Helmets, again

[ben]

Yes, yes I know that this has been talked about quite a bit on here but I can't really decide.#

My first track day will be in a few weeks and I want my own helmet.
My first thaught would be "Open Face" as visability would be good and I assume it will be more comfortable.

I have seen that somebody has listed the new required specifications for some track day events. Obviously it would be pointless not getting one not to these standards.
I am driving a Convertable BMW so I'm not really concerned about neding the full face protection as you would in a Caterham or Aero etc..
Do any of the Track Day events specify if you should have "Full Face" or "Open Face"?
Price: I totally understand the "Put a Price on your Head" statement. I would look in to investing in a better helmet if I were to get the Bug and would probably buy a Track Day Car then too!

These look good to me:
http://www.gprdirect.com/racewear/race-helmets/spa...
Which is BS6658-85A approved

What do we think? Thanks!

[Gizmo!]

Why would you buy your own for your first trackday? Just hire one at the track, usually costs £10.

[ben]

Gizmo! said:

Why would you buy your own for your first trackday? Just hire one at the track, usually costs £10.

That was the plan, they won't be avaliable at this event. I know I will do more than this one so better to buy than borrow/hire.

[Munter]

ben said:

Gizmo! said:

Why would you buy your own for your first trackday? Just hire one at the track, usually costs £10.

That was the plan, they won't be avaliable at this event. I know I will do more than this one so better to buy than borrow/hire.

Plus you only get your own nits/sweat/spit/spot juice in your own helmet. And you know if it's been used as a football (by customers) or not.

Me I wouldn't buy open face. But if I was buying open face I'd be happy to buy the one you are suggesting.

[Dan Friel]

I would use a closed helmet in any type of car.

Also, be aware that "BS6658-85A" type helmets may not be MSA approved from next year onwards. This may (although unlikely) cause problems at future events.

[andye30m3]

I thought full face helmets were required for any open top car at a trackday.

Also seam to remember they are supposed to be MSA approved for some but never had this checked

[ben]

andye30m3 said:

I thought full face helmets were required for any open top car at a trackday.

Also seam to remember they are supposed to be MSA approved for some but never had this checked

I have just read that about the convertable cars - possibly have to get a full face after all

[ben]

http://www.gprdirect.com/racewear/race-helmets/lic...

MSA Approved
UK Road Legal
BS6658-85A
Not FIA Approved

Looks good for £100

[MGRacer]

As the rather dubious saying goes "If you have got a £5 head, then get a £5 helmet".

It's been rumoured that some trackdays are going to stipulate MSA Approved helmets only but I have not seen anything, as yet.BS6658 Type A/FR may be withdrawn from the MSA List from 01/01/10 but Type A helmets are defiantely off the list from Jan 2010.

Snell & FIA Approved helmets get tested for hitting hard things in a car like roll cages and the like. Bike helmets do not. Road approved helmets have moved onto a CE European standard or something which is not upto the standard of the British Standard and therefore are not accepted by the MSA at all.

So whilst the MSA can be very annoying in making me change my helmet for racing on a regular ish basis they are up to scratch on current standards. I would rather have the best helmet that I could afford in the event that I hit something. Whats the cost of a £300 helmet versus your bonce.

Oh and assuming you will be using a standard road seat belt get a full face helmet - Could get messy if you hit the steering wheel with your face.

[ginettajoe]

ben said:

andye30m3 said:

I thought full face helmets were required for any open top car at a trackday.

Also seam to remember they are supposed to be MSA approved for some but never had this checked

I have just read that about the convertable cars - possibly have to get a full face after all

If you were to go on an MSV day at Oulton, Cadwell or Brands, & Mr MSV ..... Mike Gorton was presiding on the day, he will require you to wear a full face helmet in an open top car. He is the only jobsworth that seems to insist on that, ... no other TDO specifies that requirement. The MSA allow drivers of MX5's, TVR's and any other open top car to race in open face helmets. The exception is when the car is a single seater, or something like a Caterham with a fly screen.

[DiscoColin]

MGRacer said:

Oh and assuming you will be using a standard road seat belt get a full face helmet - Could get messy if you hit the steering wheel with your face.

Erm, unless we are talking a very old beamer here then you are only ever going to hit the airbag with your face (just as if you crashed on the road without a helmet on). The OP made a point that this wasn't a track car.

When you are starting out, open face is more comfortable and aids communication between you and your instructors. If you are in a convertible and concerned then simply leave the roof up... Full face will save you money it you are eyeing a Caterham of something stripped for the future though. Something like the Arai GP-5W (full face but open with a peak, though it can take a visor) well worth consideration (and the equivalents from Stand21, OMP et al).

[Hugh Jass]

Don't just buy on price alone, make sure the helmet fits properly and is comfortable.

I have just bought a full face helmet for doing track days and it took me about an
hour of trying different ones on to make sure I got the right one.

[ben]

DiscoColin said:

MGRacer said:

Oh and assuming you will be using a standard road seat belt get a full face helmet - Could get messy if you hit the steering wheel with your face.

Erm, unless we are talking a very old beamer here then you are only ever going to hit the airbag with your face (just as if you crashed on the road without a helmet on). The OP made a point that this wasn't a track car.

When you are starting out, open face is more comfortable and aids communication between you and your instructors. If you are in a convertible and concerned then simply leave the roof up... Full face will save you money it you are eyeing a Caterham of something stripped for the future though. Something like the Arai GP-5W (full face but open with a peak, though it can take a visor) well worth consideration (and the equivalents from Stand21, OMP et al).

Yes, Z4 - full of airbags.
Thanks for all the advice - I will have a look on the internet at prices

[ben]

Just seen this - which is as you guys have been saying...

A new ruling introduced by the MSA in July 2008 means that helmets that are "BS6658-85 A Approved" are only valid for MSA Competition Events until 31st December 2009.
After this date your helmet must have a Fireproof lining and be to BS6658-85 Type A/FR Approval (Red Label).

The search continues....

[agent006]

I have a full face helmet, mainly because you never know when someone's going to offer you a passenger lap or two in their caterham/atom/etc.

[ben]

I'm still finding it hard to see anything for less than a couple of hundred quid.

[chris7676]

I bet I'm now highly dodgy, dangerous, illegal or who knows if not a terrorist (special services gestapo igore this word - not a plot or anything) with my £60 nicely fitting helmet...?

Edited by chris7676 on Sunday 30th August 12:33

[ben]

chris7676 said:

I bet I'm now highly dodgy, dangerous, illegal or who knows if not a terrorist (special services gestapo igore this word - not a plot or anything) with my £60 nicely fitting helmet...

£60... is it BS6658-85 Type A/FR Approval (Red Label)?

[chris7676]

im too terrified to check it!

[Decky_Q]

Ben hit any motorbike shop (except maybe hein gerrick) and you will find dozens of helmets meeting the criteria for trackdays for £50 or even less (my local has silver approved helmets for £30 and £45 for gold).

my bro and myself got these which are awesome for £500 each
http://www.superbike.co.uk/imageBank/d/dunlop_rep....
may seem pricey but thats the standard price for an RX7 Corsair helmet so making a donation to charity and commemorating our lifelong hero was free pity it only lasts 3 years or so before replacement I really love these helmets