Sprinting and helmets

[andyvdg]

A question for any sprinters out there. I need to buy a helmet for track day use, but I might think it will be a good idea to go sprinting (TVR Sprint thingy ?) in the next year or two (in my unmodified Tuscan, if that's a good idea).

Is it worth / necessary going for a fancy dancy helmet, or will any helmet approved for a track day use do ?

Cheers,

Andy.

[dictys]

I've always worked on the principle "how much is your head worth".

Go for the best you can afford.

[K3NJW]

The other thing to consider is the weight. I ride a motorbike too and just invested in a new lightweight (expensive) helmet and the difference is staggering, but are you going to want to pay £200+ for something you use so rarely.

[andyvdg]

Maybe. I value my head quite a lot (!) - but some of the helmets can be £600. I just didn't want to get a helmet that was useless if I decide to go sprinting. Thanks for the comment about weight - I hadn't thought of that. I was going to try some on before I buy.

[roy c]

It's not just weight, but the head shapes vary between manufacturers (usually down to internal padding). To select a helmet that meets your requirements you need to find a store where you can try a wide selection. Also track day organisers are often specify that certain helmet standards must be met.

This lot are good and their shop is well stocked:
www.grandpri.com/

[shpub]

I use a Bell Sport Kevlar super duper Mk III or something. Cost about £350 but Snell 2000 approved, light and comfortable and if you have to wera glasses a wider aperture.

You will need to try them on and I would go for the Snell 2000 specs ones because that spec is far tougher than the BS version. They start at around £160 but get one that fits well and comfortable. That is the first priority.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[andyvdg]

Thanks Steve. One of the questions I was going to dig around and find an answer to is what the intention of the various standards are. I've got a good starting point from the comments here. I also read the (January ?) Sprint article which describes the type of helmets that are allowed in the TVR Speed championship - a very useful trilogy (Dec, Jan, Feb) if anyone is interested in going sprinting.

Cheers,

Andy.

[R&J]

I Had a similar dilemma a while ago.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=13&h=&t=30142
After visiting many motorcycle shops we eventually bought our helmets from Grand Prix Raceware @ Silverstone
www.grandprixracewear.com
We ended up with Bieffe GP Racer helmets that are FIA and Snell 2000 approved. They were £233.83 each.
And just as important they fitted well.
Happy Shopping
Rich

>> Edited by R&J on Thursday 27th March 19:16

>> Edited by R&J on Thursday 27th March 19:17

>> Edited by R&J on Thursday 27th March 19:17

[andyvdg]

Hi,

I bought a Bell sport 3 from Grandprix racewear at Silverstone (it was the best fit for me, SA2000 spec). For some reason I didn't like the acoustics of the Bieffe helemts, don't know why.

I put a summary of helmet buying info I found here :

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=34770&f=18&h=0

Cheers,

Andy.