Where to Buy Track Day Helmets?

[Lewis's Friend]

Hi All

A quick question. I need a track day helmet - However, finding somewhere even slightly local to me where you can go and be fitted/try some on etc is proving to be difficult.

I'm based in Hertfordshire, so was looking for somewhere around here, or the London/Bedford area. Can anyone tell me if there is an outlet in the vicinity?

If I was after a bike helmet I would be well catered for, but alas, I'm not!

All help is appreciated...

[motco]

It's a bit late in the year now but if you go on a Motorsport Events (airfield or circuit) track day and they know you're after a helmet, they'll bring theirs. They sell Hedtec helmets. I have no idea about what they are like but Ed Moore (the principal of MSE) races Formula Ford so I assume he knows his helmets. Nothing to do with me...

[Trev450]

If you can wait until January, take a visit to the Autosport show at the NEC. You will be able to try just about every make available there.

[phazed]

motco said:

so I assume he knows his helmets...

Maybe it's the wine with dinner and maybe it's because I know Ed but it made me laugh which is a good thing

BTW, those Headtec helmets are good.

[F1 ASBO]

What are the main differences between a track day helmet and a bike helmet please?

[phazed]

I am not sure of the specifics but you can use a good bike helmet on a trip today .

[Lewis's Friend]

Thanks for the feedback. Its not very urgent, so I could wait until January if it would be worth waiting for the auto show.

[nickfrog]

If not you could go to motorbike supply shop or even a bike dealer, they may have something that works for you.

[phazed]

Just buy a quality helmet.

I use an Arai helmet.

[motco]

My helmet meets all the necessary standards for bikes and cars (full face) with the exception of the lack of a 'Nomex' lining. The rules for competition helmets changed a couple or so years ago and added this requirement. For track days the non-Nomex lined ones are acceptable.

I'm sure Ed would chuckle at the thought, by the way. He always seems to have a wry smile on his face.

[88racing]

GP Racewear sometimes do deals on outgoing models at the end of the season.

http://gprdirect.com/

Chris.

[boxsey]

Bought mine from Demon Tweeks. They have loads of choice. I bought on-line by using their head sizing guide to get the right fit using a tape measure. Helmet fitted perfectly when it arrived (went for the Race Safety Accessories Touring helmet).

[F1 ASBO]

F1 ASBO said:

What are the main differences between a track day helmet and a bike helmet please?

Then of course there are Kart helmets! Are there any differences or is it all just marketing gimmicks? I notice Kart helmets tend to have duck bills on them, presumably because you have no roof and they aid stability in open cockpits. You don't see F1 drivers wearing them though, nor bikers come to that.

[jumare]

boxsey said:

Bought mine from Demon Tweeks. They have loads of choice. I bought on-line by using their head sizing guide to get the right fit using a tape measure. Helmet fitted perfectly when it arrived (went for the Race Safety Accessories Touring helmet).

I bought mine from Demon Tweeks, I was travelling down from Birkenhead and arrived at the shop 15mins before closing still managed to try on and buy a helmet and shoes... I bough a cheap track day helmet but also a nomex balaclava.

[E-bmw]

Kart helmets don't have fire retardent liners.

You could always try the very helpful chaps at http://www.koden.co.uk

Their excellent KSF01 has Snell SA2010 certification with Flameproof Nomex Liner & Kevlar retention strap an, as it is a run-out model they are just £59.99 + £5 delivery at the moment, but won't last long at that.

BY THE WAY, I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THEM, JUST FOUND OUT & BOUGHT 2 REPLACEMENTS TODAY.

[IainXE]

Motorcycle shop, decent quality helmet off the shelf and lots of choice to try on. Think they have a larger hole than a car one too for better visibility. Trackday organisers are perfectly happy with bike helmets.

[Lewis's Friend]

E-bmw said:

Kart helmets don't have fire retardent liners.

You could always try the very helpful chaps at http://www.koden.co.uk

Their excellent KSF01 has Snell SA2010 certification with Flameproof Nomex Liner & Kevlar retention strap an, as it is a run-out model they are just £59.99 + £5 delivery at the moment, but won't last long at that.

BY THE WAY, I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THEM, JUST FOUND OUT & BOUGHT 2 REPLACEMENTS TODAY.

That's an excellent tip, I've just been in contact with them - thanks.

[mph1977]

F1 ASBO said:

What are the main differences between a track day helmet and a bike helmet please?

a race helemt for cars has a fire resistant lining

bike helmets even ACU gold label ones don;t necessarily

given many track days don;t insist on nomex for the rest of you ...

[Craikeybaby]

88racing said:

GP Racewear sometimes do deals on outgoing models at the end of the season.

http://gprdirect.com/

Chris.

I got my heltmet from their shop at Silverstone - where I was able to try some on first.