After 9 autocross events and 10 track days with my Zeronine Z9-APX helmet this season, all I can say is that's it's a huge improvement over my old Bell M3. It is very light (3.2 lbs for size Large) and hard to beat for the money (low $300s). I highly recommend it. I did a detailed review on it here:

http://www.onehotlap.com/2011/09/pro...10-helmet.html

 

Pyro-Tech is the best bang for the buck IMHO.

http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?...&cat=14&page=2

$125 each. We have a pair of them, my wife and I. Comfy, light, and the liner is washable.

 

Not all Track event organizers will accept an M helmet anymore.

Better to buy a SA2010 or even a SA2005 if you go to the track frequently. My helmets are usually shot after 5 years anyway.

 

I'm with Alan, although I'd also stay away from open face helmets, even if they're SA.

I normally buy current and replace every 5 years as well (and cross my fingers that my visors will fit the new one).

 

I think a full-face helmet is a must if you drive with it at the track. Much better protection and much cheaper than a face transplant

 

I agree with both the previous posts. I'd add that you have to make sure you try on the helmet first as well--some brands just don't work for me, others fit perfectly and are much more comfortable. It's an individual thing; some prefer one brand over another for comfort.

Also, sizes can vary between companies--an extra large for one company may be more like a large for another. Just make sure you try on whatever you're looking at before purchase.

 

Yes, spot on! The size is almost meaningless when it comes to helmets. It's definitely an item that you have to try on before you buy it.

 

Except that he's talking about autocross. I've had a full face Simpson when I ran my MGB years ago, and now an open face Pyrotect. I thought the full face made me look like a real macho, he man race car driver, and was miserable in Sacramento Valley heat in the summer, over 100º. There might be something to be said for a full face helmet in a roadster or cabriolet, but in an car with a roof on it, I'd go open face. The only full face helmets I see at events, and people driving carts, open wheel, or very modified V8's. People that have been running for years if not decades, more often than not will have an open face helmet.

 

Autocross, where the speeds are lower, is probably fine for open face. But on the track, I'd go full face, whether the car is a hard top or not. If your car has an airbag and it deploys, especially if you wear glasses, it will make your face look like it's been in a blender. And if you don't have an airbag, that's even more of a reason to go full face...

 

cct1, I'm so glad you brought up the glasses and airbag factor, I'd totally forgotten about it. Do you see any advantage to driving with the visor on to protect you better from the airbag? I usually take my visor off thinking I don't really need it...