Thread: Let's talk helmets.

Putting this first.





For those of us helmet noobs, what is important to look for in a racing helmet? What should be avoided? Suggest helmets here and others can give you tips.

Also to start us off:



What is the difference between the open face and full face models? Is it that the full face models are for use in open top cars or is there another reason to have an eye screen and chin protection?

You will probably find better information (i.e. thorough) out there, but in my opinion the keys for a helmet are rating (what are you using it for and with whom), fit (not every head is the same), and weight.

Like anything out there, you get what you pay for; but where do you draw the line? That is up to each person. If you only auto-x, you can probably get a way with a heavier helmet since you will wear it less compared to a HPDE where sessions can be 20 minutes.

I'm partial to full face helmets, I just like the fit better. I've seen discussions on open face vs full face and how they interact with air bags, etc. Most HPDE's will require you to have your windows down while on track, and stuff can still bounce/fly/etc into the car with your windows down. I typically wear my shield partially up on my full face to get better ventilation (prevent fog), but to keep crap from coming in.

Someone else can post the differences between M and SA. Attempt to try on helmets before purchasing (if possible), and I still think you are better off borrowing a helmet if possible before buying one in case you don't like HPDE's (or that helmet).

A cheap $50 M rated helmet from eBay will get you on the track (it might even look really cool since paint is cheap), but try to focus with it on for 20+ minutes while driving (probably) harder than you have on the street.

That is some generic stuff to get it started, and hopefully some of the racers will chime in.

Josh - I run a G Force Pro 1

Oh, that makes a good case for the full face I see. Thanks.

Major difference is fire protection I believe. M-rated (motorcycle) helmets don't require the same amount (if any?) of fire protection that the SA-rated (car) helmets do since you're not likely to be caught in a fire during a motorcycle accident.

I would advise to get an SA2005 helmet regardless. If you ever do HPDE's they want and you should want an SA rating. It is worth the extra kit to have that luxury. Then decide open or full face, I will and have always ran a full face with shield.

Then also consider eye port size. If you wear glasses you want a wide eye port, I like a wide eye part regardless, but do wear glasses. Certain helmets are more accommodating than others. Also consider removable or changeable pads, this makes fit adjustable for your cranium and facial structure. Also consider ventilation, good ventilation is KEY for comfort, my next helmet will be a forced air helmet that will utilize ducting and a blower to supply fresh air, I am sick of sweating to death in my helmet. Weight is also important but low on the list unless you are doing a TON of track events in a car that pulls serious G's.

Lastly color, I bought a black helmet because it looked cool, it also attracts the SUN and heat. My next helmet will be white....

I got this one for the drags, and the occasional auto-x. I like it a lot.

G Force Pro Force Hybrid Helmet - our favorite autocross helmet

Damnit, that Bell M4 looks nice, but $$$. Is my skull worth that much? LOL

Nice guide http://www.racinghelmetguide.com/files/helmet_comparison_chart_2008.xls

The helmet I REALLY want to buy is the HJC Si12. Less than 3 lbs. and is supposed to be very good for those of us with glasses.

Wes, something to consider (I didn't when I purchased my FA helmet) is how much instructing or riding or driving you'll be doing outside of your own car. I have the blower setup in my car and have used my helmet in my own car probably 5% of the overall time I've used my helmet. Mostly instructing or driving other people's cars or rentals or the FX. Also, consider a cooler box for the FA. Just blowing air wasn't enough when it was 95-100 outside. I still sweat



Ray did the same thing. He learned that lesson sitting in a Miata in 90 degree heat waiting for an accident from the race practice ahead of us to be cleared!

woa I ride so I just use my motorcycle helmet whenever I race my car. Never knew about the SA vs M rating and never really thought about fire protection...

Guess it's time to get a SA rated helmet for the cars. Here's what I use btw. KBC VRII Stealh

Regardless of the helmet and the application, after safety your next most important thing to look for is comfort. And since everyone has a differntly shaped head, you should go fit helmets on in person and not just buy it out of a catalogue over the net. It's a very personal item and the foam and pads contour to the shape of your head, so helmets should never be borrowed. The helmet must fit very tight when new. If it moves when you shake your head violently then it's too big! Buy it stiff and it will wear out to your head's shape after some use, and will continue to fit properly for a long time.

Good ventilation as someone else said is also crucial.

NB: Studies have shown that the most expensive helmet is not always the best. Shark RSi scores great. HJC is average. Shoei surprisingly scores average $$$$$$$$

Lastly I'd always where a full face. Open face should be banned.