Track day helmets

[DJ Marky Mark]

Not sure if this should be on a technical forum, if so apologies but I wanted some advice on a track day helmet. Every time I go I hire one, but with a few days booked this summer I thought I would buy my own. So...

Anyone got any suggestions[8|]

I'm only looking for the bare minimum in terms of requirements for a trackday. It doesn't need to be suitable for competitions. My local track is Blyton. They hire a basic white open face helmet but would this be acceptable at all tracks or do some insist on full face. I prefer open face from a visibility perspective but don't want to have to hire again if I go to a track day elsewhere.

Is there a minimum safety standard for track days or is this only for motorsport.

I don't want to pay more than I need (I know, I know, buy the best helmet you can[]....), I've seen a couple of plain white open face helmets with the ECE standard for around £50, is there any reason why one of these wouldn't be ok.

All suggestions thoughts would be welcome.

Finally, if I get a plain white one I fancy the idea of decaling it as a Porsche Motorsport replica (I did look at a proper one but they're +£1k[:-]). Does anyone know anyone that could do this?

Thanks,

Mark.

 

[Lancerlot]

Mark,

Any helmet is fine until you have an accident and then you'll find out its limitations. [&:]

Well known makes up to around £100 quid are good so far as impact protection is concerned. However, many injuries are sustained in the neck area, due to being thrown around. A helmet adds significant weight to your head and exasperates this.

So expensive helmets concentrate on retaining maximum impact protection, whilst reducing the additional weight added to your head. So exotic materials such as Kevlar and carbon fibre get introduced and fire protection is much better.

Boring, I know, but buying the best you can afford really is true enough. Buy cheap and you'll end up buying twice. Get a decent one now, you'll get maximum protection and it'll be a sound (and safe) investment.

Finally get one that's comfortable and fits properly. There's nothing worst or more dangerous than being distracted by a poorly fitting, uncomfortable helmet.

Regards,

Clive.

 

[DJ Marky Mark]

Thanks Clive,

Do you have any thoughts on full v open face for a trackday and do you know if there are any consistent required standards across all tracks?

 

[ralphmusic]

I bought a Bell Mag 1 which is open face, complies with SNELL standards and is a reasonable cost helmet. I have been at Silverstone, Goodwood and Castle Combe and any checks seem to be pretty informal.

I have heard that open face is not favoured at some circuits with a open car but I have not had any issues in a cabriolet. My main issue is that the helmet pushes my head forward which can be a little uncomfortable setting off from the pits but the discomfort seems to disappear once on circuit....

and it can either be supplied with a pre drilled shell for HANS posts (which I have) or with factory fitted HANS posts to comply with FIA 8858-2010 regulations

 

[markiii]

not sure if its doable at the budget but if you can get one with the Hans posts

I expect its only a matter of time before Trackday safety gets an overhaul and they become compulsory

 

[Lancerlot]

ORIGINAL: DJ Marky Mark

Thanks Clive,

Do you have any thoughts on full v open face for a trackday and do you know if there are any consistent required standards across all tracks?

Some people find the full face helmet a little claustrophobic and it's clearly not so good when posing for piccies or kissing lady fans, [8|] but I've always preferred one for the security and extra protection it affords, but then again it's personal choice and there's a cost implication.

Regards,

Clive.

 

[DJ Marky Mark]

Thanks for your time on this one guys. I was half looking at this one

http://www.v2sport.com/Tour/V2tour-white-SNELL-2005-open-face-racing-helmet.html

Any thoughts....

 

[grover]

I bought a Bell full face from Grand Prix Racewear, it has Hans connections on it and I use a Hans on track days and racing, no point in cutting corners here, you can only badly injure your neck once and I have no intention of doing that. All up prob about £600 but well worth it, I have used the helmet 20 plus times already so imagine that as hire costs.

 

[garyw]

I've got a bike helmet which satifies the majority of uses I ever need with it. (Arai)
I was led to understand that for open top cars they normally expected to see full face, but as seen here it's not always the case.
I did some research and whilst I accept the full face gets a fair bit warmer than a open face I understood that many smaller injuries were to the nose or chin- even from items in the cabin!! and obviously the full face protected against that.
The other bonus is that I can use the same helmet for karting and when pillion on my brothers bike..

My main suggestion would be to try it on prior to purchase as not all sizes and fits are the same!!
As mentioned there is a large range of weights across the ranges...

 

[andy watson]

ORIGINAL: DJ Marky Mark

Thanks for your time on this one guys. I was half looking at this one

http://www.v2sport.com/Tour/V2tour-white-SNELL-2005-open-face-racing-helmet.html

Any thoughts....

Mark,

I just bought one of these in black, really pleased, good value don't really think you can go wrong at that price.
The guys were really helpful and next day delivery.

 

[DJ Marky Mark]

ORIGINAL: garyw

I've got a bike helmet which satifies the majority of uses I ever need with it. (Arai)
I was led to understand that for open top cars they normally expected to see full face, but as seen here it's not always the case.
I did some research and whilst I accept the full face gets a fair bit warmer than a open face I understood that many smaller injuries were to the nose or chin- even from items in the cabin!! and obviously the full face protected against that.
The other bonus is that I can use the same helmet for karting and when pillion on my brothers bike..

My main suggestion would be to try it on prior to purchase as not all sizes and fits are the same!!
As mentioned there is a large range of weights across the ranges...

I was hoping someone might say a bike helmet was ok, I've seen a fantastic Barry Sheene replica[8D]

 

[Flatty]

ORIGINAL: DJ Marky Mark

Thanks for your time on this one guys. I was half looking at this one

http://www.v2sport.com/Tour/V2tour-white-SNELL-2005-open-face-racing-helmet.html

Any thoughts....

I have a V2 full face so I can vouch for the Brand quality. I personally prefer full face, it affords better head protection and obviously extra face protection. a lot of Motorsport head injuries come as a result of penetration or ingress of foreign objects, so for me the extra protection to my face.

Personal choice though.

 

[DJ Marky Mark]

Mark,

I just bought one of these in black, really pleased, good value don't really think you can go wrong at that price.
The guys were really helpful and next day delivery.
[/quote]

Thanks Andy, I think this will be the one, I can't find better value or protection and the reviews for the company seem good.

 

[spyderman]

Forget HANS unless you really think there's a chance you might race - its no use without a harness anyway.

What is important is getting the right size - buy from a shop if you possibly can. A particular size will feel different between makes.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Bike helmets are designed for 'offs' on a bike. Car helmets are designed differently for likely accidents in a car. I'm not sure how big the differences are but there you go.

Also I agree with the previous posters about trying the helmet on first. That's the most important thing you can do, fit is paramount.

 

[Lancerlot]

Mark,

Just one more quick observation.

If you think you may want to go sprinting, hill climbing or a similar speed event, you're going to need an MSA ongoing approved helmet. If this is in the back of your mind, it would pay you to buy the latest spec. now rather than having to purchase a second one later.

I believe the latest Snell standard is SA2010. Have a look at this site http://www.hedtec.co.uk/ too. They seem to do a useful range around the hundred quid mark.

PM me if you need the latest MSA approved helmet labels.

Clive.

 

[andy watson]

The V2 Tour is Snell SA2010 approved and is complete with fire proofed lining, if the fit is not to your liking you can return within 14 days for full credit.

http://www.v2sport.com/Tour/V2tour-black-SNELL-2005-open-face-racing-helmet.html

My understanding with using a bike helmet was the visibility is more restricted than a car helmet?

Only a novice and the first helmet I have brought