[MATCHBX]

What they should say is Snell M90 or better, which Snell M2000 is better. Like was mentioned before, the numbers after the "M" or "SA" is the year stamp (the years standards it conforms to). In Rallycross we have to have 90 or better. Which basically means it has to have a year number of 90 or higher of the "M" or "SA" rating. Simple DOT helmets DO NOT suffice. They are not made to withstand the higher impacts that racing can cause.

The higher the speeds and dangers in certain racing, the more rigid they are. In Pro Rally cars you have to have an "SA" or equivelant (I don't remember the number off hand, I believe it's 2000). An "M" will not suffice.

I would think just drag racing or autocrossing your Eclipse you could get away with an "M2000" helmet for quite a while. Now if you started running alcohol you would need to step up to an "SA". Hell, in Rallycross (same as autocross but on a non-paved suface) they just switched up to the "90" year stamp this year. So that's a good 15 years there.

So get the M2000 or M2005 and you will be set for quite some time. I picked up a real nice M2000 for rallycrossing and riding my cycle for about $80.