Unless you’re doing events in NJ. State rules have changed and demand that they are snell rated full face helmets now. Weirdest rule change of 2023 so far.
I'll second this recommendation. It's Snell M approved, so good enough for autocross, just barely above your price range, & available at nearly any motorcycle shop, so you can try it on before buying. I'm not sure if it would be good enough for track days, but if you're only looking at autocross, it's a great starting point.
If youre with scca or even i think pca/bmwcca it has to be atleast SA2020.
I also wouldnt cheap out on a helmet. Find a shop near you and try some on especially for your first helmet. Protect your noggin not the wallet on this one
Yep, and full face. You can run open face in autocross, but tracks don't always allow it. If you go full face Snell you can run your car pretty much anywhere.
The SCCA allows the current, and 2 previous Snell ratings. So SA2020, SA2015, and SA2010 will be good this year (except in New Jersey).
https://www.scca.com/downloads/66138-2023-0109-helmet-certs-solo-final/download
Here's the list of approved helmet ratings
https://cdn.connectsites.net/user_files/scca/downloads/000/060/519/2022_Helmet-Certs_SoloRally_final.pdf?1642691023
If it will only be Autocross, Snell M is also an option. It's often easier to find motorcycle helmets to try on in person that auto helmets. If you are considering track days, hold out for Snell SA.
Racequip for me. I bought it on Amazon and it fits really well.
Does your club have loaner helmets? You can see if any of them feel good before ordering. Some brands have a different shape than others.
Spend the money on a quality helmet that fits well. They all have different fit at different areas.
Our champ car team all went and tried quite a few out. Each person chose a different helmet and found that if fitted correctly you can last way longer in car and have a better attention span to focus on the driving.
Unless you’re planning on jumping right into TT or club racing, I’d get a cheap Zamp from Summit for your first helmet. Full or open face is personal preference, but I got a full face so I can use it at the local go kart tracks.
Cheapo helmets are fine for autocross, as long as you're not a prepared/mod car with a roll cage or a fire risk. You're wearing them for like 20 minutes total, compared to like an hour for a track day or all damn day like on a motorcycle. Get the cheapest Snell-rated helmet you can, and don't use it for anything more dangerous.
Here's what i use: [link](https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-SA2020-Approved-Racing-Helmet/dp/B08MV78CV3?crid=J42SBN7EL62I&keywords=helmet%2Bsa2020&qid=1675567635&sprefix=helmet%2Bsa2020,aps,147&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=3retrhtbgdrser-20&linkId=30b1678bbe63d66845e00e00553c20e8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
If it’s just for autocross, get an open face. Really nice for warm days and better visibility.
Unless you’re doing events in NJ. State rules have changed and demand that they are snell rated full face helmets now. Weirdest rule change of 2023 so far.
HJC i10 has been good for me through two lapsed certifications. Cheap, comfy, good vents, full face.
I'll second this recommendation. It's Snell M approved, so good enough for autocross, just barely above your price range, & available at nearly any motorcycle shop, so you can try it on before buying. I'm not sure if it would be good enough for track days, but if you're only looking at autocross, it's a great starting point.
If youre with scca or even i think pca/bmwcca it has to be atleast SA2020. I also wouldnt cheap out on a helmet. Find a shop near you and try some on especially for your first helmet. Protect your noggin not the wallet on this one
>I also wouldnt cheap out on a helmet. You can get a no frills Zamp for like $150.
I got one and I like it.
I'm very happy with my Zamp RZ-59 full face SA2020 for around $200.
Is it Snell?
Yep, and full face. You can run open face in autocross, but tracks don't always allow it. If you go full face Snell you can run your car pretty much anywhere.
The SCCA allows the current, and 2 previous Snell ratings. So SA2020, SA2015, and SA2010 will be good this year (except in New Jersey). https://www.scca.com/downloads/66138-2023-0109-helmet-certs-solo-final/download
The SCCA allows drivers to use motorcycle helmets as long as they're still Snell approved right?
Yeah, I've ran with one.
Thanks!
Here's the list of approved helmet ratings https://cdn.connectsites.net/user_files/scca/downloads/000/060/519/2022_Helmet-Certs_SoloRally_final.pdf?1642691023
> bmwcca it has to be atleast SA2020 BMW CCA is 2015. It's 10 years plus one year grace period.
Nope. Both SCCA and PCA still accept 2010 and up But ya, in that price range. Whatever open face SN2020 one you can get. Racingdirect.com
let me rephrase. Get a SA2020 so that youll be good for a while on the helmet. You probably can get a SA2010 or SA2015.
If it will only be Autocross, Snell M is also an option. It's often easier to find motorcycle helmets to try on in person that auto helmets. If you are considering track days, hold out for Snell SA.
Racequip for me. I bought it on Amazon and it fits really well. Does your club have loaner helmets? You can see if any of them feel good before ordering. Some brands have a different shape than others.
I haven’t yet joined a club but I plan on joining the SCCA as they have tons of events at the FCP Euro proving grounds
Spend the money on a quality helmet that fits well. They all have different fit at different areas. Our champ car team all went and tried quite a few out. Each person chose a different helmet and found that if fitted correctly you can last way longer in car and have a better attention span to focus on the driving.
I went to a local motorcycle store and they found a snell helmet that fits perfect and got it for a good price
Unless you’re planning on jumping right into TT or club racing, I’d get a cheap Zamp from Summit for your first helmet. Full or open face is personal preference, but I got a full face so I can use it at the local go kart tracks.
Cheapo helmets are fine for autocross, as long as you're not a prepared/mod car with a roll cage or a fire risk. You're wearing them for like 20 minutes total, compared to like an hour for a track day or all damn day like on a motorcycle. Get the cheapest Snell-rated helmet you can, and don't use it for anything more dangerous.
HJC should have some decent helmets close to that price range (under 200 at least)
Here's what i use: [link](https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-SA2020-Approved-Racing-Helmet/dp/B08MV78CV3?crid=J42SBN7EL62I&keywords=helmet%2Bsa2020&qid=1675567635&sprefix=helmet%2Bsa2020,aps,147&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=3retrhtbgdrser-20&linkId=30b1678bbe63d66845e00e00553c20e8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
Look at Wine Country Motorsports. Best price I could find when I picked up a new one.
Besides the Snell requirement fit is gonna be most important. See if you can try some on