Full Face or Open Face helmet for track events?
 

I suspect there will be different responses for personal preferences here, but I am in the market for a helmet for intermediate track events. I envision to do a few events a year and am debating getting a Full Face vs Open Face SA2010 helmet.

• I will always be in a cockpit (As opposed to open wheel track cars). Track, Auto-x is where it will get the probable use.
  
• Figure 90 degree plus weather on a normal basis.
  
• I will be wearing prescription driving glasses
  
• I drive black TI's. Is there an optimal color for any safety or advantage reasons? (I saw Steven's thread about contrasting color gloves) Does helmet color matter?
  
• Does helmet venting matter in a cockpit?
  
• How should the helmet fit? Snug, secure but comfortable I envisioned.
  
• Does the type of chin strap matter for comfort/effectiveness?
  
• Thinking $200 budget for a new helmet. If I progress where I need a better one in the future, I'll address that then.

Thanks for any feedback here. Cheers! :cool:

The key to choosing open vs. closed should depend on the rules of the club/track you run with. Open faced helmets are always allowed for autocross. However, track days are more strict and sometimes only allow closed faced helmets. For that reason, I chose to go with a closed faced helmet even though I have only done autocross.

Helmet fit is the next most important factor. There are many measurements you can do on your head to figure out what size is right for you. Saferacer has a good guide and is a good online store to racing equipment from. Nevertheless, your best bet is to find a local race shop and test on helmets there, especially since you will be wearing glasses. You will be able to figure out size, fit and comfort the best that way.

I don't think color matters.

Higher end helmets will be lighter weight and have better venting to cool your head.

Chin straps shouldn't matter as the strap should always be loose enough for you to be able to open and close your mouth. You're not ratcheting the strap onto your chin.

In the end, I listened to none of my advice besides my first sentence. I bought the cheapest SA2010 closed faced helmet I could. I ended up with a Zamp helmet for $150 (I think) and have no complaints. It fits and protects my head and that is all I need it for. I didn't consider venting, color or comfort.

Rich,

I recommend full face helmet.

For entry level helmets, check out pyrotech brand.

I know a place in the east bay that you can test fit all types from helmet. From entry level to high end cf stuff.

This is why you want a full face helmet and you should keep the visor closed at all times.

I am a veteran of over 100 track days and I'm here to tell you that there is only one choice here. Full face is the only way to go.

Thanks all for the feedback. I ended up watching other animal impacts after watching the last video. :eek:

I had been using a older full face helmet in the past, just not valid due to age and rating. I'll look for a compliant and comfortable full face helmet.

Keep feedback coming and thanks for your experience feedback thus far. :cool:

I have no experience with this. I can't see the video either because on work computer.

I believe that I'd go with an open faced helmet though. It would be a LOT cooler. Breathing on those hot days into a closed helmet can get fairly uncomfortable. It would also be easier to use with glasses/goggles. I could probably argue better sightlines maybe.

Not to mention the most important factor. Whenever I imagine myself on the track I look a lot like Earnhardt Sr. with the intimidator open mask. It is hard to blow kisses at the pretty girls with a full face helmet.

Full face for sure. In the event you hit anything on track you don't want glass/metal/fire hitting your face area.

Full.

/end of story

Full, All the way! I bought my son a Bell Sport for about 250 when he was 18 and just starting autocross. Thinking he would also do track days at WGI, I gave him no choice as what to use. I have a Pyrotect full face and I have no vision problems at all.

Full Face or Open Face helmet for track events?
 

Thanks all! I ended up picking up a G Force Pro Eliminator from a local Speed shop who matched and beat online prices.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05...66fc3086b5.jpg

Picked up some vinyl lettering so it wouldn't be mistaken for someone else's. [emoji12] Thanks guys! [emoji41]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05...d6fb729e2c.jpg


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Last Lemons event held at Summit also had a deer strike. That was two years ago, Lemons does not run events there anymore because of the population issues.

Closed face, white and non motorcycle. Suggest spending a few extra dollars for ones with vents as opposed to less vented ones.


Darn missed that you just got it. Black and temps in car get warm. But not dedicated race car correct so you have AC. Mine is for dedicated race car.

Full Face or Open Face helmet for track events?
 

Ya, I did spend a few more bucks to get this vented model, plus , it was more comfortable so worth the extra dollars. I wondered about the white vs. black in a cockpit for heat and asked.

Folks seemed to think it was negligible in a cockpit car. It wasn't so bad last weekend, we'll see how it is up here in Sacramento's summer. [emoji41]


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Color won't matter in the car. Just don't leave it sitting in the sun!

Good luck and Have Fun!!

Great point! Thanks!

I also took Steven's advise and got some bright yellow gloves so pointing actions were more visible against my black car.


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