Go to a shop and get a proper fitting. Don't buy on-line without trying the size on with someone that knows how it should fit.

Remember---
Yellow chin strap = car helmet
black chin strap = bike/sled helmet

i didnt know auto and motorcycle helmets r different
i dont really know any autohelmet shops

thanks for the input guys

Yep, go for an auto helmet which is SA2005 rated. That means it has fireproofing and as said earlier, more strict groups/tracks won't let you run without an SA helmet (as opposed to an M helmet). Problem is that they are more pricey...probably around $300.

A few things:

^^^^^^^ Great advice if you can do it^^^^^^^^ Someone else on this thread said "Arai fits the best", or somechitt..wtf? All heads are different, and fit is crucial for safety.

As someone else mentioned, more strict tracks/groups will require a fireproof helmet for auto racing!

If you can't find a helmet to try on, then go to Parts Unlimited and pick up the ZRP-1 for $79.95 :tup:

And read this article (link below), it's long but very revealing about Snell, DOT, and Euro-spec helmets. I wear a Schuberth S-2 but it's expensive. The Arai's, etc, which are Snell-cert, did not do as well in testing as cheaper plastic helmets!

Motorcycle Helmet Design, Helmet Standards and Head Protection - Gear Box - Motorcyclist Online

usually motorcycle / speed shops have helmets, thats where im gonna go to get my first one eventually

Having done the same type of searching before I bought my first race helmet, I'll lend my own opinions:

Your budget of $150-200 is appropriate for an M2005 rated helmet only. As others have posted, you'll definitely want an SA-2005 rated helmet for full track events, such as HPDE. Expect to spend about $250 to $500 for a good starter helmet.

As far as brands, here are the ones you should focus on:
On a budget, Pyrotect cannot be beat. It's what I own, and I've been very pleased. It does take a little bit of time to "break in" the inner lining material, but the more you use it the more comfortable it will become.
Next up, G-Force. They have a little more style, and are priced just a little above Pyrotect. G-Force also comes in black, as opposed to the standard white that you'll find most helmets in. Black might be a little cooler if you use it for motorcycle riding also.
Bell is a very well known name for all types of helmets, and racing is no exception. They are a little bit more pricey, but have a variety of styles, some that may fit your preference better.

Lastly, about Arai. Arai helmets are hands down the best helmets in the world. They are used in all forms of motorsport, including Formula 1. The reason that some say they "fit" better is because of the materials that they use for the inner lining. There is no pressure that is applied to the cheeks, even right out of the box. I don't know exactly what the material is, but that alone makes me wish I could afford one. They are grossly expensive. M-rated helmets go for $400 and up, while full face helmets around around $900 to $1000.

Lastly, on fitments. I understand that you may not live near a distributor, but there are many other places you can go to try on standard helmet sizes. Go Kart tracks are a great place (there are lots in So-Cal, including Dromo 1 in Orange County). Another is a regular SCCA auto-x (though the season is basically over). Each will have helmets in a variety of sizes that you can borrow and try on to find out what your size is.

If you're looking for a good retailer, I've bought gear from Saferacer.com in the past and have been very pleased.

subscribed, thinking of doing a driving course at a raceway in December. didn't realize helmets were so expensive =(. maybe I can borrow one form a friend in case the track thing isn't for me

Open face?
 

Would an open face helmet be OK? I have a couple of full face MC helmets, but I thought the open face would be a little less constricting and allow for a better view in the car.

For beginner HPDE the open face is fine, that is what I use for auto-x because it is easier to turn your head. Once you start tracking regularly a full face is recommended for the extra protection.

Most have mentioned a SA2005 helmet but you might want to get the newest version out there. The SA2010 ones are now available. Make sure it actually has the tag inside indicating that it is a Snell approved SA2010 and not just Snell approved on the outside of the helmet. All SCCA events will check inside the helmet for the proper tag.

SA2005 is legal for another five years, which is a pretty long life for a helmet that gets regular use. As for HJC, I'm on my fifth Si-12, and I absolutely love them. They list at $699, you can find them for $599 without much trouble, and I recently saw a retailer blowing out their SA2005 Si-12s for $400. I have head-butted a chainlink fence at 100mph in a crash at VIR in one, and it held up great. They weigh less than three pounds, which is my primary safety concern in a car helmet, because in a 100g impact, your 3.8 lb Impact lid (not a good name for a helmet...) will put an extra 80 pounds of inertia on your head. That's bad news with a HANS, and basal skull fracture news without one. Try and find another helmet that light for less than $1000.

To sum up, I don't get any money from HJC, but I love their product.

Mike

Mike, what is the difference between the AR10 and the Si-12? The AR10 is about half the price.

I've actually been pretty impressed with the new Pyrotect SA2010 Pro Airflow. It is lightweight (3.3lbs) (carbon/kevlar/composite), good airflow and the pads are removable. Also is HANS ready like the more expensive helmets.

Anyone know of a place I can try on Pyrotect helmets near the San Francisco Bay area? Apparently Xtreme performance in San Jose has closed (number is disconnected).

Fiberglass vs. composite shell. The AR-10 is not particularly light, though it is an excellent price. I'm still an Si-12 man, awesome lid, awesome price.

Mike

If you can swing it go for the full face. Then you will be ready for all types of racing such as Go Karts if you go.