How to buy a helmet

Finding the right racing helmet is a process that requires you to use your head, in more ways than one.

Fit is the No. 1 factor. A loose helmet can be just as dangerous as no helmet at all.

All helmets must meet rigorous safety standards, and most sanctioning bodies mandate a specific rating. Check the regulations for your series to find out what's required. Make sure any helmet you're considering has received the latest SAO5 Snell rating — look for the label inside the helmet under the lining.

Never buy a helmet secondhand. No question about it, you need your own.

Available in sizes from XXS to XXL, a helmet should fit tightly enough to minimize movement, but not so snugly that it gives you a headache. Although not uniformly required, it's a good idea to wear a balaclava — it makes the helmet easier to get on and off.

To serve as a sunshield, you can opt for visors with varying degrees of shading. For added clarity on the track, tear-offs are available in different colors and can conveniently be peeled away as they become dirty — a huge plus if you're racing in an open car, on a dusty track or in the rain.

Some helmets are manufactured to accommodate ventilation; others may need modification. Be careful about drilling ventilation holes yourself, doing so will automatically negate the helmet's Snell rating. Head and neck support systems should be installed by an authorized dealer; CDOC will fit the anchor kit for free with purchase of any HANS device.

To protect your helmet — and, of course, your head - even further, pad your car's roll cage with energy-absorbent foam at any spot where your helmet might come in contact during an impact.

After the race is over, chances are your helmet's going to be pretty sweaty inside. To air it out, consider a helmet-drying kit. If you want to take the process one step further, Molecule kits can help you regain that new-helmet smell by using fresheners to remove odor. Off the track, protect your investment by storing your helmet properly in a good helmet sack.

Under the best circumstances, helmets usually have a shelf life of about five years. Always, always send your helmet to the manufacturer for a thorough inspection after any impact, no matter how minor. Even if it appears to be ok, there may be internal damage that can prevent the helmet from protecting you the way it should next time around.

When it comes to price, the materials make all the difference; the more expensive the helmet, the lighter it will be. As with other racing equipment, you get the quality you pay for. Buy the most expensive helmet you can afford. After all, isn't your head worth it?