Hi all,

I'll be going to the BMWCCA track weekend in November, and I'm looking for a shop in town that has helmets.

Any recommendations?

At worst, I figure I can go to a motorcycle shop, determine my helmet size, and then order online, but if there's a good place in town with AS helmets, I'd rather go there.

For those who track regularly, where did you get your helmet?

Thanks,
Dave

 

Hi Dave,

http://www.soloperformance.com/Default.aspx?tabid=22&CategoryID=4&ListAll=True&se lection=0
These guys are awesome. They always have a booth set up at autoX events, which there is one this sunday at the UMB bank pavillion. You can order one from their website and/or show up on sunday and pick one up and not pay shipping. I would email or call them to make sure they bring what you're looking for though.

Matt

 

Hey, thanks a lot. That sounds perfect.

I'll give them a call and check out the AutoX on Sunday.

 

I second the recommendation of soloperformance, I have used them for lots of things and they are great!

Aaron

 

if you want to get one from in st. louis, go to donaldson motorcycles on st. charles rock road. phil wicks recommended them to me and they have a huge selection and a very well trained staff.

 

A motorcycle helmet is not the same as a car helmet. On the Snell tag inside it will say m95,m2000,m2005 for motorcycle and the year of regulations that it abides by(1995,2000,2005). SA95,sa2000,sa2005 means that it is for automobiles with the same year indicators. The difference between m and sa is that sa is flame retardant, m is not. Maybe they will let you get away with m, but maybe not.

Helmets can be used for 10 years from the year of the regulations that they abide by, so 95 helmets can be used until Oct 1 2005, 2000 until 2010, 2005 (when they come out in Oct) until 2015. Many people however, will only allow their heads to be in the latest Snell standards helmet.

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Info is just what I've picked up over the past few days as I am looking for a helmet also.

drewffff

 

check with the organizations that put on the events that you are interested in. they will have the level of helmet that you need so you can make an accurate decision.

 

I am finding out what type helmet is required for the BMWCCA event, I'll let everyone know as soon as I hear from the organizers...

Aaron

 

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies and suggestions.

I've spoken with Ron at Solo Performance and it looks like he may have a Bell M2 for me to try out this Sunday at the SCCA autocross event at UMB.

Might I ask a few more questions?

1) Anyone have experience with the Bell M2? I'm looking at it because Bell seems to be a solid company and the M2's wide eyeport should help with my eyeglasses.

2) Any other helmets you could recommend?

I'm looking for a good, basic helmet, and from what I've read, all helmets meeting a certain Snell rating will be equally safe. But hopefully I'll be able to use this helmet for the next five years, so I'd rather pay a little more for one that's well-made and comfortable than simply buy the cheapest one available.

3) Anyone know when in October the SA 2005-rated helmets will be available? If not, I'll check into this and report back. It seems like it'd be worth waiting for, as long as I can have one in time for the BMW DE.

Thanks again,
Dave

 

I just started running in BMWCCA AutoX events this year too. I found out what year SNELL approval the club required. In Denver the club did not care if it was a "car" or "motorcycle" helmet only if it was SNELL rated. Consider the amount of AutoX events you'll attend this year. Consider the speed you'll attain ( I never get out of 2nd gear). Consider that AutoX events are probably the safest event you'll ever run your car in, and make a financial decision. Yes you can buy a full face Bell helment and spend many $. But why? If you race duing the summer and if it's humid where you live you may seriously want to consider a open face helmet. It's easier to get on and off, and very comfortable with glasses/sun-glasses. For sure what ever you buy, try in on first for the right fitment. Just my thoughts. Felix of Conifer

 

BMWCCA STL track day requires:
Snell 95 helmet (M or S)

For those interested in the differences between M and S certification, click here then click on helmet FAQ:

http://www.smf.org/

See you at the track in November!

Aaron

 

Hey everybody,

For those of you in the market, the Snell 2005-rated Bell and Pyrotect helmets are available as of October 3. Ron from SoloPerformance placed my order for one yesterday. He's been great, by the way, just as advertised.

Looking forward to meeting y'all at Gateway,

Dave