I'm looking to buy an open-face helmet for autocross, but I'm not sure what size I'd be, and given that I wear glasses, I want to make sure the helmet fits before buying. I know of SafeRacer online, but I'd rather not order 3 helmets and return the ones I don't want.
Are there any chain or local motorsports stores that might be near me in NYC/Long Island?
I'd go to any local bike shop and start trying them on. If you're ONLY going to be doing Autox, look at HJC for nice entry level and cheap helmets. 
^ What he said. I ended up with a closed face helmet for autox- simply because it was literally the only one ANYONE had that fit my melon. But, i was safe. The cones on the other hand...... Also, make sure it's SNELL rated, preferrably a 2010 (simply because that means you can use it longer). SCCA and most sanctioning groups I know of won't accept a DOT only helmet.
I'm in the same boat - I'm ready to try autocrossing this year but have no idea where to start with helmets. I have an HJC bike helmet thats DOT rated, but no SNELL ratings.
mndsm - I'm not sure I fully understand. So I NEED a snell rating to go autocrossing? I might try a run or two at the drag strip as well, but nothing more than that. What sort of ratings should I be looking for.
Needs to be Snell approved. "M" is fine for autox, but if you plan on doing track days, you need one with "SA" approval.
I just picked up an HJC snell full face for $80 for both autoX and my MSF. Luckily I have tried on many lids so I knew my size to order online.
Yavuz wrote: I'm in the same boat - I'm ready to try autocrossing this year but have no idea where to start with helmets. I have an HJC bike helmet thats DOT rated, but no SNELL ratings. mndsm - I'm not sure I fully understand. So I NEED a snell rating to go autocrossing? I might try a run or two at the drag strip as well, but nothing more than that. What sort of ratings should I be looking for.
That is correct. The helmet needs to be a MINIMUM M2000 (By current SCCA standards) to run. DOT won't cut it. Our local autox club is actually running one gen newer, minimum rating here is M2005. I bought an M2010 just to get my moneys worth (at 400 and change for the ONE helmet that fits my fat head, I figured go for the gold). Most bike shops will know which helmets are M rated, in fact, the two big ones around here know about us and know exactly which helmets to recommend for autox. Kinda nice like that. I have yet to find a local shop that sells SA rated helmets for road racing.
Size is easily determined by measuring the head with a tape measure. Tables are listed on all helmet sights. I guess I am lucky. I have purchased several helmets on the internet and never had a fitment problem.
In reply to neon4891:
Where??
iceracer wrote: Size is easily determined by measuring the head with a tape measure. Tables are listed on all helmet sights. I guess I am lucky. I have purchased several helmets on the internet and never had a fitment problem.
Those tables aren't always accurate, I learned that the hard way.
Strike_Zero wrote: In reply to neon4891: Where??
compacc.com lots of good deals for bike stuff
Well I'm not advocating doing this but this is what happened to me. I purchased a Bell helmet that was on close out from my suppler however he didn't have the same model i tried on in stock at the show so he shipped it a week later well that model was to big. He would not take it back as it was close out and he did not have next size down....After talking with all the mail order places to see if they had it in small i finally called Bell Racing USA they said sure we will swap it we have smalls in stock if your has truly not been worn not problems. I shipped it to them and 3 days latter my new one come and it fits. So you know I'm a Bell customer for life now for racing helmets.
Motorcycle that a different story but I'll be looking at Bells for that too soon.
44
MrMook -
A guy named Vic used to run a safety gear business out of TKX Performance's shop in Huntington, LI. (TKX is a euro maint/race prep shop.) I don't know if he is still open for business. I've bought gloves and shoes from him, and helmets elsewhere, so I don't know what his helmet inventory is like. As I recall, he stocked Bell and Simpson I think.
mndsm wrote:iceracer wrote: Size is easily determined by measuring the head with a tape measure. Tables are listed on all helmet sights. I guess I am lucky. I have purchased several helmets on the internet and never had a fitment problem.Those tables aren't always accurate, I learned that the hard way.
Generally, if the table doesn't work out it's an issue of shape more than outright size. A different shaped head than the helmet design means that sizing chart isn't going to be very useful.
I guess I must have a normal shaped head
Thanks NY, I'll take a look. I stopped in a scooter store (can you believe that's all we've got in the city?), and tried on a Snell M2005 full-face from Z1R (their only Snell rated helmet in stock). Never heard of the brand, but it fit pretty well, and I was able to wear my glasses comfortably. It was $150, so unless I find something out on Long Island (that's where most of the "high speed" shops are), I may end up going with the Z1R, since it's convenient, the price is right, and I can also use it when I finally get around to learning how to ride a motorcycle.
Ok, one more helmet question. I think I've got it boiled down to two helmets, the G-Force Eliminator Full-face, and the Z1R..something-or-other full-face.
If I get the full-face motorcycle helmet, I can use it for AutoX, and riding. But does an automotive helmet translate well to motorcycle use? Any potential lift/aero issues?
Any significant reasons to choose one over the other (besides fit)?
G-Force
Z1R:
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