Im going to start autocrossing and im looking to buy a DOT helmet, theres a shop called Power Gear Motor Sports im gonna check out soon. I dont know whether to get the full face ones or open face. What are the advantages of each of them? I always thought full face was for motorcycles only.

 

One of the main things is you can't use an open face one during kart racing. That being said, if you only plan to use it in auto racing, open-face is fine.

 

What Gfunk said. Plus I recommend going for the lightest one (which are usually open face). Easier on the neck.

Motorcycle helmets are a bit different as they are more of a one time use and not as fireproof usually. Car helmets you can abuse a bit more but are usually a bit heavier.

 

IF SCCA event, check as DOT will not qualify, will need a SNELL rated.

"All helmets meeting the latest or two immediately preceding Snell
Foundation standards (SA2010, SAH2010, SA2005, SA2000, M2010,
M2005, M2000, K2010, K2005, K98), SFI standards 31.1, 41.1, 31.1A,
31.2A, 41.1A, 41.2A or British spec BS6658-85 type A/FR are acceptable"

Need SNELL SA2005 or newer.

 

Get a full face. They are more $$ , but it's more practical and safe.

Check out Touge Factory in Elk Grove Village. They have quite a large stock on hand and they are the cheapest I could find for a helmet (even beating online prices!) Plus you can try a few on and get the right size. Turns out I was a size bigger then I thought.

http://shop.tougefactory.com/

 

I highly recommend full face. Not really needed for autox but if you eventually want to do track days they are very nice to have (although not required by most organizations).

It only happened once, but I was hit in the helmet face with a chunk of rubber.

When you spin out in the grass, a LOT of dirt and grass flys in the car.

I've never had to check helmet requirements with organizations since full face is always good. Some random club you run with later may require it.

If cost is an issue (open face are usually cheaper) I recommend borrowing a friends motorcycle helmet until you can afford a full face. Or you can use one of the gross loaner helmets if the autox organization has them. Borrowing helmets is kind of like borrowing shoes - they are gross and sweaty and rarely cleaned on the inside. Use a sock.

And make sure any helmet you buy is at LEAST SA2005 rated. SA2010 is better though. SA2005 expires in 2015 whereas SA2010 will last you until 2020.

 

Ok thanks guys im gonna check some of those out. I need a helmet for the may 6th autox so im gonna try to get one soon.

 

When trying on a helmet, put it on and leave it on for like 5 minutes. You want it snug but not so tight that you get a headache from it.