Has anyone purchased a helmet?

[martyo]

Okay folks, while this thread will likely be less exciting than the politically oriented or the "big brother is watching you!" threads which keep popping up, I need some help.

With the thought that I may actually get out of the office once or twice this summer to run at the track, I have started looking at purchasing a helmet.

Some of the helmets are pricey and some are reasonable. I am not clear what goes into the cost.

Also, what is the difference between Snell SA 2000 and Snell M 2000 compliance? Is it just that the "SA" designated helmets are fire retardant? Are both of these designations acceptable at an NHRA certified track like Indy?

Should I go with a closed face helmet or will an open helmet be more suitable? (I do wear glasses when I drive).

Is there anything else that I need to know?

Thanks for any help you can give me!!

[CRUZTAKER]

This is the one I will be getting from Summit today. I've got this thing about buying used....it's like wearing another mans shoes.....:puke:

Bell open face SFI 31.1@ $209, used to be onsale for like $153....:(

INFO:
"Comfortable and safe.
Helmet, Mag 4, Racer, Open Face, Snell SA 2000/SFI 31.1, Medium, Black, Each

The Mag 4 helmets give you Snell SA 2000 protection, plus the comfort and classic look of Bell's open face design. The helmets have a strong Kevlar chinstrap and ThermoFlex™ shell, which combines hand-laid lamination and thermo-set resin for strength. The interior of the helmets features a fire-resistant, high-performance fabric. They're available in white and black."

[CRUZTAKER]

The NHRA rules state the following....

"Drivers in all 13.99 (*8.59) or quicker cars, and Dune buggy type vehicles running 14.00 (*8.60) seconds or slower must wear a helmet meeting SNELL 85, 90 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1 or 41.2 Specs or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs. Driver's in supercharged front-engine open-bodied cars must wear a helmet meeting SNELL SA95, SA90 or SFI 31.1 or 31.2 Specs or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs. See General Regulations 10.7."

REG.10.7.

As outlined under Class Requirements, drivers in all classes must wear a helmet meeting SNELL or SFI Specifications or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs.

SFI Spec 31.1 = SNELL SA, open-face helmet.

SFI Spec 31.2 = SNELL SA, full-face helmet.

SFI Spec 41.1 = SNELL M, open-face helmet.

SFI Spec 41.2 = SNELL M, full-face helmet.

Drivers of ET cars (13.99 or quicker) must use a helmet meeting SNELL 85, 90, 95 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1, or 41.2 Specs. Exception : drivers of open bodied, supercharged, front-engine cars must use a helmet meeting SNELL SA90, SA95 or SFI 31.1 or 31.2 Specs. Effective 1-1-2002, the acceptance of SNELL 85 helmets will be discontinued.

Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car must use a helmet meeting SNELL SA90, SA95 or SFI 31.2 Specs, except as noted under Class Requirements. Effective 1-1-2002, the acceptance of SA90 helmets will be discontinued. See Class Requirements.

Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an "open face" helmet, must wear protective goggles. Modifications to helmet/visor/shield are prohibited. All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.

[martyo]

[b]Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an "open face" helmet, must wear protective goggles. Modifications to helmet/visor/shield are prohibited. All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.

I take this to mean an open face helmet like you picked is acceptable.

The Bell RS-5 is like the one you picked, only it is a full face version. Any thoughts on the benefits/detriments of that?

[CRUZTAKER]

Yessir....the spec 31.1 open face is the affordable acceptable way to go.:up:

The only exception is if you are racing open cockpit and you must add the visor or gogles.

I am gonna have my airbrush friend do some neat graphics on it as well.:cool:

[dwasson]

Go with the closed face helmet because it allows for a open casket funeral.

[JET]

Marty,
Open faced is what I got. I bought it at Morosa Race Track in Florida. For what we are doing a open face basic helmet is fine. Even if you running in the 11's the likely hood of flipping your car is slim. If you are totally obsesed with safety buy a closed face helmet.
jet

[martyo]

Go with the closed face helmet because it allows for a open casket funeral.

What a weenie!

[martyo]

I am gonna have my airbrush friend do some neat graphics on it as well.:cool:


{color me jealous!}

[O's Fan Rich]

Marty,
Back when I was allowed to ride motorcycles..... :bigcry:
I bought the full face unit from Shoei, on sale for $300.00.
I wear my glasses once and awhile, and there is no problems, I always wore my sunglasses under the sheild too, except at night of course.
I'd go full face.
Wanna buy my helmet? Trade? We both got big heads, so it should fit!

[martyo]

Trade?

For what? Can I give you Todd??

[Donny Carlson]

For what? Can I give you Todd??
He'll take Todd and $300.

[Logan]

I'll post a pic of my Black Full-face MM.net helmet I did up. I just used a Black HJC Full Face w/visor. With the mm.net logo's on there, I'm a complete badass. ;)

[dwasson]

He'll take Todd and $300.

Or $250 and you keep Todd.

[sailsmen]

I got mine from JC Whitney Snell approved, open faced for $80+. Well made and very pleased w/ it.

[Haggis]

Should I go with a closed face helmet or will an open helmet be more suitable?


Marty for our sake go with a Closed Face helmet, Thanks. :P

[Haggis]

I've got this thing about buying used....it's like wearing another mans shoes.....:puke:


Another reason to buy new is, the padding inside the helmet needs to be broke in to fit your head. If you buy a used helmet it has already been fitted to someone elses head and the fit might not be as snug.

I will have to see if my MC helmets meet the requirements for NHRA.???

[martyo]

Okay, okay, now that everyone has taken their shots at me, look at the info I gathered:

This was taken from the www.soloracer.com website:

HELMET RATINGS

SA Rated Helmets:
Snell "SA" (Sports Application) rated professional helmets are designed for auto racing and provide extreme impact resistance and higher fire protection.

M Rated Helmets:
Snell "M" (Motorcycle) rated helmets are designed for motorcycling and other motorsports. They offer slightly less protection than SA rated helmets.

Key differences between SA and M Rated Helmets (from Snell website):

SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not.
SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not.
SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets aren't street legal)

GENERAL INFO
At SoloRacer.com, we recommend full-faced (closed) helmets to all our customers. Not only do these helmets provide better protection for your face and head in general, they may also reduce the possibility of spinal column injuries in head-on collisions. The helmets "chin protector" will strike the sternum (breastbone) and limit the head's forward movement, especially when used with a contoured (not round or U shaped) neck support - we recommend these to all customers.


AUTOCROSS HELMETS
As we mentioned earlier, an open face M or SA rated helmet will work fine for autocross. When considering your purchase however, try to envision what type of events you may do in the future. Many autocrossers will eventually participate in high speed driving schools and track events. In this case, we would NEVER recommend an open face helmet, period. The extra protection a full-faced helmet provides is more than worth the extra cost. Many autocrossers prefer open face helmets thinking they offer better outward vision, not realizing there are several full face helmets available with large eyeports.

ROAD AND DRAG RACING HELMETS
For high speed events such as driving schools, lapping days, and so on, we recommend a quality full face helmet, no exceptions. Most organizations will allow an M rated helmet, but check with the groups you'll be running with beforehand. For wheel to wheel racing, an SA rated helmet will be required.

[martyo]

Oh yeah, and for those of you that wonder why I am so concerned about all this, remember I make a living using my head, so I need to protect it!!

[JamesHecker]

I got the same helmet cruz did. It's more comfortable than the full face helmets I have for riding mortorcycles. I feel the open face is sufficient for inside the car, but I did get a kick out of dwasson's comment :)

[CRUZTAKER]

They have a few to choose from, and yes $59 to$79.
Problem is, they do not state manufacturer, nor it's safety rating.

Occationally helmets are inspected at a NHRA rule track. If these don't have the compliance ratings on them, they are useless.

[O's Fan Rich]

I will have to see if my MC helmets meet the requirements for NHRA.???

I thought real Harley guys didn't wear helmets!
Isn't there also a 5 tattoo minimum or something?

Marty, no need to buy my helmet.... I may be able to get another bike. I heard that hell was due to freeze or something.

[TAF]

Marty...I got the pic of the helmet you ordered....uh...you might want to reconsider...

http://www.bits-a-bikes.co.uk/media/pink-punk.jpg

[BillyGman]

LOL........:baaa:

[Haggis]

I thought real Harley guys didn't wear helmets!
Isn't there also a 5 tattoo minimum or something?

Marty, no need to buy my helmet.... I may be able to get another bike. I heard that hell was due to freeze or something.

Yea I know State law and all that crap and I don't need no stinking tatoo. Hell frezzing over (?) I thought gas prices had dropped.

[Paul T. Casey]

:mad2: DAMMMMMM..., I so wanted that pink boa hat that Todd showed!

[MM03MOK]

10.5 HELMET

Drivers in all 13.99 (*8.59) or quicker cars, and Dune buggy type vehicles running 14.00 (*8.60) seconds or slower must wear a helmet meeting SNELL 85, 90 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1 or 41.2 Specs or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs. Driver's in supercharged front-engine open-bodied cars must wear a helmet meeting SNELL SA95, SA90 or SFI 31.1 or 31.2 Specs or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs. See General Regulations 10.7.


General Regulations
10.7 HELMETS & GOGGLES
As outlined under Class Requirements, drivers in all classes must wear a helmet meeting SNELL or SFI Specifications or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs.

SFI Spec 31.1 = SNELL SA, open-face helmet.

SFI Spec 31.2 = SNELL SA, full-face helmet.

SFI Spec 41.1 = SNELL M, open-face helmet.

SFI Spec 41.2 = SNELL M, full-face helmet.

Drivers of ET cars (13.99 or quicker) must use a helmet meeting SNELL 85, 90, 95 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1, or 41.2 Specs. Exception : drivers of open bodied, supercharged, front-engine cars must use a helmet meeting SNELL SA90, SA95 or SFI 31.1 or 31.2 Specs. Effective 1-1-2002, the acceptance of SNELL 85 helmets will be discontinued.

Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car must use a helmet meeting SNELL SA90, SA95 or SFI 31.2 Specs, except as noted under Class Requirements. Effective 1-1-2002, the acceptance of SA90 helmets will be discontinued. See Class Requirements.

Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an "open face" helmet, must wear protective goggles. Modifications to helmet/visor/shield are prohibited. All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.

http://www.jr333.com/nhrarules.htm

[CRUZTAKER]

Hey Mary....I posted that info in post #3.:rolleyes:

He,he....anyway, Summit is sold out and backordered on that Bell 31.1 helmet.

Sooo, I went to our local motorcycle speed shop and picked up an HJC CL-31. It meets DOT and Snell M2000 criteria. It has the rating 41.1 which is just fine for my application. The only difference from the Bell 31.1 is the fire rating.

This helmet is acceptable for n/a cars using standard race fuel, and not containing a roll bar. I paid $84....what a deal.:up:

[MarauderMike]

Take a look at RacerWholesale. Bell , Gforce, Simpson.

http://www.racerwholesale.com/

[sailsmen]

They have a few to choose from, and yes $59 to$79.
Problem is, they do not state manufacturer, nor it's safety rating.

Occationally helmets are inspected at a NHRA rule track. If these don't have the compliance ratings on them, they are useless.

JC Whtney sell dozens of different helmets. The ones you posted are not the Snell M2000 that I bought on sale for $59.99.

Do a search on JC Whitney for "SNELL-CERTIFIED DUAL-VENTED OPEN-FACE HELMETS"

[Rob1559]

Would you buy a supercharger from JC Whitney? So why put your head in one of their egg shells?

I wear an Arai Quantum F when I ride my ZRX1100. It was expensive but I only have one noggin'.

You should go to a reputable motorcycle shop or two and try on various brands such as Arai, Shoei, Icon, AGV. A high quality helmet will cost at $300.00. You may get an Icon for less.

Below is from the Arai Helmet site:

As head injuries account for the majority of serious motorcycle injuries, you know head protection is critically important. Yet, as you try to select from among the many brands of motorcycle helmets available, you may find the claims confusing. It's easy enough to choose between colors and styles, but the real purpose of a helmet is to protect your head in an accident.

The best helmet may not guarantee survival in all accident situations, but on the basis of ongoing research done by the Snell Memorial foundation since 1957, a Snell-certified helmet is indisputably better in severe impact conditions than one not meeting this standard. In fact, Snell requirements are among the most stringent in the world - much more stringent than the legal D.O.T. standard.

To receive Snell certification, helmets are tested in four performance areas; Energy Management, Environmental Resistance, Retention System, and Quality Control. In other words, Snell tests the helmet's ability to shrug off all of the things likely to happen to it prior to and during an actual crash. Snell constantly selects examples - at random in the marketplace - of certified helmets to test for compliance with the Standard. On the other hand, helmets meeting only the minimum D.O.T. requirements can be self- certified by the manufacturer, with possibly no outside testing, which can lead to wide discrepancies in performances.

Think about it, if you're going to wear a helmet at all doesn't it make sense to wear one that meets the best standard available - Snell.

All Arai helmets easily meet or exceed both Snell and D.O.T. standards. (NOTE: the Snell Standard does not cover the Rockguard in two-piece off-road helmets. In one-piece, full-face models, the Standard covers the Chinbar for deflection only.)



As a service, we direct your attention to the important labels contained inside your Arai helmet. One of these is the label sewn into the padded liner, as seen above. Your helmet will also have the Snell-certification label glued to the liner inside. We strongly urge you to read and understand these before wearing your Arai helmet.

[MM03MOK]

Hey Mary....I posted that info in post #3.:rolleyes:

He,he....fuelThe pink boa blinded me!! ;)

[CRUZTAKER]

I'll agree Rob, but this thread is about helmets as required to drag race.

Personally, I don't need a $300 to $600 helmet to wear in one of the safest crash tested cars with air bags on all sides. This post is for the occational drag strip racer...not those required for rice crotch rockets.

[sailsmen]

J. C. Whitney does not make the helmet. I would not buy an S/C or anything for that matter made by JCW.

[Rob1559]

Hey, HEy, HEY! Barry saying I ride a "rice crotch rocket" is like me saying you drive a Trablant! :lol:

Here is a my ZRX next to the Marauder in the worlds messiest and most crowded garage. Notice how you have to sit up to ride it. It is "An Adult Superbike" thank you!

[CRUZTAKER]

is like me saying you drive a Trablant!A what ? WTF is Trablant???? Making up words ehh....flattery will get you everywhere!

BTW: If it looks like rice, smells like rice, and tastes like rice....it's rice dude.:cool:

[Rob1559]

Barry, my mistake. It is Trabant. The finest that the Eastern Bloc had to offer. No rice allowed!
Here is your Trabant.

[teamrope]

Barry, my mistake. It is Trabant. The finest that the Eastern Bloc had to offer. No rice allowed!
Here is your Trabant.
HOLLY BREAK CHECK BATMAN!

Get thay POS out of the hammer lane!

[teamrope]

I thought helmets wern't required till you got down to the 13's?

[CRUZTAKER]

I thought helmets wern't required till you got down to the 13's?

The NHRA rules state the following....
"Drivers in all 13.99 (*8.59) or quicker cars, and Dune buggy type vehicles running 14.00 (*8.60) seconds or slower must wear a helmet meeting SNELL 85, 90 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1 or 41.2 Specs or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs.
That's what we're talking about teamrope. Those of us running 13's need helmets for this years events.;)

[martyo]

That's what we're talking about teamrope. Those of us running 13's need helmets for this years events.;)

Actually Barry, some of the tracks require helmets for all drivers (that's the way it is at Englishtown and Atco in New Jersey, for instance).

Those tracks do offer rentals, but when you get to thinking about the fact that guys like BillyGMan may have previously worn the same helmet as you, it can start to, um, uh, make you a bit queasy.... :puke:

[Brutus]

My Helmet........

http://www.helmetdepot.com/helmets/q3r/q3r/q33.gif

[teamrope]

That's what we're talking about teamrope. Those of us running 13's need helmets for this years events.;)
Well, I'm not there yet. MrsTeamrope has no problem spending $600 for de-badging, but has a hard time gettin off the $100 for a set of Densos!

[teamrope]

Actually Barry, some of the tracks require helmets for all drivers (that's the way it is at Englishtown and Atco in New Jersey, for instance).
Sounds like you run on some wussie tracks! :P

[MICA Racing]

I use an Arai when I'm racing the F2000 or Porsche. Always go with closed face - the protection is not only better because your face is covered, but it also keeps the helmet from rotating on your head in an accident. Even if an open-faced helmet is properly attached to your noodle, it does not have anything around the chin area to help keep it from rotating forward and down in an accident, leaving the back of your head exposed. I have a friend recovering from a basilar skull fracture suffered in a Porsche 930 Turbo race car, the same injury was what killed Dale Earnhart Sr. and others. He is lucky to be alive; he had a full face on and it still rotated some, allowing his head to contact the rollcage structure behind the drivers' seat. The only drawback is that the full-face helmet doesn't ventilate (obviously) as well as an open face, but you'll only have the visor down for around 30 seconds to a minute before you can flip it back up for more air and less heat. I ran my Arai ($600 and well worth it) with no helmet cooling ductwork inside a 165 degree Porsche 911 GT3 cockpit for over an hour and a half and lived to tell about it. I also ran in the Mosler MT900R (think Saleen S7 but faster and a better chassis) at Moroso in the middle of summer for two days in a row, there was no helmet cooler provision, and it was hot but I ran 6 hours with no problems.

Remember when buying a helmet that what fits one person best won't fit you best. Arai, Shoei, Bell, Simpson, and others make good helmets in a vast range of prices that you should try on before settling on one. The price, once you get over around $200.00, is more in regards to lighter weight and greater comfort than anything regarding greater safety. Try on a few helmets, and find one that fits snugly but doesn't cause any pain, and go with what works for you.

[jrzygrl]

Oh yeah, and for those of you that wonder why I am so concerned about all this, remember I make a living using my head, so I need to protect it!!

Are you suggesting the rest of us use something else when we work?? ;)

I've got a full face for my dirt bike, it's very restrictive visually, but glasses do fit under it fine.

[martyo]

Well, I finally selected and purchased a helmet.

This is what i came up with:

http://www.thebellstore.com/images/Auto/SportIIIBk.jpg

I am really happy with it. The fit is great -- I can get my glasses off and on. And, although less important, it looks good too.

[cyclone03]

Well, I finally selected and purchased a helmet.

This is what i came up with:

http://www.thebellstore.com/images/Auto/SportIIIBk.jpg

I am really happy with it. The fit is great -- I can get my glasses off and on. And, although less important, it looks good too.

well it does cover your face,so it looks good to us too.
Sorry had to beat Todd to this one!

[martyo]

well it does cover your face,so it looks good to us too.

A public service to my fellow racers. :gunfire:

[TAF]

well it does cover your face,so it looks good to us too.
Sorry had to beat Todd to this one!I hope the shield is nice, and tinted dark though. (thought I'd "pile-on" a bit)

[cyclone03]

I hope the shield is nice, and tinted dark though. (thought I'd "pile-on" a bit)

You have no idea of the pride I'm feeling beating you to a MartyO slam. :banana:

[Joe Walsh]

All the RICERS that I see at the track where a baseball cap backwards or better yet, sideways...Are either NHRA approved??? Oh Wait...they never run quicker than 16.00, so NHRA does not apply!!! :hotrice: :rofl:

[cyclone03]

:duel:
All the RICERS that I see at the track where a baseball cap backwards or better yet, sideways...Are either NHRA approved??? Oh Wait...they never run quicker than 16.00, so NHRA does not apply!!! :hotrice: :rofl:


:duel: :party: :cheer: :rock: