ok girly...You posted your $800 helmets.

Here are my $200 helmets






Advanced Fiberglass Composite Shell: Lightweight, superior fit and comfort using advanced CAD technology.

Optically-superior Pinlock®-prepared Faceshield: New 3D design provides 95% UV protection, anti-scratch coating and is prepared for the ultimate anti-fog Pinlock insert.

RapidFire™ Shield Replacement System: Quick, secure, tool-less removal and installation.

“ACS” Advanced Channeling Ventilation System: Full front to back airflow flushes heat and humidity up and out.

SilverCool™ Interior: Removable moisture-wicking and odor-free interior with advanced silver anti-bacterial fabric.

SNELL/DOT Approved

SIZES: XS-XXL

 

Interesting post and replys. I had to go and look to see what brand of helmet I had; HJC, open face. In my motorcycle days I wore a full face and would again if I were to get back into that. But for very occasional drag racing in my closed cars that aren't all that fast, I will stick with my Snell rated HJC, especailly after reading the info about air bags and closed face helmetsl.

 

Yes and I actually own my helmets that I posted. LOL

 

I remember the first autox I went to back in 1985. I had been a mc officer for awhile and had my handy, dandy Bell DOT certified open-faced helmet with me. Got the car teched, and it passed, but the helmet would not pass SCCA Solo requirments because it was NOT Snell rated. I borrowed a loaner they had available and purchased a Snell rated helmet later. So, anyone planning on attending SCCA sanctioned events, DOT only will not pass muster.

Here's the thing though...In 1980 while directing traffic at a wreck scene on I 75, I was struck by an 18 wheeler and knocked 196 feet down the highway, face/head first. Yeah, the helmet was heavily damaged, having ground the outer hard material all the way into the lining, but my head was fine from the initial head to pavement impact. I'm not sure a more expensive, Snell rated helmet would have made any difference in that particular scenario.

I use an open-faced helmet for autox and HPDE stuff, reason being full faced helmets tend to make me claustraphobic. Plus, they feel lighter and I think they offer better visibility. That said, I tend to agree that full-faced units might offer better protection to one's face.

However, I can't get the picture out of my mind that involved a motorcyclist who was ejected from his bike on impact with a guard rail, and finding his full-faced helmet with his head still in it...unfortunatly it was not still attached to his body. I tend to think that if the rider had been wearing an open-faced helmet, the helmet may have come off his head at some point, and not have aided in his decapitation.

According to the coroner's report, death came from decapatation as the autopsy revealed no head or body trauma that would have caused death, although there were several broken bones and lacerations.

I suggest folks wear what is comfortable and the piece they feel better protects them. Most santioning body standards require Snell approval rather than simple DOT approval, so I would definitely reccomend Snell rated helmets, even for bicycle riding. Of course, the price you pay is up to you...

 

Agreed. I guess I did not really mean to suggest that folks should just run out and buy the helmet with the biggest price tag, but wanted to communicate that a helmet is indeed an important part of the high performance experience and should not be skimped on. Otherwise, all this talk of "cheap" DOT/Snell helmets being as safe as "expensive" DOT/Snell helmets might make folks think they can just run out and buy the cheapest helmet possible and it will be totally fine. The cheapest helmet MAY be FINE in terms of safety (as rated, DOT/Snell), but, it may not be fine in terms of overall quality: comfort, fit, weight, venting, etc... and thus the racing experience may be greatly compromised.

No, I'm not saying that... I'm not sure what helmets actually cost these days, though I remember back when I was buying helmets, "good" ones (with a plain finish and no fancy graphics) were somewhere in the $300 - $400 range. I think I had picked up a really nice upper-end full-featured Shoei once that was even under $300 if I remember correctly (though I had returned it because it was a bit too bulky and heavy for my tastes, but I'm picky)... I think "cheap" helmets back then were closer to $100-ish.

So are you saying that the "cheap" helmets of today are $200? Ok... I guess I should search around and see what's going on, haven't done so in quite a while.

In any case, like you said, different strokes, but the main point of my post, again, was to makes sure folks understand that a helmet is an important item and should not just be passed off as, "let me get the cheapest one I can find".

If I had to run a marathon right now, I sure would not want the cheapest running clothes and cheapest sneakers etc I could find because I'm sure such items would likely cause some level of discomfort and my marathon experience would not be nearly as enjoyable as it could have been.

For me anyway, when I take a bike out on the road or take a car on the track (which is seldom these days unfortunately so I need to make the most of it each and every time), I want to make sure those experiences are as perfect and amazing as they can be... and I cannot imagine and would never consider wearing a less than excellent helmet.

I suppose if someone can pick up an "ultra cheap" DOT/Snell helmet that they find to be really excellent, super comfortable, nice and cool, ultra light, excellent visor system, etc, then they'll be fine.

But in my own experience, at least in the past, I never found any helmet that came close to my Arais. The Shoeis were also excellent, though maybe a tiny notch below the Arais per my tastes. Can't remember what else I had tried, it was lesser known stuff, might have had an HJC, and had a few other sub-$150 helmets, I did not like any of them. At least compared to a good Arai, this other stuff was noticeably inferior, less comfortable, bigger, heavier, crappy visor set-up, etc, just not pleasant to wear and even annoying.

Maybe my standards are too high, maybe I am too fussy... but I'd think that anyone who shells out $50k+ for a Corvette and takes it to a track must also have high standards and be pretty fussy too. I am ultra fussy about cars and the C6 is the only car that has ever satisfied me, so... I gotta have a helmet that satisfies me as much as my car does... the helmet must not take away from the excellent experience the car provides... so I'm sticking with my C6 and my Arai!.

 

I bought my Shoei within the last 18 months. It is plain silver with no fancy paint or graphics for $429. It does have adjustible vents and is very comfortable. I agree that you don't need to spend $800, but I don't think $400 is too bad.

 

Snell 2005 SA rated, $199. If it ain't Bell, it ain't ****

 

Back "in the day", Bell and Simpson were the schnitz for quality helmets. The past few years the only place you could even find a Bell helmet has been Wal Mart (I'm not kidding!). If you've been away from them for a while you may not know that. I have not seen a Bell Helmet in a motorcycle shop for over 20 years.

I know they are trying to make a comeback now, but it's too early to say "if it ain't bell....".

 

I have an Arai, and I also have Ben Spies Carbon Fiber HJC helmet. I have seen several professional racers go down with these HJC helmets in AMA racing. I don't think they would be wearing them if coming off at 160 MPH was going to do their head in. My HJC was $350 my Arai was $550. I swap back and forth depending on what gear I am wearing.




Super-Lightweight, Full Application, Carbon Fiber Shell Construction Flow-Through "ACS" Advanced Channeling Ventilation System Anti-Fog System Removable AquaTrans "Open Cell" Interior Liner Nylon Strap Retention Snap Next Generation, 2 Stage Compression Shield Closure System Built-in Communication System Speaker Cavity Soft Textile Helmet Storage Bag Included DOT-218 & Snell M2005 approved.:

David

 

I am so willing to bet that Ben's helmet is a one off only made for him and that helmet is not made for the public. The one that is mass produced is probably no where near the same as his...

 

Open vs. Closed with Airbags was something the SCCA did:

Found this here http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78914
The entire FIA Institute report is also posted in the thread above. Some interesting reading.

 

Maybe.... I know the leathers I have are a one off, so are the boots I have, I have another pair of Alpine Stars boots that look the same quality as his inside and out though.
David

 

Still makes no sense to me. The reason for the chin protector is to protect the chin from impact, but the impact may force the chin protector to injure your chin

It sounds to me like they are over reacting to a one-time fluke situation. The problem with a crash on a race track is that the air bag might inflate, but the car continue to roll or tumble long after the first impact.

I think I'd take my chances with a full face helmet even with an airbag. That is actually what separates motorcycle and auto helmets - the ability to withstand multiple impacts in a single "event".

 

Your leathers are pimp!

I love Alpinestars gear that is all I have and it is awesome. I have a Suzuki Joe Rocket Jacket for daytime and warm weather riding.

 

Went and tried on both this morning open and closed. It's definately going to be closed.Tried on a HJC closed but it was only DOT approved, that helmet was only 100 bucks. Also tried on there DOT SNELL approved closed and it was 260 bucks. Both felt exactly the same. Problem being i dont think DOT approved alone flies for HPDE's.

 

No for HDPE's has to be both Snell & DOT

 

I thnk it's Snell 2005-approved that's the requirement for most HPDEs, at least from NCM.

 

After my encounter with a deer at 50 mph I'm seriously thinking a full face bucket. That doe half tore my left ear off and with the full face there would be no damage. I was lucky at that. The bike did NOT go down.

 

Full face with balaclava (2 eye holes).

Most motorcycle helmets won't cut it in auto racing. Racing schools will turn you away with an ape hanger helmet.

 

Okay need some guidance. Bought a HJC surge helmet, sweet helmet. I even called them for snell rating. It has printed on back of helmet snell/dot approved. Remove liner it has a M2005 sticker. Am i screwed for my first HPDE.
Thanks