Helmet for track day use
Discussion
In preparation for my first TVR track day I wondered if helmets have to be approved to a particular standard or not? Mine is about 20 years old and is BS2495.77, ACU Approved, and Approved for International Motor Sport Standard Group B. It fits well and was last used (by me) about 10 years ago and has never been tested 
So, for a one-off day I was going to use it. I know some will say I should spend £200 on a new one but I'd still like to know if I will get on the track OK with my old one before I make that decision? Comments please. Rich...
So, for a one-off day I was going to use it. I know some will say I should spend £200 on a new one but I'd still like to know if I will get on the track OK with my old one before I make that decision? Comments please. Rich...A few points:
- helmets for road use should be replaced every 3 years or so (I think)
- for competition use there are specific standards the helmet must meet, and these have changed somewhat in 20 years, so I doubt if yours will be compliant.
- it's your head. Are you happy putting it in a 20 year old helmet and going out on track?
Neil
>> Edited by Neil Menzies on Thursday 13th June 17:38
- helmets for road use should be replaced every 3 years or so (I think)
- for competition use there are specific standards the helmet must meet, and these have changed somewhat in 20 years, so I doubt if yours will be compliant.
- it's your head. Are you happy putting it in a 20 year old helmet and going out on track?
Neil
>> Edited by Neil Menzies on Thursday 13th June 17:38
Quick scan on the web, from the Curborough sprint pages (www.curborough.co.uk/starting.htm):
HELMETS A crash helmet must be worn during competition and it must conform to certain criteria: a) The helmet must bear one of the following standards: BS 6658-85A (Type 'B' not acceptable) BS 6658 Type A/FR* Snell SA90* Snell SA95 SFi Foundation 31.1, 31.2
HELMETS A crash helmet must be worn during competition and it must conform to certain criteria: a) The helmet must bear one of the following standards: BS 6658-85A (Type 'B' not acceptable) BS 6658 Type A/FR* Snell SA90* Snell SA95 SFi Foundation 31.1, 31.2
Well I thought that would be the reply, but strangely I would feel safer in my own old but well looked after one than some rented sweaty jobbie that has been kicked around the paddock a few times! R...
p.s. I just checked, I last used it in anger in 77/78 MG Car Club MGA racing, and again at Thruxton in 94. Doesn't time fly!
p.s. I just checked, I last used it in anger in 77/78 MG Car Club MGA racing, and again at Thruxton in 94. Doesn't time fly!
quote:
In preparation for my first TVR track day I wondered if helmets have to be approved to a particular standard or not? Mine is about 20 years old and is BS2495.77, ACU Approved, and Approved for International Motor Sport Standard Group B. It fits well and was last used (by me) about 10 years ago and has never been tested
Some like Brands, Oulton, Snetterton etc insist on a helemt that meets the current MSA specs because there was a case where someone had an accident and their old helmet simply kept their ears warm... They then tried to sue the track I ynderstand allegedly.
Old helmets especially polycarbonate ones degrade with time and have a finite life or around 3-5 years. It is now stamped on the helmet.
I personally change the helmet every three years or if it has hit something hard!
Steve
If you are worried about cost, then you don't have to spend £200. My most recent one was about £65 and is fully compliant with regs. It's only a small proportion of what the track day will cost you.
If you are worried about how they look, then you can get a nice plain black one.
Whatever you do, not rely on a 25 year old one!
You can find info on helmet standards on the Grand Prix Racewear site at: www.grandpri.com/helmetinfo.html
We can supply FM Axe helmets which are full face and BSI Type 'B' approved for £45. They are more than sufficient for trackday use, we use them as our "hire" helmets, and we've never had a problem using them at any of our non-competitive trackdays (Octagon circuits included)
Andy
www.bookatrack.com
Andy
www.bookatrack.com
I bought a helmet last week, before my first track day yesterday.
I spoke to a few bikers in my area and ask them the best place and advice. They gave me the name of a few places in the Norwich area and said to find a sales person who knows what they are talking about and take their advice. Make sure it is certified for motorsport (gold triangle thingy) and above all make sure it fits (ie tight but without giving headace). Tip seems to be if you move the helmet when it is strapped on, it should move your forehead with it not move around on it's own.
I got a HJC helmet for 115pounds I think
After my first track, which was excellent, make sure you have a full face helmet that fits. One of the instructors went out with a track day driver and the driver had an off. Because the instructor was talking to the drive he had an open face helmet and now has face induries due to the accident.
Motor sport is dangerous and track days can be too, don't skimp on a helmet - your head is kind of important.
Derek
I spoke to a few bikers in my area and ask them the best place and advice. They gave me the name of a few places in the Norwich area and said to find a sales person who knows what they are talking about and take their advice. Make sure it is certified for motorsport (gold triangle thingy) and above all make sure it fits (ie tight but without giving headace). Tip seems to be if you move the helmet when it is strapped on, it should move your forehead with it not move around on it's own.
I got a HJC helmet for 115pounds I think
After my first track, which was excellent, make sure you have a full face helmet that fits. One of the instructors went out with a track day driver and the driver had an off. Because the instructor was talking to the drive he had an open face helmet and now has face induries due to the accident.
Motor sport is dangerous and track days can be too, don't skimp on a helmet - your head is kind of important.
Derek
Hello all. I have followed PH for some time now but this is apparently my first post. I want to buy a helmet for track day use. Can someone recommend somewhere close (ish) to Sheffield where I can go and buy one. I recognise I can get one online but I have a funny shaped head 
. All help gratefully received.
. All help gratefully received.Holy thread resurrection Batman!
If you are going to buy a helmet, you need to try them on & get expert advice rather than ideas from a web forum.
Get down to your local motorbike gear shops & try as many out as you can/seek advice from them.
If you then want to get one cheaper get on 'tinterweb & shop around knowing what you want.
If you are going to buy a helmet, you need to try them on & get expert advice rather than ideas from a web forum.
Get down to your local motorbike gear shops & try as many out as you can/seek advice from them.
If you then want to get one cheaper get on 'tinterweb & shop around knowing what you want.
Thanks Andy - umm . That was kind of what I wanted - a location closish to Sheffield where I can buy a helmet. I didn't specify it was for a car, my apologies. The helmets are different apparently. As for the thread resurrection, I just searched and this came up. Perhaps I should have started a new thread, but I'm new to this
If you find yourself near Newark, you are welcome to pop in and try mine. I have both the open and full face versions of these
http://www.v2sport.com/
In large and extra large. Large is 60 cm, measured around the head horizontally, one inch above your eyes. XL is 62 cm. most blokes fit one or the other.
By the way, if you are driving a tin-top you only need the open face version. Visibility is better and your head stays cooler. If open top car, some circuits insist on full face, and do bear in mind you might want to blag a ride in a Caterham, Radical or Ariel Atom.
Having said which, only one track on one occasion has insisted on full face in my open TVR, and only because I asked the question.
http://www.v2sport.com/
In large and extra large. Large is 60 cm, measured around the head horizontally, one inch above your eyes. XL is 62 cm. most blokes fit one or the other.
By the way, if you are driving a tin-top you only need the open face version. Visibility is better and your head stays cooler. If open top car, some circuits insist on full face, and do bear in mind you might want to blag a ride in a Caterham, Radical or Ariel Atom.
Having said which, only one track on one occasion has insisted on full face in my open TVR, and only because I asked the question.
QBee said:
If you find yourself near Newark, you are welcome to pop in and try mine. I have both the open and full face versions of these
http://www.v2sport.com/
In large and extra large. Large is 60 cm, measured around the head horizontally, one inch above your eyes. XL is 62 cm. most blokes fit one or the other.
By the way, if you are driving a tin-top you only need the open face version. Visibility is better and your head stays cooler. If open top car, some circuits insist on full face, and do bear in mind you might want to blag a ride in a Caterham, Radical or Ariel Atom.
Having said which, only one track on one occasion has insisted on full face in my open TVR, and only because I asked the question.
That's kind - I'll mail you when I'm next near. Mine is a California (yes I know it's not a track car!!! my mates tell me all the time)so it's a bit of both.http://www.v2sport.com/
In large and extra large. Large is 60 cm, measured around the head horizontally, one inch above your eyes. XL is 62 cm. most blokes fit one or the other.
By the way, if you are driving a tin-top you only need the open face version. Visibility is better and your head stays cooler. If open top car, some circuits insist on full face, and do bear in mind you might want to blag a ride in a Caterham, Radical or Ariel Atom.
Having said which, only one track on one occasion has insisted on full face in my open TVR, and only because I asked the question.
andyiley said:
The helmets aren't different, whoever told you that is a helmet!
The bloke in my local M/cycle shop said so and he was trying to sell me one!oh and wiki did - everything is true on the internet - dontcha know? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_helmet
CedricN said:
Please don't buy a motorbike helmet if you can afford a FIA racing helmet(they aren't that expensive if you look at around). The interor of a bike helmet will melt in your face in seconds in case of fire. They are not designed for the same purpose.
Thanks Cedric - that's kinda what I thought - I am looking to buy one. I am trying to find out where I can do so near Sheffield. I seem to have been a little controversial though.Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff