Need is a pretty strong word. What you need is whatever is required by the organization and track.

To the OP:
There are basically 3 different classifications for helmets that you should be aware of:
DOT-Approved: Not good for much of anything related to automotive events. These meet the minimum safety standards set forth by the Department of Transportation for motorcycle riders.
Snell M-rated: The M is for Motorcycle. These are generally acceptable for autocross events and many HPDEs. However, different organizations and tracks have different requirements. Some of them may require the top of the line...
Snell SA-rated: "Special Applications". I don't know all of the relevant technical specs, but I believe these are generally nomex-lined or fire-resistant, and I believe they're tested for multiple impacts (in one collision), whereas the M-rated might only be designed for a single impact. These will get you into pretty much any event on any course.

As for open-faced vs closed-faced... I'm not sure. Open-faced is more comfortable, particularly in warm climates. I've heard that there are organizations that don't allow drivers of open-top cars to have an open-faced helmet. There may be other organizations that outlaw them for all drivers.

Additionally, most organizations require you to have a helmet that's rated within 10 years of the event. So, any 2005-rated helmet is only good for 3 more years, whereas a 2010-rated helmet is good for 8.

So, if you want to get the bare minimum, then you'll need to check with the tracks & organizations that you plan to participate with. But if you want to be covered for all events, get a nice SA2010-rated closed-faced helmet with a face-shield. I think you can find some of these for <$200. I highly recommend finding a place where you can try it on before buying, too. Although some online retailers will allow you to exchange for a different size within a short time period.

 

Thanks for all the info... I'm glad I posted about this and didn't end up getting the wrong helmet... Y'all are awesome!
I probably will try and rent one for my first DE, just to make sure I like it; however, I'm fairly certain I will.
Thanks,
Chris

 

Great summary and some of what I was trying to convey -- just not as clear and concise as this.

Renting is a good idea -- especially if you're not sure if you'll keep going to the track, or you're not certain what kind of helmet you'll like and you want to try out some for fitting. Keep in mind that the tracks may not have that much variety available as rentals. Also, at least around here, the charge is usually something like $20-25, so it does start to cost something to rent a helmet multiple times. Lastly, if you're going to rent, bring a head scarf or something similar. There have been some other sweaty heads in that helmet you're renting.

 

If someone wants to be limited to those organizations who only require a "M" rated helmet by all means buy an "M" rated helmet. I think you will find close to 80% of organizations require a "SA" rated helmet.

If you want to make sure you can attend any organization running a DE get a "SA" rated helmet.

IMO open face helmets will be prohibited in the future. But that is just an opinion based on what NJMP did last year.

 

I went through all of the same questions after I attended a local PCA HPDC and continued Autocrossing. The protection of a full face really set me in that camp even more than the possible track limitations of an open face. I worked with the folks at OG Racing (http://www.ogracing.com/) to end up with the Bell M4. I liked the combination of price, weight and field of vision.

 

I might look into a full face helmet for the additional safety. However, I doubt it will become a general requirement based on state law -- especially for closed cars on the track. Helmets are not even required for adult motorcycle riders on the streets/highways in most states. I especially like the law in Texas -- where you don't have to wear a helmet if you have $10K in health insurance (like $10K will be enough when your head hits the pavement....).

 

FYI I changed my mind once again and went ahead and bought the SA2010 open faced helmet from bell sport. I figured it would be easier than trying to rent one, and would prefer to use my own. I live in Louisiana, so I wanted an open faced helmet since it gets pretty hot down here. Thanks again for everyone's help.

 

Sounds like the right call. Have fun and let us know how your track event goes.

 

Well, need is more like what you need when your head hits something, not the minimum required by the track. Get a comfortable full face helmet with current certification. Once you use a good full face helmet, you get used to it quickly.

 

I hope you are right, I am terribly claustrophobic and am not looking forward to it

 

Karen,

I am the same way, so I started with an open face helmet but switched when NJMP changed the rules last year. I actually felt fine with the closed faced helmet rather quickly.

Good luck