmets are cheaper.

The fit varies quite a bit, so its a good idea to test fit whenever possible.

Also, many autocross clubs will have a couple of loaner helmets. The Snell 2015's are due out soon, and the older helmets get phased out after 10 or 15 years. So you umay want to wait till the '15's are out to get the extra 5 years of legality.

 

[stoli]

I picked up a G-Force Pro Phenom open face that's Snell 2010. Nice and light. I just wish the seat headrest could move back further to be more conformist when wearing the helmet.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/product-line/g-force-pro-phenom-helmets

 

[H1 GT]

Awesome. I got ahold of the guy that runs our events and he said I will be fine with what I have. I will wait for the 2015 Snell helmets to come out and go with one of those. Still have a couple months till I move to OK and probably even longer till I will need a Snell helmet for a track day there.

Thanks for the help.

 

[bbrilli]

Awesome. I got ahold of the guy that runs our events and he said I will be fine with what I have. I will wait for the 2015 Snell helmets to come out and go with one of those. Still have a couple months till I move to OK and probably even longer till I will need a Snell helmet for a track day there.

Thanks for the help.

I would spend the extra 100-200 for a Snell SA rated helmet. SA means special applications and is good for multiple hits on the same spot. Like when you are bouncing your head against the roll cage over and over again. (Like when you forget to torque the lug nuts before a session...that only happened once:doh: ) Check with the sanctioning body near you to see if they require SA ratings.

When the 2015s come out there will be big savings on the 2010s. Your helmet will start to stink after a while so do you really want one that is good for 10 years?

 

[TNcoupe]

The Voyager and Cruzer are both SA.

 

[JDRsGT]

I took the SCCA Starting Line course and bought a helmet from them as part of the package (at a discount). The open face helmet they use is a Bell Sport Mag.

 

[Varekai]

I don't have a helmet as I don't do anything requiring one, but if I ever have to get one it will be this, or one with a Spawn design as they will do custom jobs.

 

[coopdro]

I've been curious about this since I'll be partaking in some upcoming events. I dropped like 300+ on my full face motorcycle helmet. Do people ever use these for autocross and would I expect any issues showing up with it? Logic implies if it's a damn good helmet for being on an open bike, it should be good for behind the wheel .... but I've been wrong before assuming logic.

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