HELMETS: What, where and how much?

[marcusus]

Thread revival!!

Looking into buying a helmet for a track day (and of course future track days). Was wondering whether someone could give me an idea of what the measurements are for eg 52 to 59cm. Is that meant to be the size of your forehead, or is it something to do with the helmet as well?

This thread is a little old, so any new suggestions? Any feedback regarding previously mentioned stores/brands/etc?

[Boags]

I haven't got anything to add, just wanted to say well done for searching and not posting a new thread!

Boags

[Slugoid]

Thread revival!!

Looking into buying a helmet for a track day (and of course future track days). Was wondering whether someone could give me an idea of what the measurements are for eg 52 to 59cm. Is that meant to be the size of your forehead, or is it something to do with the helmet as well?

The measurement should be the diameter around the forehead just above the ears. However, when I went helmet shopping, sizes from brands tend to differ so it would be best if you actually go to the shop and test the helmets physically.

[manga_blue]

I've got the $199 house special from Revolution Racegear. It's AS1698 for cars. It feels fine. Much better ventilation and comfort than the $1,000 Bell I had been using.

It's not Nomex. I was told my perpetual stubble would fray through Nomex pretty quickly. I just wear a fireproof balaclava instead - saves me and saves the helmet.

[marcusus]

I haven't got anything to add, just wanted to say well done for searching and not posting a new thread!

Boags

The good thing is that it was still on the first page of the Motor Sport sub forum. The other good thing was that I was forum trawling a while back and came across the thread (still on the first page), which made life convenient in knowing where to look for it.

The measurement should be the diameter around the forehead just above the ears. However, when I went helmet shopping, sizes from brands tend to differ so it would be best if you actually go to the shop and test the helmets physically.

Yeah, my main concern is with stuff marked with the generic sizes aka S, M, L etc. I've tried on a few smalls, but they really don't fit in the slightest, but my head size is apparently about 55cm, so I would've thought that's a small? I suppose it really will be "try til it fits".

I've got the $199 house special from Revolution Racegear. It's AS1698 for cars. It feels fine. Much better ventilation and comfort than the $1,000 Bell I had been using.

It's not Nomex. I was told my perpetual stubble would fray through Nomex pretty quickly. I just wear a fireproof balaclava instead - saves me and saves the helmet.

Which make/model is it?
As for the AS1698 standard, I wasn't aware there was a standard for cars? Doesn't having this standard invalidate it for track use? Or is that only if it doesn't have a relatively recent Snell rating?

[manga_blue]

Yeah, you're right, just checked and AS 1698 is a generic standard for all helmets.

Anyway, mine's an M2R (made2race.com) Model RPM100801. Style MR10. It's pretty much the same as the MR11 on their site but with more venturi vents across the top which are OK on a car but a bit suss for a bike helmet (Bike helmets are best smooth, fins and vents can catch when sliding over things).

Size is large, which is a bit surprising seeing my hat size is 58-59 which should be about medium I thought.

[KIJIMA]

I've got the $199 house special from Revolution Racegear. It's AS1698 for cars. It feels fine.

A mate of mine just picked up one of these, not a bad helmet. Its their own RPM branded stuff. Looks the buisness, and its nice and light. Much more comfortable than the motorbike helmet I've used in the past.

[BiX]

You will be different sizes in different brands. There are numerous head shapes and certain helmets fit better than others. There should be no pressue points or simialr when its on. I know i fit shoei, but don't fit Arai at all, as they don't fit my head shape. If you search on allot of the bike forums (i think a site webbikeworld or something) had a really good article on head shapes and choosing helmets..

[Rob E]

Odd question perhaps but any ideas on which helmet type is \"shortest\" for want of a better term......ie. will help me get under hardtop in conjunction with seat change i am doing.

[marcusus]

Get in the car first, then put the helmet on?

Anyone had any experience with the ERG helmets? They had them at speedzone. The guy there reckoned they were basically a bell, but without the brand name. He was also super friendly and seemed to know what he was on about with them.

[manga_blue]

Odd question perhaps but any ideas on which helmet type is "shortest" for want of a better term...

Not an odd question really. They vary. My Bell was half an inch lower than my current one and the difference is fairly noticeable in the car if you're obliged to run with the top up.

If you're close to the roof then I reckon it's essential to try the helmets on in the car to make sure you can sit up straight.

[marcusus]

Sweet action. Picked up a Bell helmet today. Fits pretty nice and comfy, so can't go wrong with that.

Now to try it out on the track

[Mr Starlet]

Hi all, I'm looking at getting a helmet for the up coming trackday, I'm fairly set on an open face M2R 280, but wonder if I ever get into the odd hill climb and maybe classic rallies etc would I still be ok to enter with an open face helmet? What are the events that REQUIRE full face helmet? What other approvals are required apart from ADR?

http://www.teammoto.com.au/xcart/produc ... 429&page=1

Cheers
Minh

[fattima]

Open face is fine, tarmac rallys now require a balaclava but it is the same for open or closed face helmets. You do not require ADR for motorsports, check the CAMS manual online at http://www.camsmanual.com.au/general.asp under apparel to see what is and is not accepted.

I think the most important thing is to try on some helmets and see what you find comfortable. In an event like a rally you will be wearing the helmet all day so comfort is important. I have found that spending the extra on a lighter weight helmet made a big difference when wearing it for extended periods. If you do plan to do a rally look at how easy it will be to fit an intercom as well. For myself I ended up with a Bell open face, I just prefer an open face helmet.

[Mr Starlet]

Thanks fattima, that info is really helpful.

Cheers
Minh

Open face is fine, tarmac rallys now require a balaclava but it is the same for open or closed face helmets. You do not require ADR for motorsports, check the CAMS manual online at http://www.camsmanual.com.au/general.asp under apparel to see what is and is not accepted.

I think the most important thing is to try on some helmets and see what you find comfortable. In an event like a rally you will be wearing the helmet all day so comfort is important. I have found that spending the extra on a lighter weight helmet made a big difference when wearing it for extended periods. If you do plan to do a rally look at how easy it will be to fit an intercom as well. For myself I ended up with a Bell open face, I just prefer an open face helmet.