I signed up for my first DE - Labor Day weekend. I'm hugely excited, but a complete and utter newbie...

I'm looking for a helmet recommendation. Something not crazy expensive, but good. I realize that a Snell SA2010 helmet is a Snell SA2010 helmet, but are some better than others? Do you recommend full face or open face? Can I go used or is that too risky/gross?

Gimme some info!

Thanks in advance,
- Mike

 

Yikes. I just did another search (4 years on Rennlist and I didn't even realize there was a whole DE forum!) and found another good helmet thread.

Reply here if you like, but I think I've got a good start.

Sorry for the inadvertent spam!

 

If you aren't sure about whether DEs are for you, most PCAs have loaner helmets available. If you want to buy at least you will get 8 years out of the 2010s so go lighter and stronger (more expensive). It's possible that late in the season you can score a better deal from dealers who do not want to hold inventory over the winter.

 

The loaner helmet is a good idea for your first event. However, one of the big issues is your head size and shape. Some helmets, even though they are the same size, will fit and feel better. Try to find a shop that has helmets in stock from various manufacturers. Also, if you wear glasses be sure to try the helmet on and then put your glasses on.

 

Thanks, all for the tips. I actually contacted my regional track chairman and asked him about loaners. He told me there will be plenty of good loaners on hand, so I shouldn't worry about buying new just yet.

I guess the thing I'd want now is a balaclava. I shkeeve easily... I don't want to put on a helmet that's been sweated in by a bunch of guys before me. Yuck.

BTW - where does one even go to demo racing helmets? What kind of stores sell them? Motorcycle gear shops?

 

If you decide to buy, I have done D.E.'s and have been racing for over 20 years and Bell helmets have served me well. Sometimes vendors will be at large track events or races where you can try them on. Check for SCCA or PCA races in your area on the internet and you might find vendors present at some events to test fit helmets. I live in one of the 30 largest cities in the country and do not know of one place in the city to test fit helmets. I hope this helps...

 

Like asking what the right shoe is, the right helmet is the one that fits your head.
Go for a drive to Stable Energy, Lime Rock has a good store also, or somewhere they have helmets to try on/wear them. Spend at least 5+ min in the one you think is right. You'll find pressure points or things that will make a 30 min DE session uncomfortable.

 

OPEN FACE SO YOU CAN TALK WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR.

 

I like full face just incase there is ever a problem. I don't want to kiss the steering wheel. Bell at one time had a clerance section on thier website.

 

Snell SA2005 is acceptable and you can get them cheap. I use the full face because of the debris from the track. The driver and passenger window must be in the down position to communicate with others on the track.

 

Buy a SA spec helmet. This is a helmet ment for automotive track use.

I second what the other posts stated regarding a loaner, and the importance of proper fit. You have to find a helmet seller that sells car helmets, not motorcycle helmets.

SA spec open face helmet are fine for DE. Check out the Aria JetF helmet...

 

just until you get hit with a rubber marbel right under your eye for a first time.
if you run in open face helmet - at least wear good big 'italian mobster' style sunglasses, even if it is cloudy, to protect your eyes and people behind you if you lose control after a hit into face from marbel or an insect at 80+mph.

 

Having just completed the recent NJRR DE event at Pocono, I would like to reiterate two recommendations above:

1) Stable Energies in Garfield NJ has a very good selection of helmets and showed extreme patience with a Green Run Group rookie (i.e. me).

2) Agree that track debris and hitting face on steering wheel are very unlikely occurrences, but it's better to be prepared. Almost all (if not all) of the club drivers at Pocono had full-face helmets. Also, The NNJR instructors all have portable microphone/headsets that fit between your ear and the inside of the helmets that work great.

BTW, DE is extremely fun and very addictive. Chances are your helmet purchase will not be a "one and done" deal!

 

Sizing varies by manufacturer so it's best to try them on in person if you don't want to risk having to return them.

 

yup, OP is in central NJ. Speak with Bob, Joe or Laurette at Stable Energies. And buy a closed face helmet. Chins are a terrible thing to break.