Helmet?
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From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
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I like the extra protection of a full face helmet, but it does tend to get hot.
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Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 478
Likes: 1
From: Newark de
A snell rating is fine if you are just drag racing. Instead buy a little better helmet that is SA rated. An "M" anything will mot pass a road course tech regardless if how new it is.The lining is nomex and it passes all tech inspections, both drag racing and road racing. Be sure to check the "date" the rating is only good for a few years, even if you only wear it a couple times. Unlike 5/6 point harnesses that can be re-certified and reused (often re webbed) a helmet cannot.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 2
From: Palm Desert CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,028
From: eastern NC
There has been some discussion of late that suggests the full face helmet could be more hazardous to you than an open face, if your car has air bags and they were to deploy. I'm not aware of any hard data, just discussion at this time.
I personally like and use a full face helmet. I purchased my Simpson directly from them. I could not find anyone that sold it cheaper and they were the only ones that offered it with all of the options I wanted, color, visor, etc.
As others have mentioned, be sure to check the date on any helmet you are going to buy. The latest rating I'm aware of is the 2005 and most sanctioning bodies will only allow it to be 10 years old, regardless of its condition.
Good luck... GUSTO
I personally like and use a full face helmet. I purchased my Simpson directly from them. I could not find anyone that sold it cheaper and they were the only ones that offered it with all of the options I wanted, color, visor, etc.
As others have mentioned, be sure to check the date on any helmet you are going to buy. The latest rating I'm aware of is the 2005 and most sanctioning bodies will only allow it to be 10 years old, regardless of its condition.
Good luck... GUSTO
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Tunkhannock PA
I wasn't sure if we could mention product names that weren't sold by a vendor.
If you are looking at Simpson products, also look to Impact. It's Bill Simpson's new company. Many people I know are switching over as they reach expiration dates with their safety products.
http://www.impactraceproducts.com
If you are looking at Simpson products, also look to Impact. It's Bill Simpson's new company. Many people I know are switching over as they reach expiration dates with their safety products.
http://www.impactraceproducts.com
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
FULL face for everything.
I have had bugs, birds, sand dirt, track turds, and when I scrapped a tire wall, my drivers mirror folded in. The mirror glass popped out and bounced off my chin gaurd and landed over on the passagnre side dashboard.
There was a big dent in my chin gaurd. It wore an open faced helmet that mirror glass would have broken my jaw.
Snell SA 2005 helmet, Full face with pull down eye shield. SA helmets can be worn with motocyling. M helmets can not always be used on a sports car cub event.
Plus you can have some fun with your helmet.
Yes i wear glasses too. Just put the helmet on first, the put on your glasses though the eye port.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 5
From: Middle Tennessee
I used a Bell M2 (SA rated) when I was road racing open-wheel formula cars and Nissans in the early 1990's. If you want to participate in SCCA events, you will need a helmet with an "SA" rating, not DOT. DOT-rated helmets are not allowed in sanctioned auto races. Get the best one you can afford and make sure that it fits properly.