racing helmets
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 123
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racing helmets
I was going to purchase a snell 2010 racing helmet. I was wondering what is the best bang for the buck. I see there are a lot of choises out there, and just want one that fits well and is comfortable. I will be racing my 2010 GS at an NHRA sanctioned track. Any help is appreciated
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,244
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I was going to purchase a snell 2010 racing helmet. I was wondering what is the best bang for the buck. I see there are a lot of choises out there, and just want one that fits well and is comfortable. I will be racing my 2010 GS at an NHRA sanctioned track. Any help is appreciated
Just remember, that's your one and only head in the thing.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
The "best bang for the buck" is simply the cheapest, until you get smacked.
But spending a thousand dollars is probably overdoing it.
There are some people who say an open-face helmet is best if your car has an airbag, others say closed-face is always the best.
Just be sure to get a known brand Snell 2020 SA version.
But spending a thousand dollars is probably overdoing it.
There are some people who say an open-face helmet is best if your car has an airbag, others say closed-face is always the best.
Just be sure to get a known brand Snell 2020 SA version.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The Impact 1320 is a popular helmet with the dirt track racers. Just $295 for a full face helmet that has provisions for HANS attachments. Mine fits well, is comfortable and will do the job required if I ever need it to.
There are some really nice helmets that are lighter in weight and that have ear muffs inside so outside sounds are muffled and allow you to hear an intercom or radio speaker if your helmet is so equipped. However, the ones I was looking at started at $800 with the top model going for $3K.
Bill
There are some really nice helmets that are lighter in weight and that have ear muffs inside so outside sounds are muffled and allow you to hear an intercom or radio speaker if your helmet is so equipped. However, the ones I was looking at started at $800 with the top model going for $3K.
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,034
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From: Northern VA, USA
We've always used that saying. However, I think it was much more appropriate years ago when we were all buying motorcylce helmets that were DOT certified (a low bar) and nothing more. Today it's a bit of a different story. All SA2010 helmets passed the same comprehensive safety test, and meet the standards. That doesn't mean that some don't offer more protection than the standards, it is just we don't have anyway of knowing, it probably isn't necessary, and price probably isn't a good indicator. Price for SA2010 helmets are likely driven by by weight of the materials, ventalation, style, quality of non safety materials, etc.
So as others have said, buy one that is comfortable and meets your needs.
So as others have said, buy one that is comfortable and meets your needs.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
I was going to purchase a snell 2010 racing helmet. I was wondering what is the best bang for the buck. I see there are a lot of choises out there, and just want one that fits well and is comfortable. I will be racing my 2010 GS at an NHRA sanctioned track. Any help is appreciated
If you are only going to run Time Trial, and are NOT planning to go into competition its your choice.. however I only race in $$ races and NEED GOOD VISIBILITY ... I have to see if a faster car is closing on me, & with an open face I can turn and look over my shoulder ...with a Full Face you vision is restricted...
Also you ET and speed determines if NHRA will let you run an open face.. I only run low 12 sec. so I use the open face....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
We've always used that saying. However, I think it was much more appropriate years ago when we were all buying motorcylce helmets that were DOT certified (a low bar) and nothing more. Today it's a bit of a different story. All SA2010 helmets passed the same comprehensive safety test, and meet the standards. That doesn't mean that some don't offer more protection than the standards, it is just we don't have anyway of knowing, it probably isn't necessary, and price probably isn't a good indicator. Price for SA2010 helmets are likely driven by by weight of the materials, ventalation, style, quality of non safety materials, etc.
So as others have said, buy one that is comfortable and meets your needs.
So as others have said, buy one that is comfortable and meets your needs.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I use a full face Bell helmet with the larger eyeport. I recall it was under $400.00 Simpson and Aria are decent brands. The GeForce is probably a more 'low-budge' helmet. Saferacer.com has a good selection at competitive prices.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 6
From: Land of 10,000 taxes
1) Snell approved cost more because of the sticker, you pay significantly more for a Snell helmet despite the fact there is no proof it is a safer helmet
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,244
Likes: 3
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
1) Snell approved cost more because of the sticker, you pay significantly more for a Snell helmet despite the fact there is no proof it is a safer helmet
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
For highway use, take your choice. At the track, it's Snell or you don't run.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 6
From: Waynesville NC
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,712
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
1) Snell approved cost more because of the sticker, you pay significantly more for a Snell helmet despite the fact there is no proof it is a safer helmet
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
I'm not so sure how relevant the article is to car crashes, where the helmet/head usually hits parts inside the car instead of pavement and phone poles. But still, a good read. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 392
1) Snell approved cost more because of the sticker, you pay significantly more for a Snell helmet despite the fact there is no proof it is a safer helmet
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
2) a DOT helmet is not necessarily an inferior helmet
you should really read this, it is about motorcycle helmets, but it applies to auto as well
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
3) sadly it is all academic as racing governing bodies take the easy way out and demand Snell, despite the fact data casts doubt on a Snell helmet being safer
