Helmet help

driller

driller

El Presidente
Staff member
About 2 weeks until the next trip to the drag strip(I hope). With cooler temps than before and a dynotune from last weekend, I'm hoping to run a few times in the high 13s? The track requires a helmet for anything 13.99 or faster, even Lincolns. }(

I'm a helmet newbie. What do I need to look for? Any recommendations or advice?
 
RE: Helmet help

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About 2 weeks until the next trip to the drag strip(I hope). With cooler temps than before and a dynotune from last weekend, I'm hoping to run a few times in the high 13s? The track requires a helmet for anything 13.99 or faster, even Lincolns. }(I'm a helmet newbie. What do I need to look for? Any recommendations or advice?
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Make sure it covers your head!
http://www.bellracing.com/images/product/rollovers/M2FAon.jpg
http://www.bellracing.com/images/product/rollovers/M2Proon.jpg
http://www.bellracing.com/images/product/rollovers/Mag4on.jpg



Stanley E. Roberts
President/Founder
http://www.GoldenGateMark8.com
http://www.We8there.com
 
RE: Helmet help

Make sure it's SNELL 95
decide if you want an open-face helmet(better vision, less face protection), or a close helmet(better concentration, not as comfy)

they range in price anywhere from $129-$1200, depending on style, design, graphics, etc.

keep one crucial element in mind... head room. The "brain box" will rub your headliner, if you have a sunroof(which I am pretty sure your Mark does), so be prepared to 'squat' a bit.

Summit offers many helmets at low prices, so if you want to mail order one, go try a few on to learn your size.

As far as 'visors' go, if you go closed-face, may I suggest you consider an amber-colored visor(screen)...they are designed to eliminate glare, and amplify the lumens(sp?) of the christmas tree...aka... better reaction times!

This company is owned by one of our racing buddies. plenty to choose from.

http://www.helmetcity.com

This one looks perfect for ya JP. Color, price and all!

http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/CTGY/bellmag8


http://www.helmetcity.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/Mag8_Pearlblue_lg.jpg

we have had both Simpson, and Bieffe. If you are a NHRA member, take a look in National Dragster...sometimes there are killer sales...we paid $149 for our full-face Bieffe helmet...but I cant seem to find it now on the web.

Just be sure to tell them it has to be NHRA legal.
Oh, and get a helmet bag for it too...trust me, if you drop it, it's got to be replaced.
 
RE: Helmet help

If I were you I would get the cheapest thing I could get my hands on. Your car barely broke into the 13s (which is impressive for the mods you have done btw). I don't think you're going no where nearly fast enough to make a helmet a major investment. Once you get ready for a roll cage, then you should consider getting a serious helmet.
 
RE: Helmet help

Here in NJ you have to wear one even if you do a 30 sec 1/4. They just rent 1/2 helmets to people. Until you get in the territory of needing 5 point harness, roll cage, fire extinguisher etc... You can get away with most anything. I bet you go faster on the highway with no helmet then you do your trap speed at the end of the 1/4.
 
RE: Helmet help

No offense Craig, but we're not talking a pro career here. :+ Though I do like that blue.

I'm with Max. I think I'll get the cheapest thing going, and get the car going a lot faster before I sweat the specs. I just know the track guys expect a helmet at 13.99 and under. At any bracket event, no helmet means a minimum of 14.00 dial in.

How 'bout this $75 buy it now special?
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30060519/Images/picture33.JPG
Extremely affordable, high-quality street helmet
Clear-coated HIR-TH resin shell
Soft, comfortable anti-sweat interior
Clear, 100% UV-resistant shield features XQRS quick-release removal system
Double D-ring strap retention system
Snell 2000 and DOT certified

??? ::roll::
 
RE: Helmet help

$75 seems like a really good deal. Helmets are good for 15 years. So a Snell 2000 will be gooood for another 10 years. Last year, I paid about $65 for my Snell 95 off ebay, and it's still good for another 5 years.
 
RE: Helmet help

Keep in mind JP, if the helmet has been dropped, it wont do you a bit of good if ever *needed*.

Furthermore, check for sizing. often helmets cannot be re-sized, and if it can be, it'll cost more than $75

Other than that, looks like a goodie! As long as you dont mind having your head where other people have burped, sneezed, coughed, flaked, shedded, rashed, perspired, not to mention what kind of creepy-crawlies have ventured into said helmet when it wasnt in use(stored). Having all that possibility stuck to your head sounds like alot of fun. :p

I'd personally spend the money, for safety, and healthy reasons.

If that helmet is NEW....go for it NOW!
 
RE: Helmet help

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As long as you dont mind having your head where other people have burped, sneezed, coughed, flaked, shedded, rashed, perspired, not to mention what kind of creepy-crawlies have ventured into said helmet when it wasnt in use(stored). Having all that possibility stuck to your head sounds like alot of fun. :p I'd personally spend the money, for safety, and healthy reasons. [/div]

Geesh Craig, you must think I'm retarded. :eek:

Of course it's NEW! It's the least expensive... ok, cheapest... Snell 2000 I could find. ;)

But I found this...

Helmets:

All helmets must be Snell SA rated. This means "Special Application" for racing. They have .120" thick shields, a fire resistant interior and are subjected to different crash tests than M rated "Motorcycle" helmets. Helmets come three ways: full-face, full-face without shield and open-face. Full-face helmets can have a small or large eyeport. Small eyeports are preferable in open cockpit racing to minimize the risk of flying objects getting through the shield to your face. Large eyeport helmets are preferred by sedan racers because they make it easier to see the gauges. Full-face helmets without shields have even better visibility and are much cooler, but do not completely protect your face. Open-face helmets offer the best visibility and comfort, but the least protection. Some helmets have vents, some don’t. More vents may keep you cooler, but they also provide more ways for fire to get in. Most helmets are fiberglass. The more expensive ones use special laminating processes or other materials like carbon fiber and kevlar to make them lighter – causing less neck fatigue. Helmets are also made more expensive by aerodynamic engineering to prevent lift and buffeting in open-cockpit cars.

The one above is an "M"2000... soooooo, I look some more.

I found a lot of reading material @ http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/sa20std.html. Wow.
 
RE: Helmet help

I'll bet that helmet makes it crouded in the driver seat, I know my head hits the ceiling with a hat on, so I know you'll be tight with a helmet, good luck John
 
RE: Helmet help

The Aerodynamic Visor is good for .1 to .2 sec

I like it, maybe i will get one so it matches the Vette
 
RE: Helmet help

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Rats! Too late... I was going to recommend this:http://starwars.cside.com/images/PROP/VADER_HELMET/VADER_2s.jpg
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Oooh, I think I would've had head clearance issues with that! :7

I would've liked to maybe have gotten a 'better' helmet, but realistically this will serve the purpose for now. It was a good exercise and I learned a lot. After extensive consideration, I opted for an open face design. Your choices evaporate fast with the 'SA' rating and most seem to be either black or white. Still wanting a blue helmet and not wanting to spend a lot, I dropped the SA2000 requirement and settled for the M2000 Snell rating. From what I could find, all but a select few tracks/events will accept either the M2000 or SA2000. I would imagine a DOT helmet would suffice at most of the venues I participate in.
 
RE: Helmet help

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... maybe i will get one so it matches the Vette
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UPDATE:

If you plan on a blue one, they are about a two week wait. :( Hey, at least they called me.

I just went with 'whatever', as I wanted it this week if I did get to go to the track this coming weekend.

I settled for black. :B FWIW, they upgraded the helmet to a HJC model CS-5 for the same money since they didn't have my color choice. So, for customer service, Helmet City gets my nod.
 
RE: Helmet help

JP, I didnt think you were 'retarted', at all pal...
I have seen too many 'first time buyers' stay budget-minded, and buy a used helmet without even knowing, Or worse yet...a new helmet that was dropped/damaged during shipping, and repaired.

I am glad you went with helmet City. they have excellent customer service, and they even sponsor racers! They pay out contingency cash at sanctional events and all, if you carry their name(decal).

anyway, glad you found what you wanted...
 
RE: Helmet help

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...I am glad you went with helmet City. they have excellent customer service, and they even sponsor racers!
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I placed the internet order Sunday evening. Kyle called and left a message on my answering machine for me Monday. I returned his call when I received the message Monday evening. He promised I would have the shipment by Friday, guaranteed. I received the order Wednesday.

Thumbs up for Helmet City customer service and thanks to Craig for the recommendation. :) :)
 
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