What helmet for track use?

[gr8000]

Any recommendations? Choises, specs, materials, pros/cons, what to look for etc? I am a newby on making a choice on this...

I am not sure why I need one in an M3 (with all those airbags etc) but these are the "track rules" - fullstop. I can understand this requirement for racing cars (no airbags) so you don't bounce your head onto rollbars etc, but for a car such as the M3 with airbags poping out of every corner?!

Anyway, your swift response on this will be much appreciated as I need to go out and and get one in time for an event taking place on Sunday.

[03SG///M3]

I recommend Arai. Very light, well made and comfortable.

[SS32]

Airbags or not, a helmet is always a good idea. But I'm sure it's a regulation for insurance purposes. I have a Bell BR-1. I'm 6' 2" and I still fit under the roof with the helmet on. It's comfortable and fairly cool, too. Arai makes a great helmet, too, but they're pretty pricey.

[s4awd]

I just use my fullface motorcycle helmet. As long as it's DOT it should be fine. Unless you're driving with the top down or in an open wheel racer, there's no need for the expensive road racing helmets

[david @ eas]

I always recommend Simpson helmets. I've been using them for several years now (switched from Bell my first years of racing, and have been using Simpson for 5 years now).

Their helmets are always comfortable and look AMAZING.

PLUS, if you get the Raider Helmet by Simpson, you'll look like the STIG!


I personally like their Diamondback the best. Used it on the track before and it's awesome. I would highly suggest that

[aus]

Originally Posted by jurrian @ eas

Their helmets are always comfortable and look AMAZING.

PLUS, if you get the Raider Helmet by Simpson, you'll look like the STIG!

Now if it only made you drive like the Stig.

For the OP, any helmet would be fine, but you really need to try them on. I tried on at least 10 helmets before I picked on. Also make sure you can put your sunglasses on with the helmet on.

[gr8000]

Thanks very much guys, comments & swift responce are much appreciated.

Indeed I need to try some on but if I am to do that I would have to (i) get my ass off to a store here in Athens that has in stock a large variety from the brands you mentioned, (ii) subject myself to the usual selesman crap whereby the shitty stuff get off the door first (especially when they see that the buyer knows nothing) as if this is "the best helmet money can get", and last but not list (iii) pay a ridiculous price. That's the cons when doing your shopping in Athens, Greece. I definitely prefer (and I am) doing my shopping from the couch, but in this case I will not be able to try the helmets on which is a big con... Not only would I have to (gu)estimate may size, but I would also not be able to feel the real thing. Anyway, I will have to go through the excersise I am afraid...

Thanks again

[consolidated]

I use an Arai GP-5W with a peak visor instead of a faceshield, interchangable in case you get into an open cockpit car. Great hat, but expensive. I'd also recommend the new motorsports HJC helmets, nice quality for the price, the carbon lid looks great.

http://www.winecountrymotorsports.co...roducts_id=478

http://www.saferacer.com/hjc-hx10-au...productid=1194

http://www.saferacer.com/hjc-ar10-au...productid=1193

[captainaudio]

These guys have a good selection.

http://www.teamdi.com/#

I would never track a car without wearing a helmet. I would also recommend a HANS device.

CA

[jml]

+1 to safe racer.

This is a good time to buy a snell rated helmet. The SA2010 will be coming out shortly, so everyone will be trying to close out their SA2005 inventory.

Very highly rated brands:

Arai, HJC, Simpson.

I recently bought a Simpson Stingray Carbon at half price, and it is one of the most comfortable helmets I have ever worn. Removable interior as well. 2.9lbs.

[BCMPOWER]

The Bell Sport is very price conscience and good for an entry level racer. This is what I have for my occasional track days. http://www.bellracing.com/public/ind...ct/detail/206/

[aus]

Buying a helmet without trying it on is like buying shoes from an unknown brand without trying them on. It's crazy. I was ready to spend $500-600 on a helmet, but the one that fit me the best was a Bell that cost less than $350.
Just get an idea what they cost on-line and go try them out.

These guys have a large supply on hand and their prices are pretty good too, but I don't know if they'll ship international.

http://www.extremesupply.com/

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by aus

Buying a helmet without trying it on is like buying shoes from an unknown brand without trying them on. It's crazy. I was ready to spend $500-600 on a helmet, but the one that fit me the best was a Bell that cost less than $350.
Just get an idea what they cost on-line and go try them out.

These guys have a large supply on hand and their prices are pretty good too, but I don't know if they'll ship international.

http://www.extremesupply.com/

You absolutly have to try it on. The web sites are strcitly for research purposes.

CA

[Patricius]

I have a Stand21 helmet. Incredibly light and comfortable.... but be prepared to shell out some dough.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by Patricius

I have a Stand21 helmet. Incredibly light and comfortable.... but be prepared to shell out some dough.

A racing buddy of mine says "If your head is worth $50 buy a $50 helmet"

CA

[R68]

Your head shape will determine which helmet you need more than anything. Buy what fits properly and is most comfortable. All the brands mentioned above are great products.

[Patricius]

Originally Posted by captainaudio

A racing buddy of mine says "If your head is worth $50 buy a $50 helmet"

CA

With the extra lenses and shipping it was right around $1,300. I wanted the lightest and coolest helmet under $2k. At the time, the Stand21 was it.

The Stand21 HANS device was around $1,500 (perhaps more) if I recall correctly. I haven't made that jump - not that serious about tracking (yet). EDIT: The Stand21 HANS device is also illegal in the USA. If I do get one, I won't be advertising it :P

[signes]

Originally Posted by R68

Your head shape will determine which helmet you need more than anything. Buy what fits properly and is most comfortable. All the brands mentioned above are great products.

+1 all the way. I have a relatively long face and found the Arai fit best. I found they also seem to have the best construction and technology, followed closely by Bell. Have not seen Stand21 helmets but have used their suits, gloves etc and they are by far my favorite for that.

[Robin_NL]

For trackdays I use a open face helmet but a black one, like this, this is a Peltor, rallystyle.

[gr8000]

Originally Posted by Patricius

The Stand21 HANS device was around $1,500 (perhaps more) if I recall correctly. I haven't made that jump - not that serious about tracking (yet). EDIT: The Stand21 HANS device is also illegal in the USA. If I do get one, I won't be advertising it :P

I am totaly ignorant on this obviously, but these Stand21 guys seem to know what they are doing... wow! After some spec reading of the major brands you guys have suggested here, I think this really stands out of the crowd. At least that's my uneducated read.

Anyone else had experience with Stand21?

[Forged]

Originally Posted by 03SG///M3

I recommend Arai. Very light, well made and comfortable.

good choice

[Patricius]

Stand21 offer the lightest and strongest helmets out there, unless you pay $6,000+ for a Schuberth (F1) helmet.