So.. I was at this golf tournament event last weekend for work and started talking to this guy. He turns out to be the president of this helmet company called HJC.. He basically told me to pick any helmet from their website and he'll mail it to me for free.

Now, what should I get? I have zero idea about auto helmets so.. Nothing too expensive will be great.. I don't want to be a greedy punk.

A great thing is that I needed to get a helmet anyway because I'm planning to hit the tracks in a few months!

 

Huh...I didn't know they made AutoX helmets. I know they make motorcycle helmets and are often a cheaper alternative to Shoei, Arai, etc...

Hell, go for broke. If he's giving them out just pick their most expensive one. Or next to most expensive if you don't want to be greedy...

 

I would say go to a motorcycle sales shop and try on any of the HJCs they have in stock and get a feel for the one that's right for your head.

 

I have 2 HJC Hemets...they are rated one of the best.

 

They make both auto and motorcycle helmets. Quality ones, too.

 

http://www.hjc-motorsports.com/products.htm

These are for the auto helmets I think..

The most expensive one is $1K That's too much huh? lol I should just ask for the $300 one.

 

Scott hyung, are you familiar with any of their helmets? Which one should I get??

 

I have a Joe Rocket, Rocket Science helmet (made by HJC) and it is light, well ventilated and the cushions are removable. I ran into a guy at the bike shop one day that said he was getting that helmet (except for the carbon fibre one) because it felt better than his Arai.

 

Aaron, you're going to hit the track?! Hit me up, I'm going the 2nd weekend of December. But, HJC makes some bomb helmets. I would've gotten a HJC, but I couldn't afford the one I wanted. Also, their headquarters are located right here in Cerritos!

For most tracks, you're only required to have open-faced helmets, but I recommend you get a full-face helmet.

The AR10 is their base model auto helmet.

The HX10 is one of their top of the line helmets, made out of carbon fiber.

Something in-between is the Si12, but it's still an expensive one.

There's three you can choose from!

 

I have an idea! You give me the HJC, and I'll give you mine! That way, you don't have to feel too bad.

 

Honestly, even the carbon fiber helmet won't set him back too much. I wouldn't feel too bad asking for that one.

 

I had a modular helmet which one of my neighbour borrowed for one of his AutoX events. He liked it so much that he bought it off of me. So that is something you may want to try out in an motorcycle shop and see how you feel about it. I can't remember the model# for my helmet but I think it was a HJC.

 

They make auto-racing helmets too....

http://www.hjc-motorsports.com/products.htm
HJC Motorsports Si-12 Auto Racing Helmet....FTW

 

Hyung!

I think I need to drive my car at least 5K miles before hitting the track! I'm not good at the stick shift yet. Which track do you usually go to? I have no idea but I want to go really bad. Two of my best friends just bought the brand new GTI and WRX. So, we are all planning to go to the track.. You need to help us out what to do. hahaha

Anyway, Si12 looks great in black.......

 

Well, let me know if you're serious about going. We'll caravan together. I usually go to Streets of Willow/Willow Springs. You don't have to drive 5k before you go to the track, lol. Just do a good break in for the first 1k. You should be ok after that.

 

How much does it cost hyung? I should really talk to my friends about this. They are super interested in going to track too.

I said 5k miles because it's my first manual car.. I suck at driving this. I don't want to get embarrassed at the track. lol

 

It's probably not the information you're looking for, but I managed to test an HJC modular helmet five years. I'm still here, so it worked well (well, depending who you ask). I replaced it with another, and have been more than satisfied.


Terry

 

Fall on your head, Terry?

 

Like I said, just drive it conservatively for the first 1k. You'll know how to drive well enough after that. Come on, it's 1,000 miles!

You'll be used to it by then. After that, put some extra miles on it practicing. For track info, just shoot me a PM.

 

^ It's great to hear that Terry!

 

there are 5 motorcycle helmets in my house. all of which are HJC. i love them all. they are great helmets, and for the money they can't be beet. they are Snell and DOT approved and they are pretty comfortable on your head. i have tried others and i really do like what HJC makes.

 

HJC is the only helmet i use. I really like them.

And honestly if your only use is auto-x you really should look into a open face helmet. They will be more comfortable in the car. You wont be as hot and have better visibility.

 

This is what I was getting at earlier, but a full face just looks more cool.

 

Here's my solution:

Ask him to pick up in person... Since he's giving it to you for free I'm sure it shouldn't be a problem for you to drive and pick it up). Have him let you try on all the helmets he's willing to give out. Pick what you want, this way you won't know they prices and you'll know what you get is what you liked.


PS. I hate you.

 

Aaron, can you hook up discount for me??

 

What do you need it for?

 

What else! I'm planning on tracking the RL sometime when it is completed :P

 

:p

 

If you plan on racing on a track or even auto crossing, make sure its Snell SA2005 rated. Usually that means you have to stick to their auto line as most bike helmets do not meet this rating. I would go to a store that has some of the helmets in stock and try them on to figure out what size fits you before you ask for a helmet. Don't go by the guides on their site or even other peoples experience when it comes to fit. Helmets can vary in fit from year to year let alone different manufacturers and even styles. It would be a shame to get a nice helmet only to realize it doesn't fit right.

That said, I hate you for getting a free helmet I just bought myself a helmet for autocrossing and it set me back 250 for a basic closed face helmet.

 

Lucky bastard!

I've been thinking about getting a helmet too, maybe not immediately but from the above post I'm assuming auto helmets that meet the most current Snell and DOT standards will also meet all the requirements for motorcycle helmets too?

I'd hate to have two different helmets if I didn't need to. Usually I borrow a friend's or use one of the loaner helmets (for ATV, go-karting, etc).... but I'd like to have my own

 

^
I'd suggest getting two helmets. They're designed for a specific purpose.

 

well, if just for track use, I wouldn't mind.

I had a HJC before but it's for my bike. I only rode like 3 times a week, 2 hours per day ride. The lining gets really lose and squeezed after about 6 month of use. The wind noise and the loosen fitting was unbearable. Then i switch.

but again, i would say for the once a while track use will be fine.

 

^
Then you would just change out the inside lining, not buy a whole new helmet.

 

+1 for an open face, if for auto-x. I wouldn't wear a full-face unless I'm hardcore racing.

HJC is good if you get their higher-end models. Otherwise, it's just okay for the price. I picked up an AC-12 as a back-up helmet to my Suomies. There is no comparison. Of course, you get what you pay for.

My point is, ask for a nice one. Otherwise it'll be rather uncomfortable. It's free. You might as well ask for a decent one.

Helmets, in general, meet DOT safety regulations and some helmets meet the Snell rating. This means that they all provide at least a specified minimum amount of protection for your head. The rest is all about comfort and durability. I have 7 helmets laying around in my house. I only reach for one or two of them, as they are the most comfortable.



Auto helmets and motorcycle helmets follow different guidelines for construction and safety ratings. Get one for each purpose. You only have one head. Make sure you spend the money to properly protect it. This is not the area where you want to save a buck.

 

^ Got it hyung! Thank you.

 

Today, I was talking to him again..

Guess what.. he's an USC Alumni.. like me.. We both didn't know..

guess what i'll be getting

 

Also, I think this is a great opportunity for me get into an automotive industry. HJC does ALOT of marketing events and sponsorships in the United States, and I'm the Event Coordinator/Assistant AE at my marketing agency. I think this just is a perfect opportunity......

 

USC alumni are CRAZY...you will be getting the CF helmet FO SHO!

Let me have it...

 

Indeed it is a great opportunity. Definitely network with him if you can. You will get to meet more people through him.

You know HJC is a big sponsor of Ben Spies, right? If you ever get to go to a World Superbike race with the president guy, ask him if you can bring a friend along.

 

seriously... university of spoiled child alumni

Yeah, seriously, the helmet itself isn't that meaningful to me. It's this opportunity that I'm REALLY excited about.

I'll update soon!