I'm signed up for PDE in April while I await my delivery sometime in early May (Hopefully). In addition, I expect to spend as much time at DE and other track events as possible. It is my understanding that I will need a helmet and possibly some other safety equipment.

Can anyone recommend any specific brands or designs for Snell SA 2000/2005 helmets? I would imagine there are a number of variables that become the criteria for the best ratings. (Weight, visiblity, ventilation, etc.)

Although I did try to save a few bucks in the process of choosing the options on my car, I am not one to skimp on safety equipment.

Thanks in advance for any tips that might be provided here.

Ward

 

Some one recently asked the same question on the 996 Forum. Here is the link.

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ghlight=helmet

 

Any Snell tht fits. Do not do it over the net. Find a local place tht carries : Bell, Aria OMP etc.

 

Go to a good motorcycle shop. I found a real good one for less than $200.00. Also purchase the foam piece to go arround the neck, that can save your life. By all means get a full face helmet. Had Dale had this equipment on, he probably would be racing today. You also need a 2000 or newer rating as the 95 rating will phase out in June, I believe. The 2006 rating are begining to show up in the shops now.

 

get an SA2005 helmet and not an M rating. fit is the most important thing. search the racing forum for information on de events and safety equipment.

 

Snell SA (special application) 2005 helmets are just now being announced...most will be released in the Fall of 06.
Recommended reading: http://www.smf.org/

SA = Nomex.
M (motorcycle) or K (karting) rated helmets are NOT Nomex, therefore, not fire resistant.

Most sanctioning bodies will NOT allow an M or K rated helmet to be used.
PCA DE will allow for a 10 year useful life...so if you buy an SA2000 helmet, it's good thru 2010 (5 more years useful life....and will be offered at substantial discounts when the SA2005 helmets are fully available)

As previously mentioned, some manufacturer's helmets will fit you much better than others, as each manufacturer assumes a different size/distribution/shape for the adult human skull....which is surprisingly variable....thanks Darwin.
The most important thing, aside from the Snell SA rating, is the fit. Go to a local race shop, try them on. Try on a friend's helmet. Order one over the web/phone as long as it can be returned if it doesn't fit properly.

Then, once you've gone over the edge, you can have it custom painted
FWIW, I used www.bullseyevisual.com

 

Nice paint-job ! ! ! What kind of helmet is that?

 

I just returned from PDE where open face helmets were provided (Bell). I took my own (full face). I bought a Bell M4 Pro. A great helmet, very comfortable, light weight and highly recommended.

Bell M4 Pro

 

Thanks for starting this thread - I was going to ask the same thing myself about helmets real soon too!

 

Here's a pretty good discussion from the racing forum.

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ts#post2822974

 

OMP Tourismo sedan racing helmet.
The visor will close down leaving about 3/4" opening for air.

http://www.motorspot.com/helmets.html
http://www.fasthelmets.com/OMP.htm


The paint job was inspired by Andy Pilgrim, who had a Ren & Stimpy paint scheme one year at the Rolex 24. My kids picked out Ren & Stimpy, Roadrunner and Coyote and the guys at Bullseye Visual did the rest.

 

Ward: When are you going to PDE? There might be other Rennlisters there also.

 

While we're on the subject, does anyone have thoughts on the location of the helmut cold air intake; side vrs top?
Thanks
Jack

 

I signed up on-line through porsche.com yesterday. I requested the two day course on April 4 & 5 in Birmingham. Although these dates showed as available, I have not actually received my confirmation. I'm assuming that I might not get a response until Monday.

Does anyone have any tips for maximizing the experience at PDE? Aside from bringing my own helmet . . . (Just trying to stay true to the topic here.)

Ward

 

The #1 criterion is fit and comfort. Go to a good shop and try multiple helmets on. The shape of your head will drive your selection.
A Snell 2005 rating will give you the longest life.
In case you turn into a trackday nut (let's hope), get a helmet that can easily be modified to hook up a HANS device.
Another good idea is to make sure there is room at ear level to install earphones. Again, if you do a lot of track days, it will improve your comfort a lot.

Claude