Corvette Dobbie

In the market for an autocross helmet. I wear glasses, and so a full face is not an option.

Suggestions? Advice? Experience?

Any help would be appreciated!

Dobbie

TedDBere

I wear glasses and use a full face helmet. Why can't you use one?

Corvette Dobbie

I have these flimsy, lightweight titanium pieces that go around the ears. I've tried a fullface at the track, and by the time I got them through the padding, I couldn't get them to go around my ears! Great glasses, though. The best I've ever had for not even knowing they are there. Just suck for when you wear a helmet.

TedDBere

Me too. But I keep the glasses on when I put the helmet on. You put your face in first then kind of rotate the helmet back onto your head. FWIW.

There's a trick to everything! Good luck either way.

EvilBoffin

My general advice is : get a QUALITY helmet first & foremost, that fits your noggin really well - snug but comfortable. Test-fit them if at all possible before buying. You should be able to wear it for 5-10 minutes, then remove it and not see any red pressure spots on your skin, or feel dizzy. A really bad-fitting helmet could actually make you faint in the pits (!!) after removing the helmet following a 30-minute track session or a long wait in an autocross line, just as the blood suddenly rushes back to your face & neck. That could be somewhat embarrassing...

Bell, Simpson and G-Force make some nice open-face helmets that are SA2005 rated, so they will qualify for both autocross and track events for quite a few years to come. Check out OGRacing.com, BSRProducts.com and RacerWholesale.com

There are also 'hybrid' closed-face helmets intended to be used in closed cars - kinda like an open face with a solid chin bar. They may work better with glasses then a traditional full face.

However, I used sunglasses with my Simpson Bandit full face helmet for years for autocrossing without issue, but that was after removing the face shield. Certain helmet padding designs will probably fight with glasses more then others, so it may just take trying on a few to know which one would work best with your head shape and your 'flimsy' glasses...

I started using a dark shield instead of the sunglasses. That offered a less obstructed peripheral vision since the frames of the glasses are not in the way, and glare can't get in from the sides. But, if you have to use prescription glasses, that's probably not going to be possible in your situation...

Corvette Dobbie

Thanks for the advice. I like the G-force and Bell helmets. I have also had advice to try them on before buying. So, now to find the retail store for proper fitting.

Appreciate the assistance.

Last C5

I went with Bell. You'll find out that the Mag 4 open face comes in the traditional S, M, L, XL, & Fathead while the more expensive and lighter Mag 5 comes in actual sizes 7, 7 1/8, 7 1/4 etc. I went with the Mag 5 becauce my head was in between the letter sizes of the Mag 4. Even with a full 6 pt harness and race seats the lighter weight is a nice feature. My wife prefers to shorten this explanation by telling people I had to get the more expensive one because my head wasn't normal.

AU N EGL

I agree. I also have flimsy ear pieces on my glasses ( I should really get a second pair of glasses)

Full face helmet kept many of track turds, stones, sand and 'OTHER' hard objects from braking my chin after they bounced into the car.

Bill Hetzel

I wear Bell and always have. I also have the flimsy titainum frame glasses and Bell helmits are as tight against the ears as any helmit I've ever put on. The glasses bend a little going in but I find it easy enough to use them. I wouldn't wear an open face if you paid me.

I'm using the Bell M2 Pro which is now the M3. It has an extermely large eyeport, so glasses aren't a problem.

One thing on the Bells, the "Racer" series helmits weigh about 1 lb. more that the "Pro" or "Ultra" series. That extra lb will definately work on your neck at the track.

UstaB-GS549

I got contacts. No problem getting them under my Bell.