Why don't Tweeks, Performance Products and such sell helments

[joeb]

I will participate in my first DE next spring in my 85 911. I need to purchase a approved helmet. Why do I never see them advertized for sale in catalogs such as Tweeks or Performance Products or in Excellance or Panorama. Is there a liability issue?

[vash]

what is the diff, between a motorcycle helmet and one for your DE?

[widebody911]

MA vs SA MA = motorcycle; SA = car

Some groups won't let you run on the track with an motorcycle helmet

[joeb]

I believe they have to be DOT approved to certain specs. for participation in PCA drivers ed. events. I would think motorcycle helmets would be sufficiently well built but are they on the list of approved helmets.
.

[jyl]

Some racing supply shops do advertise in the magazines. Do a Google search, you'll find plenty of other online race products retailers.

I'm not sure why Tweeks and Performance Products don't carry helmets. On this BBS we don't tend to discuss what Tweeks and Performance Products do and don't carry, because those vendors compete directly with Pelican Parts. This is partly out of courtesy to Pelican who pay for this BBS, partly out of loyalty to Pelican that most of us feel, and partly because Pelican discourages (quite reasonably IMO) any promotion of its competitors.

Finally, I thought that Pelican was going to start selling race stuff, but I don't think it's started - I'd be happy to be wrong.

Oh, motorcycle helmets are "M" rated, auto racing helmets are "SA" rated, I think the difference is fire resistance. For a DE you should be able to use either type, but check with the DE organizer to be sure.

[BGCarrera32]

To be properly fitted in a helmet, they need to be tried on and have a professional help fit you. Also, one size from one particular manufacturer may vary just enough to fit incorrectly. Just ordering a "medium" sized Bell or a "medium" sized Sparco doesn't gaurantee it will fit your "medium" sized head. I've seen photos of a wrecked 944 at the track where driver walked away unharmed out of 125 mph rollover, but his internet-purchased helmet landed 50 feet away from where the car came to a rest. It never fit correctly. My helmet is snug and slightly annoying, but I know it fits properly and wouldn't shift funny on my head in a serious crash.

If you can't find anyone local, contact Jim Bryant at Apex SPG in Minneapolis. He is a saftey expert and a super guy. His website is a little goofy right now (long story) but I'm sure he would help you out.

www.apexspg.com

[vash]

learned something new today! i guess fire is not a really big issue on a bike.

thanks guys.

[MotoSook]

I would suggest finding a local retailer. Go try on some helmets..the more brands the better...then look for a good price on-line.

Get a full face helmet. Bell helmets are pretty low cost and good enough quality.

[don911]

What BGCarrera32 said.
When I was helmet shopping, I found fitment varying from different manufacturers. Simpson helmets are sized in 1/4" increments I believe. (maybe 1/8) Anyway, you can measure your head and look at a simpson chart to determine the correct size.
Bell and others I tried on were S, M, L, etc. and the sizes varied. Even different model within the Bell line fit differently. You should try and find a local race shop that sells helmets. If you have to buy on-line, I'd suggest Simpson because they are sized.

There's also opinions on full face vs open face. I'm sure if you search, you'll find threads of opinions on each.

[joeb]

Thanks jyl for informing me on the proper posting protocal. I will never mention our host's competition again. I almost always order parts online and usually use Pelican. There knowledge and service is outstanding. But why don't they sell helmets? Maybe it's the fit issue. Do you need to try one on before buying?

[ChrisBennet]

Yes, you really need to try one on before buying. Finding a place that sells SA (Special Application) helmets can be difficult. One place that you might not think to look is a one of those Chevy/Ford/Ricer performance expos/fleamarkets that they hold in convention centers. Often there will be a helmet vendor there.
"SA" vs "M": The SA is rated for multiple impacts (boinking your head on the roll cage) and fire resistance
-Chris

[jyl]

Search prior threads for "helmet", there's been quite a few discussions of "which helmet" and "open or full face".

I read those and decided on a Bell "M2". Then I learned that Bell has a lower-priced line called Pyrotect (sp?) so I bought one of those.

Also, as preparation for your DE, there is a great little book called "Secrets of Solo Racing" by Henry Watts, available at Amazon. It's actually about autocross and time trialing, but the info will be useful anyway. Only $10 or so.

[jbryant]

I think...i could be wrong, but car helmets are made for multiable impacts (banging your head against a roll bar repeatedly) and Motorcycle helmets are for a singe crash.
I too tried on many helmets and the size i was instructed to get, feels very tight. But it is the correct fit. I would have gotten a loose and comfortable helmet without good advise.

[jluetjen]

You can get helmets at the following leading racing products suppliers:

Truechoice

Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

Racers Wholesale

I've dealt with all three and they all have good service. Pricing you can shop between the three. As far as buying trying helmets on before you buy one, I agree that it's a good idea, but not a show stopper. All three of those companies sell a lot of helmets to racers on-line. Of the two helmets that I've bought, the first I tried on, the second I bought on-line. Both were Bells and they fit fine. If you have questions, I'd call one of the companies above and talk to them in person.

[old_skul]

The only difference between an SA and M helmet is the Nomex liner in the SA version. Otherwise it's the same helmet.

If you're going to be using the helmet in a car, I strongly recommend a full-face SA helmet; it's the proper tool for the application. How much is your head (and life) worth?

I spent nearly $500 on my helmet.

[vash]

i think BELL helmets (bicycle lids) said it best, "buy a five dollar helmet, if you have a five dollar head".

and i only know motorcycle helmets, i have always bought one on the verge of being uncomfy due to tightness. they always loosen up a bit, because of ..i guess moisture.

doesnt the car racer guys wear a fire retardant headcover/face mask? does that have to be added to the entire head dimension? trying to learn something here.