macnewma

I would guess that WRC drivers use open face helmets as a failsafe to their electronic communications systems. If their headsets fail, they basically cannot drive if they can't talk directly. Full face helmets make that communication more difficult.

It still seems like a helluva compromise of their safety. I have a full face and although it I have to raise my voice to communicate, it isn't a big issue. I am also not racing down dirt roads at 120mph in an attempt to win a championship.

Max

gordo993

Thank you to everyone for your input... you've made my decision easy - full face with a Hans device. I don't plan on crashing my car, but I'd like to be able to get a replacement! I'll have to put my mod wishlist aside in the name of safety equipment first!

mitch236

Putting the mod list aside is good for another reason. It is better to learn to drive with the stock car and then modify one component at a time. You will be better able to assess the value of each mod better if you are a competent driver and doing them individually lets you know what each mod gives you. Leave the power mods for last.

cmoss

I started with an open face, the grauated to a full face helmet. While the open face was more comfortable, I looked like a real dork in it. And--rather unfortunately--it was easier for other drivers to recognize me and find me between sessions...

Seriously the full helmet is much safer, and really the way to go. I drive with the visor up to avoid fogging my glasses.

Chris

Brian P

I used to drive with my visor up but I had too many times where a piece of rubber (or other road junk) got tossed up into my car on the track. I figured sooner or later, it was going to hit me in the face and then I'd be really upset that I didn't have the visor closed.

I'm not sure what can be done to combat the fogging issue though.

penguinking

ya know... WRC drivers crash a helluva lot and i havnt heard of an issue with an open faced helmet. they spend alot of their time running into trees and i dont think its been a problem...*yet*. but i mean...solberg flipped his car 8 times and walked away - the roll cage on WRC cars is insane.

as for "allowing M buckets" at DE's - i cant find it but we discussed M vs SA ratings not too long ago, and it was determined that M's are almost identical to SA short of the fire resistant material. they both must pass the same impact tests but SA has one more additional one, i forget.


btw i would never run an openfaced helmet nor would i run an M helmet *in a car*.

ltc

There are two types of Snell certifications. These are "M" for "motorcycle" and SA for "special application."
In most ways the tests and manufacturing requirements are the same.

However, there are these differences between the two:

1. SA is required to have fire-retardant inner lining
2. The required field of vision is wider on the M
3. SA helmet must pass a 4th impact test. The tests for flat, edge and point impacts are the same, but the SA must pass a test of impact on a bar of tubing.

penguinking

thanks, that was what i was looking for

Bill Gregory

If you look in Skippy's 'Going Faster' they show someone with some tape wedged between the lower portion of the helmet eye cutout and the visor, to allow a couple of mm's of ventiliation.

mitch236

try a Cool Shirt or F.A.S.T. helmet blower system

944Fest (aka Dan P)

http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/

Go here and sign up for a free catalog sent to your door. I see they now sell "fog guards" a piece that snaps in and provides a barrier just over the nose so all the steam goes down instead of up in front of the eyes. I'm not sure how comfortable it is but I'd try it!