DavidCa

I want to start autocrossing my car, but first I need to get a helmet. Any shop recommendations in the bay area where I can go in to have it sized properly? What should I be looking for, I know a few folks had told me to not get a motorcycle helmet because they are totally different.

madmaxblaster

Cycle gear. They have stores and the website. You can try different styles there or to try out what size you need.

PierreC

Lots of people run with motorcycle helmets (even on the track) because they are a lot easier to find and to try (and cheaper). Never buy a helmet without having tried a lot of them. I wanted an SA helmet and ended up with an MA2010. Just because it felt a lot better and safer than all the other SA helmets I have tried.
If you autocross your car, you have very little chance to get in an accident where the type of helmet (SA or MA)you wear will make a difference. You have actually little chance to get into ANY accidents actually.
I track my car quite a bit, and I always think safety first. I installed a rollbar, harnesses, race seats with a halo, and I drive with an MA2010 helmet, not SA. I have a 170$ Scorpion and I have installed a HANS device. I believe that in a car an MA helmet will always suffice to protect your head, but no SA helmet will protect your neck. So I opted for spending my money into a HANS before I spend money in an SA helmet that will fit my head. But just like any topic, you will find people with all kinds of opinions...

PierreC

Check this thread:

My link

nos4you

If u have a big head I have a pyrotect for sale haha. Almost new too! Cheap cheap! Check my sig link.

thomsbrain

I got my motorcycle helmet at Road Rider and the service was excellent. They let me try on a variety before I found one that I really liked.

DavidCa

Thanks all. I dropped by Cycle Gear on my way home. My helmet size is a XS. They didn't have much variety for XS, so I think I'll end up ordering online.


Pierre, thanks for the link.

Thateguhate

Hey Dave... There is a place called helmet city based out of Oakland CA, I suggest getting fitted for a helmet and then ordering it from them because the return policy is awesome and they even sent me a new shield 2 months after I had my HJC and scratched the shield after it fell off of my bike and they did this for free. Great pricing as well..

www.helmetcity.com

andrewhake

Wine County Motorsports at Sonoma Raceway has nearly every automotive helmet you would want to try. Many guys that also ride motorcycles use their motorcycle helmets.

I use the Arai GP6-S. It is quite a bit more expensive than most but it is also quite a bit lighter. The entry level version of the Arai GP6 RC that is widely used in F1 and other motorsports. It all comes down to how much you think your head is worth really.