yell03

I primarily drag race and I prefer Open-Face Helmets.

I have been looking at most of the major manufacturers (Zamp, Pyrotect, Bell, etc....) and can pick up a SA2005 rated open face for around $150.

However, will an open-face helmet SA2005 be OK for a HPDE (such as Pococono), not autocross, or do I need a closed-face helmet?

Since I have airbags in my Z06 I feel safer with open-face.

Howard

AU N EGL

Personally I like closed face helmets with the eye shield. You dont need a closed face helmet, but the closed face will prevent any track turds, sand or other flying stuff from hitting your face.

HPDEs do require you to drive with your windows down.

But for $150 a SA2005 helmet is hard to beat.

outnumbered

When the car in front of you gets in the dirt a little it will go right in the car. The last event I had my shield up and a piece of something, probably sand got in my eye. It wasn't fun.

Dan

Two B's

Howard I went through this two years ago. Everyone I spoke to strongly recommended the full face, so I got a full face. When you go to your first HPDE check out what all the advanced and instructor drivers are wearing.... Then go out and buy a full face for all the reasons above. My air bags are still connected.

jbauch357

I went with the Pyrotect open face SNELL M2005 - found it for $125 locally. If I could have found SA rated for $150 locally I would have definately gone that route.

Open face is the way to go for me, after multiple lapping days and auto-x event's haven't had a single piece of debris hit me in the face (not saying that it won't happen).

Far as I know you are safe with M rated for any auto-x event, and will be good for lapping days too.

c4cruiser

I use an open face helmet (Bell Mag-4 SA2000) because I wear glasses. With this open face version, I can put my helmet on without having to remove my glasses or I can change to sunglasses while wearing the helmet.

I've only been hit once by debris at a track day and it stung a bit, but other than that, nothing else really serious. Glasses don't take the place of a face shield, but I have seen guys at track days with full-face helmets but no face shield or glasses

Whether or not you can use an M-rated or SA-rated helmet will most likely depend on the sanctioning body, track policy, or specific insurance requirements. IIRC, I paid about $225 for my Bell helmet.

yell03

Thanks for all the advice.

I have a tough decision to make.

I am leaning towards the open face since it is much better for drag racing for seeing the tree and better ventilation with the windows up.

Chances are it will be a while before I do a HPDE.

Howard

Last C5

When you get to doing some HPDEs, a lot of them allow riders so you may need a spare helmet. You can buy one open and one closed face and not be out anything. ((This rationalization for spending even more money provided at no charge)

yell03

Last C5 -

I have a great deal on a Zamp JA-1 SA2005 Open Face helmet for $125shipped brand new. Perfect for drag racing. It will be good until 2017.

Sure I could save money and get a SA2000 or even a M2005, but it is still quite affordable for the better helmet.

That might be a good start until I decide on a closed face helmet.

Howard

errance

The way I looked at it was: I'm stuck wearing a helmet, I might as well get good protection out of it. So I went with the full face. It's not much less comfortable than open face, and it protects a lot more.
I drive without the plastic shield, with glasses.

racerns

You could always try one of the hybrid helmets like this G-force.


http://www.racerwholesale.com/produc...roducts_id=561

yell03

Here are the two I am thinking about:

http://www.zamp-racing.net/auto-JA1.html

or

http://www.zamp-racing.net/auto-FSA1.html

The open is $125 shipped the full face is $190 shipped

Howard

beerkat

I have used a Bell Mag 4 helmet (open face) since I started doing HPDE in 2002. I just bought a new Bell S2R helmet (full face). Since I wear glasses I want a large opening. the reason I went to a full face is the I am thinking about getting a R3 H&N device and it is recommend for the full face helmet. I picked the S2R because it is designed for an enclosed cockpit. It also looks some what like an open face because it has a bill on it.

Last C5

That will work fine for HPDEs in the Z. I use an open face right now and, although I'd like to get a closed face, I can't say I've ever been hit by marbles or track debris. The car is a mess by the end of the weekend, but I'm as beautiful as ever.

yell03

beerkat -

I looked at the Bell Mag 4, sounds like the new set-up is a perfect match for you.

Last C5

Sounds like the car takes quite a beating in HPDEs

Drag Racing you just clean out the rubber from the wheel wells and it looks as good as ever.

Howard

Goodwood

Got it from Apex Performance:
http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prod-1001.htm
Measured my head per their instructions, and it fits very well.

yell03

If I was going to go Hybrid I most likely would just buy the Full face and remove the shield when I wanted it open.

Howard

AU N EGL

WOAHHHH. It says "Meets or Exceeds Snell SA-2005" Call them and ask it if has a SNELL 2005 sticker on the back of the helmet.

If there is no SNELL 2005 or SNELL05 sticker, then it does NOT pass. Get a real helmet.

When companies put on "Meets or Exceeds Snell SA-2005" it does neather.

Without the SNELL sticker, car clubs wont let you use that helmet.

EDIT. It does, I just checked the Snell Foundation helmet list http://www.smf.org/

racerns

It may be hard to see(from the pic), but the hybrid gives you a much more open view (more like open face) as compared to a full face with the sheild up or removed.

yell03

AU N EGL -

Thanks for checking, I just did also.

racerns -

I am really leaning towards the open face helmet, for what I will most likely do, it is the most practical.

However, the Full Face helmet for under $200 is attractive.

If you do a road course, are there special glasses or goggles you can wear with the Open Face helmets?

Howard