newtovette2013

Going to buy a decent helmet.
Is there a diffrperence between a helmet for use in a track car and a motorcycle helmet?

skxf430

yes, an auto helmet has a different Snell rating than a motorcycle helmet. The auto helmet has fire retardant material and typically weighs a little more than a motorcycle helmet.

Some track organizations will not allow the use of a motorcycle rated helmet so it safer to just go with a SA rated auto helmet.

JimbeauZ06

And you don't have to spend a ton of money to get a good helmet. G-Force and HJC both make quality helmets. Be careful when you're shopping as sometimes the less expensive or discounted helmets are SA2005 which expire in 2 years. You'll want to buy an SA 2010. SafeRacer usually has some good deals.

c4cruiser

Some sanctioning bodies will allow the use of a helmet with a Snell rating of SA05 and they may even accept them for a 10-year period. Just check with organization to see what they accept. Many organizations will have their rules available online.

For HPDE/track days, I would recommend a full-face helmet. Most events require you to run with the windows down. You can (will ) get pelted with stuff picked up by the car in front of you and it stings For autocross, an open face helmet works great.

I got my SA2010Pyrotect helmet last year for $329.

One thing you should do is to know your head size or hat size! Not all helmets are sized the same. Some manufacturers use a hat size, some use a circumference measurement in cm or inches and some will simply use Small, Medium, or Large.

YYZ06

I'm very happy with my Pyrotect helmet. My son has a Bell helmet and I like the denser padding used in the Pyrotect.

I got hit in the eye lid by some track pickup last spring doing 110 mph. I wasn't wearing sun glasses nor did I have the visor down at the time. A very painful experience. That won't happen again. It's been one or both since then...

c4cruiser

Another nice thing about the Pyrotect helmets (at least with the ProAirflo line) is that the cheek pieces are replaceable.

I have a Bell Mag4 open face helmet and the foam in the cheek pieces have completely disintegrated. No way to fix that and the helmet is otherwise in excellent shape.

CHJ In Virginia

Get a full face helmet in the SA 2010 rating, it will be accepted at all associations and tracks. If you wear glasses, be sure to try on the helmet with the glasses. Some have much wider openings than others and are much better for peripheral vision.

CanadianVetster

Thanks for the great feedback....I feel more informed and ready now....

TKOGTO

My 2c is to make sure you try several on before buying. Similar and even same sized from different makers fit differently. The interior shapes of helmets are not the same, nor are the shapes of our heads.

Try before buy.

l98tpi

froggy47

+1 Pyrotect full face.