itrsteve

Even if there are some great deals on SA2015's right now, I would only bother shelling out money for a SA2020 right now. At minimum, you're good until 2030 with any club.

Also second the closed face suggestion.

I'm a Bell guy, but that's all brand preference. Just go try some stuff on.

SterlingatBOM

Had a piece of rubber hit me just below the eye at speed with my visor up. Visor stays down now.

Mozella55

So you asked a question on a forum where people try to help each other out. But judging from your rather snarky reply, you really didn't want a detailed answer, is that right?

The why are you hanging around this forum wasting people's time?

kaimuki

I'd like to throw Arai into the mix - very happy with the one I purchased 2 seasons ago. As have everyone has pointed out, fit is key. Interestingly Arai motorcycle helmets don't fit me well as they tend to be tight front to back on my noggin. But the Shell they use for their motorsports helmet fits me perfectly.

NaroEscape

Dude lighten up. He was seriously asking a question because he doesn’t know. Your reply came across as a lecture, not just informative. I get asked that all the time from first timers who actually dont know one for the other, so it didn’t need a “Ask Dale Earnhart” lecture.

Then to jump on him for say he was just curious? smh

Mozella55

I'd say to consider Arai for sure. I think that of all the helmets I've owned over the years, the several Arai Helmets I've bought have proven to be of very high quality and they have held up well over time.

3Series

Don’t overthink it. If you’re just starting out and your head shape is relatively normal any SA helmet will be just fine. Most DE sessions don’t last longer than 30min. You’ll be fine.

And yeah, get a closed face, even if it’s the mere fact that they are cooler from a style perspective.

You can always buy another one. With that said a 2015 might be worth it for the discount, use it for a couple years and upgrade or repurchase a newer model.

Also, don’t buy into that, how much is your head worth BS.

007DT

Stilo. It'll cost $700ish but they are good for 10years. Best Helmet on the market IMHO

ipse dixit

Drive with windows up.

Don't sign up for any events that require windows down. So stupid and outdated.

Problem solved.

xstnte

Here’s what I look for when purchasing an auto helmet (which is mostly the same as other replies):
- Latest Snell certification (2020 if I were to buy now)
- Head fitment (each manufacturer is quite different even within the same size); easily the most import aspect other than safety
- Peripheral visibility
- Closed face
- Ventilation (some helmets will fog more easily than others)
- Removable partial lining for cleaning (which good helmets do)

I own an Arai GP-5W and a GP-6S. I keep a quarter in the helmet bag in case I need to swap visors.

It’s difficult to do right now, but a helmet really should be test fitted before buying, otherwise you’re just guessing.

Unrelated but related, buy a few head socks. I bring a few clean ones when I go to the track, then change throughout the day so that I don’t have a disgusting sweaty helmet or head sock on all day.

Montaver

Helmets are very personal, I tried quite a few different brands before settling on an Arai GP-5W which I really like. For me the Arai has the most natural head shape, I found Bell and some others way too round which would put pressure on the forehead. You really need to go to a local race shop and try them all on.

GrantG

I agree it's moronic to mandate windows down, but I would have to retire from driving in the US if I only participated in events that allowed window up (like allowed in Europe).

RLNTL3S

Thanks for the input guys - very much appreciate it.

I am a newbie when it comes to track days and everything that goes along with it. Not afraid to ask a "dumb" question, so thanks for not bashing.

Due to current events, I am thinking of trying a few different brands on Amazon, that are Prime and have free returns. This way I can see which I prefer, and be completely in the clear if I want to return due to not perfect fit.

pissedpuppy

like I said, I was curious...

the only time I've had a helmet on was at PSDS, and their helmets were not full faced (hence my being curious)

and btw, read your reply and talk about snarky.

pdxjim

Closed face, best fit and lightest.