I am getting ready to purchase a new racing helmet for DE events and track days. Any suggestions on whether to buy an open face or full face helmet. Are there any additional features I should be looking for? Specific helmet recommendations welcome.

 

I would buy open face if you are only going to use it while in a car with a windshield. If you plan on doing any karting then I would buy a full face.

 

I guess it depends on how much you like your teeth!!

 

if buying used, make sure it's snell 2005 as most track groups require it now.

i bought full face for added protection (just in case). track speeds are usually 100+ ...nothing to play with when i comes to safety imo.

plus, i'm able to seal my face off with the flip down lens. ...all the de's i have done require windows down which i'm guessing is the norm. i like to be able to cut out the wind, dust, glass in a wreck, etc in my eyes.

got bell new in the box on ebay for a good discount. paid $260, msrp $400ish.

 

Most of the newer snell 2005 are full face. Save you jaw, get the full face. You can take the shield off if it bugs you and just wear glasses.

 

I will always recommend Full Face for anyone.
Was glad I had a full face after an accident... when i pulled off the helmet almost entire front of the helmet was scratched and ground away from glass metal and asphalt...

with out the full face i probably wouldnt have been removing the helmet myself.

 

Full face, and if you have a racing harness, a Model 20 Hans device is a good idea. Some of the newer helmets come pre-drilled for Hans anchors.

http://hansdevice.com

"It is necessary to relax your muscles when you can. Relaxing your brain is fatal."
- Stirling Moss

 

Full face offers the most protection and if needed you can always lift the visor for cooling purposes. Even with a roof and windshield if something goes terribly wrong the more your head is covered the better.

 

Thanks for all the input. full face it is. Thanks again.

 

i went with open face as it's a lot more comfortable with glasses and you get better peripheral.

in an accident, it's possible to get glass shattered or debris inside the car. i guess if you drive competitively, it's a good idea. i just dont see the need for DE events.

 

Bell m5 full-face for $350

 

I use a open face for the same reason. I'm in the lower groups. If I ever progress to the higher run groups I would probable make a switch to the closed type.

 

While recognizing the benefits of open face, I'm a full-face believer. A little less peripheral vision and wearing contacts is not a big compromise for me, for the extra protection.

 

Is it a problem wearing glasses with a full face helmet?

 

Not really. Just put the helmet on first.