Trackday Helmet, where do I start? (for the ring).
Discussion
I'm off to the ring next weekend in my E92 M3 and think I probably need to buy a helmet,
But not sure where to start, I don't know who the reputable manufacturers are, and where would be best to buy?
Open faced or closed? What else should I consider?
Size? Is that just the circum of my head?
What else will I need?
Thanks
But not sure where to start, I don't know who the reputable manufacturers are, and where would be best to buy?
Open faced or closed? What else should I consider?
Size? Is that just the circum of my head?
What else will I need?
Thanks
Best start by going to Demon Tweaks or your nearest equivalent and try a few on. They will help you with sizing but you will also find that different makes suit different heads!
Open or full face will probably be acceptable for the ring and any trackdaying that you might do over here so that's a question of which you prefer, I'd go full face but some people find them a bit claustrophobic at first.
Open or full face will probably be acceptable for the ring and any trackdaying that you might do over here so that's a question of which you prefer, I'd go full face but some people find them a bit claustrophobic at first.
Yeah, try some on. The specs of most of the helmets are quite similar in general but the fit is way different. There's not that many places you can try on car helmets, I made the effort and took a trip to Demon Tweeks and the sales guy there was awesome, much better than I thought. Ended up buying a Bell helmet after trying a load on and walking round the shop for an hour or two looking like the Stig. Seeing as though I wanted the Sparco helmet and it turned out to fit like a glove on a foot it was a trip worth making.
darreni said:
I've been looking at ACU gold bike helmets (arai etc) for track day use, are these allowed?
Any track day regulars using a quality bike helmet?
Yep I use a Suomy bike helmet, but you need to make sure its a type A and has the the correct BS for track work as The regulations are strict. you will not be able to use a B type. Any track day regulars using a quality bike helmet?
Steve H said:
I've never seen helmets checked at a UK trackday. Doesn't mean you should go out and buy a cr@p one obviously but the necessity of fireproof linings in a lid when you could be wearing very flammable clothes is debatable.
Indeed, that was my thinking.Edited by Steve H on Sunday 26th September 12:49
I'd rather have last seasons Arai lid with a hefty discount & 5 star ratings than a cheap nomex lined lid for the same money, particularly given that i won't be wearing nomex gloves, suit or boots.
As a "fellow M3 driver" I expect you don't need to save by buying the cheapest helmet around. I regularly race cars and sometimes do some Nordschleife laps for fun. The advice I would give you is to buy a motorsport helmet (and not a motorcycle helmet) and buy the most comfortable one you can find.
There are several reasons for the first: If you ever want to drive a rollcage equipped car its much safer if your head hits the rollcage. It's designed to cope, where a motorcycle helmet is not. Second, a motorsports helmet is fire resistant (up to a point) and won't melt. The only genuine fear I have is to become trapped in a car that is ablaze. Not nice if your helmet melts around your head! Thirdly, trackday regs will become stricter in the future, so approved helmets may become mandatory.
Buy a helmet for its comfort, not looks or brand. This means that you have to actually fit helmets and keep them on for some time. True, you will feel like an idiot, but it takes some time for pressure points to build up and to be able to determine if a helmet really fits. Secondly, the helmet sizes are indicative and measure circumference and never take into account the shape of your head. As an example: I always wear Arai in 62cm, a similar size Bell never fits, since my head is too long. An ill fitting helmet can ruin your experience and is a waste of money.
As to brands, this is very individual. As said, I like Arai because they fit, they are light and quality is usually fantastic. A reputable manufacturer (and good retailer) also offers good service. Recently the Arai track service replaced all interior padding in my helmet for free because it was worn out by the HANS system. Other good brands like Bell, Stand 21, Schuberth, etc...offer similar service.
As for open or closed. This again is highly personal. I always wear closed helmets, even though I usually am in a 6 point harness. Seatbelts stretch however, on heavy impact and I have seen several drivers that hit their steering wheel because of this. To be honest, the argument that a closed helmet is restricting view is nonsense IMHO. Do you really think that all WTCC, BTCC and an increasing number of rally drivers drive with restricted view? Several manufacturers now offer closed helmets designed for use in touring cars and they are really good.
Finally, don't be confused by people that tell you that a helmet is "approved". An approval is a minimum safety demand. Some helmets just meet these specs, others exceed them by far. "Approval" also says nothing about quality, durability and comfort. Compare with the difference in Dacia Sandero and your M3. Both "approved" for use on European roads, but not really comparable.
Have fun on the Ring. One final tip when driving you M3 there (or any other track): check you tyre pressure regularly and manage brake temperatures. The weight of the car and the nature of the track cause severe heating and very high tyre pressures. Decrease pressure when tyres are hot and you're tyres will be fine. As for brakes, on an M3 these will last for less than 2 Ring-laps if you really push hard, so cool them if you come off the track to avoid warped disks.
There are several reasons for the first: If you ever want to drive a rollcage equipped car its much safer if your head hits the rollcage. It's designed to cope, where a motorcycle helmet is not. Second, a motorsports helmet is fire resistant (up to a point) and won't melt. The only genuine fear I have is to become trapped in a car that is ablaze. Not nice if your helmet melts around your head! Thirdly, trackday regs will become stricter in the future, so approved helmets may become mandatory.
Buy a helmet for its comfort, not looks or brand. This means that you have to actually fit helmets and keep them on for some time. True, you will feel like an idiot, but it takes some time for pressure points to build up and to be able to determine if a helmet really fits. Secondly, the helmet sizes are indicative and measure circumference and never take into account the shape of your head. As an example: I always wear Arai in 62cm, a similar size Bell never fits, since my head is too long. An ill fitting helmet can ruin your experience and is a waste of money.
As to brands, this is very individual. As said, I like Arai because they fit, they are light and quality is usually fantastic. A reputable manufacturer (and good retailer) also offers good service. Recently the Arai track service replaced all interior padding in my helmet for free because it was worn out by the HANS system. Other good brands like Bell, Stand 21, Schuberth, etc...offer similar service.
As for open or closed. This again is highly personal. I always wear closed helmets, even though I usually am in a 6 point harness. Seatbelts stretch however, on heavy impact and I have seen several drivers that hit their steering wheel because of this. To be honest, the argument that a closed helmet is restricting view is nonsense IMHO. Do you really think that all WTCC, BTCC and an increasing number of rally drivers drive with restricted view? Several manufacturers now offer closed helmets designed for use in touring cars and they are really good.
Finally, don't be confused by people that tell you that a helmet is "approved". An approval is a minimum safety demand. Some helmets just meet these specs, others exceed them by far. "Approval" also says nothing about quality, durability and comfort. Compare with the difference in Dacia Sandero and your M3. Both "approved" for use on European roads, but not really comparable.
Have fun on the Ring. One final tip when driving you M3 there (or any other track): check you tyre pressure regularly and manage brake temperatures. The weight of the car and the nature of the track cause severe heating and very high tyre pressures. Decrease pressure when tyres are hot and you're tyres will be fine. As for brakes, on an M3 these will last for less than 2 Ring-laps if you really push hard, so cool them if you come off the track to avoid warped disks.
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff