Tell me about helmets
 

OK, so I need a new helmet and I want it to do dual purpose. I need it for street riding a motorcycle and it has to be compliant for track days. Track days would be in a sedan or Cobra replica so open cockpit there.

I like the Bell Sport EV with the large eye ports but I see RaceQuip is sold through reputable dealers and is half the price. Plus it has a chin spoiler which may be useful on the bike and open cockpit.

Then, there are other makes from Zamp, Pyrotect, G_Force and so on I see at places like Summit Racing that are also priced well below the Bell.

I know that if they are SA2105 they are safe, but there is the comfort factor as well as functionality with the shield, can you wear sunglasses with them and so on.

Anyone have experience with any of these? I know the Bell and RaceQuip I can probably get a fit test by swinging over to Pegasus Racing but not sure on the others.

I have a pretty good collection of helmets for both bikes and cars. The one most important piece of advice I can give is to never buy one you did not try on. Heads come in all different shapes. Some helmets fir different shapes better. I have an "Arai" head, longed fore to aft than wide.

Beyond that, price pretty much dictates quality of lining materials, which really doesn't affect comfort all that much. It will affect longevity, though. If you wear it a lot, it makes a big difference in this. One quality helmet will outlast several cheap ones and be cheaper in the long run, especially if you wear it a lot.

I grew up on dirt bikes and snowmobiles and there was a lot of choice even then, but everyone and their brother sells M rated helmets so finding one that fit was easy. My last one was a Nolan.

I guess I will have to find a not terrible far away race shop and try some on.

Oh, I forgot one mfr. Black Armor seems to get good reviews and they are modular and they even have one in my price range.

My only input is to get the lightest helmet you can get (carbon fiber usually) with the same rating, because that will be easier on your neck while driving / riding as well as when you should crash...

G

Motorcycle Snell M rated helmets are not usually allowed for track days due to the requirement for an SA rated helmet for cars. This has to do with impact ratings and the fact that SA helmets are designed to absorb multiple impacts (being tossed like a rag doll inside your car, hitting roll bars, etc) vs a motorcycle helmet that typically absorbs only a single impact.

If you have to have just one helmet, you will be better off w/ an SA helmet that you wear on your bike. Lots of options available.... try on as many as you can and buy the one that fits your head shape the best. +1 on going as light as possible. It does make a difference.

Hence in my OP the SA2015 requirement. Sorry if that was not clear.

Since you are talking two different uses, why not a motorcycle helmet for riding and a quality car helmet for track.
You only have one head, and helmets aren't that expensive in the big picture.

Two different ratings. Auto use are lighter in the fiberglass or Carbon. They also are nomex lined and designed for car style impacts. Moto rated helmets are designed for MOTO use with a wider eyeport

Here's a link to a site that compares shape and size of helmets. Gives an idea of which helmets are best suited to your head's size/shape.

Compare the shape and size of motorcycle helmets by brand and model — The Lid Picker

LOL My Bell Star 120 still has SCCA Medical info dated 1974 stuck on the back.

One of the reasons I like the Bell Sport EV. It has better visability than all my street helmets. Almost as good as a MX helmet.

I don't have $750 to spend on multiple helmets and don't really want one of the $45 SM helmets at the local department store.

That said, if SA won't work I will rethink getting an SA helmet and just get a SM for now. Though for what I ride I think SA would be fine.

I have a Bell M8 Carbon, love it. At the end of a weekend racing cars my neck thanks me for getting a light weight helmet. The best advice I can give on a helmet other than try on the one you think you want to purchase and wear it for as long as you plan to be in a car on a track day is this quote I read -
If you have a 200 dollar head get a 200 dollar helmet, if you have a 800 dollar head get an 800 dollar helmet

I have a $2 head. :(

I did find an interesting quote from the executive director at Snell.

“I doubt whether there’s any real difference in impact protection between Snell M2015 [for motorcycles] and SA2015 [for cars] helmets,” says Ed Becker, Snell’s executive director.

For the record, I did get a Bell Sport EV. Big eye port for the bike and good for track days for a few years.

M VS SA, SA are rated for flame resistance M are not. That is why tracks frown on M for cars.

I agree but it doesnt matter. The org running the event is what matters. If PCA/track days/whoever says you need a SA2020, thats what matters.

PITA but from experience you need multiple helmets.

Yeah, a lot of track day organizations require SA for the flame resistant lining. I had an interesting conversation about this with one organizer a couple of years ago. I have a couple of SA helmets, and my sons each have one as well. We were at a track day that allowed passengers, so we all brought one, and just flat ran out of helmets for everyone, save for a couple of my motorcycle helmets. Guy said under absolutely no circumstances would those be allowed on the track due to flammability concerns. I couldn't help but point out that we were standing there in tee shirts, jeans, and tennis shoes having this conversation... He acknowledged the obvious and relented.

So, yeah, this SA requirement for track days is sheer and utter b.s. At least until they start requiring full driving suits and shoes.

According to Snell, the automotive have the flame resistance and pre-drilled for a HANS device (which most cars don't have either). The general construction is the same under the shell for the most part, again according to Snell.

I have no fears it won't protect me on the bike and peripheral vision is better than my old "M" helmet.

I have to say it is also far more comfortable than any helmet I have had before.

I have never been to a track event where they would allow you to run w a MC helmet in a car. I have both, (actually several MC helmets and one car helmet), they were not that expensive. My MC helmets are HJC which not only fit me the best but are by far the best bang-for-the-buck out there. Great helmets for small $$. Car helmet is some cheap Chinese deal but has the right stickers on it.