Racequip Sa2020 Helmet

How I Navigated the Complex Process of Buying a Racequip SA2020

As an avid amateur race car driver, having the right safety equipment is absolutely essential. After all, when you’re speeding around a track at over 100 mph, the only thing protecting you is your helmet and other safety gear. That’s why when it came time to purchase a new helmet, I didn’t want to mess around with something cheap or subpar. I needed something high-quality that would properly protect my head in the event of a crash. After extensive research, I decided to go with the Racequip SA2020 auto racing helmet.

But as I quickly discovered, picking the right Racequip SA2020 helmet was no easy task! There are so many little details to consider, from sizing and fit to features, certifications, and pricing. Over the next few weeks, I dedicated myself to learning everything I could about Racequip SA2020 helmets in order to find the perfect one for me and my needs.

If you’re also in the market for one of these high-performance auto racing helmets, let me save you some trouble! Here is my complete buying guide for Racequip SA2020 helmets, based on my own extensive research and shopping experience.

What Exactly Is the Racequip SA2020 Helmet?

First things first – what is the Racequip SA2020? This racing helmet was specially designed and manufactured by Racequip, a company well-known for making high quality racing protection products like helmets, suits, gloves, and more. The SA2020 is Racequip’s latest and most advanced model of auto racing helmet. It’s intended for drivers competing in professional racing leagues and series like NASCAR, Formula Drift, SCCA, and more.

Some key features and specs:

• Made from advanced composite materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar for an ultra lightweight yet strong shell.
• Features integrated IMSA-specification head surround foam padding for comfort and impact absorption.
• Meets or exceeds the highest racing helmet safety standards like Snell SA2020 and FIA 8860-2018.
• Designed for an open face with goggles or can be fitted with a polycarbonate shield visor.
• Offered in different customizable graphics and color schemes.

So in essence, the Racequip SA2020 is a premium open-face auto racing helmet built to provide maximum protection while meeting the needs of professional drivers. The high-tech materials and rigorous safety certifications give me confidence that this helmet can stand up to serious crashes while out on the racetrack.

Determining the Correct Size

Once I decided the Racequip SA2020 was the right helmet for me, the next step was selecting the proper size. The fit of a racing helmet is absolutely crucial for safety and comfort. If the helmet is too tight, it can give you a headache and even potentially compromise protection. Too loose, and the helmet will be wobbly in an accident.

Racequip SA2020 helmets come in six different size options based on head circumference:

• XXS – 19 7/8” to 20 1/4”
• XS – 20 1/4” to 20 3/4”
• S – 20 3/4” to 21 1/4”
• M – 21 1/4” to 21 3/4”
• L – 21 3/4” to 22 1/4”
• XL – 22 1/4” to 22 3/4”

To determine my size, I carefully measured my head’s circumference right above my eyebrows and ears. This gave me the diameter of the widest part of my head. Based on my measurement of 22 inches, I chose the large Racequip SA2020.

I highly recommend having a friend help you take the measurement to make sure you get it right. Don’t just guess your size! Taking the extra time to precisely measure will ensure you order the Racequip size that fits your head properly. And be sure to consult Racequip’s detailed sizing chart for their helmets if you have any uncertainty.

Getting the fit right is too important not to take seriously. The last thing you want is the helmet sliding around in a crash or being painfully tight around your temples. So measure carefully and choose the SA2020 size that fits your unique head shape and circumference.

Shopping Around for the Best Deal

Now for the fun part – shopping around for the best price on my Racequip SA2020 helmet!

As you can probably guess, racing helmets aren’t cheap. The SA2020 has a retail price of $784. But thankfully there are ways to get a discount if you know where to look. I spent a lot of time browsing both local retailers and online shops in order to find the best price.

One great option is REVZILLA, a popular retailer specializing in motorcycle and racing gear. I managed to snag a 10% discount on my Racequip SA2020 by signing up for their newsletter. This took the price down to around $705.

For more savings, I turned to eBay and Craigslist. By searching diligently and having some patience, you can get lucky and find a new or gently used SA2020 for hundreds less than retail. I saw some listed for under $600! However, you need to carefully inspectcondition and confirm certifications before purchasing this way.

If buying local, negotiate firmly and see if the shop will match or beat online prices. My local racing parts store took 15% off after I showed them REVZILLA’s discounted price. Another retailer threw in a $50 gift card. So shop around both online and locally to get the best deal!

The lowest price I came across was on eBay at $525 for a lightly used SA2020. But it had some scratches on the visor, so I ultimately decided paying a bit more for a flawless helmet from a reputable retailer was worth it. After all, this helmet will be protecting my head at triple digit speeds!

Comparisons to Other Helmet Brands and Models

While shopping for my SA2020, I also spent some time researching other comparable racing helmet models and brands. It’s always smart to consider a few different options and see how they stack up against each other in terms of price, features, quality, and protection.

One popular alternative I looked at is the Bell HP7 carbon helmet. Bell is another leading racing helmet manufacturer, so the HP7 was a strong contender. It’s very lightweight thanks to a carbon composite shell, and also boasts an impressive SNELL SA2020 rating for safety. However, I found the comfort and noise levels weren’t quite on par with the Racequip based on some customer reviews I read. And the cost was actually a bit higher at $805 retail.

I also compared the SA2020 to helmets like the Simpson Bandit, Arai GPR-C, and Stilo ST5PN. Most of these competing models are also very well engineered and offer supreme head protection for race car driving. However, after researching thoroughly and comparing specs, the Racequip ultimately seemed to offer the best blend of safety certifications, advanced materials, proven reputation, customizable graphics, and available discounts off retail pricing. So I felt confident with my choice!

That said, there are certainly other great auto racing helmet options from reputable brands like Stilo, Simpson, Bell, and Arai. I encourage you to do your own comparisons to find the model that best aligns with your particular needs and preferences as a driver. The SA2020 was the ideal fit for me after conducting in-depth research.

The High-Tech Materials That Provide Peak Protection

Now let’s talk about why Racequip SA2020 helmets are able to provide such excellent protection out on the racetrack. A lot of it comes down to the innovative materials and construction used in these helmets.

The outer shell on the SA2020 is made from a carbon fiber composite. This ultra lightweight yet extremely durable material helps disperse and absorb impact. It’s much stronger than the plastic shells found on cheaper helmets, giving me peace of mind.

This carbon fiber shell is paired with an inner Kevlar layer for even more strength and crack resistance. Kevlar is the same bulletproof material used in police vests, so you can be sure it can handle a racing impact! The SA2020’s strategic use of Kevlar helps prevent cracks from propagating through the shell on big collisions.

But protection isn’t only about the hard outer shell. The SA2020 also has nicely padded, comfort-fit liners made from impact absorbing materials. This consists of strategically placed EPS foam pads that conform nicely to your head shape. This inner foam absorbs shock and energy in the event your head hits the interior of the helmet upon impact.

The ultra-strong outer carbon shell combined with energy managing interior foam gives the SA2020 a big safety advantage. And it’s also designed to provide nice airflow, wick moisture, and be comfortable during hours behind the wheel thanks to those cushy interior pads!

Surpassing Strict Racing Standards and Certifications

Any decent racing helmet will be strong, but the mark of a truly great helmet is passing rigorous certifications and standards from major racing sanctioning bodies. This ensures they meet specific safety requirements to be track worthy. The SA2020 isn’t just strong – it surpasses some of the toughest certs out there.

The main certifications that the Racequip SA2020 boasts are:

• Snell SA2020 – This demanding standard tests impacts at 14 multiple points on the helmet at high velocities. Meeting Snell SA2020 means the helmet can withstand severe crashes.
• FIA 8860-2018 – The FIA test confirms the helmet withstands high-G linear and angular impacts. Passing means it provides a high level of protection.
• **SFI 31.1/2005 **- This spec from the SFI Foundation evaluates impact absorption, penetration resistance, and overall durability.

The Racequip SA2020 meets or exceeds all of these standards, proving it can protect my head in the grueling conditions of the racetrack. Not all helmets on the market can claim certifications this stringent. Seeing the SA2020 pass these rigorous benchmarks instills confidence it’s an excellent choice.

Keeping My SA2020 Visor in Pristine Condition

The Racequip SA2020 can be configured with or without a polycarbonate face shield visor. I chose to add a visor to my helmet for the extra protection it provides for my face from dust and debris. It also helps control glare from the sun.

However, like all helmet visors, it’s susceptible to getting scratched or damaged over time. So I’m taking care to properly maintain and clean it. Here are some tips:

• I clean the visor regularly with Plexus plastic cleaner or another mild helmet visor cleaner/polish. This gets rid of built up grime and UV haze that can affect optical clarity.
• I never clean the visor with harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths that could lead to scratching.
• I make sure to thoroughly rinse off all cleaner residue after polishing the visor. Leftover chemical residue can cloud the visor over time.
• I never toss or stack the helmet carelessly when the visor is attached. I’m cautious to prevent scratching.
• If deep visor scratches or damage do occur, I’ll have the visor professionally replaced rather than try DIY removal and installation.

By properly maintaining my SA2020’s visor, I can enjoy excellent visibility and protection during races and track days for a long time. Keeping the visor in pristine shape is important when dealing with such a high-speed racing helmet.

Customizing the Graphic Design

A fun perk of the Racequip SA2020 is the ability to customize the graphic design and colors. The helmet’s composite shell provides the perfect canvas to create a cool unique look that expresses my personality.

Racequip offers dozens of different graphic options for the SA2020 ranging from bold solid colors and gradients to more intricate designs like checkered flags, stars, lightning bolts, and more. Or you can work with their designers to create your own custom graphics.

After browsing the options, I settled on a glossy red base with yellow flames shooting back from the visor area. It looks totally badass! The vibrant colors and fiery design perfectly match my red and yellow race car too.

Having graphics I’m excited about gives me that much more pride and confidence pulling my SA2020 helmet on before speeding off onto the track. The custom design possibilities are really an awesome aspect that makes the helmet stand out.

Caring for My Investment with Proper Cleaning

Now that I have my prized SA2020 helmet, I want to be sure and keep it in like-new condition for as long as possible. The helmet cost a significant amount after all, so it’s smart to properly care for this important safety investment.

Here’s my cleaning routine to keep my SA2020 spotless:

• I use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a mild soap to gently clean the shell and visor. Never any harsh chemicals that could degrade materials.
• For deeper cleaning, I use Racequip’s own specially formulated helmet wash solution. It’s designed to be gentle yet effective without damage.
• I hand wash the interior lining and cheek pads occasionally in the sink with warm water and detergent, then let air dry before reinstalling.
• To sanitize the interior padding, I spray down the lining with isopropyl alcohol disinfectant spray and let it fully dry.
• I never throw the helmet into the washing machine or dishwasher! The materials and components are too fragile for the machine.

With this regular cleaning regimen after each race weekend, I’ll be able to keep my SA2020 looking and performing like new. Taking care of the condition means it will offer me the best protection race after race.

Is a Racequip Helmet Right for You?

If you’re in the market for a high-quality auto racing helmet, I firmly believe the Racequip SA2020 is one of the top options to consider. It offers a noticeable step up in safety, construction quality, comfort and custom graphics compared to more basic budget helmets.

However, keep in mind it is an investment at around $700-800 retail. Make sure you’re committed to your sport and that the premium SA2020 aligns with your specific needs before purchasing. For recreational weekend and amateur racing, there are potentially more cost-effective options.

But if you demand the best protection and performance because you race frequently or at very high speeds, the Racequip SA2020 delivers. And the exposure is worth every penny. It gives me confidence knowing my head is protected by advanced materials that meet the latest racing helmet safety standards.

So in summary, the SA2020 is undoubtedly an excellent choice – but be sure to consider your personal needs and budget. With smart shopping around, you can likely find one for well under retail cost. And take your time to get the perfect fit and custom graphics. Once you have your Racequip SA2020 dialed in just right, you’ll be equipped with one of the absolute best and safest helmets in racing.