Tahoe Shark

Probably a dumb question, but here goes.

I want to run some DE events and need to buy a helmet. I'm 6'2 and without a helmet on I only have about 1" of clearance from the top of my head to the sunroof. I have read about changing the seat and lowering it but I'd rather not. Do some of the SA rated helmets have a lower profile than others? What to tall folks do if they don't want to change the seat? I am willing to change my driving position somewhat, but I feel very uncomfortable when I lean my seatback to far to the rear. I can't be the only one with this problem. How do others solve this?

GlenL

There is a near-mythical steering hub extender that some have.
Changing position can help, but changing seats helps a lot. As does not having a sunroof.
You can check out the helmets, but I've asked around and been told that they're all about the same. Nothing dramatic for sure.

Brent 89-GT

Slouch

H2

Say....now that you bring it up....what specs should I look for in a helmet if I went looking on eBay? (I'm only 5'8" so I have more options).

Tahoe Shark

I have been told that all organizations accept an SA2000 rated helmets for their events, and an MA2000 rated helmet might refused by some event organizations. I stand corrected in advance if this information is false.

GlenL

You are correct. M2000 a lot of places, but SA2000 is accepted everywhere. The party line is to "strongly recommend" SA2000.

Ell

A SA95 or better helmet should be ok for another year or two. If you are going to buy a new one. Not all helmets are the same. I purchased a Bell M3 Pro this year. I am 5'8" and tried several helmets and the M3 was the only one I found that I would not rub on the roof. What ever you get remember that a 2 cent helmet holds a 2 cent head.

Happy racing

Brent 89-GT

Seriously though, the only "fix" for the headroom problem is a new seat. I didn't want to go that route myself. I ran two DE weekends and one open track day this year. I doubt I will exceed that in the coming years. It wasn't what I wanted for the car, to install a non-matching seat. I had Recaro SRD's in my 944T and they are definately not as comfortable for a daily driver. I think the same applies to most aftermarket seats.

What I do is, recline the seatback and move the bottom closer from my normal position. Then I kind of slouch in there. It isn't the best but works OK for DE. You actually get used to it pretty quickly. Once home and the helmet is off though, I wonder how I drove like that at all.

I even went as far as to try and remove the headliner temporarily for track days. Don't bother, that bugger is glued and screwed like you wouldn't believe.

Your best bet is to just put the helmet on, fiddle with the seat and accept that you will have sore shoulders the next day from hanging on to the wheel Good Luck

Dennis K

Tim -

Helmets don't vary too much in thickness. If you want to keep your seat, then you'll have to recline it. I have this exact problem. I have Recaro SPG fixed-back seats that are lower and more reclined than stock. Although there's plenty of room for my helmet, there's quite a reach to the steering wheel. It's not the ideal seating position and I'm looking for a steering wheel spacer like this.


Hughett -

I'd recommend you avoid Ebay & instead go to a brick & mortar to get your helmet (if this is your first). You'll want to be able to try it on for size to make sure it doesn't rattle around or squeeze your melon like a vice. All brands fit differently and sizing is not universal. It'll be tough to get a comfortable fit without trying it on.