Jordan Y.

I need a helmet- open face, SA2005 (or whatever the latest standard is), less than $100. Is there anywhere I can go locally to test fit/ purchase such a helmet?

bam2002

any motorcycle shop has M2005 helmets.

You can get SA ones online Ebay has best prices.
Summit and Pelican racing also has them

The SA are fire retardant. You need them for some track days, but not Auto Xs.

Loren

In other words, you probably won't find anyone who stocks SA helmets locally.

treekiller

to get a good deal on a helmet and not have to wait go to any larger track event, they usually have some vendor selling suits and helmets etc. I've found the on-site vendors are competitive with online stores once you add the shipping back in. plus supporting them allows us track junkies the support we need at the events. always support vendors that support your clubs. PLUS (IN CAPS) you get to try them on and see since an XL G-force is not a XL sparco is not an XL Bell etc. but for my money the G-force is adequate.

Mars_302

pretty sure the one I bought from AE is SA. Its always passed tech at SCCA auto-xs, was $90

Loren

For $90, is probably wasn't an SA.

M-rated helmets are acceptable for autocross, you can get those for as little as $60-70. SA helmets are hard to find for under $150.

Here's a good recent discussion on helmets on the FAST forum with some good resources:
FAST :: View topic - Good places to purchase helmets

Mars_302

mine says m2000, then next to it says its been snell tested and passed and is so certified, that means both or something else?

Loren

Snell is an organization that dreams up new helmet ratings every few years and tests helmets to see if they meet them. This is why you have 95, 2000 and 2005 spec helmets (and 85 and 90 if you find some really old helmets lying around).

There is more than one Snell rating. SA is designed for auto racing. As I recall, they're made to take multiple impacts, such as what you'd get in a rollover. And they're made from fire retardent materials because race cars catch on fire.

M is another Snell rating. It's for motorcycles. Designed more to take one big impact, cuz that's what motorcyclists have to worry about. Fire retardency is not required because they're not likely to be trapped in a burning vehicle.

There's also a rating for Karts, and probably some other ratings that I've not even heard of.

My point is: M2000 is indeed a Snell approved helmet. It is NOT an SA rated helmet. If it were, the rating would be SA2000.

Mars_302

Makes now. Good to know. Sounds like time for an upgrade anyway

Loren

If all you're doing is autox, your M2000 should be good until 2010. No need to rush out and replace it just yet unless you're looking at doing some track events.