Helmet Safety Ratings

[CamaroSkooter]

So, I'm trying to find a helmet to purchase for running the local 1320 strip. I am completely novice at this stuff, so I need a little direction. According to the track's website, a helmet is required if your car is running 13.99 or quicker, and must be "Snell approved helmet, 80, 85, 90 of SFI 31.1 or 31.2 specs." I'm not sure if they meant to put or instead of of or not, but what's the "80, 85, 90" talking about?

Now, I've done some searching on this forum and I only found one thread about this topic and even it was somewhat vague. From my searching online I've found that most helmets are rated for snell or sfi, but not both. And Summitt Racing's website has helmets broken down by these safety rating choices:

DOT/Snell M-approved
DOT-approved
M2005
M2005 SFI 41.1A
Not DOT-approved
Not SFI-approved
SA05
SFI 24.1
SFI 31.1
SFI 31.1A / Snell SA2005
Snell 2005
Snell K05
Snell M
Snell SA
Snell SA2005

My question is, if I find a helmet that's SFI 31.1 approved, is it also SNELL approved? Are they comparable rating systems, or what? Also, my friend owns a motorcycle, and he said I should check out helmets by SHOEI and Arai. I found a couple SHOEI helmets I like, but one is Snell M2005 rated and the other is Snell M2010 rated, which as I understand it means they're not fire-rated helmets (because they're motorcycle helmets), which in turn means I can't use them in my car at the track. Am I correct? Arai has an automotive line of helmets, but they're expensive as hell, and I will be ignoring that brand entirely.

The G-FORCE Racing helmet I found on summitracing is SFI 31.1 approved, but is that brand a good brand? As a first-time buyer, I don't want to go and spend $250 and realize after I've put it on that this brand sucks or something.

Can anyone here break it down nice and simple for me?

[fugimo]

What are the differences between the SA, M and K standards? The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:

1. The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
2. The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
3. The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi impact test while M standard does not.

What is the difference between the Snell SA2005 and SFI 31.1/2005 helmet standards? Both standards are similar in terms of impacts and testing conditions. The impact tests for both standards require 2 drops in a single location from 3.2 meters and 2.3 meters onto flat, hemispherical, edge and role bar anvils that simulate real world impacts. For the Snell SA2005 standard, impacts can not exceed 290 Gs. For the SFI 31.1/2005, impacts can not exceed 300 Gs and the average for all impacts has to be below 275 Gs. Both standards require testing in cold, ambient, hot and wet conditions to simulate racing environments. Both standards require fire retardant testing, penetration testing and shield testing. The majority of racing sanctioning bodies recognizes both the Snell and SFI helmet standards.
More information about the Snell standards can be found at www.smf.org and information on the SFI standards is available at www.sfifoundation.com.

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but have been researching the same for the last few days.

[CamaroSkooter]

Thanks fugimo! I've been searching google like a fiend trying to find something like that. Which basically means motorcycle rated helmets will not be allowed inside a car at the track, which makes sense. Now, whether or not the track actually checks is a different deal entirely.

Now, who has enough experience with helmets to be able to give a little insight into which brands of helmet are good/better/best for the drag strip?

[Ovenmitt]

Pretty much what fugimo said covers it. You can always go to a motorcycle shop to browse helmets, they usually have tons you can try on. All new helmets more or less will be snell M2010 or SA2010, you might find an older model that is M/SA2005. The 85,90,95 is just the certification for that year, obviously no new helmet will have old certs.

Motorcycle helmets are allowed, unless your car is silly stupid fast (i think 9.99 and under requires an SA helmet for flammability). I've never had my helmet checked, ever. They just require you to have one. Food for thought.

[GRSCAMARO]

I purchased a Bell Sports Mag Helmet from Saferacer.com for $199 less $20 online coupon for the Camaro5Fest. It is not a full face helmet but is rated Snell SA2005. Bellracing.com has lots of info on the helmets plus sizing tips.

Since buying the helmet, I noticed most folks at the track have full face helmets. Try to buy a name brand helmet. Someone on the site stated "A $50 helmet for a $50 head!".

[CamaroSkooter]

LOL, thanks. I don't mind paying a little extra for a helmet since it is what my noggin is going to reside in. I also figure, if I get a little nicer one, it'll feel a little more comfortable than some cheap-o helmet.

I'm still hesitant to buy any motorcycle helmet on the off chance that the track decides to check.

[Speed74SS]

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

LOL, thanks. I don't mind paying a little extra for a helmet since it is what my noggin is going to reside in. I also figure, if I get a little nicer one, it'll feel a little more comfortable than some cheap-o helmet.

I'm still hesitant to buy any motorcycle helmet on the off chance that the track decides to check.

I run at the road track and had to buy a SA2005 helmet. I ended up getting the GEForce open face helmet rated SA2005. I see quite a few people running these helmets and it has worked great for me. I will be using it at the drag strip from now on also instead of my older motorcycle helmet.

[CamaroSkooter]

Yeah, I'm thinking I would like an open face helmet so I don't get so hot running down the track. It's crazy how fast your head heats up inside the cabin of the vehicle with the windows up and a/c off...

[jagan323]

Hmm, i have a question about Visors =o... Are they illegal if they aren't Clear? I was kinda wanted to get a Coloured visor. lol

[PnCRedJwl2SS]

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

LOL, thanks. I don't mind paying a little extra for a helmet since it is what my noggin is going to reside in. I also figure, if I get a little nicer one, it'll feel a little more comfortable than some cheap-o helmet.

I'm still hesitant to buy any motorcycle helmet on the off chance that the track decides to check.

Hey Justin...I found a helmut! It's a KBC Tarmac Max. Picked it up at the Yamaha shop right next to Rudy's BBQ on northbound I-35, just north of the Forum shopping center. Left you a message on your cell. They have helmets on clearance right now...some good deals! Call me if you want more info...

Good luck on the helmet search!

[Merc]

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

So, I'm trying to find a helmet to purchase for running the local 1320 strip. I am completely novice at this stuff, so I need a little direction. According to the track's website, a helmet is required if your car is running 13.99 or quicker, and must be "Snell approved helmet, 80, 85, 90 of SFI 31.1 or 31.2 specs." I'm not sure if they meant to put or instead of of or not, but what's the "80, 85, 90" talking about?

Now, I've done some searching on this forum and I only found one thread about this topic and even it was somewhat vague. From my searching online I've found that most helmets are rated for snell or sfi, but not both. And Summitt Racing's website has helmets broken down by these safety rating choices:

DOT/Snell M-approved
DOT-approved
M2005
M2005 SFI 41.1A
Not DOT-approved
Not SFI-approved
SA05
SFI 24.1
SFI 31.1
SFI 31.1A / Snell SA2005
Snell 2005
Snell K05
Snell M
Snell SA
Snell SA2005

My question is, if I find a helmet that's SFI 31.1 approved, is it also SNELL approved? Are they comparable rating systems, or what? Also, my friend owns a motorcycle, and he said I should check out helmets by SHOEI and Arai. I found a couple SHOEI helmets I like, but one is Snell M2005 rated and the other is Snell M2010 rated, which as I understand it means they're not fire-rated helmets (because they're motorcycle helmets), which in turn means I can't use them in my car at the track. Am I correct? Arai has an automotive line of helmets, but they're expensive as hell, and I will be ignoring that brand entirely.

The G-FORCE Racing helmet I found on summitracing is SFI 31.1 approved, but is that brand a good brand? As a first-time buyer, I don't want to go and spend $250 and realize after I've put it on that this brand sucks or something.

Can anyone here break it down nice and simple for me?

I got my G-Force helmet from Jeg's $130. If the helmet was $250 it was probably the fire rated one. You don't need that one. NHRA.com should give you the info you need.

[vernal]

Originally Posted by Speed74SS

I run at the road track and had to buy a SA2005 helmet. I ended up getting the GEForce open face helmet rated SA2005. I see quite a few people running these helmets and it has worked great for me. I will be using it at the drag strip from now on also instead of my older motorcycle helmet.

Anyone with some input if you wear glasses too? I've been borrowing a friends full-face, and with my glasses I run into some problems getting it on and then getting my glasses in place, and I'm thinking an open face might make it easier. But then I wonder if the open face might not be acceptable to the track after certain speeds are attained. I've decided to turn my old car into a track car-I've only been to a strip twice, but I am totally hooked! I just don't want to buy a helmet that will not be eligible if I go fast enough. I'm also starting from scratch with this kind of thing, so as a total newbie I also don't even know the basics of helmet rules and stuff, so I figure I'll overbuy and cover myself for all eventualities, including if road racing rules are different.

Thanks for any advice you all can provide!