So here the deal, I signed up for a PDX at Thunder Hill this coming Saturday but did not realized they required a helmet (I use loaners at Auto-x) does anyone know if the SCCA would have a few available or do I absolutely need to bring my own?

If so, does anyone know where I can get one for cheap that is SA2000 approved or does anyone in the Bay Area have one they could generously rent/loan me theirs? I've stretched my budget already signing up for the track day, and now I need a helmet

 

Walmart?

 

There's no such thing as a cheap helmet. Helmets tend to protect people's head, and people tend to value their head, so they tend to be pricey.

If you have a relatively local store that sells auto-racing gear a lot will have clearance items or returned helmets on discount. I have a Summit Racing nearby and they almost always have a few helmets on the discount rack. You could also look on Craigslist or Ebay for local, used helmets.

Honestly though I wouldn't recommend going cheap on a helmet. The cheaper ones tend to be more uncomfortable (air venting and fit) and restrict your vision. If you're planning on doing this a lot over the next few years you'll want to get one that is SA2005 and not SA2000 as the 2000 helmets will no longer be certified in a year or so.

 

Cheapest you'll be able to get is in the $199-250 range for a SA-2005 rated helmet.

 

OG Racing in VA rents helmets.
http://ogracing.blogspot.com/2008/08...t-rentals.html

 

www.saferacer.com is another site that has a wide range.

 

Or check out the ads at the top and bottom of this forum.

 

http://www.baautox.com/forum/index.p...start=0&rid=27

Tam (Extreme Performance) is local for us in the Bay Area...not sure what he has left in stock of the Pyrotech helmets, but he's worth a call. Bell Motorsports in Oakland is another good source for helmets, although (to be honest), I haven't been down there in years and don't even know if they're still in business...

The bottom line with helmets, particularly for track days, is to make sure it fits. Too loose is unsafe and too tight causes pressure point headaches...Don't get too hung up on brands or cost, the reality is that once they've passed Snell, there really isn't a significant safety difference between a $150 and $500 helmet..ultimately, what you are paying for are lighter weight, more bells and whistles (vents, washable liner etc.), graphics and brand name...once you get in to some of the very top dollar, advanced composite helmets, there may be an argument for safety enhancement, but not at the price points that 99% of the buying public is playing with...

 

An open faced helmet can be had for ~150 or so. The quality on these may be lower though.


Pyrotect, Zamp and G Force all have open faced helmets for about this much

 

http://helmetcity.com/

Good service, for real web site. I've bought 2 different helmets there.