Racing Helmets
11-22-2016, 10:14 PM
#1
5th Gear
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Racing Helmets
What helmet are you using? My only experience with them is the open faced ones provided at Spring Mountain. Googling them they range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Family member is a big Dale Jr fan. What would that full face "Nationwide Insurance/Skull" helmet cost? I mean one approved for use on the track at VIR. Please excuse my ignorance and thought I'd ask here instead of spending a lot of time searching online.
Family member is a big Dale Jr fan. What would that full face "Nationwide Insurance/Skull" helmet cost? I mean one approved for use on the track at VIR. Please excuse my ignorance and thought I'd ask here instead of spending a lot of time searching online.
11-23-2016, 10:55 AM
#3
Race Director
Like Mordeth said, you want a Snell certified helmet - but make sure it's a Snell "SA" helmet (I believe that's "Special Applications" which is certified specifically to motor racing standards). Don't get an "M" (Motorcycle) helmet.
Many track day organizers are looking for you to have a helmet certified either to the current standards, or one period earlier. Snell does the certifications every 5 years, so you generally will need a Snell SA2015 or SA2010 rated helmet.
If you get an SA2010 it may only be good until the SA2020 helmets come out, but they say a helmet is only good for 5 years anyway.
Many people will say "do you trust your head to a $200 helmet?". Well, if two helmets are Snell rated, you really don't know if the $2000 helmet is any better than the $200 one - they both have met the same testing/certification standards.
More expensive helmets may be lighter weight, have better ventilation, or other features that drive up the price.
The most important thing is FIT!!! If you can find an inexpensive SA certified helmet that fits well, it should be entirely satisfactory for track day events with 20 to 30 minute sessions. If you're racing, especially endurance racing where you'll be in the cockpit for longer periods of time, a lighter carbon fiber helmet that costs a lot more may be well worth it.
You can get a nice SA2010 for $165, or an SA2015 for $200 if you find one that fits well. I have a Zamp like these:
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...2%2B4294896385
.
Many track day organizers are looking for you to have a helmet certified either to the current standards, or one period earlier. Snell does the certifications every 5 years, so you generally will need a Snell SA2015 or SA2010 rated helmet.
If you get an SA2010 it may only be good until the SA2020 helmets come out, but they say a helmet is only good for 5 years anyway.
Many people will say "do you trust your head to a $200 helmet?". Well, if two helmets are Snell rated, you really don't know if the $2000 helmet is any better than the $200 one - they both have met the same testing/certification standards.
More expensive helmets may be lighter weight, have better ventilation, or other features that drive up the price.
The most important thing is FIT!!! If you can find an inexpensive SA certified helmet that fits well, it should be entirely satisfactory for track day events with 20 to 30 minute sessions. If you're racing, especially endurance racing where you'll be in the cockpit for longer periods of time, a lighter carbon fiber helmet that costs a lot more may be well worth it.
You can get a nice SA2010 for $165, or an SA2015 for $200 if you find one that fits well. I have a Zamp like these:
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...2%2B4294896385
.
11-23-2016, 11:34 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
Only $1,400.00
I use only Bell Helmets, but I race.
What both guys said above. But, you best bet is to be able to try one on before you but. Google "Helmet Fit" and you can get some good info.
11-23-2016, 02:27 PM
#5
5th Gear
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Where can I find it for $1,400? Thanks!
11-24-2016, 10:13 AM
#8
Like Mordeth said, you want a Snell certified helmet - but make sure it's a Snell "SA" helmet (I believe that's "Special Applications" which is certified specifically to motor racing standards). Don't get an "M" (Motorcycle) helmet.
Many track day organizers are looking for you to have a helmet certified either to the current standards, or one period earlier. Snell does the certifications every 5 years, so you generally will need a Snell SA2015 or SA2010 rated helmet.
If you get an SA2010 it may only be good until the SA2020 helmets come out, but they say a helmet is only good for 5 years anyway.
Many people will say "do you trust your head to a $200 helmet?". Well, if two helmets are Snell rated, you really don't know if the $2000 helmet is any better than the $200 one - they both have met the same testing/certification standards.
More expensive helmets may be lighter weight, have better ventilation, or other features that drive up the price.
The most important thing is FIT!!! If you can find an inexpensive SA certified helmet that fits well, it should be entirely satisfactory for track day events with 20 to 30 minute sessions. If you're racing, especially endurance racing where you'll be in the cockpit for longer periods of time, a lighter carbon fiber helmet that costs a lot more may be well worth it.
You can get a nice SA2010 for $165, or an SA2015 for $200 if you find one that fits well. I have a Zamp like these:
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...2%2B4294896385
.
Many track day organizers are looking for you to have a helmet certified either to the current standards, or one period earlier. Snell does the certifications every 5 years, so you generally will need a Snell SA2015 or SA2010 rated helmet.
If you get an SA2010 it may only be good until the SA2020 helmets come out, but they say a helmet is only good for 5 years anyway.
Many people will say "do you trust your head to a $200 helmet?". Well, if two helmets are Snell rated, you really don't know if the $2000 helmet is any better than the $200 one - they both have met the same testing/certification standards.
More expensive helmets may be lighter weight, have better ventilation, or other features that drive up the price.
The most important thing is FIT!!! If you can find an inexpensive SA certified helmet that fits well, it should be entirely satisfactory for track day events with 20 to 30 minute sessions. If you're racing, especially endurance racing where you'll be in the cockpit for longer periods of time, a lighter carbon fiber helmet that costs a lot more may be well worth it.
You can get a nice SA2010 for $165, or an SA2015 for $200 if you find one that fits well. I have a Zamp like these:
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...2%2B4294896385
.
All very good points but are motorcycle helmets not allowed at HPDE events? I guess I'm having a hard time understanding what the difference is? I can see the design differences being important in a open cockpit car but not in a street car?
11-24-2016, 11:12 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Rochester NY
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2018 C6 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10, '17
http://www.smf.org/stds
http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/2015...nal3252014.php
"What are the differences between the SA, M and K standards?
The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while the M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:
The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than the M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi-impact test while the M standard does not.
"
Changes to 2015 include:
• SA2015 helmets must be ready for the addition of frontal restraint tether hardware such
as used in HANS® and other systems.
• SA2015 includes provisions for “Low Velocity” impact testing.
• SA2015 includes “Low Lateral” impacts in case of strikes against side window frames and
similar structures.
11-24-2016, 12:09 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
And many event organizers have lowered those requirements, even SCCA which is surprising.
Motorcycle helmets are acceptable under our rules.
HELMET AND EQUIPMENT: Helmets certified as meeting the applicable Snell, FIA, or SFI
standards are acceptable. Acceptable standards include: Snell ratings SA2015, SA2010, SAH2010,
SA2005, SA2000 (SA2000 will no longer be accepted as of 1/1/2017), M2015, M2010, M2005,
M2000 (M2000 will no longer be accepted as of 1/1/2017), K2010, K2005, and K98, SFI ratings
31.1, 31.1A, 3.12, 31.2A, 31.1 2005, 41.1, 41.1A, 41.2, 41.2A, 41.2 2005 and 24.1, FIA 8860-2004,
8860-2010, 8859-2015.
Bill, SCCA Chief of Tech
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Matt W. (11-25-2016)
11-24-2016, 12:53 PM
#11
Race Director
From the tech requirements for a Nat'l Corvette Museum event:
Here's the helmet requirement for an event I'll be attending next April put on by Flat Out Motorsports:
Below is the requirement for any event put on by Forum member Henry Gilbert's Performance Driving Group:
You may find a number of track day organizing groups that will allow an "M" certified helmet, but many others require a "Snell SA" certified helmet, so unless you're only going to run with the same group all the time that allow you to wear a motorcycle helmet, why not get an actual SA automobile certified helmet???
.
Helmets: Helmets with a minimum Snell SA 2010 or newer rating are required, open or close face is your
choice. DOT, M, or SA2005 rated helmets are not acceptable and will not be permitted.
choice. DOT, M, or SA2005 rated helmets are not acceptable and will not be permitted.
Here's the helmet requirement for an event I'll be attending next April put on by Flat Out Motorsports:
Helmet
(Snell SA2005 or Later
Approved)
(Snell SA2005 or Later
Approved)
Below is the requirement for any event put on by Forum member Henry Gilbert's Performance Driving Group:
You will need a helmet, open or closed face, and it must be an SA Snell certified auto racing helmet.
You may find a number of track day organizing groups that will allow an "M" certified helmet, but many others require a "Snell SA" certified helmet, so unless you're only going to run with the same group all the time that allow you to wear a motorcycle helmet, why not get an actual SA automobile certified helmet???
.
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FKING1 (11-25-2016)
11-25-2016, 06:42 PM
#13
Drifting
Just be sure to try on any helmet before you buy.
I tried the Zamp and its shape seems better suited for round heads. It sat so high on my head that I couldn't get my glasses on. I have helmets by Arai (motox), G-Force (sa), and GMax (street bike M) and they all fit my head shape much better.
I tried the Zamp and its shape seems better suited for round heads. It sat so high on my head that I couldn't get my glasses on. I have helmets by Arai (motox), G-Force (sa), and GMax (street bike M) and they all fit my head shape much better.
11-28-2016, 11:50 PM
#16
Pro
If you're looking for dual purpose, higher end motorcycle helmets such as SHOEI offer SA helmets (I used to use one for both cycle and car). However, the motorcycle helmets tend to not have a smooth back, which prevents the ability to mount a HANS device in the car.
11-29-2016, 09:54 AM
#17
Race Director
From the Snell Memorial Foundation:
Changes include:
• SA2015 helmets must be ready for the addition of frontal restraint tether hardware such as used in HANS® and other systems
• SA2015 helmets must be ready for the addition of frontal restraint tether hardware such as used in HANS® and other systems
If an SA2015 helmet doesn't have the hardware already installed, like below:
They will all at least have a hole in the shell for the installation of the hardware, like below:
.
11-29-2016, 02:04 PM
#19
If you frequent VIR, their store has helmets in stock that you could try on. Each brand fits slightly different, so trying on first is nice. Or if you have any local friends that road race, I'm sure they'll let you try on their helmet.
I got mine from soloracer.com Mine is an HJC AR-10 II. I initially bought a Pyrotec helmet but it didn't fit my head very well. (put pressure on my forehead and back of my head) So make sure where you buy has a good return policy.
I got mine from soloracer.com Mine is an HJC AR-10 II. I initially bought a Pyrotec helmet but it didn't fit my head very well. (put pressure on my forehead and back of my head) So make sure where you buy has a good return policy.
11-29-2016, 03:09 PM
#20
Advanced
I raced AMA 70s-early 80s. Used Bells. Had a MOTO with no numbers. Had a Aria when I was going road racing and found out about SCCA and roll cages. I used Simpsons, closed when I ran formula cars and open when I switched to fendered cars, and then switched to G-Force. Less expensive and fits me fine. I've got 3 of them on the shelf. As HPDE regulations have jelled over the years SA has become the standard. Go with that.