Choosing a Helmet
Discussion
So this a well worn topic in the track day forum, but I was hoping for some advice from people who raced rather than those who are just trying to meet track day regulations.
Next year I’ll be making my first forays into motorsport (through the Caterham Academy) and I am trying to work out which helmet to buy. I am trying to keep costs to a minimum, so that I have more money left over for testing.
I am looking for the cheapest helmet that is safe and comfortable for me.
Now before any gives the standard responses of “buy the most expensive one you can afford” and “how much is your head worth?”, please note that these are not helpful. More expensive does not mean safer. I am not bothered about saving a few grams here and there, so I am not going to fork out on carbon fibre unless it is demonstrably safer.
From what I see, the only assessments of helmet safety are the Snell and FIA standards. As long as they are certified it doesn’t make a difference. If I am wrong, please tell me, but also please provide evidence.
So:
1. Am I wrong to buy the cheapest FIA certified helmet that I find comfy?
2. If I’m right, can anyone recommend safe but cheap brands? I have read mention of hedtech and V2, can anyone comment?
3. If I’m wrong, how do I assess a helmet’s safety?
4. Which FIA standard should I be using: 8860-2010 or 8859-2015?
Thank you to anyone who has read through my monologue and can provide any advice.
Next year I’ll be making my first forays into motorsport (through the Caterham Academy) and I am trying to work out which helmet to buy. I am trying to keep costs to a minimum, so that I have more money left over for testing.
I am looking for the cheapest helmet that is safe and comfortable for me.
Now before any gives the standard responses of “buy the most expensive one you can afford” and “how much is your head worth?”, please note that these are not helpful. More expensive does not mean safer. I am not bothered about saving a few grams here and there, so I am not going to fork out on carbon fibre unless it is demonstrably safer.
From what I see, the only assessments of helmet safety are the Snell and FIA standards. As long as they are certified it doesn’t make a difference. If I am wrong, please tell me, but also please provide evidence.
So:
1. Am I wrong to buy the cheapest FIA certified helmet that I find comfy?
2. If I’m right, can anyone recommend safe but cheap brands? I have read mention of hedtech and V2, can anyone comment?
3. If I’m wrong, how do I assess a helmet’s safety?
4. Which FIA standard should I be using: 8860-2010 or 8859-2015?
Thank you to anyone who has read through my monologue and can provide any advice.
Thanks for all the advice. This has been really informative. I’ve been talking of going to the Autosoport show since my teens but never actually did it. Having listened to what everyone has said, I’ll be heading there in January to try on as many helmets as possible. I’ll make sure I have a balaclava with me, or maybe just buy all my Nomex underwear there.
Df76- thanks for explaining the standards.
CharlesElliot- thanks for talking bigger picture. I hadn’t even thought of extra features, but double glazed to avoid fogging seems like a sensible idea.
Df76- thanks for explaining the standards.
CharlesElliot- thanks for talking bigger picture. I hadn’t even thought of extra features, but double glazed to avoid fogging seems like a sensible idea.
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