Helmet for autocross and tracks - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

alex3d · 06-20-2015, 08:36 AM

Aurocros are save events. I never wear heavy dutty helmets on those. I havent see any disasters live treatning, but you do what you are confortable with. Racing corcuits involving other drivers around you are totaly diferent, get the best you can afford.

ZL1-V · 06-20-2015, 11:36 AM

If possible go to a shop that has them on display. Try them on to find out what feels good on YOUR head. I agree with the others don't use the motorcycle helmet, and use please a full face! Google Le Forte fracture. I saw one first hand and will never wear an open face helmet. His was a full stage 3 fracture!

omegaman · 06-20-2015, 11:58 AM

As others have said, don't get a motorcycle helmet. They are not fire-rated as required by most auto racing organizations. Personally, for autocross and NASA HPDE events, I like the open face helmets. In particular, I really like helmets made by IMPACT (like this one). Increasingly, open-face helmets are on their way out. Most people prefer the closed-face helmet.

Regardless of which style you prefer. Finding a physical shop to try on fire-rated racing helmets is a challenge - nobody sells them. Lots of motorcycle dealers and shops around though. Your strategy is to go to a motorcycle dealer or shop and try on motorcycle helmets for SIZE ONLY, and then go online to buy your fire-rated auto racing helmet.

Nor Cal ZL1 · 06-20-2015, 12:36 PM

Simpson or Sparco. Made in USA or Italy only. No mororcycle helmets are allowed in most hpde venues. I learned back in my motocross days, do not cheap out on safety gear. Saved me from injuries many times. SA 2015 rated helemts are due out in October, and may be required soon after release. I would wait until.they are released and buy a Simpson Carbon, strong and light.

Motorcycle helmets are single impact and not fire rated.

jessrayo · 06-20-2015, 02:25 PM

Definitely get a snell 2010 (unless you can find a 2015 rated). You don't want to show up at a racing event and get told your helmet doesn't meet specs. I know it doesn't make sense to me but motorcycle helmets usually don't meet specs.

If you ever do crash the car bad enough to actually need the helmet there will probably be glass flying so get a good full face. That's my opinion.

Here Are a couple links to web based companies that I have ordered from with no complaints:

http://www.racingdirect.com/Racing-H...rt_direction=1

http://www.saferacer.com/auto-racing...sa2010-helmets

Good luck.

owhite3003 · 06-20-2015, 03:07 PM

Carbon fiber GForce are nice and light weight.

Trip · 06-20-2015, 03:45 PM

You'll want to try them on, I couldn't find a Bell helmet that fit my head well. I ordered one from Amazon with prime and returned it.

I ended up buying a Simpson Voyager that fits great and has EXCELLENT VISIBILITY!

ZL W0N · 06-21-2015, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nighttowl

Buy a nice motorcycle helmet, and pull the face shield off.
Then tell your spouse that you now need a motorcycle.
Purchase motorcycle when spouse is out.

Problem solved.

I'm not married, so that won't be necessary haha

ZL W0N · 06-21-2015, 09:26 PM

Thanks for all the responses! I'm going to see if I can find a place, reasonably close, that I can go try on helmets. I'm not one to skimp and buy something cheap, so it'll be a good helmet. I just want to make sure it meets all ratings and regulations. I'm leaning more towards a closed face helmet, but we'll see how I feel once I try one on.

jessrayo · 06-22-2015, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZL W0N

Thanks for all the responses! I'm going to see if I can find a place, reasonably close, that I can go try on helmets. I'm not one to skimp and buy something cheap, so it'll be a good helmet. I just want to make sure it meets all ratings and regulations. I'm leaning more towards a closed face helmet, but we'll see how I feel once I try one on.

I used to race motorcycles before I switched to cars and when on the motorcycle the fit had to be quite tight to keep the helmet in place at speed. This isn't an issue in the car, you want it where you can turn your head and say no without it sliding on your head but it doesn't have to be vice tight. I guess what I'm saying is in the car the fit is not near as important as when your head is in a 100+ mph windstream. Technically they provide better crash protection if they are a little tight. Good luck.

winterboy8 · 06-23-2015, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZL W0N

Where's the best place to get an open face helmet for autocross and track events? Are there better brands than others? Thinking about doing my first autocross event next weekend and they require helmets.

I know this is not a forum sponsor, but I doubt anyone will put up much of a stink. This place is awesome, especially if you can go in person. But, should give you a good idea of what's out there. Great prices too. Mouse over motorcycle helmets, then scroll down and click on automotive helmets if you want the real deal.

http://www.helmetshop.com/

DDoug · 06-23-2015, 10:27 PM

Hey, what are ya doin' July 5th?

go to these, ask questions, find an experienced autoxer, find out where he shops

http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/...event_id=15434

http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/...event_id=15436

1. Automotive helmet, because you want to do track days.
2. Full face, because dental work is expensive.
3. Try on helmets, all brands are made to slightly different dimensions and one will fit better than another.
4. Buy local. Support the local guy that supports local racing.
5. Buy the lightest helmet you care to afford. Those g-forces can tire out your neck on long track days.
6. Consider gloves and shoes while looking at helmets.

see this too

http://www.racinghelmetguide.com/aut...t-ratings.html

E. Bryant · 06-25-2015, 10:27 AM

For autocross and track days, I use a Simpson Cruiser open-face. For wheel-to-wheel racing, I use a Simpson Bandit and HANS device.

BMR Sales · 06-25-2015, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZL W0N

Thanks for all the responses! I'm going to see if I can find a place, reasonably close, that I can go try on helmets. I'm not one to skimp and buy something cheap, so it'll be a good helmet. I just want to make sure it meets all ratings and regulations. I'm leaning more towards a closed face helmet, but we'll see how I feel once I try one on.

Stable Energies is in Garfield NJ and goes to Events in the NE

Wine Country Racing travels to most major races

You will definately want to try on a Helmet before buying. Different shaped heads fit in helmets differently. I use Bell (one of my Sponsors, I can get a Bieffe on my head)

Don't buy a Motorcycle Helmet - you will be amazed how fast the liners will incinerate!

Don't ever buy a used Helmet - you don't know if it was ever dropped and rendered useless

2015's will be available Oct 1st and not a day sooner. My Helmet (a New Bell model, a GP3 Carbon) is free to me and they can not ship it til Oct 1st

All Helmet Distributers (Stable, Wine Country, etc) have Snell 2010 on Sale right now, because they don't want to have Old Inventory

After you get a Helmet, take care of it. Don't ever drop it - that makes it useless. Dry it out properly. If want to get it painted by a Pro, you can get a hold of me - I know all the Painters! A good Looking Helmet is worth 2 seconds a lap! lol

Here is part of my Collection

06-20-2015, 11:36 AM	#16
ZL1-V Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,155	It's your head you are protecting don't get cheap! If possible go to a shop that has them on display. Try them on to find out what feels good on YOUR head. I agree with the others don't use the motorcycle helmet, and use please a full face! Google Le Forte fracture. I saw one first hand and will never wear an open face helmet. His was a full stage 3 fracture!

06-20-2015, 11:58 AM	#17
omegaman Drives: very poorly Join Date: May 2009 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 550	As others have said, don't get a motorcycle helmet. They are not fire-rated as required by most auto racing organizations. Personally, for autocross and NASA HPDE events, I like the open face helmets. In particular, I really like helmets made by IMPACT (like this one). Increasingly, open-face helmets are on their way out. Most people prefer the closed-face helmet. Regardless of which style you prefer. Finding a physical shop to try on fire-rated racing helmets is a challenge - nobody sells them. Lots of motorcycle dealers and shops around though. Your strategy is to go to a motorcycle dealer or shop and try on motorcycle helmets for SIZE ONLY, and then go online to buy your fire-rated auto racing helmet. __________________ 2013 Camaro ZL1, Crystal Red, Auto, Exposed Carbon Fiber, Navigation.

06-20-2015, 12:36 PM	#18
Nor Cal ZL1 Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,825	Simpson or Sparco. Made in USA or Italy only. No mororcycle helmets are allowed in most hpde venues. I learned back in my motocross days, do not cheap out on safety gear. Saved me from injuries many times. SA 2015 rated helemts are due out in October, and may be required soon after release. I would wait until.they are released and buy a Simpson Carbon, strong and light. Motorcycle helmets are single impact and not fire rated. Last edited by Nor Cal ZL1; 06-20-2015 at 02:38 PM.

06-20-2015, 02:25 PM	#19
jessrayo Speed Freak Drives: 2013 ZL1 Camaro, 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Ardmore, OK Posts: 2,637 View My Garage	Definitely get a snell 2010 (unless you can find a 2015 rated). You don't want to show up at a racing event and get told your helmet doesn't meet specs. I know it doesn't make sense to me but motorcycle helmets usually don't meet specs. If you ever do crash the car bad enough to actually need the helmet there will probably be glass flying so get a good full face. That's my opinion. Here Are a couple links to web based companies that I have ordered from with no complaints: http://www.racingdirect.com/Racing-H...rt_direction=1 http://www.saferacer.com/auto-racing...sa2010-helmets Good luck. __________________ 2016 SS -AGP twin Borg Warner 7163 EFR's, LT4 mechanical pump, LT4 injectors, Walbro 255 low side, Castrol SRF. 734whp/759 tq 2013 ZL1 -ADM - 427 LSX 6 bolt, O-ringed block built by LME. Twin PT6466 turbos. RPM custom manual trans, RPS Quad carbon clutch, 9" Hendrix rear diff & axles. ADM/squash fuel system, Ron Davis radiator, Spal fans, AGP air to air, turbo plumbing. LPE oil cooler, rear bushing upgrade, roll bar...etc. rwhp 1400+... 212.5mph, best Texas mile to date.

06-20-2015, 03:45 PM	#21
Trip Drives: 2015 White RS 2SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 254 View My Garage	You'll want to try them on, I couldn't find a Bell helmet that fit my head well. I ordered one from Amazon with prime and returned it. I ended up buying a Simpson Voyager that fits great and has EXCELLENT VISIBILITY! __________________

06-20-2015, 08:36 AM	#15
alex3d Drives: zl1 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 79	Aurocros are save events. I never wear heavy dutty helmets on those. I havent see any disasters live treatning, but you do what you are confortable with. Racing corcuits involving other drivers around you are totaly diferent, get the best you can afford.

06-20-2015, 03:07 PM	#20
owhite3003 Z-BEAST Drives: 2013 JDP ZL-850 Track Spec ZL1, Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Oregon City, OR Posts: 1,470	Carbon fiber GForce are nice and light weight.

06-21-2015, 09:26 PM	#23
ZL W0N GuitarmageddonZL1 Drives: ‘13 ZL1, ‘17 TT ZL1, ‘17 Silverado Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 432	Thanks for all the responses! I'm going to see if I can find a place, reasonably close, that I can go try on helmets. I'm not one to skimp and buy something cheap, so it'll be a good helmet. I just want to make sure it meets all ratings and regulations. I'm leaning more towards a closed face helmet, but we'll see how I feel once I try one on. __________________

06-23-2015, 10:27 PM	#26
DDoug Drives: '13 Inferno Orange ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: The 313 Posts: 437	Hey, what are ya doin' July 5th? go to these, ask questions, find an experienced autoxer, find out where he shops http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/...event_id=15434 http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/...event_id=15436 1. Automotive helmet, because you want to do track days. 2. Full face, because dental work is expensive. 3. Try on helmets, all brands are made to slightly different dimensions and one will fit better than another. 4. Buy local. Support the local guy that supports local racing. 5. Buy the lightest helmet you care to afford. Those g-forces can tire out your neck on long track days. 6. Consider gloves and shoes while looking at helmets. see this too http://www.racinghelmetguide.com/aut...t-ratings.html __________________

06-25-2015, 10:27 AM	#27
E. Bryant Gearhead Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 252	For autocross and track days, I use a Simpson Cruiser open-face. For wheel-to-wheel racing, I use a Simpson Bandit and HANS device.