Helmet for drag strip?

[bigcat]

Where can you find affordable helmets for occasional drag racing? Open face is fine, just looking for something that is inexpensive and passes tech.

:Track:

 

[bigcat]

here is the rule from my local 1/8th mile drag strip:

Helmets
Drivers of all 8.59 or quicker cars, including all motorcycles, must wear a helmet meeting Snell 90 or Newer,
or SFI 31.1,31.2 specs. Snell K-98 is acceptable in place of any Snell M-rated helmet.

where do you find info on if the rating is Snell 90 or newer?? i have been searching the net, and see all sorts of ratings. i have no idea what they mean, or if they are newer than Snell 90 or not. google was not my friend for the information. my drag strip has been pretty lenient on me so far, but would like to comply.

 

[oh9mustang]

Snell is based on actual testing of actual helmets. DOT is a group of helmets. Most drag strips require DOT rating for helmets. your strip requires snell, then a snell rated helmet is what you need.
If you don't like it, find a different strip.

Ron

 

[DarkFireGT]

I bought mine from Jegs, made by a company called Zamp. Open faced. This is the one I use. Techincally it's a motorcycle helmet (Snell M2005), but they've never given me grief about it, and they've looked at the rating info before.

Zamp J-1 Helmets - M2005/DOT Approved - JEGS

 

[helmsman]

If you don't mind used, pawn shops are good places to get things cheap.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I don't think they're going to care so much as to what kind of helmet you've got, than they will whether you've got one at all. I wouldn't worry about the specifics. If you can buy it off the shelf, then its probably good enough to race with.

 

[bigcat]

well, some of the helmets offered are more for ATVs/snomobiles than automotive racing, that is the main reason i have asked. i found a Snell M2000 open face helmet for $65.

also, DOT helmets are not tested to the same specs as Snell. in my experience, DOT helmets are not race ready. NHRA rules do not allow DOT helmets, unless they have a Snell rating as well. my track uses NHRA rules, some tracks use IHRA rules.

here is a link to the Snell site for some info on Snell ratings, and how they test helmets. Home

 

[bigcat]

found a little info on the ratings:

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

 

[timeless2]

MAM requires any SNELL 2000 (or later), regardless of service rating. The tag or branding is beneath an earpiece or neck pad.

 

[Five Oh Brian]

Our local track actually checks the rating tag inside the helmet to be sure we're in compliance when we race. I bought my helmet from a local motorcycle shop a few years ago for about $110. I've ridden motorcycles since I was 5 and have owned many helmets over the years so I knew the motorcycle shops would have decent pricing and a huge selection.

 

[DarkFireGT]

Mine requires snell 2005 or higher. Again, check out the Zamp I linked. It's $79.99.