[Ave]

I'm signing up for some DE events this year (I can't wait!). Since I have done zero track time, I am in the market for a helmet. I have been reading up on the requirements, including the SA 95 or SA00 designations. Looking at the various models from Bell, Simpson, RCI, etc.



My question is this: any need for a closed faced helmet? I think I would much prefer an open faced one, especially since I won't be doing any open-cockpit driving. I know there is a lot of experience among this group, so your advice would be appreciated.

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[968gene]

[quote name='Ave' date='Feb 13 2005, 12:06 PM']I'm signing up for some DE events this year (I can't wait!).  Since I have done zero track time, I am in the market for a helmet.  I have been reading up on the requirements, including the SA 95 or SA00 designations.  Looking at the various models from Bell, Simpson, RCI, etc. 



My question is this: any need for a closed faced helmet?  I think I would much prefer an open faced one, especially since I won't be doing any open-cockpit driving.  I know there is a lot of experience among this group, so your advice would be appreciated.

[right][post="682"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



NASCAR drivers have all gone to closed face and they're not open wheeling it! Look for one with ventilation and never, never, go cheap on a helmet.

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[Ave]

Is open-faced associated with "cheap", or are these two separate issues? Are closed-faced units superior to open-faced, regardless of closed or open cockpit? I would think you give up a lot in visibility and comfort.

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[flash]

they have gone to closed face primarily due to ventilation systems now being attached to the helmets, making the drive more comfortable than he could be with an open face, however, visibility is assisted by peel away visor slips too, which is very difficult to do with an open face helmet

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[Larry Currie]

I've got a bell open face in an XL I'll sell you for $100 plus shipping. I wore it one time. Larry

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[Jason Judd]

We are strong believers in full face helmets...nothing cheap about an open-face helmet, it's just that we believe they don't offer as much protection.



The open face is definately less restrictive, and that can be alluring. But, you're only in it for 45 minutes at a time (at most) in a DE event, and you really should protect that grey matter as much as possible!



Just my humble opinion,



Jason (who's just got fitted for a HANS device this weekend)

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[968gene]

Hang on...didn't say open faced=cheap; I made two statements. I referred to NASCAR because they are in a mostly closed and caged car (more protective then your average street driven DE car) that has the latest in fire protection systems etc. I prefer the closed helmet for the extra protection from fire, flying debris etc.

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[Jason Judd]

Gene,



I was responding to Ave, who asked...



"Is open-faced associated with "cheap", or are these two separate issues?"



Jason

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[Jim Child]

Get a closed face helmet. 99% of the serious drivers I know use them. Full face helmets simply offer more protection than open face helmets. Don't worry about visibility issues. You won't have any problems.

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[flash]

never been too worried about the face protection, though the grime is a real drag - always ran a full face for that reason alone (the peel offs are great) - way better visibility too (peripheral vision) than any eye protection could provide - you can get the cool ventilation systems, like parker pumper, too

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[968gene]

[quote name='flash' date='Feb 14 2005, 10:06 AM']never been too worried about the face protection...[right][post="740"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Ok, now your baiting us...

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[flash]

roflmao - no illusions there



al this helmet talk - now i have to go and check mine - i think my tag is out of date



nuts - could have had a new one shot when i shot the car

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[Ave]

That's what I like about you guys - informative AND entertaining. Seriously, thanks for all the comments. Guess I will go with the closed face helmet. Are the peel-offs really that helpful in a closed cockpit in a DE event?

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[flash]

you may go through one without issue, and a lot of guys do, or you could get caught behind somebody who sprays oil on you - in either event, by using the peel-offs, you never have to worry about scratching your visor when you clean it - in all fairness though, i've always run convertables, so it's a much bigger issue for me

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[bob blackwell]

Ave, a contrary view I guess. I have participated in many driving events (autocross and Drivers Education, not fender to fender racing) and I recommend an inexpensive, open face helmet such as the Bieffe MA (motorcycle style) which sells for less than $100. since you have a Coupe you will not need any "Peel off" or "full face" protection as you might in an open car. The open face is cooler, and allows you to put on and take off glasses more easily. The more expensive SA specification helmets are more fire resistant and would be in order if you are planning to do "fender-to-fender "racing events. Other than that, I cannot rationalize the expense. Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

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[Duckman]

Yes, all of the NASCAR drivers except Dale, Sr. have switched to......... oh! He's dead now. Never mind.



On a more serious note, the full face is a little less comfortable and a little more restrictive, especially if you wear glasses. I do and it's an inconvenience. However, I'd rather be inconvenienced a little than get my face smashed up. As far as visibility is concerned, yeah, you probably sacrafice a little but you'll never notice it.



Buy inexpensive and comfortable. Don't get it too loose, as that sacrafices a lot of protection.



Come to think of it, I think my helmet may be out of date. Shoot! It's virtually brand new. What's the current requirement?

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[Jim Child]

Most of the DE's I'm familiar with require SA rated helmets. I would strongly recommend getting an SA helmet if you want the flexibility to run with all organizations. A helmet is the last place to try and save money IMO.

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[flash]

i think i would have to agree on all points here - i'm a bit clostrophobic, so in an enclosed car, i would need the pumper setup, but in an open car, i can get enough air moving through the vents - if i didn't have the ventilation system, in an enclosed car, i would probably run an open face if the car had windows, and a full face if it didn't



get the most comfortable one you can find, regardless of cost (though there's no need to spend mroe than you have to) but you are going to be in that thing for a long time and it's going to be hot and stuffy - don't scrimp on comfort just because it's a few bucks less

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[Jim Child]

[quote name='Duckman' date='Feb 16 2005, 01:58 AM']Come to think of it, I think my helmet may be out of date.  Shoot!  It's virtually brand new.  What's the current requirement?

[right][post="795"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



For the organizations I run with an SA95 is good for the remainder of this year. At the end of the year the SA05's will be out, so next year the SA00's will be the minimum requirement.

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[Ave]

The first DE I entered requires helmets with a SA95 or SA00 certification. I am still undecided on this helmet issue. I am planning to enter a few DE's to get a better appreciation of my 968 and to pick up some advice from experienced instructors - this whole adventure may go no further than that. So the whole NASCAR reference is lost on me. I realize that most drivers (except the Intimidator - RIP - as Duckman has pointed out) have switched to full-face helmets. But they also use roll cages, 5-point harnesses, and HANS devices, which I do not intend to use either. If I were racing competitively with higher probabilities of mangling metal, I'd be equipped just like 'em. If I decide to take this DE thing to the next level, maybe upgrade to full face (and nomex gear) at that time?



Any additional opinions are welcomed. Maybe I'll go with any majority that plays out here. And thanks to those that have already responded - your comments are helpful.

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