Where to buy a helmet?
 

Hey guys,
It's time I bought an automotive helmet and retired the motorcycle lid. I've been thinking about the Simpson Super Voyager or the Bell AFX (AFR?) helmets, and want something light enough and cool enough that my head won't explode in hour long sessions. Comments?

Also - anyone know where to try them out in person? I'd rather get it from a local (within 2 hours of NY or Boston) shop than mail order... Thanks!


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Andris Skulte
Skulte Performance Designs
Z28tt-89 IROC T56 DFI Twin Turbo
http://www.skulte.com

Andris,

You may want to try some local motorcycle shops - some do carry SA helmets. I called a couple of shops in NH which carry helmets but the names escape me right now. Plus, I live near NH so I generally go there to buy stuff to escape sales tax.

Personally, I bought mine at HMS Motorsports in Peabody. They're a BMW shop but they carry all sorts of helmets and you can try them on in person. Their prices are competitive with Racer Wholesale.

I think their web site is www.hmsmotorsport.com

Good luck!

Jack Wang
95 Eagle Talon TSi AWD

Thanks,
I didn't even think of HMS. They helped out with the Z28tt project, and we've done a few dyno days while they still had it there.

A.

There's no reason to buy an SA helmet unless the rules for your class demand it. Even a 10 second A/SA car only needs a M rated helmet. At least buy a new M rated Snell2000 helmet and save a few bucks.

The few differences between each:

SA are tested against round surfaces such as roll bars. M are tested against flat surfaces such as concrete.

SA have a cotten liner (fireproof). M have nylon.

SA have a smaller face opening. M helmets since they are also used for motorcycles have a larger opening for more visability.

Other than that, an M rated helmet will be good enough as far as NHRA is concerned except for:

Open-bodied, supercharged, front engine cars or Advanced ET, FM/FC, FC/D, Funny Car and Professional cars (prostock etc)

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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
461 Big Block installed and ready for the 2001 racing season

Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

Road racing time trials rules require it, and I'll need a suit/cage later this season as well. Dunno about a fire system. It'll be a nice street car, right?!! https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/wink.gif

A.