Snell 2005 Helmet

[michaelhofastcar]

Should I buy a Snell 2005 Helmet for driving school? Or the older standard will still be fine? How about driving gloves?

[Dakar_peril]

snell 2005 is currently highest standard... I'd check with the driving school before you buy...
Also depends what you are going to use the helmet for afterwards... I have a "Champ" Impact Racing helmet... but then I am going to be using it for sprint and hill climbs in an open top kitcar...

I can highly recommend Impact racing helmets though... Aso try on as many as you can as they all will fit slightly differently... My IR helmet fitted best out of all of them...

Best advise I was given was buy the best you can afford... which fit you requirements.

hope this is of use...?

[Dakar_peril]

Gloves is the same deal.. try before you buy... and all depends on money?
I have a set of sparco Tech-Pro Gloves... more money but better than the cheap ones which will hopefully last a lot longer...

[1996 328ti]

I know I have the BMW CCA requirement somewhere, but basically helmets can go back two ratings. This year 1995, 2000 and 2005 are acceptable. Next year only 2000 and 2005 will be accepted. So you can use a 2000 helmet for another 5 years, I'd do with 2005 though. Try a lot of them on. I'd go to HMS.

Gloves, I don't think think it are as important as far as the date goes.
I have been using a pair of Sparce Profi gloves.I bought them make in 98 I think. They don't use the same ratings but mine comply to FIA86 rules.They are starting to tear and need to be replaced. Just be sure they are comfortable, the proper size and nomex.

I also use a neck collar or brace. It is debatable whether they will help in a collision, but it seems to take some of the weight off my head fromt the helmet and pass it to my shoulders.

[cali-ti]

any other info on the neck collar? i can imagine the neck would get rather tired otherwise.

[Panzer_M]

I need a new helmut, some more comfortable that the full face I got now.

[michaelhofastcar]

Thanks for all the info. That is very helpful.
I am going to attend a Tech Session at HMS. May try on some helmets there.
Gloves ratings: FIA, SFI, what's the difference?
Any ratings for neck collars?

[bmw318tiChic]

I don't think 95's are valid anymore. I'd recommend going at least with a 2000.

[1996 328ti]

I don't think 95's are valid anymore. I'd recommend going at least with a 2000.BMW CCA will allow SA/M1995 until October 2006.

I don't know what the different FIA ratings are.
I just ordered a new pair of gloves to replace my old ones.
Ouch! $115.00 for Sparco Profi. If you buy gloves get a color that contrasts your car. Don't try to make a fashion statement trying to match your car. It helps to see your hands when you give pointbys when they contrast your car.

There are some real cheap neck collars. Don't go cheap. I am replacing my Simpson.
Joe Marko can fill you in with all the details.
With safety equipment get the best your budget will allow.
I may get shoes this year too.

[SDKmann]

There are some gloves for sale on http://www.alexreade.net/. They are used but they were used by an F1 driver and they are signed.