Is open face enough?

[timhatimay]

Hey everyone,

I just ordered a new helmet for autox and hpde. It is snell sa2005, but is open face. I see for autox only m2000 is needed and for alot of events they only specify that it is sa or m2005. I don't see a spec for open or closed face...will I have a problem? If so I can exchange it now before I wear it. Also is the SA much prefered for auto events? Any help on this would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Tim

[larryn]

My experience has been that if there are restriction for open versus closed face helmets, it is spelled out on the club's website.

It's too bad you needed one now, as the 2010s are coming out this fall, and you'll get 5 more years out of the helmet, since most clubs only allow current newest rating (minus one), as the minimum requirement.

[Dackelone]

SA Helmets are designed to be used in cars.

M Helmets are designed to be used on motorcycles.

The difference being the M helmet is made to withstand blunt force objects while the SA is designed to withstand sharp, hard edge forces, found say from hitting a roll cage or dashboard.

I think helmets are rated every five years: 2000, 2005, 2010... Most club racing will want a SA helmet. I think M helmets are only good for Autocross events.

I would get an SA helmet. Full face offers better protection as you might have guessed. Check with the car club you will be running with for the helmet specs you need.

[wkndracr]

I seem to remember something about SCCA considering requiring open face helmets for cars with airbags. Interesting thought. I wonder what ever happened with that. From what I've seen, most clubs allow M spec helmets in everything but wheel to wheel racing where SA is required. My M2005 has been fine for HPDE and autox. I would stick with the SA and keep the open face if the club allows it.

[timhatimay]

Thanks for the replies! I know the auto-x will be fine, and like you said mostly I see the others just require m2005. I looked at a few HPDE events I was considering this summer and as along as its 2005 it seems to be okay, and I don't see any special note regarding open vs. closed face. It is too bad I couldn't wait for 2010 spec, but isn't it better to start racing sooner!? Most events would be through BMWCCA, so maybe someone involved with the clubs can comments on any special requirements there.

Anyways, thanks again for the responses, I was hoping the open face would be cooler and easier to use on a normal basis so I hope it doesn't forbid me from any good HPDEs!

Thanks,

Tim

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I think M helmets are only good for Autocross events.

Although all of the rest of your info is spot on, this part is incorrect. Most clubs do allow M rated helmets for HPDE events, other than club racing.

Originally Posted by wkndracr

From what I've seen, most clubs allow M spec helmets in everything but wheel to wheel racing where SA is required. My M2005 has been fine for HPDE and autox. I would stick with the SA and keep the open face if the club allows it.

Agree with all of this.

One more thing, the SA rating adds additional fire protection, along with differing impact resistance.

Normally, the 2010 rated helmets would be available by now, but with the increasing impact resistance added each iteration, they've found that helmets are now too rigid, and needed to be re-engineered to allow some deflection back into the design.

[nordique14]

While some marquee clubs allow you to use M-only rated helmets at HPDE, many other clubs only allow SA helmets. So best to get an SA over an M. It will give you more flexibility to go to events in your area.

The only time I have seen a closed face requirement for helmets is when you are actually racing. That usually goes hand in hand with all of the other safety gear like fire suits, gloves, shoes, etc.

My current SA2000 helmets "fits like a glove". I will be sad to have to give it up at the end of next season. In the off season I will have to go see which new SA2010 helmets will fit my big melon.

[Spec Volcanic]

If you are driving a car with airbags Open face is the to go