[minn19]

If you think you will get really serious about it, think about getting one with a HANS device or one that is ready for one down the road. This was touched on earlier as well I believe.

[kropscamaro16]

this is the one i have if i did it again id go spend the extra for the carbon fiber one but it still works the same!


https://store.windingroad.com/black-...mets-c198.aspx

[Rodan]

1. buy a full-face helmet

2. buy something with provisions for HNRS

Full face: even in a closed car, you should be running a full face helmet with the visor down. Debris launched into your windshield can penetrate, or shower you with glass shards. Check out ~0:40 and the slow-mo after.



You can see the glass shards clearly in the slo-mo... and you can see he belatedly drops his visor. With the turbulent air in the cockpit, normal glasses are not eye protection.

You want a helmet with HNRS provisions, even if you aren't going to use them immediately. Currently the only HNRS compatible with 3 point belts is the Simpson Hybrid S, which is pricey. I assume you're still using the stock belts, but if you have a 5-6pt harness, there are other HNRS available at much more reasonable prices.

If your 'helmet' budget is $1k, I'd spend a bit more and get the Hybrid S and a more budget helmet.

When I updated to SA2015, I bought Zamp helmets, and they're perfectly decent helmets for the price. Two years in, I don't have any regrets.

[JonDaddy82]

I have a cheapo RaceQuip that I paid less than $200 for that gets the job done, but I'm mainly drag racing.

[kropscamaro16]

i used to have a open face when i first started racing and a bunch of guys on the old forum i was on used to say how gay i was going to look drag racing and i was like well ill be road racing but thanks lol



takes awhile to get used to full face vs open face but im fine now but im a mouth breather so it is hard to run with visor down all the time and not fog it up

[TJay74]

I have worn Arai helmets for many years now when I was on the bikes. I still have my last one which works at the drag strip and from what I have been told the Aut-x events. SCCA or HPDE events require the SA2015 or higher automobile rating in order to be legal.

I looked at the Arai's last year, but I held off until I finally get a plan in place for the track.

[BMR Sales]

Originally Posted by ohsmily

I noticed that many of these helmets have a duck bill option that has the protrusion below the chin area presumably to prevent or reduce neck injuries from the head being slammed forward during a frontal collision. Do you guys recommend that duck bill design or does it restrict movement too much for my purposes?

Here is an example:

https://pyrotectstore.com/product/pr...ill-white-copy

The Duck Bill has nothing to do with Crashing and Neck Injuries. A from DuckBill is to be used in an Open Wheel car where wind buffeting can try to lift the helmet off you head. The duckbill pushes the helmet down

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Rodan

1. buy a full-face helmet

2. buy something with provisions for HNRS

Full face: even in a closed car, you should be running a full face helmet with the visor down. Debris launched into your windshield can penetrate, or shower you with glass shards. Check out ~0:40 and the slow-mo after.



You can see the glass shards clearly in the slo-mo... and you can see he belatedly drops his visor. With the turbulent air in the cockpit, normal glasses are not eye protection.

You want a helmet with HNRS provisions, even if you aren't going to use them immediately. Currently the only HNRS compatible with 3 point belts is the Simpson Hybrid S, which is pricey. I assume you're still using the stock belts, but if you have a 5-6pt harness, there are other HNRS available at much more reasonable prices.

If your 'helmet' budget is $1k, I'd spend a bit more and get the Hybrid S and a more budget helmet.

When I updated to SA2015, I bought Zamp helmets, and they're perfectly decent helmets for the price. Two years in, I don't have any regrets.

Great post, thank you.

[BMR Sales]

OP, People have different size & shape Heads, so it's important to get a Helmet that fits properly and is comfortable - there is nothing worse than having a Helmet on for Hours that has a pressure point on your Melon!

So find a Shop that Stocks Helmets and will let you try them on - Wine Country Motorsports, Stable Energies, etc

I personally wear a Carbon Fiber Bell. Simpson & Arais don't fit me well

[kropscamaro16]

oh thats a fancy helmet! who did that for you?

[BMR Sales]

the Guy's name is Mike Savage of Savage Designs on the East Coast of Florida. He paints for a lot of IndyCar & IMSA Drivers.

His price to paint helmets is more than Most guys will even pay for a Helmet ( about $1500). I'm glad I didn't pay for it! I Won a Auction at Lemons of Love that was racing related that included a Bell Helmet and Paint (the 1st & only time that Mike has donated his services). Bell was really cool in that they let me upgrade the Helmet to Carbon Fiber at No Charge and I waited for the SA2015s to become available ( mine was one of the 1st as it was in the order queue )

I collect Professionally Race Worn Helmets.

[kropscamaro16]

oh wow nice! do you wear any of them also or just for display?

[TWG1]

Originally Posted by TJay74

I have worn Arai helmets for many years when I was on the bikes. I still have my last one which works at the drag strip and from what I have been told the Aut-x events. SCCA or HPDE events require the SA2015 or higher automobile rating in order to be legal.

I looked at the Arai's last year, but I held off until I finally get a plan in place for the track.

Same here. I knew Arai’s fit my head. I purchased a GP-5W after some research, because I couldn’t try anything on (no race shops nearby). Full face, with Hans ports. Seems good so far, but my car is a sunroof and I was surprised how low I had to drop the seat to fit. About 2” lower than my regular position. I won’t get to my first track day until MAR, just collecting gear for now - but the Arai is a quality piece and seems like a good value (full face, visor, Hans ports) at under $800.

[kropscamaro16]

yup people think they sunroof is no joke i always order a car without sunroof if i know i will be tracking it...my buddy has the same car as me before cobalt ss and he actaully broke his sunroof a few times from going on track too much and causing the body to flex and break the tracks