Helmet for trackdays
Discussion
I have one of the V2 helmets after meeting the MD at the Autosport show and having a long discussion - I'm racing in a series which has something of reputation for contact, so I wanted a safe helmet but came with an open mind - I was happy to try the 'big name' brands and any others which met the required safety standard. He told me he setup the company after spending many years working in helmet testing (I think BSI, but I can't remember) so he claimed to have a good understanding of the helmet industry. The 'expensive' helmets are mostly manufactuered using the same methods and materials, and mainly vary by fit and finish and perhaps the padding material. The marketing hype around helmets i find to be just that - hype - they may be marginally 'better' in some way, but they all meet the same SAFETY standards.
I prefer to buy a cheaper helmet and replace it more often - if I'd spent £1000 on a carbon helmet I'd be very reluctant to bin it after a minor knock, where as a cheaper helmet I can replace regularly and keep the latest safety standards.
I'm amazed at some of the ancient helmets I see people using, just because they where expensive 'back in the day'. Helmets should be replaced every 3 or so years as they gradually start to breakdown and age.
The V2 helmet fits me well and is comfortable to wear for long stints. Fit is very important, and I wouldn't have bought one if it didn't fit me well.
I have had the misfortune of destroying 3 carbonfiber mountainbike helmets in the alps (thankfully from a manufacurer with a 3-year crash replacement policy), so I understand the importance of a good helmet, but untill a 'name brand' manufacturer can actually prove their helmet is 'safer' than cheaper standards-approved helmets then I will contine to spend the difference elsewhere where I can see the advantages (like on a HANS device for example).
I do understand people like to have a nice helmet - nothing wrong with spending additional money if there is a feature you want or they fit better, but I stuggle to see any 'safety' advantage with spending a lot more money.
I prefer to buy a cheaper helmet and replace it more often - if I'd spent £1000 on a carbon helmet I'd be very reluctant to bin it after a minor knock, where as a cheaper helmet I can replace regularly and keep the latest safety standards.
I'm amazed at some of the ancient helmets I see people using, just because they where expensive 'back in the day'. Helmets should be replaced every 3 or so years as they gradually start to breakdown and age.
The V2 helmet fits me well and is comfortable to wear for long stints. Fit is very important, and I wouldn't have bought one if it didn't fit me well.
I have had the misfortune of destroying 3 carbonfiber mountainbike helmets in the alps (thankfully from a manufacurer with a 3-year crash replacement policy), so I understand the importance of a good helmet, but untill a 'name brand' manufacturer can actually prove their helmet is 'safer' than cheaper standards-approved helmets then I will contine to spend the difference elsewhere where I can see the advantages (like on a HANS device for example).
I do understand people like to have a nice helmet - nothing wrong with spending additional money if there is a feature you want or they fit better, but I stuggle to see any 'safety' advantage with spending a lot more money.
agent006 said:
Closed, unless you have a proper aversion to them. Safer, plus you never know when someone on the way out of the paddock in a Radical will look at you and point at their passenger seat.
That's my take on it too - at track days many times i've been offered rides (or indeed drives) in windscreenless things.TonyHetherington said:
agent006 said:
Closed, unless you have a proper aversion to them. Safer, plus you never know when someone on the way out of the paddock in a Radical will look at you and point at their passenger seat.
That's my take on it too - at track days many times i've been offered rides (or indeed drives) in windscreenless things.Melindi
Mike S2K said:
Whats the rules on using a motorbike helmet for a track day. Theres plenty of motorbike shops around and im sure alot easier to try some on to see which one fits best rather then using a mail order company
I've never had a helmet inspected on a track day - so long as it looks reasonable no-one will bat an eyelid...GreigM said:
I've never had a helmet inspected on a track day - so long as it looks reasonable no-one will bat an eyelid...
I needed to update my lid, tried a lot of the trackday lids offered by organisers and sold at Autosport etc but I ended up going for this, it's a bike lid but I tried a few and it's awesome for little more than a 'trackday special' super light, 5 star sharp rating, washable lining and anti-fog visor. Best advice though, go and try a few and go for the best fit and quality for your budget.
http://www.racevisors.co.uk/category/bell-motorcyc...
paulmnz said:
I have one of the V2 helmets after meeting the MD at the Autosport show and having a long discussion - I'm racing in a series which has something of reputation for contact, so I wanted a safe helmet but came with an open mind - I was happy to try the 'big name' brands and any others which met the required safety standard. He told me he setup the company after spending many years working in helmet testing (I think BSI, but I can't remember) so he claimed to have a good understanding of the helmet industry. The 'expensive' helmets are mostly manufactuered using the same methods and materials, and mainly vary by fit and finish and perhaps the padding material. The marketing hype around helmets i find to be just that - hype - they may be marginally 'better' in some way, but they all meet the same SAFETY standards.
I prefer to buy a cheaper helmet and replace it more often - if I'd spent £1000 on a carbon helmet I'd be very reluctant to bin it after a minor knock, where as a cheaper helmet I can replace regularly and keep the latest safety standards.
I'm amazed at some of the ancient helmets I see people using, just because they where expensive 'back in the day'. Helmets should be replaced every 3 or so years as they gradually start to breakdown and age.
The V2 helmet fits me well and is comfortable to wear for long stints. Fit is very important, and I wouldn't have bought one if it didn't fit me well.
I have had the misfortune of destroying 3 carbonfiber mountainbike helmets in the alps (thankfully from a manufacurer with a 3-year crash replacement policy), so I understand the importance of a good helmet, but untill a 'name brand' manufacturer can actually prove their helmet is 'safer' than cheaper standards-approved helmets then I will contine to spend the difference elsewhere where I can see the advantages (like on a HANS device for example).
I do understand people like to have a nice helmet - nothing wrong with spending additional money if there is a feature you want or they fit better, but I stuggle to see any 'safety' advantage with spending a lot more money.
+1I prefer to buy a cheaper helmet and replace it more often - if I'd spent £1000 on a carbon helmet I'd be very reluctant to bin it after a minor knock, where as a cheaper helmet I can replace regularly and keep the latest safety standards.
I'm amazed at some of the ancient helmets I see people using, just because they where expensive 'back in the day'. Helmets should be replaced every 3 or so years as they gradually start to breakdown and age.
The V2 helmet fits me well and is comfortable to wear for long stints. Fit is very important, and I wouldn't have bought one if it didn't fit me well.
I have had the misfortune of destroying 3 carbonfiber mountainbike helmets in the alps (thankfully from a manufacurer with a 3-year crash replacement policy), so I understand the importance of a good helmet, but untill a 'name brand' manufacturer can actually prove their helmet is 'safer' than cheaper standards-approved helmets then I will contine to spend the difference elsewhere where I can see the advantages (like on a HANS device for example).
I do understand people like to have a nice helmet - nothing wrong with spending additional money if there is a feature you want or they fit better, but I stuggle to see any 'safety' advantage with spending a lot more money.
GreigM said:
gtdc said:
What's the difference between a car and a bike helmet?
Melindi
Car ones are all about fire resistance, most bike ones don't conform to fire resistance specs.Melindi
I recently purchased a V2 Sport "V2 Pro" helmet. Be aware that these helmets are short fronted to comply with high speed impact tests. This meant that my nose and chin were pressed umcomfortably against the front of the helmet. Pressed so hard that I would not have wanted to crash whilst wearing it! Stephen from V2 and I had a long email conversation about the helmet - he was extremely helpful. One thing he did point out is that the V2 Pro has the same size shell for L, XL and XXL. The only difference is the liner and cheek pads (which they will post for you to swap yourself). So if you have neanderthal features (as I appear to have), then this helmet is not the one for you.
As a second choice, I was going to go for V2 Classic, which has a longer shape. Unfortunately they do not have any XL of that type.
So in the end I have settled on the V2 Tour open faced helmet. I would have preferred a closed face one in case I get a ride in something soft topped, but the open face one will be more comfortable in an enclosed car. Should have it later this week.
As a second choice, I was going to go for V2 Classic, which has a longer shape. Unfortunately they do not have any XL of that type.
So in the end I have settled on the V2 Tour open faced helmet. I would have preferred a closed face one in case I get a ride in something soft topped, but the open face one will be more comfortable in an enclosed car. Should have it later this week.
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