Project

I'm participating in my first autocross course and don't want to use one of the sweaty loaner helmets. The inspection list indicates that the helmet has to have a SNELL rating of 1995 or newer. I went to a bike shop and saw their helmets have a SNELL rating of 2000. What is the difference, and will that be acceptable?

elmmx5

Yup, that's ever better, snell 95 is only valid this year I think. They update the spec every five years. I believe the rule is, you can use the current helmet and the previous generation. When snell 2005 comes out at the end of this year, you won't be able to use snell 95. By buying a snell 2000, it'll be good for 5 years more.

DrDre1443

It has to have a D.O.T. tag in it. At least for N.C. is does. Any motorcycle helmet (speed bikes) will do.

elmmx5

I don't think D.O.T. cuts it for SCCA autocross. The SCCA rule is listed below. I don't think they'll let you run with one of those little Harley skull caps with the D.O.T. sticker only.

Helmets
Helmets meeting the following standards must be worn while on
course: All helmets meeting the current or two immediately preceding
Snell Foundation standards (SA, K, or M), or SFI standards 31.1A,
31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A are acceptable. FIA approved helmets which
are acceptable for use in Rally events are acceptable for Solo II events.
For maximum protection, helmets must fit securely and should
provide adequate peripheral vision. The chin strap must be securely
fastened. Loaner helmets should be available to vehicle occupants
not having their own.

Project

The inspection sheet indicates that just a DOT rating won't cut it.

Will the SNELL 2000 be sufficient, or should I try and pick up a 2005 (are they even available?)

Any other feedback in this racing forum?

Conedodger

Yes, a Snell 2000 will be sufficient. A Snell 2000 will be legal for 10 more years. The Snell 2005 approval comes out in October. If you can wait, you'll probably find the Snell 2000s at closeout prices after that. Or you can buy a Snell 2005 and use it until 2020!

If it is an SCCA event, a Snell 1990 is still legal for a couple of months. (That's what I've got.)

jguerdat

The SCCA Solo 2 rule is the current rating (2000 right now) and the previous two ratings (so 1995 and 1990 are still good). Snell updates its ratings every 5 years.

Go ahead for the 2000. It'll be good for many years...

Project

Ok, great. Sadly I can't wait until October, but that is good to know for bargaining reasons. I was pleased that there were plenty of helmets below $150.

Thanks

Cragspider

The next thing besides the Snell Rating is what kind to get? Open face or full face? I have a full face, but i can't where my sun glasses with it so I have to buy a smoked visor or tint it myself. But you can get and open face and where your sun glasses with it. But then again you do get a little more side to side visability than with the closed face helmets. If you can go try on some different helmets to see what you like and what size.
Bryan