Crash helmets on track days
Discussion
Just got the info through about the Bruntingthorpe track day, helmets required at all times on the circuit.
This morning I,ve been to local motorcyle centre to buy a couple.
They all were supposedly to big even though my ears were crumpled (how will I hear the exhaust)and my cheeks were closing my eyes.
I'm sure my head is the right shape
, so any advice on the correct fitting will be greatly appreciated before I start to consider reconstructive surgery.
Rich
This morning I,ve been to local motorcyle centre to buy a couple.
They all were supposedly to big even though my ears were crumpled (how will I hear the exhaust)and my cheeks were closing my eyes.
I'm sure my head is the right shape
, so any advice on the correct fitting will be greatly appreciated before I start to consider reconstructive surgery. Rich
Hi,
The helmet should be comfortable and your head unable to move inside when the helmet is turned or lifted. also as a guide you should be able to "just" slide your finger between the front brow and your forehead, and if it is a Full-Face the Chin guard must cover your chin (no point it being there otherwise) Make sure it has the Gold Motorcycle Sports Assc. Sticker on it or you won't be allowed to use it for most Motorsport events. I recenty purchased a new SHARK made helmet which cost £125 and is approved. I did try other Makes which did feel different even though they where the same size.
Cheers
G.
The helmet should be comfortable and your head unable to move inside when the helmet is turned or lifted. also as a guide you should be able to "just" slide your finger between the front brow and your forehead, and if it is a Full-Face the Chin guard must cover your chin (no point it being there otherwise) Make sure it has the Gold Motorcycle Sports Assc. Sticker on it or you won't be allowed to use it for most Motorsport events. I recenty purchased a new SHARK made helmet which cost £125 and is approved. I did try other Makes which did feel different even though they where the same size.
Cheers
G.
Hi Rich
(official line from Motor Sports Association 'blue book') is that with the helmet on and chin strap done up (should be under tension at all times), attempt to pull up the back of the helmet - as long as it doesn't start to slide over your head it's the right fit!
Happy track daying
Si
(official line from Motor Sports Association 'blue book') is that with the helmet on and chin strap done up (should be under tension at all times), attempt to pull up the back of the helmet - as long as it doesn't start to slide over your head it's the right fit!
Happy track daying
Si
Si,
all including the tightest fit(size XS), when lifted at the back, touched the top of my nose. This is why "they" said they were not the correct fit.
In reality a crash helmet in a chimaera isn't going to protect me very much in the event of a roll, only maybe from the screen and its pillars in the event of a shunt.
What do ya think, should I get the most snug comfortable fit or persue the "if it don't touch my nose when lifted from the back fit"
Rich
all including the tightest fit(size XS), when lifted at the back, touched the top of my nose. This is why "they" said they were not the correct fit.
In reality a crash helmet in a chimaera isn't going to protect me very much in the event of a roll, only maybe from the screen and its pillars in the event of a shunt.
What do ya think, should I get the most snug comfortable fit or persue the "if it don't touch my nose when lifted from the back fit"
Rich
prancing said: Hi,
Make sure it has the Gold Motorcycle Sports Assc. Sticker on it or you won't be allowed to use it for most Motorsport events.
The standards that the MSA specify and these are the ones that Octagon in particular will insist on are:
Snell SA 95,2000
SFI 31.1, 31.2
BS 6658 A/FR
If it doesn't meet these specs... don't buy it!
steve
Hi Rich
Mmmm bit of a tricky one this
I would pursue the ideal of 'not touching yer nose' when pulled up rather than a comfort thing - you'll get used to that. They'll all move a bit but it does seem to be moving quite a lot if it's over your eyes. Trying different makes could help. A quick whizz down the M1 to Grand Prix Racewear in Chiswick could be a good idea as they usually have loads of stock (albeit probably nothing below £100!) - I'll join ya for a quick blast
Also Steves right about getting the correct standard - you might be ok at Bruntie but could get caught by regs somewhere else.
Alternatively just borrow mine - as long as it's a goodish fit - and splash out on your own if ya get into the track day thing.
Cheers
Si
Mmmm bit of a tricky one this
I would pursue the ideal of 'not touching yer nose' when pulled up rather than a comfort thing - you'll get used to that. They'll all move a bit but it does seem to be moving quite a lot if it's over your eyes. Trying different makes could help. A quick whizz down the M1 to Grand Prix Racewear in Chiswick could be a good idea as they usually have loads of stock (albeit probably nothing below £100!) - I'll join ya for a quick blast
Also Steves right about getting the correct standard - you might be ok at Bruntie but could get caught by regs somewhere else.
Alternatively just borrow mine - as long as it's a goodish fit - and splash out on your own if ya get into the track day thing.
Cheers
Si
The Grand Prix Racewear web site has lots of useful info, including how to measure your head and a section on helmet standards.
www.grandpri.com/cgi-bin/grandpri.storefront
Their shop in Chiswick is also very useful, as you can try the stock for size.
www.grandpri.com/cgi-bin/grandpri.storefront
Their shop in Chiswick is also very useful, as you can try the stock for size.
Try an Arai Quantum F,superb quality and fit. I've tried many helmets over the years and have found nothing to match an Arai,not the cheapest at around £250 for a plain colour,£300 for replica,but if you've got a £50 head buy a £50 helmet,if you value your head alittle more buy the best.
Arai helmets have saved my life on at least two occasions and I wouldn't wear anything else.
Arai helmets have saved my life on at least two occasions and I wouldn't wear anything else.
budd said: Try an Arai Quantum F,superb quality and fit. I've tried many helmets over the years and have found nothing to match an Arai,not the cheapest at around £250 for a plain colour,£300 for replica,but if you've got a £50 head buy a £50 helmet,if you value your head alittle more buy the best.
Arai helmets have saved my life on at least two occasions and I wouldn't wear anything else.
This is interesting, and an oft repeated maxim.
Whilst I'm rarely one to shy away from spending on "the best", does this say something about the quality of the lids?
Is a 100 quid helmet worse than a 300 quid arai, if they both meet the same standards? If it is [much] better, then what does that say about the standards in the first place? It seems to tell me that they don't mean very much at all.
How much better than the standard's requirements is an arai? Are there any independent side-by-side tests to show this?
And what's that about an extra 50 quid or whatever for a "replica"? I assume it's team colours, or some such?
I realise that an arai may be more comfortable, or look "better" (i.e. more exciting, racier; well, that was my opinion anyway) but for a few hours every now and again that can hardly be an over-riding factor.
I myself am looking for a helmet for the odd trackday or two, and have received conflicting advice from various (experienced) parties on which route to take -- leaving out the really cheap ones, of course.
As you can see, there's a lot about this I don't understand...
budd said: Try an Arai Quantum F,superb quality and fit.
I'll second that I bought one last week to use on a motorbike (shame the sale fell through at the 11th hour
) I tried on just about every helmet in 2 local bike shops from £50 to £400 (all meeting the same EU spec) and was not expecting to find too much difference between makes/prices but when I tried on the Arai I just had to have it
All I would say is go along to a bike shop and try some lids on, what is the best lid in world for one head may be migrain inducing to the next, and even the sizing can differ from make to make
I'd go along with all that's been said about Arai helmets. I've had a few helmets in my time but the past 3 have beem Arais,
superb fit, (you can buy different thickness padding) Strong - landed on my head in last off
and still OK.
Excellent support from the Arai race crew, they'll tailor your lid to fit
And you can get some wicked visors!
Simon
superb fit, (you can buy different thickness padding) Strong - landed on my head in last off
and still OK. Excellent support from the Arai race crew, they'll tailor your lid to fit
And you can get some wicked visors!
Simon
shpub said:
prancing said: Hi,
Make sure it has the Gold Motorcycle Sports Assc. Sticker on it or you won't be allowed to use it for most Motorsport events.
The standards that the MSA specify and these are the ones that Octagon in particular will insist on are:
Snell SA 95,2000
SFI 31.1, 31.2
BS 6658 A/FR
If it doesn't meet these specs... don't buy it!
steve
Steve,
Is BS 6658 type A no long acceptable?
Mark
tvrmark said:
shpub said:
prancing said: Hi,
Make sure it has the Gold Motorcycle Sports Assc. Sticker on it or you won't be allowed to use it for most Motorsport events.
The standards that the MSA specify and these are the ones that Octagon in particular will insist on are:
Snell SA 95,2000
SFI 31.1, 31.2
BS 6658 A/FR
If it doesn't meet these specs... don't buy it!
steve
Steve,
Is BS 6658 type A no long acceptable?
Mark
Now I'm getting confused, not too difficult I hear some say
, went to my local MC shoppie tonight to have a look and make an investment . I came away without one 
and confused 
. The majority were the GOLD motorcycle sports association approved type, which according to the chap was, along with the latest EU mark, the highest spec available, but he did say he is a aware of the MSA being about two years behind this
. Any BS6658A are old stock and have not been produced for over a year, whats going on
, why haven't the 'new' EU standards that have superceded the BS ones being taken on by the MSA . Or do I just need to go to a proper 'car' shop next time
, add two zeros to everything and be happy , surely the guys that race bikes are interested in getting the right protection for thier heads as much as the guys in cars, if not more so , anyone care to comment that has experience of both two and four track time . Harry (and a bitsa V8S
) I’m sure Steve will correct me if I’m wrong but the big difference between cars and bikes is the risk for fire, a car is much more likely to catch fire with you trapped in it than a bike. So it this respect car helmets are to a higher standard.
My experience of standards (not crash helmets) is that the “European Norm EN” and its British equivalent “British Standard European Norm BS EN” are more woolly and in some aspects less stringent than the out going British Standard. Believe it or not you can get BS EN ISO standards “British Standard European Norm International Standard Organisation” which are as hard to understand as there title.
Mark
My experience of standards (not crash helmets) is that the “European Norm EN” and its British equivalent “British Standard European Norm BS EN” are more woolly and in some aspects less stringent than the out going British Standard. Believe it or not you can get BS EN ISO standards “British Standard European Norm International Standard Organisation” which are as hard to understand as there title.
Mark
There is a differences between 'car' (race) and 'bike' (road) helmets in terms of the construction, and thicknesses of material.
Basically, the tests that they have to meet are different (so the constructions are made to just, or jsut pass), and generally more stringent for 'track' use, I guess since the anticipated speeds and likelyhood of crashing are higher. Road, bike helmets are probably OK for track days though, and ceraintly will meet most regs.
The fit of the helmet is pretty crucial (never be tempted to buy without trying on) as the shapes of helmets, and peoples hads vary. Get a good fit.
Basically, the tests that they have to meet are different (so the constructions are made to just, or jsut pass), and generally more stringent for 'track' use, I guess since the anticipated speeds and likelyhood of crashing are higher. Road, bike helmets are probably OK for track days though, and ceraintly will meet most regs.
The fit of the helmet is pretty crucial (never be tempted to buy without trying on) as the shapes of helmets, and peoples hads vary. Get a good fit.
Very interesting thread...one that most racers/riders don't consider. We will spend $800.00 for a set of rods to go faster & increase the risk of injury, but will spend the minimum to protect the brain that allows us to "invent" all that speed ! After all, it can't happen to me I say from my wheelchair, staring at the wall.
The major exposures a head is subject to has the biggest overriding factor in the helmets construction.
Motor racing subjects you to "repeated"..."multiple"...blows to the head, as you get tossed about inside, smashing thine head against the roll bar/vehicle interior..prompting padding on the roll bar also, to reduce the shocks.
Bikers on the other hand face an entirely different set of hazards. No roll bars here you say...but the crushing blow(s) as you beat thine head into the ground, but wait we are not finished here, they have the added exposure of scraping/dragging said head across the ground at the same time : > ((((...
So the job the mfgrs. have to protect us are varied and great, not a job for a beginner I would say. Each type has it's hazards...that's why bikers wear biker rated helmets...and the motor racers have theirs.
You can spend your money for a bike helmet and motor race with it if you like, and they allow it, but don't winge/cry when it does not do the intended job.
Same applies to a biker with motor racer skid lid...keep your mouth shut when all is said and done, the helmet will probably explode into little pieces upon impact with terra firme or have a hole ground right thru it as you slid toward the hay bales.
It's your head, ya only got one, like another body part...so better take GOOD care of it.
The major exposures a head is subject to has the biggest overriding factor in the helmets construction.
Motor racing subjects you to "repeated"..."multiple"...blows to the head, as you get tossed about inside, smashing thine head against the roll bar/vehicle interior..prompting padding on the roll bar also, to reduce the shocks.
Bikers on the other hand face an entirely different set of hazards. No roll bars here you say...but the crushing blow(s) as you beat thine head into the ground, but wait we are not finished here, they have the added exposure of scraping/dragging said head across the ground at the same time : > ((((...
So the job the mfgrs. have to protect us are varied and great, not a job for a beginner I would say. Each type has it's hazards...that's why bikers wear biker rated helmets...and the motor racers have theirs.
You can spend your money for a bike helmet and motor race with it if you like, and they allow it, but don't winge/cry when it does not do the intended job.
Same applies to a biker with motor racer skid lid...keep your mouth shut when all is said and done, the helmet will probably explode into little pieces upon impact with terra firme or have a hole ground right thru it as you slid toward the hay bales.
It's your head, ya only got one, like another body part...so better take GOOD care of it.
If your after a car specific lid this has got to be worth a look.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=28140&f=18&h=0
Saw Donlifts lid at the weekend and it did look very impressive, but as has been said before you really need to try these things on
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=28140&f=18&h=0
Saw Donlifts lid at the weekend and it did look very impressive, but as has been said before you really need to try these things on
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