mx5cartalk.com

Hey Guys,

I need a helmet before i get on the track. Any advice as to what and where to buy one?

Cheers
Kris

Motorbike shop.
Try different brands, as they have different interior shape.
Check with the regulations of the track-day organisers, some will allow open-faced helmets some won't

Try a few on before making any decisions, an uncomfortable helmet is a distraction you don't need on the track.

I've got a Bell Mag 5 open face that is a nice light helmet. My full face helmet is a RPM brand one from Revolution racegear and I'm very happy with it. These are both motor racing specific helmets so they have flame proof lining, this is not mandatory for most levels of competition so you can get cheaper helmets from motor cycle shops. If you are going to have the roof down I would get a full face helmet.

Link to standards required by CAMS
http://www.camsmanual.com.au/10_gen_req.asp

Just make sure you try on a whole bunch to find what's comfortable.

I just bought a cheap full-face motorsport helmet from Revolution Race Gear back in the day. They have helmets from $200 to $2k last time I was there. Anywhere that does Drag racing parts will also have helmets. I think for Club days though they're pretty lax and an open face is a lot cooler. What's your location?

Motorbike helmets tend to be cheaper and they comply for track days.

Motorbike helmets are designed for one big impact, where as motorsports helmets are designed for multiple hits bouncing round an interior.

What a beauty

GP wrote:

Motorbike helmets are designed for one big impact, where as motorsports helmets are designed for multiple hits bouncing round an interior.

What a beauty

Motorcycle helmets would more than suffice and do not be put off by thermo plastic materials, they are much lighter and Formula 1 drivers all use them. Helmet failure occurs when the polystyrene liner distorts after impact, one good bump, drop onto the track or what ever else may happen and you can cut the straps off and use it as a shed decoration. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE ELSE TO USE YOUR HELMET, THE FOAM LINER FORMS TO THE SHAPE OF YOUR HEAD, It is also a good idea not to chew with your helmet on. All helmets sold here should meet the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1698:2006. Protective helmets for vehicle users).
Guard your helmet, It is your life.
Greg.

Absolutely taminga16...I am going to buy my partner a new helmet and cut the straps off the (brand new) one she has now as we had a moment of brain fade with it at a sprint on Monday. Thinking the last runs had been had it got put in the boot of the car, there was time for another run so I jumped in the car and went out on track with it in the boot

It looks a bit second hand now

I've been donated a motorbike helmet recently for when (if) I get to the track, but the Australian Standards sticker is 1609 not 1698... not suitable?

I wouldn't trust a second hand helmet.

A fair call

Sorry taminga, F1 drivers all use custom made motor racing helmets with HANS mounts and nomex lining. F1 helmets are certified by the FIA, and local CAMS rules are changing next year to remove Snell 96 certified helmets from use. Bike helmets all have synthetic lining material which will melt in a fire. Up to you, but if I was buying a new helmet I'd be buying a nomex lined one. ERG helmets are really good value for money.

It's also worth noting that motocross style helmets are completely unsuitable for use in a car. Yes they meet the AS1698 standard and they do seem to be accepted at most events but they are still not the right kit for the job! If you have an off the extended chin piece is likely to dig in to your chest and rotate your head / neck around that point or if you strike the chin piece on the steering wheel your head and neck will be pushed backwards.

bigdog wrote:Sorry taminga, F1 drivers all use custom made motor racing helmets with HANS mounts and nomex lining. F1 helmets are certified by the FIA, and local CAMS rules are changing next year to remove Snell 96 certified helmets from use. Bike helmets all have synthetic lining material which will melt in a fire. Up to you, but if I was buying a new helmet I'd be buying a nomex lined one. ERG helmets are really good value for money.

Hi Marvin,
Kris is asking for advice in relation to the purchase of a helmet and my reference to Thermo Plastics in outer shell construction was just that, advice. Plastics are lighter than FRP's and in mass production they are generally less expensive. I do feel that Nomex lining would be prudent but that was mentioned in an earlier reply with a reference to the CAMS specs.
Cheers.
Greg. P.S. I have yet to read the entire report into the Snell 96 issue but the overview was very interesting and there have been some rumblings from The Snell Foundation with reference to further action.