Trackday helmets??

[ottocycle]

Hello all,

I have been off the track for a few years and I am out of touch with what is the current thinking. I need a new helmet and can get a deal on a nice Arai Defiant motorcycle helmet. I realize these are not legal for racing but can a motorcycle helmet be used for most trackday or club events, in conjunction with a nomex balaclava? Aside from the cost, the Defender fits well and I do not have a local store nearby to try on a selection of car helmets. Any thoughts?

[Croc]

Dermot - A quick note to say that a bike helmet is not acceptable for a car track day. The shock absorbing foam is in the wrong spots compared to car helmets so a balaclava won't fix it. NJMP do not accept them at Drivers Club if you are thinking of using them there.

 

Not quite sure exactly where you are in Mary Land but OG Racing is out at Dulles and they are very good with race supplies. I am a firm believer you have to try helmets on to fit properly.

Edited June 4, 2017 by Croc

[ottocycle]

Mike,

Thanks. I did not know about the foam issue- I thought it was the nomex lining. Glad I got it sorted. I will go to OG when I return.

Anybody know where else I can get a good deal on a lid?

[Dan3030]

http://www.saferacer.com

[Shoe String Racing]

I knew the original testing engineer for the Snell lab in Sacramento CA. He retired just 10 years ago and gave some of us the cook's tour of the surprisingly modest but effective facility.

 

There's a lot to helmet tech. If anyone's interested, check out the website: http://www.smf.org/helmetfaq

[jloehlein]

At this point, you'll want an SA2015-rated helmet. You can pick basic ones up for as little as ~$180 all over the internet.

[Shoe String Racing]

yes, it's true there are some very economical helmets that have the SNELL certification. And all helmets are tested the same regardless of cost. Which raises the question of why some club racing helmets are so much more than others. Fit and comfort, the paramount criteria, are more about your head shape if you accept that the SNELL test is more than adequate for club racing. Carbon Fiber is available for under $400 if you like that idea. There are other personal preferences but to a lay person, it's hard to easily understand how the basic cost, like $4000, can be so high.

 

And some have some nice off the shelf custom looking paint jobs, so you don't have to go to Troy Lee and spend $500 - $1500 to avoid the basic white look.

 

And since you've been out of the track scene for awhile, you should know that head and neck restraints are common and required for many organizations. Cost is very reasonable compared to 10 years ago.

 

Bloviation over

[Lightguy]

I have both motorcycle and auto racing SNELL helmets. Some are crazy $$$

I see zero difference between the two but I'm sure the helmet salesmen would differ.

Anything close to modern should be fine.

 

Hell I'm looking for an old "Star Wars" White Simpson from the 70s and 80s.

I would have zero problem wearing one for a track day.

"May the runoff area be with you."