Helmet Recommendations...
 

OK guys...

I'm almost done with all my questions.... For those of you running track days etc... What kind/type of helmet are you using?

Went to Jegs/Summit and was overwelmed with the choices and the different ratings, etc. I know that I have to have at least a snell SN2000 or SA2000, but I see many more and don't know the difference.

Recommendations...

Thans,

Mark

http://www.bellhelmets.com/images/products/sm_437.jpg

Bell helmets' GTX is what I use and I think they're great in terms of weight and build. Around $590 or less. Just make sure it's the correct fit. (snug)

Might want to check for the minimum standards required by the SCCA and the sanctioning organization at the track(s) you plan to race on. Not sure, but all tracks now require full face helmets.

Why are helmets ment for cars so much more expensive than DOT approved motorcycle helmets?

mar,

I've been real happy with the Pyrotect Pro Airflow SA Full Face Helmet SA2005 in white:

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/wesco...lrg-pro-ff.jpg

http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo...mets-pyro.html

Matched my hat size well, but make sure you can return for an exchange any helmet you buy online. A good fit is critical to comfort and safety. If you can buy from a store where you can try them on.

Mark:

I picked up a helmet from Wine Country Motor Sports in Jupiter FL (www.winecountrymotorsports.com) last week. I am a complete novice, so I went to the store to be fitted. (Going to the Reptile Roundup this year).

I went to get a Pyrotech helmet as it was recommended and the price was good for a first helmet. I could not fine one to fit me correctly. Depending on the helmet brand I was a medium or a small. I ended up with a Bell that fit very well. Price was $400+/-. These guys specialize in Race Gear and Equipment.

My advice is that you should try to go somewhere to be fitted. Trying someone elses helmet for size may not work. It's too important, not to have a correct fit (comfort, visibility).

Just my two cents. I'm not by any means an authority. Perhaps more experienced drivers will have a different opinion.

Good Luck. Since your in Florida, I'm sure we'll meet up sometime this year. Just purchased my trailer for the trips.

Fire resistant;)

I agree with going somewhere to actually try them on... Just looking for recommendations of which ones to consider before I select one and then buy.

As another poster has said, they're fire resistant, but also, they're designed to withstand multiple impacts such as in a rollover accident, whereas MA rated helmets are pretty much good for only one.

Another thought, since you usually keep a helmet for some years, be sure to get one with the "rings" on the sides, just in case you ever decide to use a HANS or similar device..........

Helmet companys WILL NOT install them on existing helmets that did not origianlly come with them.....been there-done that.........

David

Grassroots Motorsports, May edition, page 99 has an article on selecting Helmets. In addition to the commentary, 8 full face helmets are reviewed ranging in retail price from $229 ( RaceQuip RidgeLine ) to $1095 ( Sparco Titan ADV )

".....as of this writing, the best helmets for your money will bear the Snell SA2005 designation "

" A helmet is a helmet is a helmet, right? Not necessarily. We assembled an assortment of helmets, each one representing a different price point. All were full-face SA2005-rated, large size helmets. That's about where the similarities ended "

SA vs M Pricing
 

The justification for the high price seems to be:

"Fire resistant." or "Roll-Bar impact tested." with a "How much is your head worth?" thrown in for good measure.

IMHO, the reality for the prices being so high is supply and demand. If every helmet required an SA rating, the economics of producing them would be better; and the competition among manufacturers would be even more fierce; which drives the prices down. There just aren't as many helmet wearing race car drivers as there are motorcyclists and if you can turn a better profit selling into a smaller market, why not...whatever the market will bear.

As far as usage in a Cobra, it may seem like we're better protected than a motorcycle except for the fact that most of us have a steel bar behind our heads with a low-back seat, a steel wheel in front of our faces, no airbag, no collapsing steering column, and want to live to talk about it. I don't know about you guys, but if it was socially acceptable I'd prefer to wear a helmet on the STREET at times. I'm certainly willing to get an SA helmet if the conditions merit it; and I believe they do. Please check the condition of your belts and wear shoulder harnesses too. I'm not so certain the face shield on a helmet will withstand a direct impact into a wheel. Additionally, I've gotten rocks in the face/eye on the street...closed face is what I'm buying.

I have a large (7 5/8 - 7 3/4) RCI helmet I won't be needing as I got it to participate in the Audit driving school. I can't use my Cobra since it doesn't meet the broomstick rule on the roll bar. I used three times and my daughter used once. Would sell for half price if you are interested.

Opinions on this helmet?
 

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant...tegory_Code=PH

I've not seen this particular helmet, but have been happy with the M versions of Pyrotect helmets. Anyone out there tried this one?

Edit....oops, that's the same as the above; I didn't realize.

Byron,

I have this helmet in white and like it alot. Very much like a Bell, infact I believe they are related.

Dinobyte

The remaining 6 helmets that are critiqued in the Grassroots Motorsports article:

$279: G-Force Pro Force 1 Graphix
$359: Impact Racing Super Sport S/S
$399: Bell BR-1
$439: Simpson Super Voyager
$700: HUC Super Lite Si-12
$799: Arai GP-5W

Like the first 2, the above are all full face SA2005 rated

The 8 helmets mentioned in the Grassroots Motorsports article represent examples of the various price points, not implied that they are any better than other helmets. The reviews on each helmet mentions Shell, About, Comfort & Visibility, Quality & Details and Extras

Features are grouped: Weight, Comfort, Air, Style, Vision

Some of the article comments:

* Some helmets are specifically designed to help manage the wind buffering and lift experience by drivers of open cockpit cars

* Some helmets offer a larger wider eye port designed to specifically accommodate glasses

* Road course drivers may also prefer the wider eye port to enlarge their field of vision, since restraint systems can restrict lateral head motion

* Need for air intakes designed to keep sedan drivers cool and comfortable

* Pre-drilled attachment points for a head and neck support system

get an SA2005 you can use it longer!
 

Most sanctioning bodies will have a last model rule that allows the last model avaiable to be used in current comptition. The SA ratings are updated each 5 years and the 2010 models will not be available for about 3 years. They don't come out in the year that they are rated usually. Most companies will start selling SA 2010 helmets in 2011. If you get an SA 2005 it will be good for several years. If you get an SA 2000 it may be outdated (illegal) in only 3 years. You should replace a helmet each 5 years as the padding and nomex start to break down over time with sweat and use. You do want a helmet that fits snug and the recommendations to try them on in person are very good advise. You should also choose a light weight helmet it makes a difference over a long weekend and over time the fatigue is significant. You may want to consider the Carbon fiber or kevlar shell helmets for the weight savings. You can fit a HANS to about any new helmet as far as I have seen. You dont need to have the loops (you have to tap in a special attatchment for a HANS) I have done this myself so I know. It is not hard the HANS comes with very specific instructions and all the hardware you need. Some helmets may be HANS ready but it is not a huge advantage. I highly recommend using a HANS as well. Get used to it early on and it won't be a pain later adjusting your routine getting strapped into the car. I have been impressed with the construction of BELL, SIMPSON, and IMPACT helmets and they seem to be reasonably priced. Many other companies make awesome helmets as well. You can go to Helmetcity.com and see alot of SA rated helmets on their website. Good luck, and be safe!

Have not seen any helmet endorsements by the professional drivers. With the cost of the helmet not a concern, wonder what make and model the drivers in NASCAR, IRL, F1, ALMS, etc., etc., wear ?

I believe Dale SR was one of the last drivers to adopt the full face helmet, which he said restricted his peripheral vision.

01yeirt:

Good comments that did not appear in the Grassroots Motorsports article. The Snell foundation web site:

http://www.smf.org/headsup/headsup40.html