Mayolives Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I have been buying and using auto and motorcycle helmets for many years and really don't know much about them. Most people I talk to about this subject, seem to have the same level of knowledge. Most of us prefer one brand or another, but with no real good reasons why, except the particular brand is the one they are accustomed to using. Today's rating requirements would suggest that we should purchase a Snell SA-2005 or better helmet for auto racing purposes. I have always purchased the more recognized brands like Simpson, Impact, G-Force and so on. There are so many helmet manufacturers out there and the price varies from less than $200.00 to $1500.00 all for helmets that have the exact same safety rating of SA-2005 and all promise high quality, comfortable fit, etc. Yes, they differ by the material used to construct, like carbon fiber or un-named composites, or by the type of venting systems used, but do they really vary in how safe they are and the level of protection they provide? Is a basic, white, composite helmet, without air induction inlets, or other bells and whistles, from maker "A" that sells for the lowest price any mor safe or better than the one that cost many times that amount? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffer949 Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 probably not any safer...but it might not be as comftorable or as light which can be a big deal if your wearing it alot... i grew up racing motorcross and ive worn my share of different helmets.. i prefer the lighter helmets... and as far as being safe... ive broken many helmets...but i look at thats how it saved my life it was either my head or the helmet... and the helmet gave which is fine by me..... so it kinda depends on what is more important to you... your comfort or your money??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I think one major difference is weight. The lighter the weight the less neck strain and injury in an accident. Not to mention the risk of basal skull fracture (Dale Earnhardt's injury) is reduced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m4xwellmurd3r Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 I think one major difference is weight. The lighter the weight the less neck strain and injury in an accident. Not to mention the risk of basal skull fracture (Dale Earnhardt's injury) is reduced. his injury was because he didn't have the hal system or whatever it was, where they strap your head to the seat. I think the biggest difference is the material their made of, and things like graphics and ventilation. along with the range of vision. Honestly, i wouldn't mind buying the cheapest one as long as it met or exceeded the standards, and was comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage42 Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 I have run both Simpson and Bell and like the comfort of the Bell. I know Pyrotec makes a good/inexpensive helmet. As mentioned, they all have to pass the Snell protection standards, but extra features, weight, etc is what you pay more money for. As for Earnhardt, he didn't have a HANS device and was one of the last to stick with an open face helmet and refuse to go full face. You are now required to use both in most (high speed) forms of racing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 Yes, Earnhardt didn't have a HANS device, and it would have saved his life in all likelihood. As of the last time I was at the track, 99% of club racers didn't have HANS devices either. His actual injury was from the weight of his head (and helmet) flinging forward in the impact. The strain was so great that it popped a hole in the base of his skull around the spinal cord, so a lighter helmet might also have saved his life. I believe that this was worsened by the seatbelts being looser than they should have. I'm not trying to sidetrack the discussion on helmets here and I don't want to turn this into a big Earnhardt argument. I was just making the point that if his head hadn't weighed as much the force on his skull wouldn't have been as strong, that's all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dkmura Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 Back to the topic at hand, all SA-rated helmets (whether less than $200 to over $1700) must meet the same Snell standards. The differences you pay for are in features, construction and styling. My suggestion has always been to try on a variety of helmets until you find a good fit. Every brand is different, so if the helmet fits firmly around the crown of your head (without being so tight as to be restrictive), you've probably got a good match. As for cost, SCCA issued an advisory that SA-rated, open-faced helmets have less of a chance of jaw injury in the event of an airbag deployment than a closed face one. Based on that, the least expensive, open-faced SA-05 helmets (no matter the brand) may be a good option for drivers who are involved in occasional track events. David Muramoto Editor-in-Chief Nissan Sport Magazine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrFancypants Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 A good rule of thumb on helmets is: Buy the most expensive helmet you can afford. It's your head, after all. Randy has always had good prices: http://www.randysracemart.com/ - Greg - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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