Advice on helmets for trackday

[dickieandjulie]

Ladies and Gents

Can anyone provide any advice on a suitable helmet for trackdays. Full face or open face, are there any ad/disadvantages? Min spec, recommended retailers etc

Thanks

Richard

[paul gotts]

you can get an idea of whats available from someone like Demon Tweaks, but do not buy a lid by mail order. Heads can be strange shapes and not all makes with the same size will fit comfortably, as shell shapes do vary, particularly Japanese vs. European lids. I'm not up on the latest BS / ACU / FIA stickers, although maybe some of our regular sprinters / racers can enlighten you. I would stick to glass fibre construction, too many potential probs. with cheaper polycarbonate (if they are still made) and in my view kevlar/carbon fibre is an unnecessary expense, unless you value lightness at all costs. I've seen all sorts on track days, including RAF flight helmets. Full face will give you more protection, although I tend to leave the visor fully or part open anyway. Try visiting your local bike shop, as they will tend to have the best range on the shelf. I've used an Arai for a few years, and been pleased with it. I would think something in the region of £150 would get the job done. As the old saying goes, if you've got a ten bob head, get a ten bob helmet. Showing me age again......

[redcar]

Richard.

I use a full face helmet, good place to buy in our area is the Formula One shop just past Brands Hatch on right hand side. Consider some shoes as well.

Let me know about Sunday.

Martin

[rus wood]

If you wear specs for driving then full-face will be a right PITA.

If you drive with your car open then an open face visor might let bees in (or something equally annoying).

A full face will give you more protection, consider a shoulder/neck pad as well.

You don't need lightness for ordinary track days unless you are pulling incredible G's for a long period.

Get a helmet with the relevant BS stickers - sorry I don't know what the numbers are.

Don't consider buying 2nd hand unless you know the seller well - one drop from hand to floor can irredeemably damage a helmet - invisibly.

Replace a helmet after a few years - they do get tired, replace after any serious impact or drop.

If you are a fat lardy bloater like me ventilation is important, a helmet wringing wet with sweat is a great deterrant to borrowers.

Get a nice colour to match your car.

If you can afford a shiny metallic one get it - they look the dogs!

Russ

[dickieandjulie]

Thanks for your answers chaps.

Martin. See you Sunday.

[chassis 33]

A lot of places are starting to ask for helmets approved to BS6658:1985 Type A (type B is different and isn't allowed)

The cheapest one ive found is the OMP Intergrale Plus its about £90 and vat free, its also FIA approved...

Regards
Iain

[zumbruk]

I'd consider getting a balaclava, too. A Nomex one is only a few quid. It makes getting the helmet on and off a lot easier, it stops the helmet interior getting all sweaty and horrid and unlike a helmet interior, you can launder it.

[daftlad]

Open face helmets in convertibles are a bit of no no froma competition perspective.

It may well be that this filters to track days in the near future.....

[dickieandjulie]

Thank you all