Racing Helmets

[mike944]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to find a helmet to use for autocrossing / PCA track events. I've always borrowed helmets from friends. I never wanted to use the skanky loaner helmets at the events. Since i just got Bush's tax rebate in the mail, i figured that it would cover most of the cost of a helmet.

I'd like a closed face helmet, but one that is the least intrusive on my perherial vision. (i have no idea how to spell perherial, but you know what i mean) Most recently, i borrowed a friend's HJC helmet. I liked that helmet, but it was a motorcycle spec helmet. HJC doesn't seem to make an automotive helmet. Any other reccomendations on helmets with good visibility?

What spec should i get? I've heard the PCA is phasing out 95 spec helmets for the SA2000 helmets. is this true? if so, i need a SA2000 spec helmet.

I'm trying to keep it under $350 Where is a good (cheap) place to buy helmets?

Mike

[Andre]

You wont find a automotive helmet that is like a motorcycle helmet, the motorcycle helmets cover less of your perifiral vision. So that you are safer on the road, but i got a replica eddie ervine for 350, i forget where though, i can find out if you want.

[mike944]

Do you think i could use a M2000 helmet then? The perherial vision thing is important, I can still see where i'm going fine, but it's VERY distracting to have a signifigant portion of my view blocked. It's the same reason i don't wear baseball caps, ever. They're too distracting. What is PCA's view on M spec helmets? What is the difference anyway? It doesn't matter too much at the autocrosses, they didn't seem to care that i had an M spec helmet before, but i'm trying to keep within the rules. I don't want to buy something, and then 6 mo. later, somebody says i can't use it anymore, and I have to buy a new one.

Mike

[dk944s2]

Hi Mike,

I like to have a great deal of peripheral vision too, and I found that in a fairly inexpensive Simpson full-face helmet. The model name escapes me, but I seem to remember paying about $160. The helmet doesn't have a flip-down visor, but a little black "duckbill" on the top that has a small tinted strip of plastic on its edge, idea being that if the sun's in your eyes you can tilt the helmet down to look through the tinted strip. Works great....feels roomy and comfortable.

Definitely go for the Snell 2000 rating. As far as the M (motorcycle) rating goes, it's really a question of how fireproof the helmet is. Since motorcyclists aren't faced with being inside a (potentially) burning car, the "M" helmets can have non-Nomex liners. Since autocrosses are fairly low-speed events, the organizers usually allow M helmets (your local rules may vary), but for any kind of club racing or race track event, the M helmet probably isn't going to cut it.

Good luck!

--Doug

[Lawrence Coppari]

Do not buy a motorcycle helmet!! They CANNOT be used for PCA driver schools. I would also opt for the 2000 model. M helmets cannot be used at BMWCCA events either.



[This message has been edited by Lawrence Coppari (edited 09-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Lawrence Coppari (edited 09-19-2001).]

[Pilot_951S]

The helemets with the biggest eyports are

Simpson Super Voyager (or any voyager actualy)

OMP/AGV (I forget the model name but they have a large eyport model)

Bell M2

Shoei RF4 (if you can find one)

[Phat-S]

I got my Bell M2 from Helmet City (http://www.helmetcity.com). I concur with Lawrence on the M rated helmet. They cannot be used with NASA or POC I believe. There is more of a construction difference between the SA and M ratings than Nomex from my memory. I don't think there is a noticable difference between my M2 and my old M-rated Shoeis or Arai regarding visibility. I would definately try them on before buying.

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Adam in Charlotte
1987 944-S

[Z-man]

In my region, M95 or later helmets are ok for autox and DE, but they do recommend the SA rated helmets, if you're going to buy a new one. G-Force makes some good SA rated helmets and they are inexpensive. Check out:
http://www.racerwholesale.com/

The G-Force GF750 Open face SA2000 helmet costs $149.99.
The G-Force GF950 Full face SA2000 helmet goes for $239.99.

Note: racerwholesale also carries Simpson and Bell helments.

Why do you want a full face helmet? Personally, I have a Shoei RJ-Air (M95) open face, and like the open face helmets better. (I'll probably switch over to the G-Force GF750 SA200 next year)

My recommendation: definately go for an SA-2000 Rated helmet.
-Zoltan.

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PCA NNJR
My Toy:


[This message has been edited by Z-man (edited 09-19-2001).]

[Doug914]

An interesting aside: Years ago, I was attending a race at Sears Point, helping pit for my friend Jim Busby Jr. ("Buzz"), who was racing his Zip shifter kart. We were standing in the hairpin watching P.L. Newman in his twin-turbo 300Z exit the turn in fine fashion, turbos spooled, inches from the wall.

I asked Busby Sr. why Paul Newman wore an open-face helmet, to which he replied, "I guess he doesn't like his teeth."

Just food for thought, if you're going to be participating in the higher-speed events.

--Doug

[Lawrence Coppari]

I have noticed that by far more "pony car" people opt for the open face helmets. If you wear a full face helmet, you can't spit tobacco juice

[Doug914]

Good point!

--Doug

[Drago]

Originally posted by Lawrence Coppari:
I have noticed that by far more "pony car" people opt for the open face helmets. If you wear a full face helmet, you can't spit tobacco juice

LOL! Good one, I'll be sure to share it with the Mopar freak down the aisle from me.


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Marc
'86 944 NA

[porsche1987_944s]

M rated helmets are only good for one impact. ie. falling off bike and sliding down road. SA rated helmets are good for multiple impacts. ie. rolling down a hill in your rally car.

[mike944]

I think i'm going to go with the Bell M2. It'll be hard to really tell until i try it on. Helmetcity.com has free shipping, so i think i'll get it there.

I actually like open face ones better, but for safety's sake (that IS why i'm buying it) i think a full face is better.

The g-force looks like the eye-ports are smaller.

OMP are a little too expensive.

The shoei RF4 looks great, but it is only SA95.

Thanks, guys.
Any last comments? i'll probably order the M2 tommorow.

Mike

[Z-man]

Open face vs. full face:
Granted, full face helmets CAN offer more protection, but I offer you guys these counter-points:

1. Loosing teeth? Shouldn't a seat belt or seat harness keep me from hitting the steering wheel/dash? If you're afraid of hitting the dash with your face, then your seat restraint needs to be changed, not your helmet!

2. If I am in a bad accident, and I am knocked out, I'll probably need oxygen. With open-face, it's no problem: the mask would fit. With a full face, they'd have to take the helmet off. But in a bad accident, the helmet may be the only thing keeping me head together!

3. Open face helmets are a little more comfortable, IMO, and they are easier to put on if you wear glasses.

4. Open face helmets offer more periferal vision.

5. Open face helmets tend to run a bit cheaper, if you're on a budget.

These are just my humble opinions. I am interested in seeing why you think full face is better.

-Zoltan.

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PCA NNJR
My Toy:


[This message has been edited by Z-man (edited 09-20-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Z-man (edited 09-20-2001).]

[Lawrence Coppari]

Item 2 is similar to the argument some people use about not wearing seatbelts. If there is an accident, I can get out of (or be removed from) the car faster if I don't wear seatbelts. Yep, they can get the oxygen to you faster.

I wear glasses when I drive because I have gotten hit in the face too many times by grit kicked up from other vehicles. Put your glasses on after you put the helmet on.

Do what you wish when it comes to helmets. I would choose the one that provides the most protection. If one cannot afford the difference in the price of the helmets, then I wonder if one really is in the position to participate in the sport. Safety comes first. Price difference in helmets is not much. A set of tires is a whole lot more money.

[RealRideRacing]

Originally posted by Z-man:
Open face vs. full face:
Granted, full face helmets CAN offer more protection, but I offer you guys these counter-points:

1. Loosing teeth? Shouldn't a seat belt or seat harness keep me from hitting the steering wheel/dash? If you're afraid of hitting the dash with your face, then your seat restraint needs to be changed, not your helmet!

2. If I am in a bad accident, and I am knocked out, I'll probably need oxygen. With open-face, it's no problem: the mask would fit. With a full face, they'd have to take the helmet off. But in a bad accident, the helmet may be the only thing keeping me head together!

3. Open face helmets are a little more comfortable, IMO, and they are easier to put on if you wear glasses.

4. Open face helmets offer more periferal vision.

5. Open face helmets tend to run a bit cheaper, if you're on a budget.

These are just my humble opinions. I am interested in seeing why you think full face is better.

-Zoltan.

In response to the questions posted above:

1) The seatbelts/harnesses are indeed designed to keep you in position during competition and during a crash. But keep in mind that when Paul Tracy crashed earlier this year, studies showed that his head/neck extended SIX INCHES. That's right, half a foot! The human body can take quite a bit of stretching and should to absorb these forces. The full face helmet would indeed prevent a jaw fracture or "loosing your teeth".


2) If you're unconscious, the helmet comes off, regardless of whether or not you'll need oxygen.

3) I don't glasses but Boddy Rahal does. And he won the Indy 500 wearing glasses and a full face helmet. Thank about that...

4) Open face helmets wrap around the side of your face the same amount as a full faced helmet. The enclosure of a full faced helmet is mainly below the nose, not around the eyes.

5) $10 head= $10 helmet

I've been racing for a few years now and would NEVER consider an open face helmet. Also note that a full face helmet should be worn with a face shield down if you want the true protection. If you insist on an open face helmet, at least wear a balaclava.

Regards,
David
PENNYWEB/REALRIDE.COM RACING
http://www.RealRide.com

[Z-man]

David & Lawrence:
Thanks for the input. Interesting points.

Being a relatively new person at autox and DE, I am not yet driving on the jagged edge (in DE), so hopefully my open face helmet should give me adequate protection for now.

David: the balaclava you mention: is that the u-shaped cushion that fits below the helmet?

Thanks,
-Z.

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PCA NNJR
My Toy:


[This message has been edited by Z-man (edited 09-21-2001).]

[Phat-S]

The U shaped thing is a neck collar brace and I highly recommend getting one for DE (student and more imp. instructing). The balaclava is a nomex hood that you wear to protect your face from fire.

Another thing I'd add to the open face helmet argument is that if your jaw takes enough of a trauma (to break it), then its moving in a very dangerous direction (towards your spine) provided a steering wheel caused it. Just the way I visualize it. As an old friend of mine said regarding motorcycle helmets, "how much you like that chin?"

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Adam in Charlotte
1987 944-S

[Phat-S]

Originally posted by Phat-S:
The U shaped thing is a neck collar brace and I highly recommend getting one for DE (student and more imp. instructing). The balaclava is a nomex hood that you wear to protect your face (edit: and head) from fire.

Another thing I'd add to the open face helmet argument is that if your jaw takes enough of a trauma (to break it), then its moving in a very dangerous direction (towards your spine) provided a steering wheel caused it. Just the way I visualize it. As an old friend of mine said regarding motorcycle helmets, "how much you like that chin?"

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Adam in Charlotte
1987 944-S