Helmets

[Philm]

I need to update my helmet as it as too many chips on it and I usually get some wierd looks from scutineers at the drags.

Any recommendations?


Phil

[Aussie Mike]

I see Speedway motors have Simpson Bandit helmets on sale. You too could look like the Stig.

Garage Sale - Simpson Bandit FR Helmet - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

With the strong Aussie dollar it might be worth bringing one in.

Cheers

[Modena]

I've always just gone for a main-stream middle-of-the-road motorcycle helmet. Some people say "what's your heard worth?", inferring that spending big bucks on a helmet is worthwhile, which on a motorcycle I would tend to agree. However, if you are only using it in a car, any accident where a medium-cost helmet does not save you, an expensive one probably isn't going to either.

That Simpson looks like good value.

Just my $0.02 worth.

[Rog246]

Some people say "what's your heard worth?",

Bell Helmets used to have a sign in all their shops "Got a $5.00 head ? Buy a $5.00 helmet !" Ours are a bit more Expensive !

Personally I subscribe to that theory - even though its one ugly mother it's the only one I own............well........... me, the missus ............and the Bank !

[Philm]

I understand the whats your head worth but the cost of something is not usually a guide to quality and value.

That simpson looks great however they are SN2005, which will become unsuitable very soon.

A good point Modena, is a motor bike helmet suitable, or should you go foir an automotive version that I assume is fireproof.

Phil

[Mrs flatchat]

A full face is recommended for open sports cars that meet AS 1698 (Australian Std) or (Euro) E22 /03/04/05 as a min. or FIA 8860-2004(international std) - Ref. Cams manual.

Be warned :- some bike helmets don't make it

BTW there's some nice carbon fibre ones on the market these days -- really light weight

[Towmaster]

Have you thought about a HANS device phil?

[Donunder]

Originally Posted by Mrs flatchat

A full face is recommended for open sports cars that meet AS 1698 (Australian Std) or (Euro) E22 /03/04/05 as a min. or FIA 8860-2004(international std) - Ref. Cams manual.

Be warned :- some bike helmets don't make it

BTW there's some nice carbon fibre ones on the market these days -- really light weight

I ride a bike and have had several helmets over the years. I currently have a Shoei XR 1100 which I'm convinced is the best so far. It fits my head shape and it's light enough and quiet enough for long days on the road. As a Shoei, it meets the AS/NZS 1698 requirements comfortably.

Comfort is not as important when comparing ten minute track sessions with seven hours on the road but helmet shapes vary a lot strangely. Fit should be on the firm side rather than loose and can be adjusted with the use of variable sized cheek pads.

I'm unaware of the current CAMS regs, but there's a lot of discussion in motorcycling circles at the moment regarding the retrospective issuing of laws regarding the legality of helmets, even those that meet the previously sacrosanct 1698 standards. Drop by your local newso and have a look at pp10/11 of the September issue of 2Wheels magazine to see how easy it now is for a motorcyclist to be fined for wearing a helmet previously deemed "approved", and this varies from state to state!

Anyway, I still reckon you can't go past a Shoei for comfort, quietness, vision and most importantly, quality of manufacture. The XR 1100 is available on line from Shoei.com.au for a killer price. Free delivery in Aust. Drop by your local bike shop first to check your size.

[Philm]

Mrs Flatchat, do you have any recommendations?

Towmaster, I thought about one of those but the style of racing we do i can see it being difficult to use.

Donunder, my current helmet is Shoei.

Phil

[mreid]

The problem is your skull is smiling. Not sinister or even believable. Paint a smirk on the skull of your existing helmet and move on.

[LoBelly]

When I used to ride my friends and I would often re-paint our helmets

so if its only cosmetic - bit of filler, bit of sanding.....

LoBelly

[Philm]

I have been tempted to fix it.

However, I thought repaired helmets are considered dangerous.

Phil

[REPTYL]

When I used to ride my friends and I would often re-paint our helmets

That's just sick Lobelly,
You shouldn't be riding your friends!

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Philm

I have been tempted to fix it.

However, I thought repaired helmets are considered dangerous.

Phil

Repaired helmets are dangerous, but only if:

1) they have received an impact which has caused the outer shell to compress the protective foam layer between the inner padding and outer shell
(Note: from a visual inspection, the helmet may not even appear damaged, and may not even be scratched. This would be a reason I'd never purchase a 2nd hand helmet)

or

2) they are repaired with a chemical compound that either:
a) compromises the outer shell, or
b) the protective foam layer (normally via fumes).

This is the limit of my expertise in this area.

[Mrs flatchat]

Dimis is on the right track --they're not meant to be painted or repaired --just find one that is comfortable, that meets the required safety standard and maybe with a communications set --ie:- has ear phones and mic --so's you can talk to your in car camera or pit crew

We have "Peltor" with Comms good or bad -can't tell, does us tho

[OZVENOM]

Hi Phil think that quality and lightness is very important . over the years when i still rode bikes i would have to replace a helmet every 2-3 years as the lining used to breakdown from sweat and wear and tear.
The things i noticed most was the weight of the helmets got lighter and normally found the same brand fitted best.
At one stage i only had a bike so i rode every day so like Don said comfort is very important .
The helmet i use for sprints is a bike helmet not a car helmet the only difference is the fire rating of the lining. the protection is the same from an impact point of view.
If i was going to go door to door racing i would invest in a new nomex lined car racing helmet and hans or simular device. The chances of a crash greatly increase when all the nuters are out together.

oz.