I want to start autocrossing my car and having track days with it. I havent really looked into it thou until recently when i heard of the driving event at the msa car show. thought this might be the chance for me to get a nice feel for my z in a safer enviorment. i registered today and they told me that my helmet had to be 95 or newer. now heres my stupid question: wheres a good place around me that sells helmets and which one should i get? any help is appreciated.

There are M (motorcycle) helmets and SA (Snell Approved) helmets. If you go to a motorcycle shop, they usually only have M helmets. M helmets are usually OK for autox, but generally on a big track they want you to have an SA approved helmet. SA is generally more money. My understanding of the difference is that the SA is designed to be more fire retardant, and also to take multiple hits. Check out the online race stores like www.racerwholesale.com and http://www.behrents.com and www.pitstopusa.com.

The ratings come out every 5 years, and they JUST released the SA 2005 helmets. You'll find sales on the SA 2000 helmets because they're trying to get them off the shelf. My suggestion is to buy a 2005, because as you've already found out, after 10 years you'll be required to replace them by most sanctioning bodies.

It kinda sucks, but unless you live close to a big parts house that has a lot of different helmets, you really have to buy a helmet, try it on, and return it if it doesn't fit right. Be prepared to try a few before you find a keeper. I haven't figured a way around that problem yet.

I think this year the requirement has moved to M or SA 2000 or newer for autocrossing from M or SA 95 last year. I agree with the statements above, get the newest rating and you will get the most time out of it.

I had read that the big differences between M and SA were in resistance to repeated impacts and abrasion. The M is tested to take one good smack and also to how well it resists road rash. (Imagine going down on a bike, hitting hard and then sliding on the pavement.) The SA is not rated as much for resistance to abrasion, but is tested for multiple impacts to the same spot. (Imagine your car in a repeated barrel-roll with you banging your head repeatedly on the roll bar.)

Both ratings have their place. When I'm on the road on my bike, I'm pleased to have my M helmet (M2000, in my case). If I was on the track in a track car, I'd want the SA. For auto-crossing, either will do, although the SA might be desirable if you have a cage in the car.

The Sports Car Club of America (in Florida) requires at least a Snell 90 certification for their autocross / solo events. This should tell you all about the Snell Foundation and what the differences are. http://www.smf.org/faqs.html

The best advice I would give anyone who is considering buying a helmet (or for that matter, any protective gear) is this; protect yourself with the best equipment you can buy. Protect your head for every possible scenario - even fire. Last year at the ZCCA convention track day, a gas tank (full of gas) fell out of the back of a Z car and I use it as an example of all the crazy things that could possibly happen. Lets face it. Cars are dangerous and even though you may think an autocross is reasonably safe, that doesn't mean you can't get hurt.

Helmets are very personal items. They shoud fit properly and be cared for properly. They shoud have the features you will need for the specific purpose you are using it for. Have fun shopping for helmets. I love shopping for helmets.

thanks for the advice guys. my freand had said i should try ebay and sent me this link. what u guys think? it says its SA2005. Also its much cheaper than the links that i looked at above.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/G-Force-Pro-Force-One-Helmet-New-Snell-sa2005-rated_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ107069QQitemZ4617722260QQrdZ1

thanks in advance.

For auto-crossing where you are wearing the helmet for very short duration, I guess that would be OK. But for longer sessions like track days, or day rides on a motorcycle, I refuse to buy a helmet that I haven't tried on. Different brands have different fit and shell shapes. Something that is comfortable to me may be painful for you after an hour.

I kinda like having vents to open and close, but that fits the bill as far as specs go. If it doesn't fit, you must acquit... uh, I mean, if it doesn't fit, send it back and buy something else.