Let's talk about helmets

"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel) 01/27/2017 at 20:03 • Filed to: None

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What does Oppo like for helmets? Mine is nearing the end of its life and I am thinking that I should consider replacing it in the next few years.

I currently have a closed face Bell helmet which was passed down to me from my grandfather. He only used it for a few track days and my Dad and I have used it for a few events since I got it about a year ago (Dad’s helmet is expired so he uses mine where helmets are checked). It is still in perfect condition but it is Snell 2005 rated and given how long it has been since my grandfather did a track event I imagine it is at least 10 years old at this point (I haven’t checked the manufacture date).

While it hasn’t been used a ton up to this point I now have a fun car and plan on running as many events as possible. Snell 2005 still allows me to use it in SCCA autocrosses and rallycrosses until the 2020 standard comes out though it is now ineligible for much beyond that (not that it would be without HANS posts).

So that’s where I stand. My helmet needs to be replaced at some point in the next 3 years. It is still good for my current use but not for anything more. I would like to eventually become involved in stage rally at some point in the future but that won’t be until after I graduate as I can not compete in Formula Hybrid with my school if I have a competition license (a rule to keep teams from using trained drivers to gain an advantage in an engineering competition).

While I don’t have any issue with the closed helmet I prefer an open faced design. Future interests would require HANS posts and an intercom or the ability to fit an intercom. I’m still a ways away from replacing mine but thought I should start doing some research. Where does Oppo go to buy helmets? What does Oppo look for in helmets? Which helmets does Oppo like? Does Oppo recommend someone avoid specific makes or models?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/27/2017 at 20:07

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I have an Impact open face. I wish that I would have bought a closed face just to avoid the chipmunk cheeks

MonkeePuzzle > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/27/2017 at 20:09

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a recommend only models with broken chin straps

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/27/2017 at 20:15

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I have a G-Force pro eliminator, as does my father and wife. It’s a closed face and fairly light, and it passes all the regulations I need. Best of all it is relatively inexpensive, you can sometimes find new ones online for just under $200.

The BMWCCA group I run with does not allow open face helmets, and I’m kinda glad they don’t because 100mph rain hurts, and it’s nice to be able to just shut the visor to escape it.

jovimon7 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/27/2017 at 20:30

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Bell Sport SA2010, a bargain at $279.95 with free bag promo. Pre-drilled for HANS device and has forced air options to the top and chin bar. The owners manual shows a boom mike running beneath the foam exiting the side of the helmet. Bell offers cheaper SA2010 helmets but without the options.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/27/2017 at 21:23

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I only ride outdoors so I use motorcycle full face helmets. They usually don’t like those on tracks...

Dusty Ventures > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/27/2017 at 23:58

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I have a Peltor and I love it, even though it makes me look like a Spaceball. Comfortable, decent weight, good quality, and unlike with the Stilo units my mic is adjustable, so I can move it out of the way when I want to eat/drink something or need to yell at the stage crew.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Dusty Ventures 01/28/2017 at 00:26

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The new Peltors are comically huge. I really like my dad’s older model Peltor though.

Dusty Ventures > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/28/2017 at 00:38

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Me in the rally car

Gripevo1 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/28/2017 at 01:27

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Not sure of good closed faced options, as I only ever have owned closed face. Last year, I picked up a Racequip Pro15 (SA2015 rated) for under $200. It is super comfortable and doesnt fog up anywhere as near as my last helmet(an old Simpson SA2005). I highly recommend it.