Helmet Recommendation

[Dinobyte]

I would like to purchase a "Starter" helmet to use for WSCB and any future autocrossing I may do. I do not want to spend an arm and a leg.

Any recommendations?

Thanks
Michael

[mrmustang]

Michael,

You might want to try a G-Force SA2005 rated helmet which sells in the $239.00 range. I also highly recommend that you find a local shop that can fit you with whatever helmet you decide to buy as they all fit differently. Finally, you spent 40K plus for your Cobra, now you have to ask yourself "just how much is my head worth?". Catch my drift?


Yours In Racing Fords,

Bill S.

[JCoop]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

I would like to purchase a "Starter" helmet to use for WSCB and any future autocrossing I may do. I do not want to spend an arm and a leg.

Any recommendations?

Thanks
Michael

A Bell full face helmet would be a wise investment. Around $400, but I think it's worth spending an arm and a leg for an intact head and brain just in case.
BTW, they sell direct on line. This one's on clearance for $90!
http://www.bellhelmets.com/index.cfm...ategory_id=147

[Clois Harlan]

Michael,

Find a local speed shop and go down and try some on to see what your comfort level is. In all seriousness you can buy a good SA 2000 or SA 2005
for $180.00 and up but beware not to buy a motorcycle helmet. When I bought mine it was a model that was being discontinued but I like the way it felt and I ended up with a $350 helmet for less than $200.


Clois

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Just a small note to add to the already excellent advise:

Whatever helmet you decide on, get one with the "rings" on the sides,in the future you may want to use a HANS devise or similar head/neck restraint system and your helmet will be ready for it, wish I had done that when I bought mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

for autocrossing a head/neck restraint is not really needed, but, in the future you may want to "track" the car and want to use a head/neck restraint system..........

David

[Cashburn]

That diff. support must be working too well

[800hp]

you do not use the d rings for the restrants with a HANS it has its own quick release mounts that you install yourself. I have a simpson vodo and i love that helmet and yes i use a HANS every time i get in my car.jim

[Dinobyte]

Thanks for the replys...I have done a little research, and have found this helmet...
http://www.soloracer.com/pyrofullfacesa.html



They claim it is based on a Bell helmet.

Any thoughts?

[ROUSHAC]

Dynobyte,

I got one of those last year. Pretty comfortable and relatively decent ventilation. You can wear sunglasses like Raybans with no problem with it on. Seemed like a pretty value.

I got lucky and my hat size plugged into the sizing chart worked out to be a good fit when I tried it on: http://www.soloracer.com/pyrotectsizing.html. If you have a shop nearby, trying one on for size would be a good idea though.

You might also want to consider getting a balaclava: http://www.soloracer.com/gfheadsock.html and a neck support: http://www.soloracer.com/pyrocollar.html and http://www.soloracer.com/helmetsupport.html

Cheers!
Dave

[mickmate]

Check your rulebook for the requirements of the classes you mention. The SA rating the lads are referring to is the Snell rating and year. That is the multiple impact type that can bounce off a rollbar a few times, consequently they are heavier than a sled or dirtbike lid. When sizing it remember to have that nice thick layer of nomex (fire retarding head sock) in there with you. Also think about buying a couple of visors for it as they don't last as well as the helmets and it's nice to be able to see through them. I have had a Shoei RF700 for years that I like.

[Randy Rosenberg]

Originally Posted by ROUSHAC

Dynobyte,
...
You might also want to consider getting a balaclava: http://www.soloracer.com/gfheadsock.html and a neck support: http://www.soloracer.com/pyrocollar.html and http://www.soloracer.com/helmetsupport.html

Cheers!
Dave

Excellent advice... I would not take a Cobra on the track without a "neck collar". Trust me on this one

[xracerbob]

As previously stated, it's best not to skimp on helmet quality. I've been hit with many errant parts on the track, from bits of CV joints to an entire car (see my gallery). When you see these things headed your way, you'll be glad you got a good brain bucket.

[Don]

Might want to check the SCCA rulebook for their helmet requirements and specifications:

http://www.scca.com/pro/index.asp?reference=PRR

[Supersf]

Looking at helmets now and wanted to get updated reviews since this thread is, oh 6 1/2 yrs old now. Looking at Stilo ST4 GT Wide and various Bells. Any recommendations?

Another question, in motorcycle racing and track days, the norm is to go with the best protection one can afford - full one piece race suits, helmets, boots, gloves, body armor, and, lately, air bag vests. I'm seeing that most track day providers list most protective gear as optional other than a helmet. This is a big departure from what I'm accustomed to. Do those here that track their cars regularly find that most people still wear suits, shoes, gloves, neck support, etc?

Thanks and cheers!

[WardL]

I don't mean to say all the above isn't great advise, but I bought most inexpensive open face Pyrotect helmet with a SA 2010 rating I could find. It is actually a little more retro to me! You have to get the SA 2010 rating now for autocross. I have done one track day with it, but it was bought for autocross. You don't need a full face helmet for autocross. I don't plan on doing anymore track days. Oh sure, I would get the neck brace and helmet straps but I didn't want to invest $800 in the set up for one weekend. I would suggest Cobra drivers are at more risk driving down the freeway than going around cones on a closed course. I don't see too many Cobra drivers with full face helmets on the freeway. Just saying....

[LMH]

Originally Posted by Supersf

Looking at helmets now and wanted to get updated reviews since this thread is, oh 6 1/2 yrs old now. Looking at Stilo ST4 GT Wide and various Bells. Any recommendations?

Another question, in motorcycle racing and track days, the norm is to go with the best protection one can afford - full one piece race suits, helmets, boots, gloves, body armor, and, lately, air bag vests. I'm seeing that most track day providers list most protective gear as optional other than a helmet. This is a big departure from what I'm accustomed to. Do those here that track their cars regularly find that most people still wear suits, shoes, gloves, neck support, etc?

Thanks and cheers!

Some wear full race gear, some not. Depends on what's required by track/sanctioning body. Most don't require much beyond a helmet though
rules may state "no shorts or short sleeves". Most do wear gloves of some kind because of sweat and I wear my driving shoes for pedal feel.

I have a Bell M4. Nice helmet but nothing really fancy. Bell makes the Bell Star that has a retro look in a modern helmet. It's nice but a little more expensive than my M4. Just needs to have a current SA rating.
http://www.saferacer.com/bell-star-c...-racing-helmet

Larry

[Supersf]

Originally Posted by WardL

I don't mean to say all the above isn't great advise, but I bought most inexpensive open face Pyrotect helmet with a SA 2010 rating I could find. It is actually a little more retro to me! You have to get the SA 2010 rating now for autocross. I have done one track day with it, but it was bought for autocross. You don't need a full face helmet for autocross. I don't plan on doing anymore track days. Oh sure, I would get the neck brace and helmet straps but I didn't want to invest $800 in the set up for one weekend. I would suggest Cobra drivers are at more risk driving down the freeway than going around cones on a closed course. I don't see too many Cobra drivers with full face helmets on the freeway. Just saying....

I would agree with you. I feel significantly more at risk on my motorcycle surrounded by semis and teenagers texting than on the track, which is why I'm a proponent of ATGATT (All the gear, all the time). The quandary I'm facing with the cobra is open cockpit, single hoop, lots of power, and short wheelbase. Can't see myself on the track without a suit, gloves, shoes, nice helmet, and a HANS device. That's just me I guess and if I look out of place so be it.

[Supersf]

Thanks Larry

[Randy Rosenberg]

By my second track weekend (years ago), I was in a suit. I already had purchased a helmet, gloves, shoes and neck collar for my first track weekend. I was running with the Nor Cal Shelby Club, and most of the cars in the "yellow" beginner group were in street cars with minimal safety equipment, where I was in an open Cobra, feeling a tad bit exposed. As I progressed to the faster groups, it was not uncommon for drivers to have a full compliment of safety equipment. I even purchased arm restraints, however only used them once.

You are correct to consider a Cobra like a motorcycle; there is not a whole lot more protection. Sh*t happens on a track, be it driver or mechanical failure, yours or someone else's. The faster you go, the less time you have to react (you know this already). Trust your gut with regards to the level of protection you want.

Have fun,
Randy R...

[Supersf]

Thanks, Randy. I actually plan on tracking with the same club along with some driving schools as they pass through out local tracks. Maybe I'll see you around...I'll be the one wearing a suit of armor.
Cheers