Open or Closed Face Helmet For Track Days?

[BigMack]

Looking to buy a helmet for the trackdays I'm now doing. Should I buy an open or closed face helmet? Lots of opinions on this it appears. I run the car without side screens and have a little more ventilation coming into the cockpit. I guess I'll also look into getting a pair of driving shoes. My big clumsy American feet were all over the pedals during the last track day when I was wearing my running shoes.
Thanks!
-Mack

[B1 ECC]

I used an open face to start with, but realised that a well fitted full face was the real option!
It took a little time to get used to but well worth the effort!

[davefiddes]

Comes up on the trackday forum frequently. Must admit I am swayed by the doctor who deals with road accident victims. His advice is that full face helmets keep your jaw in one piece and the visor down keeps breaking glass and fire out of your eyes. Personally I hope to never be there but I'll stick to the closed face none the less...

[Fast BMW 7]

Mack. I am a big believer that the closed face helmets are apt to provide a greater degree of protection over an open face helmet. That, coupled with a fire resistant balclava and fire suit and a fire system will extend one's chances of walking away from an incident with less trauma. Don't forget to consider head restraints as well.
Are you using a window net? (I realize many of these things are not required for track days but should at least be given consideration). A mishap can really ruin one's day, especially if some injury is sustained that could have been reduced/minimized by the addition (overkill?) of safety equipment.
I am intriqued by this helmet restraint: www.isaacdirect.com/
Happy motoring!

[crafty]

Gee...... if you were ever wondering if your head will hit the steeringwheel / rollcage in an accident (even with a harness) - check out the video

[BigMack]

Thanks guys. I'll probably go with a closed face helmet then. Something like a Bell M3 but remove the eye shield.
I'll probably also look for some kind of mechanic suit or driving suit. At the track, they have garages for us, and I like to check over things, check a spark plug, check the torque on a few bolts, check the fluids, etc... I don't really wanna look like a tool so no fancy high dollar race suit. Maybe some coveralls or cheap driving suit.
Appreciate the input.
Cheers!
-Mack

[GreenV8S]

Definitely closed face as the open faced ones don't protect your face. If I were you I would keep the visor too because in an accident there will be an awful lot of glass flying around your eyes, but I have to confess I keep it up on hot days.

[builder]

BigMack said:

I don't really wanna look like a tool so no fancy high dollar race suit. Maybe some coveralls or cheap driving suit.

Navy surplus Nomex flight suit. It's inexpensive and probably the most unpretentious Nomex suit available.

[bigmack]

Holy cow! Thanks Scott. ha.
I purchased a Bell M2 closed face helmet with a wide view port. An entry level helmet but should do the job. Will look for a flight suit. I live right across from a Navy flight training base. Looks like I've hit the jackpot!
Cheers!
-Mack

[crafty]

"Scissors paper rock to see who gets to drive the GTR"

[bigmack]

ah..ha..ha..ha..ha...

[builder]

LOL... I am not driving, officer. I am just flying low.

FYI: They moved Top Gun from Miramar (San Diego) to Falon NAS a couple of years ago...which is 60 miles from here. I don't know anyone out there, but may have to take a drive and hang out at the local pub to see who I can meet...maybe a female flight officer. "Yes, ma'am lieutenant ma'am. I'll try that flight suit on for you, ma'am."