Talk to me about Helmets, AX this season. Options

[Britain Smith]

I am getting tired of fighting for the XL helmet when I arrive at each AX, so it is the time to bit the bullet and purchase one...oh, but the choices. What is legal? What is a good value? Can I get an open face, or do I need a closed face? What if the car happens to not have a windshield at some point down the road...do I have to used closed? Give me some ideas, thoughts, and suggestions.

-Britain

[i love porsche]

good questions, i got one for this past christmas, i would assume that the helmets being sold at a reputable race shop will be legal for ax and DE events, and if not, the salespeople will know which ones are.

i got a helmet with no visor, but it covers the mouth, and has a small brim, i really liked the way it looked and since i have glasses, its easy to come off and on, also, ill be driving inside the car, no open cockpit yet, so ireally dont need a visor.

[bryanc]

I bought a closed face helmet because I figured someday I might do open wheel racing. I was glad I did when I bought my car....

Most sanctioning bodies allow helmets from the last two SA specs. Example, current SA spec is SA2005, so most bodies allow SA2000 and SA2005. SA95 are still legal in many cases. Also, M95 and M2000 helmets are usually ok for AX.

SA2000 helmets will be good for a few more years and you probably can find a closeout bargain or two. I'd avoid anything older though.

[DanT]

Every organizing group has different rules. What group do you usually run with.
Most groups for AX allow Mortorcycle (M) helmets or Automobile (SA)
M or SA 2000 should be legal for most and fairly easy (cheap) to aquire.
M and SA 2005 have just recently come out and can be found at decent prices from IOPORT and others. Most groups allow open or closed face helmets for AX in cars that have full windshields.

amount of money you spend is dependent on how much you think your head is worth (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) Very good helmets can be had for under $200.

[TROJANMAN]

i posted a poll on this subject not too long ago
Check it out (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

[drgchapman]

Hey Britain,

I bought closed face helmet for a/x-DE days and in case I raced an open car. Yeah, right. Don't got time and $$$$$$? Pamela got an open face helmet for a/x only. I steal her's every chance I get for a/x. Better visibilty, cooler, easier to put the sunnies on, etc. Just get the latest DOT/snell rating and go fast.

I've always trusted my melon to Bell. We bought Bell Helmets, online somewhere. Best price on line, just shop.

Gary

[Trekkor]

I like my Pyrotect open faced helmet.
Pyrotect is made by Bell I believe.

QUOTE

decent prices from IOPORT

Yes, they're prices are very good.

ioportracing.com

KT

[Andyrew]

Just autox?

ebay, cheep as dirt..

DE+ ?

Watch ebay.. look for a sa 2005 aproved.. and stores...

I bet craigslist could have them as well.

[DanT]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/agree.gif)
I purchased a Pyrotect from IOPORT in January. Good price.
Yes, Pyrotect is made by Bell.
Ken Meyer the owner of IOPORT is a former 914 racecar pilot.
Nice guy and really wants you to get the right helmet for your application.
I have been buying harnesses and such from IOPORT for 15+ years now. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

[J P Stein]

You'll need a SA2000 minimim for the Parade.....also for PCA
AX locally. I gotta wander out to the shop & look at mine. I may need a new one. I like Bell, also. Open face.

[Randal]

Britain,

An approved open faced helmet is great for AutoX as they typically have a bigger opening so you can see better.

On the track a closed face helmet makes more sense given the possibilities that you might need the protection.

In any event I'd do some searching to find the best available unit, like the guys wear in F1 or NASCAR.

I mean why would you spend $20-$40K on a prepared car and then not spend it on the necessary safety equipment protecting the most important element, i.e., the driver?

[J P Stein]

Hay Randal.
Did I tell ya I hired Britain to put the hurt on youz guys at the Parade & WCC? We gots to get him some butt time in the car, but he'll have it by the WCC.

The pressure's on, Brit (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif)

[Britain Smith]

QUOTE (J P Stein @ Mar 20 2006, 11:04 PM)

Hay Randal. Did I tell ya I hired Britain to put the hurt on youz guys at the Parade & WCC? We gots to get him some butt time in the car, but he'll have it by the WCC. The pressure's on, Brit (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif)

Ah great...you have now gone and done it. I guess the cat's outta the bag.

-Britain

[Dave_Darling]

QUOTE (J P Stein @ Mar 20 2006, 09:14 PM)

You'll need a SA2000 minimim for the Parade.....

Unless they've changed the PCRs in the last two years, an M-rating is quite sufficient.

That said, you really ought to check with your local rules-meisters about what is acceptable for the different types of events you want to run. AutoX, DE, wheel-to-wheel, full-windshield car, open-front car, yadda yadda yadda.

Open-faced helmets are much more convenient and comfortable than full-face ones. They're usually also cheaper. And they offer less protection. Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chances...

--DD

[Downunderman]

Old school. Open face Sparco something or other meets all latest specs (and expensive, like abt US$500!). If the screen comes in Ratti goggles in the tupperware glovebox between the seats. They fit over the multi-focals.

[Terrance]

Sounds like you need something universal:

My recomendation, you should plan ahead for the future, so I would get the new SA2005 helmets so it will last atleast 10 years with most of the sanctions, PCA, SCCA, NASA......

I do like closed faced helmets since I prefer to have my chin protected in the event of a crash. I also like visors too, so if you decide to do any karting, open cockpit stuff, or eliminate the use of sunglasses. If you ever plan on doing any club racing, you must get a nomex lined helmet, Otherwise, the $150 motorcycle helmet will go down the drain and become useless.

I bought a SA2000 closed faced nomex lined helmet back in 2000, with the intention of using it just for autoxing. 5 years later, I've used it for SCCA, and PRC races, many autoxes, couple of rides in a Radical SR3, using my shifter kart, and soon, will be running my open cockpit 914-6.

So, plans do change, went from only needing an open faced helmet to needing a full faced with visor, and my $350 Bieffe helmet (now out of business) was well worth the money, and will last me another 5 more years.

I have 3 visors, 1 clear for indoor karting and stuff, 1 tinted for very bright days, and a yellow one I'm not sure why I bought.

Check with the following places for helmets:



Hope this helps.
UPRacing.com
Speedware Motorsports
OG Racing
CDOC
Wine Country Motorsports

[anthony]

I bought a $100 KBC off ebay for AX (snell M2000 rated). It fits well and I like it. You can get other KBCs for less than $50. Mine is like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=8047166152

I don't buy the argument that you need to spend big bucks on a helmet. As long as a helmet is snell M2000 or SA2000 rated, a $100 helmet isn't going to provide less protection than a $500 helmet. With higher end helmets you pay for exotic lightweight materials, etc. For AX where you ware the helmet for 20 minutes a day, weight doesn't matter as much.

[Joe Ricard]

OPen face will do ya. if you happen to cut the windshiled off you can always get a snap on face shield.

I have a M2000 full face and it is HOT made by Scorpion Very nice piece.
One good feature is a removeable liner. through it in the washer every other event in the summer.

[Randal]

QUOTE

Ah great...you have now gone and done it. I guess the cat's outta the bag.

That was a very well kept secret. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

[Randal]

QUOTE

Did I tell ya I hired Britain to put the hurt on youz guys at the Parade & WCC? We gots to get him some butt time in the car, but he'll have it by the WCC

You picked a good guy to hire. When Britain was down here he was doing very well with his racing, considering he didn't have a rocket underneath him.

But it looks like the rocket is ready to land. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/clap56.gif)