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      06-18-2010, 05:27 PM   #1
OLEK135i
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Helmet for track sessions

Looking to start into some track time and need an inexpensive helmet for starters (don't want to shell out a lot until I know I will be doing this a lot). I am looking at two helmets, one of which is a motorcycle helmet. Does it matter if it is a motorcycle helmet? Curious what the forum thinks of these two helmets:
Bell
Apex Double-Crossed Helmet (motorcycle)
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ed-Helmet.aspx
Bell Sport
http://www.bellracing.com/public/ind...ct/detail/206/
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      06-18-2010, 05:34 PM   #2
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You'd be better off getting a Snell SA2005 certified helmet for auto racing. Many track time organizations will not allow you on the track wearing a Snell M certified motorcycle helmet.

Last edited by bluemoon; 06-18-2010 at 06:35 PM..
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      06-18-2010, 05:48 PM   #3
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You definitely want to get an "SA 2005" certified helmet (or the newer SA 2010 standard). The most important difference between the "SA" standard and the "M" (motorcycle) and "K" (karting) standards is that the SA is the only one of those that requires flammability tests. In a motorcycle crash or kart crash you most likely won't get stuck in the vehicle if it's on fire, but in a car that is a serious concern, and no legitimate driving school or track event will allow you to use a helmet which isn't flame retardant.

Hope this helps.
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      06-18-2010, 09:27 PM   #4
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Wallmart is your friend, they have what you need, and they dont look to bad, just go to the auto section and look by the motorcycle stuff... Its where I picked up my last one, worked great, and certified.


EDIT - most tracks I have been too, the loaner helmets look like they were 20 years old with the insides falling out and smelt of old sweat and beer... At this point I bought my own. As long as it fits, most places will allow any type, full face or open. At least in my experiences.
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      06-18-2010, 10:37 PM   #5
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I concur to check the regulations, im just stating my experiences of past...

All of my track events have been in the states, and not one event has checked helmets...

Maybe its just the South East, and West where I have been too, but seeing as all tracks are NHRA tracks and they didnt check lids, I dont see it as that big a concern. Im talking about Carolina Raceway, Darlington, Road Atlanta, Carolina Motorsports Park, and Rocky Mnt Raceway in Utah, and Vegas International.
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      06-18-2010, 11:05 PM   #6
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I was referring to Road courses as well as drag strips, hence Carolina Motorsports park, and Road Atlanta... No bigie though, we all get the point, check with regulating authority to be sure.
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      06-23-2010, 04:55 AM   #7
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PCA national rules require SA or M current or previous certification. That means don't buy a M/SA 2000. We are still recognizing the 2000s since M/SA 2010s are not out yet. That is a National rule, regions are able to go stricter and we have gone only slightly stricter. Once you have a cage in your car or are an advanced driver, you can't use an M helmet. This brings you to the other significant difference, multiple impacts (SA), vs single impact, both are conducted with the anvil test. I believe this rule is more important since we do not require fire suits and fires, even in full on race cars have been extremely low. I would not do this sport without some sort of head and neck restraint.
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      06-23-2010, 07:51 AM   #8
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DO NOT GO TO WALMART. That's horrible advice. Dime helmet for a dime head...

You'll need a minimum of M2000 for most clubs, and some (few) require SA rated helmets. As far as I know, the 2010 rated (M and SA) helmets are not due until this fall, due a rethinking of the rating system. After they kept on adding rigidity to the standard over the past 20 years, they've found that they're too rigid, and do not have enough give. Because of that, Snell had asked for additional time to re-review how helmets should perform during a variety of impacts.

Also the date 2000/2005/etc is important. Most clubs allow the current model, minus one... So, until the 2010's get certified, you can still use a 2000, but as soon as they come out, then the minimum standard will be 2005.

Lastly, fitment is one of the single most important things. A helmet should be pretty snug, and squeeze your cheeks a bit. You should not be able to rotate it on your head at all, BUT it should be fairly comfortable. Consider an open face helmet, if you will be doing events in the heat. I've overheated in a closed face helmet a few times, and it is no fun.

If you do buy a closed face helmet, get rid of the visor immediately. There's really no need for it in track events, unless you are in an open cockpit car.

So visit a speed shop to compare fitment, even if you don't buy it there (though it is nice to support local struggling businesses).

Btw, it is the running CLUB's policy, on a road course, that set the helmet requirements, not the venue's.
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      06-23-2010, 10:43 AM   #9
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Thanks for all the advice. I decided to go with the BELL SPORT SA2005 RACING HELMET and a G-FORCE 360 NOMEX HELMET SUPPORT. This seemed to me to be the most cost effective as I venture into the sport. I should receive it tomorrow.
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      06-23-2010, 11:59 AM   #10
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Yes go to wallmart, or wherever you can find one, if its approved who the fuck cares where it comes from... Smug people will lead you away from simple solutions.
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      06-23-2010, 12:52 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel135i View Post
Yes go to wallmart, or wherever you can find one, if its approved who the fuck cares where it comes from... Smug people will lead you away from simple solutions.
First of all, it's Wal-Mart, not wallmart, just like it's not overstearing or understearing, unless you are riding or blowing a cow, Dan. Is that what you do?(Apologies, it was low hanging fruit - literally)

Second, Wal-Mart once sold a Bell Zephyr helmet, years ago, and no longer do. They listed it as a bicycle helmet for ages 12 and up, if I recall. So, do not go to Wal-Mart. My suggestion about trying them on at a local speed shop is what experts recommend, because of help with proper fitment... Helmets are not just some regulation to try to get around, and slap a chunk of plastic on your melon just so that you can get out on the track. They can easily save your life if you get into trouble, or if some bozo around you gets into trouble.

So, YES I highly recommend not following Dan's "simple solution" when it comes to potentially cracking your head open. If "Oh Danny Boy" wants to hang it on the line, he can go for it.


Edit: That Bell Zephyr helmet that Wal-Mart used to sell years ago was DOT approved, not Snell M or SA rated, and would not be allowed as approved head protection with any club that I've ever heard of in the States. SCCA, BMW-CCA, PCA, NASA, etc... all require Snell, and specifically state that DOT only certification is not good enough.

Last edited by larryn; 06-23-2010 at 01:09 PM..
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      06-23-2010, 01:32 PM   #12
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If you read what i typed you would see i said " if it is approved..." Id bet money wallmart wont sell helmets that have illegal certifications on them... Used mine for years and dropped it numerous times without any defects, certified 2005, walmart lid for $80.

Dont misquote my intended message.
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      06-23-2010, 02:19 PM   #13
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Dude.. DOT certified means you can use them on motorcycles, and not get pulled over on the street... That's what those helmets that they sold years ago were... NOT to be used on the track though.

You dropped your helmet numerous times and still used it? Pardon me sir, but you are a total fool. You obviously don't know that once compromised (as most helmets are engineered to become when dropped ONCE), it no longer protects you. They provide a service to have them looked at, in that case.
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      06-24-2010, 01:46 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel135i View Post
Yes go to wallmart, or wherever you can find one, if its approved who the fuck cares where it comes from... Smug people will lead you away from simple solutions.
It's not your solution that's simple, it's you.
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      06-24-2010, 05:22 PM   #15
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He brings it upon himself in every thread he pollutes.
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      06-24-2010, 07:24 PM   #16
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I do not want to restart an argument but when I needed a helmet for a BMW CCA sponsored autorcross, I checked the regulations and found out I needed a Snell rated helmet. I also found out googling that a 2005 was about all I could find last year, the 2010s were just coming out and were expensive. So I bought a Snell 2005 rated that looked OK to me and was the right size. In addition to the on line sizer that most websites use I tried on my son's helmet. They all seemed to be for a range of head sizes but the range differs by brand. So if you need something on the edge of one mfg range, it might be better to go to another manufacturer where you size head is in the middle of their range. But if you like them tight, you might not like that arrangement. My point is to consider multiple brands and how tight or loose their sizing will make it for you.

I did not go with a big name brand due to price and uncertainty how much better they were. I did look at on line reviews by users. I ended up with a helmet I am very happy with for a good price.

Jim
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