[nola2atx]

Does anyone have a good reasonably priced helmet recommendation for occasional track day use?

[ZPD]

How much is your head worth?
If you want reasonably priced helmet, rent a high-quality one from the event organizer.

[nola2atx]

Not against spending good money for a helmet but I just don’t really know what that looks like. What should I expect to pay for a high quality one? If they’re all rated sa2020 how do I know if one is better?

[ZPD]

Originally Posted by nola2atx

Not against spending good money for a helmet but I just don’t really know what that looks like. What should I expect to pay for a high quality one? If they’re all rated sa2020 how do I know if one is better?

Fair question. It can be overwhelming because there are ~$300 and $5000 helmets that meet SA2020 minimum requirements. There are carbon fiber helmets that are lighter and helmets that have provisions for accessories like 2-way radio and water. I recently upgraded to the Bell M.8 with a Simpson Hybrid S HANS. If there is a race shop near you it would be wise to check some out so you can see how they fit. Some helmets are better suited for round heads over oval heads and vice versa.
Remember that there are different helmets for motorcycles, open cockpits, and what you might use on a standard track day.
I found discoveryparts.com useful in my research.

[Stea1thNinja]

Fit can be a big thing as well. If you can find somewhere local to try them on that is the route I would go.

[Montaver]

Arai GP-5W

[Charley135]

if you can wait 3 months i recommend to wait for the SA2025

[daddyjaxx]

I recommend looking at Bell Helmets. I've got a K1 series.

[bucketfoot]

For occaisonal HPDE/track days I'd stick with something in the under $300 range. Racequip, Bell, Simpson, Zamp are just a few good brands.

The main thing is to ideally find a local shop where you can try them on and go with the most comfortable one to you in your price range. I was fortunate to have a Wine Country Motorsports store right by where my office was pre-COVID.

[M1500Z]

nola2atx , you're in Austin? Visit Competition Motorsport in North Austin near the Domain to try on helmets and chat about your needs.