V Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 I was looking at getting a helmet for track days, but i've been told they are different to bike helmets. Fire rating for starters. Is there a standard so that i'll be able to go on any track day. I;ve been looking on a few trackday circuit sites but all they say is you need a helmet? Plus best place to buy one? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Any motorbike shop will do, like those Hein Gerecke (however it's spelt) ones. As a further question, is there a time limit on helmets, as mine has sat in the garage for 2-3 years now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 Hmmm. i went to my local bike shop and said theres dont meet the spec, mainly as there's arnt fire rated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Was it a small shop? My one was only £45 quid and it met all the specs, although I can't remember what those were, so I'm being bugger-all help really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 Reasonbale. They had some biker guy there the other week. Tossland or something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_p Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 I've never been to one track day where they have actually checked the helmet, anything seems to go really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazboy Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Try skid lids on in your car, my visor had to come off because it hit the roof above the door and I'm only a shorty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Oh they did at Croft and Brands. Under the rim, down the little hole, the works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 I was looking at this one in the shop. I suppose it makes sense to get an FR one, just in case the worse happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 You are correct that car helmets need to be certified and that any old bike helmet won't do....however, I can't see a trackday person being stopped for using a bike helmet....as lots do. HELMETS FOR USE IN FIA EVENTS MUST COMPLY TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS ONLY • Snell SA2000 • SFI31.1A, SFI31.2 • British Standard BS6658-85 Type A/FR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 For RAC MSA competitions you need an approved helmet, for track days ypu'll probably get away with a chip pan on your head. Go to a specialist like Grand Prix Raceware on Silverstone industrial estate, or Demon Tweeks, various makes suit different shaped heads better, for example I have never been able to find a Bell helmet that feels comfortable, but Arai fit like a glove. You tend to get what you pay for, I am always amazed at someone spending ££££££'s on bling then wearing some stickered up flower pot on their bonce to do trackdays. My last accident reminded me of the value of a good helmet as I cracked an Arai on the seat belt top mount when I put a car into the barriers, sideways, at Oulton about 18 months ago. A cheap helmet may not have stood up so well. Spending 380 quid on a new one wasn't so traumatic after thinking of the consequences of an El Cheapo, or no helmet at all. Car and bike helmets meet different standards, as said earlier, fire retardancy is one area they differ in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 http://www.pistonheads.com/features/Default.asp?storyId=13304 Demon Tweak selection http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductList.asp?cls=MSPORT&grp=MC003&pgrp=M013&tlgrp=MS001&filterBrandCode=&OrderBy=PriceAsc Cheapest you're likely to get a proper one for... http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductDetail.asp?cls=MSPORT&pcode=IPR17500209 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_p Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 I agree with Chris completely, I spent about 300 on my sparco helmet for track days even though I could probably have got away with wearing a builders hat, but you have to think about the 'what if's' and if I saw a helmet for 100 I would walk away, you do get what you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Just reading the comments on that PH story and one comment in particular made me laugh with his recommendation of helmet.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supra_aero Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 you guys crack me up. Very good advice though between the flower pots and frying pan helmets. I'll need one too and this advice is helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Full face lid is a bit restrictive in a car imo, open face lid is nice for trackdays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soop Dogg Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Hmmm. i went to my local bike shop and said theres dont meet the spec, mainly as there's arnt fire rated. I take it you'll be buying all the fire-proof overalls/gloves etc also then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soop Dogg Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Full face lid is a bit restrictive in a car imo, open face lid is nice for trackdays. Agreed. Also full face car helmets generally give LESS peripheral vision than a motorcycle helmet. (Hence why car helmets are illegal for motorcyclists to wear on the road) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Just reading the comments on that PH story and one comment in particular made me laugh with his recommendation of helmet.... http://www.heorot.dk/suttonhoo-grimhelm.jpg pmsl Yeh, go to a race track and wear that skid lid lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vvteye Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 This Chip pan... Is it fire retardent, and do you point the handle to the way you are turning, a bit like a morris minor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 I was looking at getting a helmet for track days, but i've been told they are different to bike helmets. Fire rating for starters. Is there a standard so that i'll be able to go on any track day. I;ve been looking on a few trackday circuit sites but all they say is you need a helmet? Plus best place to buy one? Cheers Hi V, how long you been back on the forum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 I take it you'll be buying all the fire-proof overalls/gloves etc also then? Err yes of course.......... (but a fair point!) But it deos seem the lid must be for more and more track days, so might as well future proof me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 Hi V, how long you been back on the forum? Hi Branners, Side tracking: Minutes i reckon. Been tad wey laid. I posted a several times for the Marham track day which i went, and then another long stint away. I like to look a few times every week, but havent really had the chance. plus the better weathers here so the driving side gets more into my life. Why the interest? Have you missed me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 I borrow a friends helmet which he used for his Rally Cross which is a full face and i havent had any peripheral issues, but i agree an open face would be better. I’d like a full face for the fact I seem to swap lifts with Caterham type cars, so something to keep the bugs out is always a bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Hi Branners, Side tracking: Minutes i reckon. Been tad wey laid. I posted a several times for the Marham track day which i went, and then another long stint away. I like to look a few times every week, but havent really had the chance. plus the better weathers here so the driving side gets more into my life. Why the interest? Have you missed me? just the only person with a single letter for a username and I remember you asking for it. Like to keep an eye on the old timers as a barometer of forum standards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.