Helmet choice - any opinions???

[AdamMitch69]

evening guys,
I am planning my christmas list and I think a helmet is going to be on the list in prep for some trackdays next year. Although I don't have the slightest clue of what type of helmet i require!
I have a 350z roadster and I know that some events require full face helmets for convertibles - but most of the pics I see of people at trackdays they are wearing open face ones which I assume are a bit easier to drive in as they aren't as restrictive.

any recomendations appreciated

[t11ner]

I'd go full face, get to a shop where you can try a few different makes as different ones suit different people. You'll soon get used to the visibility in a full face.

[Glyn84]

Personally, with the expense of helmets I would get a full face one so you're covered no matter what type of car you drive or have a ride in. It's worth getting something with a fireproof lining as I hear rumours some tracks will be requiring that. As for which brand, it doesn't really matter as the most important thing is it fits well. You can order cheap helmets online such as the V2 helmets from http://www.v2sport.com/ and you can send them back if you don't get the right size, but the only way you can be sure is to visit a shop a try a couple on.

I don't subscribe to the 'if you have a £10 head buy a £10 helmet' line as any decent helmet that complies with a standard such as SNELL will give good protection. Obviously the more you spend the more protection you'll get, but you really are better off having something that fits as opposed to something that is stronger than granite and 6x the price.

[AdamMitch69]

cheers guys
is there any difference between motorbike helmets and car ones??
there are a lot more motorbike shops then there are motorsport ones for when i go and try them on

[speedychrissie]

No matter what type of helmet you decide upon you really need to get one that fits well. A very expensive helmet will be rubbish if it is a poor fit.

Regarding motorbike helmets:
-Some people say that they are not suitable for car use as they are designed to withstand different types of impact. I don't know what the definitive answer on this is.
-You will not be able to use a motorbike helmet for racing or hillclimbs etc, but at the moment they should all be fine on trackdays. There is some speculation that this may change in the future, but personally I doubt this as I have heard this speculation for a long time, and I have been to many trackdays and never had helmets checked.

I would go for a full face helmet. Yes they may be slightly more restrictive, but I dont think they hinder driving because of it.

And just to reinforce the important point:
make sure you get a helmet that fits properly.

[GC8]

Id wait and see. Youre a damned sight better off in a 'bike*' Arai than you are in a cheap Chinese fireproof Snell 2005 helmet.

Id be surprised if any organiser insisted on a pointless fireproof lining when they dont require another other protection beyond long sleeves.

*used ironically: most comments referring to 'bike' helmets in a derogatory way are rubbish.

[A.Wang]

I'd always go full-face, as you're then covered for passenger rides in someone else's open top cars (7-types, Atom, X-bow etc.).

Depends what kind of standards you want to adhere to - for example, bike helmets won't be suitable for racing, and some TDOs are rumoured to start enforcing the need for Snell SA2005 etc. certified helmets.

One really full-face helmet I've come across recently is Hedtec - www.hedtec.co.uk - I liked it so much (it just fits well and feels solid, with the added bonus of Snell SA2005 compliance) I pre-ordered a HANS-compatible version for racing in 2010.

V2 Sport is also a valid option, however they've had stock issues over the past few months, and I've given up waiting for them to get new ones in stock.

[Taxi Dave]

As long as the helmet meets the specifications required, whether its £50 or £500 it doesn't matter, but in saying that you certainly will tell the difference if you go for a better quality lid. I rode a bike on the road for years with helmets that cost about £100, but as soon as I spent £300 on an Arai I wouldn't go back. Less noise, less vibration, better padding, removable/washable lining etc

[TheEnd]

Full face certainly, as many people have ended up with glass shards and dust in their eyes from the windscreen popping.

[GC8]

I will say again, that youll be a damned sight better off with a (stupidly derided 'bike') Arai, than you will cheap Chinese Snell2005 helmets. They may only be tested to ECE2205 standards now, but theyre still able to pass BS6658-A and theyre all accepted by the ACU for racing. BS6658-A helmets will still be accepted next year for 'Speed' events IIRC and I doubt that any TDO will be foolish enough to cut their own throats insisting on fireproof linings in the current financial climate.

[AdamMitch69]

cheers for all the info, all good stuff.
Full face it is then.
I'll find some shops in Yorks/Lancs where I can try some on.

[A.Wang]

Aren't all big brand helmets manufacturered in China these days?

For example, the Hedtec ones are very Bell-like in terms of shape, padding, fitment, even the double D-ring clips and horrible yellow-coloured straps...

Edited by A.Wang on Tuesday 1st December 12:00

[edmooreuk]

Ed here from Motorsport Events the suppliers of Hedtec helmets. I very rarely post on forums, but just wanted to let everyone know that our helmets are not related to other similarly priced helmets on the market. We are extremely proud of Hedtec helmets and know that they are as good as other products costing 3-4 times as much. We must make it clear that whilst we will not comment on comparisons to rival products, we feel extremely confident in the quality of the product we are selling. If you want to ask any questions please email me at [e-mail] and come and see us at the Autosport Show stand 6840 in Hall 6. A Happy New Year to everyone!