Lots of people are getting excited about Motorsport this year and Helmets, so here are some details.
Advise is always "buy the best you can afford", you only have 1 head and you WILL WANT the BEST when you actually reach the moment you need it.
The 2010 MSA blue book, states the Helmet regsulations on page 173 in section K 10.3.1
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=876
It must also be in "good condition", not-damaged and Motor-Cycle helmets do not comply.
If I were you, avoid the SA2000 standard, it is likely to be removed from the list next year, and I hear that a 2005 standard helmet is likely to be ok for 5 years, maybe more. I know some people have BS 6658 Type A units, but they MUST be Type A
/FR (Fire-resistant lining) for 2010.
My old Helmet was a Type-A and I am shocked to notice that it also has a label inside saying Made in 1992", so it is well overdure for replacement as it is 18 years old. Maybe ok for go-karting ???.
I was told that the difference between BS and SNELL standards is that the SNELL spec will cope with multiple impacts. I dont know how many 'multiple' is and I also suspect that a BS one wont disintigrate completely if it endured a multiple impact.
You can use a full-face or an open-face lid, but for open cars you MUST also have a visor or wear goggles.
Anyhow, you wont know how good your helmet is untill it has survived a crash...... or not.
As well as the likes of Grandprix Racewear and Demon Tweeks,
there are some other "competitivly price products available".... and they meet SNELL standards too.
http://www.gprdirect.com/helmets/race-helmets.html
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ ... lgrp=MS001
http://www.v2sport.com/index.html
http://www.hedtec.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.racelidz.co.uk/
For 2010, the MSA also demand that you must have fire resistant gloves too, and string backs are not good enough.
Fire extinguishers and harnesses are "strongly reccomended" but not manditory, in road going classes. For modified classes they are required.
I hope this helps some of you..............
Please pm or call me if you have any questions.