Racing Helmets?

[TowDawg]

I'm going to try to make it to Narra at Road Atlanta next weekend and wanted some input on helmets from track guys. I bought a helmet last year, but didn't realize I needed a SA helmet. My main question is, open faced or full faced? I see both in SA2005 and SA2010. I know an open face gives you better vision and overall awareness on a motorcycle, so I assume it's the same in the car? I would also think it would be lighter that a full face helmet.
My concern is that the open face seem to be on the "cheap" end and all the higher end ones are closed face. There has to be a reason for this. As far as price, they all pass the same testing, it's more about comfort, weight, ergonomics, etc. Again, it seems like an open face would be better in these aspects as well. Are the open faced helmets not allowed as you step up in classes or do certain groups allow them and others don't? All I see on the Narra site is that the helmet has to be at least SA2005.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ACR_Matt]

I'm glad you brought this up. I'm planning on attending my first track day this season and have been kinda lost amongst the large selection. I'm in to see what everyone has to say.

 

[MTGTS]

open faced is generally accepted in DE's for NON race groups. As long as the helmet has at least an SA2005 you should be fine. Going to a local speed shop and trying them on is obviously the best way to figure out which works best for you.

 

[TowDawg]

Like I'm going to listen to you Matt. We all know you just photoshopped your car onto a track for your avatar.

Thanks for the input. You gonna make it to Road Atlanta next weekend?

 

[MTGTS]

Thanks for the input. You gonna make it to Road Atlanta next weekend?

Yes, I'm registered for Rd. Atl

 

[viper067]

After watching one of the Viper cup races where a lead car dropped its tires into stones that shattered the windshield of the trailing car, I think I would only go full face ... The added protection seems well worth the few $$$

 

[TowDawg]

I just got an email back and was told they will allow the M rated helmet for the beginner class. I'm still gonna look around for a SA this week though.

 

[MTGTS]

I just got an email back and was told they will allow the M rated helmet for the beginner class. I'm still gonna look around for a SA this week though.

Get an SA as most other groups REQUIRE SA

 

[Mutts02GTS]

Towdawg, I believe we get a discount through helmet city, let me see if I can find the code for you. If you plan on doing a lot of these events then you might want to consider a carbon fiber helmet due to the reduced weight that is being supported by your neck during the high G corners, just a thought. Take care. Jeff

 

[TowDawg]

I will look into some nice lightweight ones if I really get into it. Just not sure how often I'll really travel to events. RA just happens to be close, so I'm definitely getting on there.

 

[fastmd]

Go with the full face, tell helmet city you are VCA they give a 10% discount. Arai/SIMPSON/Bell, light weight makes a big diff. on your neck.

 

[AZTVR]

I have a Bell M2. I don't notice any particular neck fatigue other than the overall effect you get in all your muscles by the end of the day. I am just an intermediate HPDE type guy, not a time trialer or advanced driver, so cornering forces aren't max. It would be interesting to drive for a day's sessions with a helmet that is considerably lighter weight to see if it made a difference; but, as is, I am not compelled to buy anything different. Just my 2 cents.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Your face is not cheap to repair. Please get an SA2010 FULL face that fits well.

 

[FrgMstr]

Properly fitted full face SA2010 Simpson or Bell.

For a "cheap" helmet, this one has done me well. Would have spent a couple hundred more and bought a Bell if I thought I was going to be in it a lot more than just once a month or so.

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-k-10-sa2010-racing-helmet.html?productid=2358

 

[AZTVR]

Go with the full face,

Your face is not cheap to repair. Please get an SA2010 FULL face that fits well.

I wear a full face helmet; but, don't have the face shield fitted. Is me not too smart ?

I am actually interested in a serious opinion on this one. Not being a racer; I didn't feel that it was needed in an enclosed car and wearing glasses.

 

[AZTVR]

and I'd suggest that you get a white helmet. Remember that you will probably end up leaving it sitting in the sun in the passenger seat between sessions, and a black helmet won't be as cool after a couple of hours in the sun.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

I wear a full face helmet; but, don't have the face shield fitted. Is me not too smart ?

I am actually interested in a serious opinion on this one. Not being a racer; I didn't feel that it was needed in an enclosed car and wearing glasses.

Thats a good question and having the face shield on is much more important in an open wheel car however most sports car drivers still use the shield as a lot of dust etc. can get in your eyes with the side windows down or deleted.

 

[fastmd]

I wear a full face helmet; but, don't have the face shield fitted. Is me not too smart ?

I am actually interested in a serious opinion on this one. Not being a racer; I didn't feel that it was needed in an enclosed car and wearing glasses.

You are ok, you can always crack the shield open if you feel too "closed in". I have a couple diff. shields, that could be an option for you.

 

[Zentenk]

I hope some of you have a go-pro camera and you can use it there. Would love to see some track action!

 

[Allan]

Your head, you decide what's appropriate to protect it... though it seems the higher priced stuff is lighter / better fitting. I think current rules specify sa2005 only. If you by newer gear, it'll just be that much longer before you have to replace it.

 

[Yellow32]

I thought NARRA wanted you to have a SA2010 helmet, I know I would want one if I was buying a new one. And make it full face (generally you have the visor up while at NARRA events).

Also remember, if your helmet is 5 years old (from date of manufacture) it's time for a new one even if it never took a hit or hard drop (of course if either of those occur you definitely should get a new one)

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

By all means get a SA2010 rating. Helmets are made from some sort of secret composite that disintegrates after 5 years making the helmet totally worthless. That's why you never see helmets in landfills. When plastic bottles and shopping bags are made out of the same stuff the environment will be saved and sea turtles will live forever. Same goes with with a safety harness, except those are made out of super secret material that disintegrates after two years.

/sarcasm rant over.

If you're going to track a couple times or more a year get a SA2010 helmet. I like the full face just because I like the feel I guess. My first helmet 30 years ago was a Simpson so I've always gotten Simpson. Honestly though, some of the more affordable helmets are probably just as good. If you sweat as much as I do you should go to the paint store and get a bag of head socks so the helmet lining doesn't start to smell like a gym sneaker.

 

[Paul Hawker]

It is the perspiration and age that degrades the styrofoam type padding inside the helmet shell.&lt;br&gt;<br>
&lt;br&gt;<br>
After 5-10 years it does not give the same impact resistance as when new.&lt;br&gt;<br>
&lt;br&gt;<br>
Many higher end helmets can be refurbished by the factory, and be eligible for new stickers, but most just put the older helmets on a shelf, and get something newer and higher tech.&lt;br&gt;<br>
&lt;br&gt;<br>
Helmets not that big a deal till you need them : &amp;gt<img src="images/smilies/wink.png" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" smilieid="4" class="inlineimg">&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(sorry Chuck, I did not realize who I was responding to)

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

No problem Paul. Yes, I agree the padding will deteriorate. But 5 years? 10 years? 15 years? Is the 5 year requirement the lowest common denominator accounting for the guy who sweats like Niagra Falls? If so, then the folks who don't sweat are getting screwed. If not, then maybe the guy who sweats a lot should be required to get a new helmet every year. After all, it's all about safety right? Not really. It's about $$$.

 

[Viperless]

I thought NARRA wanted you to have a SA2010 helmet, I know I would want one if I was buying a new one. And make it full face (generally you have the visor up while at NARRA events).

Also remember, if your helmet is 5 years old (from date of manufacture) it's time for a new one even if it never took a hit or hard drop (of course if either of those occur you definitely should get a new one)

SA2005 is the minimum for NARRA. I think this may be the last year for SA2005 helmets so anyone buying a new one should get SA2010.

 

[Viperless]

I wear a full face helmet; but, don't have the face shield fitted. Is me not too smart ?

I am actually interested in a serious opinion on this one. Not being a racer; I didn't feel that it was needed in an enclosed car and wearing glasses.

I would never wear an open faced helmet or have the visor up on my closed face helmet if the windows are down. And most organizations require you to have your side windows rolled down. I was at an event where a bird flew in the window and hit a fellow driver in the head. You could also get stones coming in the cockpit and for sure dust and dirt.

 

[MTGTS]

SA2005 is the minimum for NARRA. I think this may be the last year for SA2005 helmets so anyone buying a new one should get SA2010.

Helmets are certified for 10 years. The SA2005's are accepted until 2015.

 

[Paul Hawker]

For those who are considering getting a cheapie helmet, since you will not be using it often, it is possible you may need it on your very first outing, and the extra protection may come in handy.

I saw people going down the drag strip crash the very first run.

You never know when you may need the protection.

Same with bikers. Some first timers get the cheapest helmet they can get, and figure they will never go down, but you know how that goes.

There are some really nice helmets by Bell and other brand names that have lots of technology, but do not cost much more than a cheapie.

Always a good idea to be able to try on the helmet before purchasing, as each person's head is shaped differently. A comfortable helmet can save the distractions in use.

Good rule of thumb is to get one that is slightly to tight rather than too loose, as they tend to loosen up a bit with usage.

 

[shine]

I'll just throw this out there...

From a practicality standpoint, if you wear glasses, open face is the way to go. If you're going to be talking to passengers (like an instructor) without a mike system, open face definitely.

Full face can be very hard to fit glasses in. Additionally, full face can have a tendency to push your cheeks up into your eyes (I have a Simpson Diamondback that does this) and you have to adjust to be able to see properly. Great protection, but can be tight or uncomfortable if you're not used to it. Weight may not be an issue sitting at a standstill, but pulling G over and over again with an extra few pounds on your head can fatigue your neck.

Bottom line, get as safe of one as you can without distracting yourself by it. It should melt into the background once you're on the track.

 

[AZTVR]

I like this discussion ! The hard thing to evaluate is the statement that dollars spent = safer and lighter. It might be true; but, it would be interesting to see some test info. The comment that a lighter helmet should put less strain on your neck in an accident is a VERY compelling one.

I see online that Car & Driver had a comparison in their July 2010 issue. I might have to go see if the library has a copy.

Here is a comparison of helmet weights: http://www.soloracer.com/helmettech.html
I didn't find any others.
I weighed my Bell M2, 3.6 pounds, and it is similar to the listed M4. I'm thinking that my helmet might be a medium while the table lists weights for large size. It isn't marked and I don't remember. I was lucky enough to have a local shop that had one that I could try on. That's the main reason I picked it, in addition to the large eye port to accommodate glasses.