Help! I need a helmet

[vxdave]

I need a helmet for track days. Seen prices ranging from £50 - £600. I'm looking to spend max £200.

Where can I buy a helmet from? (mail order or somewhere +/- 2 hours from Birmingham).

Are motorcycle helmets the same as those used in cars on track days?

Thanks for your help

Dave

[interloper]

Grandprix race ware at Silverstone (not too far from Brum I think), have an excelent selection of helmets, mostly by well known motorsport brands like Sparco, not ridiculously expensive either. Wouldnt recomend mail order because you realy need to try befor you buy.

[Flying Trotter]

just bought from them - £150 ish upwards - very good - also in london off the Chiswick roundabouts

[GreigM]

I bought a helmet off ebay - £40, has the gold sticker and everything...more than enough for a car track day (would get better for a bike!).

For a car day though, consider an open-face helmet - they look girly but are far more comfortable.

[Roy C]

GreigM said:

For a car day though, consider an open-face helmet - they look girly but are far more comfortable.

Some track day organisers frown on open face helmets for open cars.

Grand Prix Racewear

As mentioned previously - try before you buy, as manufacturers have different ideas about head shapes.

[GetCarter]

Make sure it's a type A helmet. Marcus has started flogging them though Easytrack

www.easytrack.co.uk/home/news.asp?news_type=MO

Steve

[fergus]

Bike helmets are typically not flame retardant (the liners - not the shell). Decent car lids are normally nomex lined and have some form of FIA approval stamped on them somewhere on (or inside) the shell. Bell do good budget car lids. Open face are more comfortable to wear and also allow easier communication to the passenger / screaming to the driver!

[Shaun_E]

Some track day operators may insist on full face helmet for an open car. I bought my helmet from Grand Prix Racewear in Chisick - they have now opened a bigger store at Silverstone. The other place you may be able to get to is Demon Tweeks in Wrexham - should be easily doable from Birmingham. www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/content/default.asp?category_id=22

[steve-v8s]

I also recommend Grand Prix Raceware at Slverstone. They will advise on the right lid for your application and have a good range. I looked in several bike shops but none had the correct BS spec for MSA approval.

[vxdave]

cheers for the help folks. Will go down to gp racewear this weekend.

>> Edited by vxdave on Wednesday 14th April 23:27

[fergus]

Be aware that some BS specs are giving way to EU approval, either now or in the future. Ask the guys at GPR about this before buying a non 'EU approved' lid. You could ring up the RACMSA technical department, who will obviously be able to tell you more than I can!!!