Well, I need to get a helmet. I'm finally jumping in to trying de events, and I need advice/opinions. I'm pretty sure I want full face, but other than that, I'm clueless. What's comfortable, affordable, and won't have me wishing I bought something better? Do I need a collar for comfort?

Oh hell, while I'm at it, throw in your two cents on gloves and shoes.

Thanks in Advance,

Brian

 

When I needed a helmet for last night I went to Walmart and bought a POS $40 dollar helmet and returned it today. Always an option

 

I'm hoping to do as many de events as possible this next year, so I think the Wal-mart option is a no go for me. Thanks though.

 

They do actually have some nice helmets on Wal-mart's website for like 70 bucks, that'll give you a price guideline to go by I guess.

 

First and foremost find a local shop that carries several brands and try on as many as you can. You'll know right away if it's a good fit as you'll feel various pressure points. Many will say if your head is worth $40 then buy a $40 helmet. I don't agree with this as the thinking then is buy the most expensive helmet you can afford. I think more importantly buy the most you can afford that is a good fit. As the price goes up the weight usually goes down. But weight isn't as critical for automotive driving vs. karting so again, focus on fit. Re: the collar, it's not needed for in-car driving and really helps prop your head up through the turns while karting (let alone heaven forbid you get upside down) . Besides, if your concern is spinal cord damage the collar won't stop such an impact so at that rate consider a HANs device. I believe all auto helmets now come with the attachment points for a HANs device anyhow.

After trying on quite a few brands, I went w/ an Arai GP5k. I already had an Aria Signet for motorcycling and as the saying goes, some people just have an Arai head. It was a lot more than I wanted to pay ($699), but it's extremely comfortable for me and it's not intrusive at all while driving. I desperately wanted to get a Simpson that was like $300 but no matter how many times I tried it on, it just never felt as comfortable as the Arai.

Something else to consider is that you'll be wearing the helmet for 25-30 minutes a session, several times a day...and you'll have a lot of mental processing going on so the last thing you'll want to deal with is uncomfortable gear.

The same goes for gloves, try on multiple brands to see what fits. I was never into getting the extra gear for DE's as it just seemed to be for the poseurs, but I tried wearing gloves once and what a world of a difference. I personally have some short Stand21's. I have smaller hands so it took a while to find a very good fit (which meant I also paid a lot more for these rather than the bargin bin ones they had that were in x-large & up...doh).

On shoes, several people I know like the Piloti's. I think more importantly you need to keep in mind that you're going to be on your feet throughout the day so you need a comfortable soled shoe to wear around in the paddock as well so IMO traditional, thin soled driving shoes don't cut it for DE's (it's a different story though if you're in a radical and need a fire retardent shoe though). Oakley has also come out with some, but I haven't tried them on yet so YMMV.

 

^very nice responce.

I wish all the EvoM members who like to post really long should always use paragraph like he did ^.

 

thx, btw that was my first post . Long time lurker though.

 

Many racing and track day organizations (SCCA, POC, etc) want/require you to use a automobile rated helmet rather than a motorcycle rated helmet.

just something to concider...

JW

 

Excellent post, tuco!

Just to add to that, look for an SA2000 (or 2005 if theyre out yet) certified helmet. Some groups only require motorcycle helmets (M95/M2000) but for the most part they require SA-rated ones. You may find SA95 helmets on sale but they will be expired soon so I would stay away from those.

I have a Bell M3 which retails for about $440. It's comfortable and fits my head perfectly. If you sweat a lot, try and find a helmet with a removeable liner. They can get funky.

 

I personally like Arai helmets but you will pay a fortune for them (so I don't have one for the car like I do for my bike). I have a Peltor carbonfiber helmet with integrated intercom for the rally car, but that's more than you'll need. Basically you're going to need to try some different helmets on and see what fits. I know in my case Bell helmets don't fit my fat head worth a crap but the Bieffe that I have for autocross and stuff fits fine.

 

Great info. Much appreciated! Turns out my friend at a local shop has one he never really liked, might fit me. If not, he'll know what size/brand to order.

 

HJC, the motorcycle helmet manufacturer is now making very lightweight auto helments, fully anza and snell certified, excellent constrution, for good prices. I just picked up a top of the line helmet from them for 399.00 after my Bell M3 was stollen, along with all of my tools, etc, from my garage.

 

As mentioned earlier they can and will get funky on the inside. If you pick up one without a removeable liner, pick up a nomex hood to go with it. All you're doing is adding more safety and the hood is easy to wash.

I use the Bell SRPro. One of the cheaper full face helmets.

Oh, if you have sunglasses you like to wear on the track try the helmets on while wearing the sunglasses. Some fit, some don't. My shades take 1 second off my lap times.

 

In terms of helmets, the SA 2005 helmets just became available, which means they'll be good in most governing bodies for 10 years. Well worth getting one of those if you plan on keeping it for the long haul. Whoever recommended heading to a place to try as many on as possible was right on the money. With helmets, fitment is everything. I literally run from a small in Pyrotechs to an XL in Bieffe's, and everything in between.

Arai's are good helmets, super comfortable, but expensive. The new Bieffe Predator is popular, since it has a removable liner than can be washed. Nomex balcalvas are good, but hot. They'll make you sweat, and if you get uncomfortable at track speeds, it can e a very bad thing.

In terms of a neck collar, some people do prefer them, but moreso in karting to keep your head up. They're almost pointless in cars unless you're used to them and want it for comfort. HANS is the only head and neck restraint that will prevent spinal damage in an impact. Furthermore, mounting posts come with the HANS, and can be installed in 20 minutes. If you end up with the HANS, let the people you bought it from install the posts. Incorrect mounting can lead to helmet compromise, as well as defeat the effects of the restraint.

Spinal compression is best defeated through proper mounting of harnesses. Some people run shoulder straps through seat holes, and mount them to the floor of the car, essentially perpendicular to the floor panels. This is extremely unsafe, and is the leading cause of spinal compression in impacts.

Gloves vary. Karting gloves are more comfortable, but are not necessarily fire proof, which some sanctioning bodies require. King Dragon are made in Italy, are essentially karting gloves, but are very comfortable. For Americans with bigger hands, G-Force are a good fit, and are lightweight, with nice leather grips that are fairly durable.

Shoes vary as well. I prefer Puma's new line of driving shoes, since they are Nomex lined, and are actualy super comfortable for non-seat time. Again, feet vary, and some shoes are made for narrow feet, some for wider feet, so fitment is again important. Trying shoes on is the best way to go.

Nearly all of the products I use are from HMS Motorsport (www.hmsmotorsport.com). I used to work there, but still buy from there, since prices are good, they are all track junkies, and would rather lose a sale than allow someone to do something that is extremely unsafe. Joe Marko has personally installed Schroth belts and HANS on 10 Nextel Cup drivers, including Goron, Waltrip, etc. He is super knowledgeable.

Hope some of this helps.

 

I dunno about this rule but if it is true then you can disregard my post. I do know they allow motorcycle helmets in autocross though.

Go into a motorcycle shop like Cycle Gear and try on the different helmets I read this before and am not sure if it still holds true but Motorcycle helmets provide a much larger field of view as opposed to car helmets. The downside to motorcycle helmets is they are not rated for fire protection.

As the other have been saying get the helmet that fits you best. It should be as tight as possible without hurting you. If you think you are a large, try on a medium and if it fits without any pressure points then get the medium. Remember helmets get slightly loose after multiple uses.

Arai is a great brand but they are very expensive. In terms of safety they do not provide any signifcant benefits over an M2R or KBC helemt. You will notice the quality of the helmet in terms of finish is much better in an expensive helmet. It may also be lighter but not that significant, especially since you are in a car.

Also motorcycle helmets last 3-4 years then need to be replaced. I am not sure if that is the rule of thumb with car helmets though. Dont finish your money on the coolest helmet thinking it will be the last one you will buy.