I need a Snell approved large, preferably white, racing helmet. My hat size (from military days) is 7 1/2 if that's any help. Don't want to spend too much or get too fancy. Anyone have a used helmet? Thanks.

Adrian Curtis, NH

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Sun, 03/20/2005 - 09:59

Art,

There are a bunch of good, NOMEX lined helmets that meet the Snell SA2000 standard out there. No one should be buying a Snell 95 at this point. The new standard should be released in 2005, so Snell 95 helmets will be out of date (they release a new standard every 5 years as I understand it).

No one should be going on the track with an old, worn out or damaged helmet. A good conforming helmet is not that expensive ($100 to $175). They are readily available from on-line suppliers, catalogues or local speed shops. Your life may depend on it, so do yourself a favor and spend the money for a proper, auto race helmet. I'll say it again -- how much is your head worth?

BTW, I used to like the open faced models, until I heard that a major part of what killed Dale Earnhardt was that he was wearing an open faced helmet rather than one with a full-face chin protector. I now wear a full-faced helmet and believe the added protection is well worth it. I think it's important especially in cars without air bags. Plus, remember, the cars we drive on the track are less crash-worthy than the one the Earnhardt was driving.

Steve Weinstein

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Sat, 03/19/2005 - 22:00

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT "Silver"
Pacific Jaguar.ca

I picked up a race recognized helmed made by RCI, the part # is listed as 3135W right on the box. The snell listing is SA2000, these helmets are for car racing and are lined with fireproof NOMEX, the motorcycle helmets do not have the Nomex, and are therefore cheaper, but not legal for car racing. The cost was about 200 CDN $

Submitted by sweinstein@jcna.com on Fri, 02/11/2005 - 12:22

Adrian,

A good, basic helmet that meets current Snell standards is not that expensive -- maybe $100 to $150. There are many sources for these, including many on-line distributors and catalog companies like Summit Racing. It's definitely worth getting a new helmet, not a used one. After all, how much is your head worth? You can also find them at local speed shops. Just be careful that you don't get a motorcycle helmet. Even though they are Snell rated, they are different that helmets intended for auto racing. Be sure to check the label on the back of the helmet. I believe the current Snell standard is 2003. Don't buy an older 1995.

Steve Weinstein
JCNA Slalom Committee Chair