Shopping for helmet. This is getting real fast. (updated)

"3ch0" (UsedToBe3ch0) 07/06/2014 at 22:35 • Filed to: None

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YouTube videos and Jalopnik are great, but at some point, the rubber needs to meet the track. And so, I am at the crossroads: do I get a helmet?

(Update : Let me be clear, the decision here is to go to track days/lapping. I do not have a choice on the helmet part if I do go 0n track. I've made this clearer below. )

Sounds simple enough of a decision. But for most armchair drivers, this is the one buy that means they've crossed into the real world implications of being a car nut and going to the track. So far, all they've needed to do was enjoy the banter here, go karting, maybe attend one or two driving classes (winter and summer in my case). They never really commit to anything aside from blowing away some douche at the red light, enjoying the onramps like a champ and fooling around with Dynolicious on your phone to record awesome data from that highway merge that no one cares about.

But getting a helmet means you are declaring to the world that you are officially dedicated to driving fast(er) and that you plan on spending some quality time at the track. These words mean absolutely nothing to your spouse, family and most of your friends. I mean, you do need to bring it home and store it somewhere (I'll give up the golf shoes I don't use honey!). And every time your significant other sees it, she is reminded that you'd rather spend a day hunting cones and almost-not-missing apexes than reading good book.

I am in need of your expert excuses here people. Because, I have read at least two helmet comparos in the last few minutes, and the want is getting the better of me...

jkm7680 > 3ch0 07/06/2014 at 22:50

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Just think of it that you're on an "enclosed four wheel motorcycle," it's all for your safety. You'd rather be safe than sorry even in a car. Get one, it's a good idea.

tromoly > 3ch0 07/06/2014 at 22:50

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Do NOT purchase a helmet before physically trying it on. Just because that Simpson helmet is what the Stig uses does NOT mean it fits your head.

Yelling aside, find your local racing equipment shop and explain what you're looking for in a helmet, pick their brains and try on as many models as possible to find one that fits your head. Comfort is the #2 thing when buying a helmet (after proper ratings, of course), get as much help as possible and you'll be very happy in the end.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > 3ch0 07/06/2014 at 22:51

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If you can afford it, go for it, no excuses needed!

XJDano > 3ch0 07/06/2014 at 23:16

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purchase motorcycle, purchase dual purpose helmet.

Win. Win.

Like tromoly said try some on.

Some at the Harley Davidson shop may be Snell rated. Do not buy a helmet if it isn't rated for what you may want to before the certification expires. Not sure what you'll be doing in 5 years, but I'm due for another Snell rated helmet.

The HJC one I got runs $150 or so. Good enough for auto-x.

Also put that thing on during your daily commute, they will laugh, but you will always be safer.

Porsche924GTR > 3ch0 07/06/2014 at 23:17

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Stick with a major brand. Look at what the pros are wearing for a start. Stilo, Bell, Stand21, etc. Weight is also a factor, the lighter it is, the less mass that will be moving in an impact. It makes a difference. While you are trying to protect your skull - don't forget the Neck it is attached to. Which brings us to:

HANS - Get the posts on the helmet and a HANS device.

Which means you need a harness.

Which means you will need a roll bar to mount the harness.

Which means you need a proper race seat, brackets and mount for anti-submarining strap.

Now you are ready to get on a track, welcome to the expensive hobby of track driving.

3ch0 > jkm7680 07/06/2014 at 23:29

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If I do go racing/lapping, I am getting a helmet, don't worry. The tracks within reach make it mandatory.

3ch0 > tromoly 07/06/2014 at 23:30

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Fully agreed, I am not buying online. And with this head, I HAVE to try them on.

3ch0 > XJDano 07/06/2014 at 23:32

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Snell 2010 or more!

I would need a GoPro to record other driver's reactions for that last suggestion.

3ch0 > Porsche924GTR 07/06/2014 at 23:33

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All I read there was track car. One day!

XJDano > 3ch0 07/06/2014 at 23:49

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There rerate them every 5 years then not sure when they expire. Mine is a 2005, so it may expire next year at 10 years, or already at 5 years in 2010. Although I bought it in 08.

It still works for the motorcycle.

Porsche924GTR > 3ch0 07/07/2014 at 00:39

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There are a lot of great helmets - and a lot of crap. Just because it is SA2010 certified - doesn't make it great. It just meets a minimum specification. As someone said before - it must fit your head well. Not all helmets are made for the same size head. Try one on. Don't just order off the internet - go find the proper size and try them on. Look at weight - it will matter from a fatigue stand point as well as if in an accident. Look at features last, depending on what you plan on doing - the helmet may have features you may want. Get the best helmet you can afford. And get some type of neck restraint. If you can't get a proper seat/bar/harness....there is one that can be run in a regular belt, the Simpson R3.

...and get a full face helmet!

Premium Brands: Stilo, Bell, Arai, OMP, Simpson, Sparco

Bargain Brand: GForce, HJC

Super Bargain brand: Pyrotech, Zamp

Don't be fooled by the "premium brands" they make a wide range of helmets from Pro Level to Beginner - and prices that match both.

I started with a Bell Sport and moved to the Stilo ST4. Unbelievable difference!

BoulderZ > 3ch0 07/07/2014 at 01:31

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Buy according to the specs (SA, M, Snell, DOT, EU, ANSI) you need to meet, or might want in the near future. Actually read the specs and the discussions about them (disclosure: super boring but necessary). Get the features you need (e.g. don't need a forced cool air vent? Don't buy it.). Everything after that is paying for style (which is not without value) or "nice to have" items. As others said: buy in person. Tiny, tiny details of fit can turn a good helmet in to a torture device. And open-face is foolish, at best.

MINI COOPER POWAH! > 3ch0 07/07/2014 at 10:23

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Ive got a post on this if you check my kinja (i work for OG racing, prob the biggest safety supplier in the US) if you have any questions on brands and etc ill be glad to help!