View Full Version : helmet recommendations
Hey all~
i'm finally going to track my car..but i just do not know which helmets to purchase?
do you guys have any recommendations??
i was looking at Bell's Sport III, m2 and M3..
any ideas? also, where do you guys get your helmets?
thanks a bunch,
jesse
Chris330Ci
10-15-2002, 03:32 PM
Bell M2. I got mine here: OG Racing (http://www.ogracing.com)
what made you guys to purchase what you have??
comfort? styling? safety?..etc?
If you can, try them out and buy the most comfortable one. You don't need a fancy helmet, just one that meets the specs you want.
btw, I am not sold on the need for an SA rated helmet in a car WITHOUT roll cage.
Originally posted by nate328Ci
btw, I am not sold on the need for an SA rated helmet in a car WITHOUT roll cage.
what do you mean by that?:dunno:
·clyde·
10-15-2002, 04:02 PM
Originally posted by nate328Ci
btw, I am not sold on the need for an SA rated helmet in a car WITHOUT roll cage.
After a lot of reflection, thought and research, I've moved into that camp as well...however, if you're going to attend track events that require SA...
·clyde·
10-15-2002, 04:03 PM
Originally posted by xs3x
what do you mean by that?:dunno:
Search the archives...there's a lot of good info and opinions with links to what the requirements for M and SA are.
Originally posted by xs3x
what do you mean by that?:dunno:
SA rated helmets are tested to be resistant to multiple impacts in the SAME place (a certain diameter roll bar, I believe), M helmets tested for multiple impacts in DIFFERENT places.
If you ride in a car with roll cage, you will notice that the harness often holds you in place with your head banging or very close to the roll cage. That is why drivers of caged cars need to use SA helmets, they are held against the cage by the harness.
In a street (uncaged) car, especially with stock belts, I don't think that that your extra money would make a difference...
Originally posted by nate328Ci
SA rated helmets are tested to be resistant to multiple impacts in the SAME place (a certain diameter roll bar, I believe), M helmets tested for multiple impacts in DIFFERENT places.
If you ride in a car with roll cage, you will notice that the harness often holds you in place with your head banging or very close to the roll cage. That is why drivers of caged cars need to use SA helmets, they are held against the cage by the harness.
In a street (uncaged) car, especially with stock belts, I don't think that that your extra money would make a difference...
cool..thanks for the detail:thumbup:
Chris330Ci
10-15-2002, 05:59 PM
Originally posted by xs3x
what made you guys to purchase what you have??
comfort? styling? safety?..etc?
I tried on a bunch of Simpson helmets and actually took a shot in the dark with the Bell. There was a group buy going on so I saved some $ and got the Bell. It actually fits better than the Simpson's did and I like the look better than the Simpson styling. It's also an SA rated helmet although that wasn't one of my reasons for getting it.
Okay, here's a question- M-rated helmets are morocycle rated and are less expensive than the SA-rated (automotive) helmets. So we *could* debate cost/benefit on these helmets and say that M's are good enough. Or we could be logical and say that this item could save our lives and what is a few extra bucks?
Originally posted by TD
Okay, here's a question- M-rated helmets are morocycle rated and are less expensive than the SA-rated (automotive) helmets. So we *could* debate cost/benefit on these helmets and say that M's are good enough. Or we could be logical and say that this item could save our lives and what is a few extra bucks?
Nice speculation, but you haven't made an arguemnt on why SA helmets are beneficial for cars WITHOUT roll cages.
I guess you could say that they have fire protection, but you aren't wearing a full suit are you?
Originally posted by ___lk___
i just got one of these last month :D
http://www.beyondbikes.com/images/large/pneumo_usps.jpg
...although i'm not dumb enough to take my daily driver to a track, i am dumb enough to take long rides on the sleepy country roads of Southern NJ... :rolleyes:
why do you think its dumb to take your daily driver to track?:dunno:
bluer1
10-16-2002, 01:29 PM
Originally posted by nate328Ci
SA rated helmets are tested to be resistant to multiple impacts in the SAME place (a certain diameter roll bar, I believe), M helmets tested for multiple impacts in DIFFERENT places.
If you ride in a car with roll cage, you will notice that the harness often holds you in place with your head banging or very close to the roll cage. That is why drivers of caged cars need to use SA helmets, they are held against the cage by the harness.
In a street (uncaged) car, especially with stock belts, I don't think that that your extra money would make a difference...
Not entirely accurate, but close.
All multiple impact tests are the same, however, SA adds a multiple
impact test with the "roll bar" anvil.
Key differences are:
M - requires a larger field of vision, no roll bar anvil testing.
SA - requires a smaller field of vision, all M plus roll bar anvil testing and fireproofing testing.
There's also some minor difference in the face shield penetration
test - the SA can leave an indentation no greater than 2.5mm
where as the M simply states that the test pellet cannot penetrate
the shield.
My preference is generally to buy the best available, which is
arguably SA - however, having previously raced motorcycles,
I have a very difficult time giving up the increased field of view
afforded by M helmets. (And it doesn't hurt that I've already got
them, so it's a no cost option!)
And having previously binned motorcycles, I have a hard time
believeing that an M rated lid won't perform the same if subjected
to the "roll bar" anvil test.
Fireproofing, of course, is another issue entirely.
To date, I've just worn my M. (Arai)
hey guys..
some guy at DTMpower is selling his almost brand new helmet..but i don't know if its any good or not? its Snell 2000 approved M4?
good buy? :thumbup: or :thumbdwn:
here are the pictures..
?http://members.roadfly.com/j10bpb/all.jpg
http://members.roadfly.com/j10bpb/back.jpg
Originally posted by xs3x
hey guys..
some guy at DTMpower is selling his almost brand new helmet..but i don't know if its any good or not? its Snell 2000 approved M4?
good buy? :thumbup: or :thumbdwn:
here are the pictures..
?http://members.roadfly.com/j10bpb/all.jpg
http://members.roadfly.com/j10bpb/back.jpg
Look and fit are your choice. Just get one that meets the specs you need...
Check this place out
http://www.genuineaccessories.com/Closeout/closeout.htm
Good prices on Bell, I bought my helmet there for a great price...
Originally posted by nate328Ci
Look and fit are your choice. Just get one that meets the specs you need...
Check this place out
http://www.genuineaccessories.com/Closeout/closeout.htm
Good prices on Bell, I bought my helmet there for a great price...
what is the spec for basic track requirements? :dunno:
Originally posted by xs3x
what is the spec for basic track requirements? :dunno:
Depends on the organization :dunno:
I've heard of some that require an SA2000, but others will take M90s. Check with your group....
Originally posted by nate328Ci
Depends on the organization :dunno:
I've heard of some that require an SA2000, but others will take M90s. Check with your group....
Yup. Our chapter requires SA 98 or better for track. Anything for autox.
Originally posted by nate328Ci
Depends on the organization :dunno:
I've heard of some that require an SA2000, but others will take M90s. Check with your group....
like what's the safety ranks ?
like SA2000, Snell 2000, M90s..etc??
which one ranks the highest?
Originally posted by xs3x
like what's the safety ranks ?
like SA2000, Snell 2000, M90s..etc??
which one ranks the highest?
http://www.smf.org/faqs.html
Originally posted by nate328Ci
http://www.smf.org/faqs.html
so..snell certified includes all the others?? and if its Snell certified..it simply gives the best protection?:dunno:
Snell Program Certification Test Random Sample Test Prototype Snell Label
M2000,Motorcycle $940 $120 $215 $0.50
$0.55 cloth
SA2000, K-98 Racing $1,140 $120 $215 $1.00
$1.05 cloth
S-98, RS-98 Skiing and snowboarding $940 $120 $215 $0.50
$0.50 cloth
B-90, B-95 & N-94 Bicycle & Multisports $750 $120/$50 $150 $0.18
$0.16 pp
Harness Racing H2000 $820 $120 $215 $0.40
Snell M2000 with
DOT FMVSS 218 $1,500
DOT FMVSS 218 $940
LUNI2NZ
10-17-2002, 07:22 AM
I recently bought a Bell M2. SA2000 rating. I also tried the Simpson Super Voyager N. The Bell felt better. The Simpson had more room immediately in front of my mouth, but pinched my fat cheeks together too much. There was no difference in roof clearance in my car.
Got mine at Helmet City, www.helmetcity.com. Kyle is a great guy. Good prices.
Jay
bluer1
10-17-2002, 07:49 AM
Originally posted by xs3x
so..snell certified includes all the others?? and if its Snell certified..it simply gives the best protection?:dunno:
No - Snell is a separate certification.
It's got nothing to do with DOT, BSI, etc.
IMHO:
It's the only certification worth looking for, as it was (and may still
be), the only certification that pulls helmets from regular retail
channels for testing purposes. (As opposed to having them
submitted by manufacturers.)
There's different Snell ratings based on differents test sets which
are based on different applications. (ex.: bicycle helmets don't
typically get subjected to the forces that motorcycle helmets do, etc.)
Snell certification doesn't necessarily mean the best protection,
but it does mean "passed the most stringent tests."
And Snell certification crosses borders - where as DOT, etc. doesn't.
operknockity
10-17-2002, 08:33 AM
There've been some discussion of helmets in the General Forum (back before this forum was created... maybe the moderators can move those discussions here???).
Here are the pointer to two of them...
LA area guys looking for AutoX helmets and like Simpson (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8495)
When it comes to helmets, I'm a clueless newbie (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9931)
cool...thanks..i'm mostly likely going with the M2 because its SA 2000~
thanks for all your help! :thumbup:
Originally posted by xs3x
cool...thanks..i'm mostly likely going with the M2 because its SA 2000~
thanks for all your help! :thumbup:
Which is what I bought as well. Mostly because it was the least expensive full-face SA2000 helmet.
Originally posted by TD
Which is what I bought as well. Mostly because it was the least expensive full-face SA2000 helmet.
o yeah..did any of you buy an open face helmet?
the Mag-5 is also SA2000 approved..
I am thinking of going with the SR Pro as a compromise of open face ventilation with full face coverage.
http://members.roadfly.com/bren/SRPro.jpg
I see that everyone has gone with a helmet with a full shield....is there something I am missing here? Do you find that you have it up most of the time...or do you actually put it down? I can't figure out why in an enclosed car I would want the shield?
Originally posted by bren
I am thinking of going with the SR Pro as a compromise of open face ventilation with full face coverage.
http://members.roadfly.com/bren/SRPro.jpg
I see that everyone has gone with a helmet with a full shield....is there something I am missing here? Do you find that you have it up most of the time...or do you actually put it down? I can't figure out why in an enclosed car I would want the shield?
Mine is always up when it's on my head. I am seriously considering removing it.
·clyde·
10-17-2002, 01:18 PM
Originally posted by TD
Mine is always up when it's on my head. I am seriously considering removing it.
If you want to use your helmet at the karting events, shield down is a requirement.
scottn2retro
10-17-2002, 01:26 PM
which can be had for $75:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9331&highlight=bieffe
It has an M2000 rating so for my local chapter, I can autoX with until 2010. But I knew I wasn't going to track this car, just AutoX. If I want to track later, our chapter requires SA rated. There are other schools, however, that are okay with M rated helmets.
Roundel (wheel center decal) optional :D
scottn2retro
10-17-2002, 01:27 PM
Originally posted by Clyde@work
If you want to use your helmet at the karting events, shield down is a requirement.
Probably a good idea with Roadsters also :)
Originally posted by Clyde@work
If you want to use your helmet at the karting events, shield down is a requirement.
I didn't think about karting, hmm....what about sunglasses or goggles in-lieu of the shield? (I couldn't find this info on the NCC site)
·clyde·
10-17-2002, 06:52 PM
Originally posted by bren
I didn't think about karting, hmm....what about sunglasses or goggles in-lieu of the shield? (I couldn't find this info on the NCC site)
It was a requirement of the facility (AllsportsGP). I brought it up because at the last autocross TD and I were talking about the next karting event planned for this winter.
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