Race Helmet?
10-07-2015, 12:13 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Race Helmet?
What race helmet do you all wear, and what would you recommend.
I am planning on tracking my Z at some point, for some HPDE. I would just assume not rent a helmet. What would you recommend?
I am planning on tracking my Z at some point, for some HPDE. I would just assume not rent a helmet. What would you recommend?
10-07-2015, 01:59 AM
#2
Helmet purchase
Bell M4.
May I suggest that this is a little like buying shoes. You need to try (it on) before you buy.
The sizing guides most helmet manufacturers have on websites are pretty accurate, but it's super important the helmet fits perfectly.
Also, its important that the helmet be worn by you in the shop for more than a few minutes to check for pressure points. These would develop after more than a few minutes of wearing it. Your shooting for snug, but not tight.
The other factor in play besides how it fits, is weight. The more expensive helmets are usually the lighter ones.
Since it is the most important piece of safety gear you will wear, help with helmet fitment, from store personel would be the way to go. Its been a while, but last time i was in NC, it seemes a speed shop is on every corner.
Also, if you mountain bike and are into gap jumps, forget those flimsy Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets!. Unless you have the best, they wont compare to a SNELL SA2010 Certification. I credit using good Helmets to saving my life on a least three occasions when missing landings.
Below, we have a Bell helmet fitment guide just for starters. Try to go to the BELL Helmets website. Depending on what you may need, Hans device compatibility, visor tear off compatibility, and intercom capabilitites, might be important to you. On an end note, this is one of those things you might want to really look into before you buy.
PROPER HELMET FIT IS VITAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF A HELMET DURING AN IMPACT. FOR THE HELMET TO PERFORM PROPERLY DURING AN IMPACT, IT MUST STAY SECURELY ON THE HEAD.
Measuring the head is only a starting point for the entire sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size helmet.
A small metal tape measure or a cloth tape may be used to make your initial measurement. You can also use a string, which can then be laid against a measuring tape.
Measure the circumference of the head at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements. The largest measurement is the one you want to use.
May I suggest that this is a little like buying shoes. You need to try (it on) before you buy.
The sizing guides most helmet manufacturers have on websites are pretty accurate, but it's super important the helmet fits perfectly.
Also, its important that the helmet be worn by you in the shop for more than a few minutes to check for pressure points. These would develop after more than a few minutes of wearing it. Your shooting for snug, but not tight.
The other factor in play besides how it fits, is weight. The more expensive helmets are usually the lighter ones.
Since it is the most important piece of safety gear you will wear, help with helmet fitment, from store personel would be the way to go. Its been a while, but last time i was in NC, it seemes a speed shop is on every corner.
Also, if you mountain bike and are into gap jumps, forget those flimsy Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets!. Unless you have the best, they wont compare to a SNELL SA2010 Certification. I credit using good Helmets to saving my life on a least three occasions when missing landings.
Below, we have a Bell helmet fitment guide just for starters. Try to go to the BELL Helmets website. Depending on what you may need, Hans device compatibility, visor tear off compatibility, and intercom capabilitites, might be important to you. On an end note, this is one of those things you might want to really look into before you buy.
PROPER HELMET FIT IS VITAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF A HELMET DURING AN IMPACT. FOR THE HELMET TO PERFORM PROPERLY DURING AN IMPACT, IT MUST STAY SECURELY ON THE HEAD.
Measuring the head is only a starting point for the entire sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size helmet.
A small metal tape measure or a cloth tape may be used to make your initial measurement. You can also use a string, which can then be laid against a measuring tape.
Measure the circumference of the head at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements. The largest measurement is the one you want to use.
Last edited by DLC7; 10-07-2015 at 03:21 AM.
10-07-2015, 02:35 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
Good advice
10-07-2015, 08:53 AM
#4
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks for the good advice. I actually was already looking for a good local supplier.
Do you guys run a cooled helmet, those ones that blow air into them? Or is that a waste of time and money. It doesn't seem that much more expensive to get the air pumps.
Do you guys run a cooled helmet, those ones that blow air into them? Or is that a waste of time and money. It doesn't seem that much more expensive to get the air pumps.
10-07-2015, 09:57 AM
#7
Instructor
Different helmet brands can have distinctly different fits, even in the same numeric sizes. Arai, for example, tends to be slightly more oval, so +1 for trying them on.
I have a Stilo, but only because it fit my goofy shaped head better than any of the others I tried. It also has integrated coms and water, but that's just a side benfit.
I have a Stilo, but only because it fit my goofy shaped head better than any of the others I tried. It also has integrated coms and water, but that's just a side benfit.
Last edited by 2016 Z; 10-07-2015 at 09:59 AM.
10-07-2015, 11:28 AM
#8
Instructor
Agree with all that say to try them on. I use an HJC SI-12 that I did buy on the internet after trying several on from local sources. It's a pretty light, full face helmet. It's Snell SA2010 certified, the SA2015 certified helmets should be going on sale soon.
10-07-2015, 11:43 AM
#9
Scraping the splitter.
Any new helmet at this point should be an SA15 IMO. I don't think Bell is making an M4 with an SA15 rating. I think the SA15 equivalent is the M8.
Alway recommend having it Hans compatible and as already mentioned, try it on before buying.
The "cooled" helmets have the ventilation ports for use with CoolSuit-type devices. Unless that is properly installed and mounted in the car you can't use for HPDE. There are blower only units out there. The CoolSuit "bag" does not have the blower.
S.
Alway recommend having it Hans compatible and as already mentioned, try it on before buying.
The "cooled" helmets have the ventilation ports for use with CoolSuit-type devices. Unless that is properly installed and mounted in the car you can't use for HPDE. There are blower only units out there. The CoolSuit "bag" does not have the blower.
S.
Last edited by Snorman; 10-07-2015 at 11:46 AM.
10-07-2015, 04:06 PM
#11
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
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Bell M4.
May I suggest that this is a little like buying shoes. You need to try (it on) before you buy.
The sizing guides most helmet manufacturers have on websites are pretty accurate, but it's super important the helmet fits perfectly.
Also, its important that the helmet be worn by you in the shop for more than a few minutes to check for pressure points. These would develop after more than a few minutes of wearing it. Your shooting for snug, but not tight.
The other factor in play besides how it fits, is weight. The more expensive helmets are usually the lighter ones.
Since it is the most important piece of safety gear you will wear, help with helmet fitment, from store personel would be the way to go. Its been a while, but last time i was in NC, it seemes a speed shop is on every corner.
Also, if you mountain bike and are into gap jumps, forget those flimsy Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets!. Unless you have the best, they wont compare to a SNELL SA2010 Certification. I credit using good Helmets to saving my life on a least three occasions when missing landings.
Below, we have a Bell helmet fitment guide just for starters. Try to go to the BELL Helmets website. Depending on what you may need, Hans device compatibility, visor tear off compatibility, and intercom capabilitites, might be important to you. On an end note, this is one of those things you might want to really look into before you buy.
PROPER HELMET FIT IS VITAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF A HELMET DURING AN IMPACT. FOR THE HELMET TO PERFORM PROPERLY DURING AN IMPACT, IT MUST STAY SECURELY ON THE HEAD.
Measuring the head is only a starting point for the entire sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size helmet.
A small metal tape measure or a cloth tape may be used to make your initial measurement. You can also use a string, which can then be laid against a measuring tape.
Measure the circumference of the head at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements. The largest measurement is the one you want to use.
May I suggest that this is a little like buying shoes. You need to try (it on) before you buy.
The sizing guides most helmet manufacturers have on websites are pretty accurate, but it's super important the helmet fits perfectly.
Also, its important that the helmet be worn by you in the shop for more than a few minutes to check for pressure points. These would develop after more than a few minutes of wearing it. Your shooting for snug, but not tight.
The other factor in play besides how it fits, is weight. The more expensive helmets are usually the lighter ones.
Since it is the most important piece of safety gear you will wear, help with helmet fitment, from store personel would be the way to go. Its been a while, but last time i was in NC, it seemes a speed shop is on every corner.
Also, if you mountain bike and are into gap jumps, forget those flimsy Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets!. Unless you have the best, they wont compare to a SNELL SA2010 Certification. I credit using good Helmets to saving my life on a least three occasions when missing landings.
Below, we have a Bell helmet fitment guide just for starters. Try to go to the BELL Helmets website. Depending on what you may need, Hans device compatibility, visor tear off compatibility, and intercom capabilitites, might be important to you. On an end note, this is one of those things you might want to really look into before you buy.
PROPER HELMET FIT IS VITAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF A HELMET DURING AN IMPACT. FOR THE HELMET TO PERFORM PROPERLY DURING AN IMPACT, IT MUST STAY SECURELY ON THE HEAD.
Measuring the head is only a starting point for the entire sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size helmet.
A small metal tape measure or a cloth tape may be used to make your initial measurement. You can also use a string, which can then be laid against a measuring tape.
Measure the circumference of the head at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements. The largest measurement is the one you want to use.
I really like Stilo Helmets but can't afford their lowest cost model so currently have an Impact 1320 that I purchased in 2010. The shop where I purchased my helmet had two suppliers. Impact and Simpson. Both of their large sizes were too large for my 7 1/4 hat size, the Impact Medium helmet was tight but not as tight as the Simpson Medium Helmet and was a better fit on my head. It contacts the top my head, sits well across the eye brow and is tight on the cheeks. Could it be a little looser, maybe but I am comfortable in it when I wear it for long periods of time. As an Instructor I sometimes end up with two students so can wear the helmet up to an hour at a time.
Bill
10-07-2015, 05:13 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
One additional note. If you wear glasses when you drive (prescription or even sunglasses) try them on with the helmet as well. Some are made to accommodate glasses, some are not. Even with the latter, there are various ways to address any issues, but it's good to know before you buy.
10-07-2015, 06:58 PM
#13
Race Director
I have an HJC SI-12. One of the things I would suggest is getting a full-faced helmet. That'll give you some freedom to do an open-wheel school or event should you ever want to. Then +1 to the other notes about fitment and not skimping. This is one of those important things that you don't want to cut corners with.
10-09-2015, 04:52 PM
#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
I was planning on a full face. Gotta find a performance shop. Shouldn't be an issue in nascar country. I am gonna look at all of the ones y'all recommended.
10-09-2015, 08:23 PM
#16
Melting Slicks
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10-12-2015, 03:34 PM
#17
10-12-2015, 03:44 PM
#18
Tracking a Z06 is at least $1000 per day.
Consider this fact when agonizing over $300 versus $1000 for a helmet that will last for years.
Lightweight and comfortable (once safety is covered) are worth extra money.
Consider this fact when agonizing over $300 versus $1000 for a helmet that will last for years.
Lightweight and comfortable (once safety is covered) are worth extra money.