I'm going to start tracking my 911 soon and was looking into getting a helmet. I saw some old threads suggesting some pretty expensive ones ($600). I looked online and found an open faced helmet for $135, which seems much more practical. I just wanted to make sure this helmet would qualify and I would be able to track my car with it. It is a Sportsman m2010 Series. It says it is snell 2010 approved. I know pretty much nothing about helmets so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris

 

I would spend a little more and get a full face model. Some clubs and tracks may not allow an open face helmet.

Bell sports can be had for around $225 with discount.

Contact Linda at ApexperformanceDOTnet She can help you with sizing and helmet info. She can also tell you about other models that might be less.

 

Thanks, I just looked up the bell sport web page, they have a full face helmet which only costs $100, it's called the arrow. Do you think this would be good enough for track use?
What certification does the helmet need?

 

I don't think so. You need the SA rating.

 

You need a Snell 2010 rating to use the helmet in most if not all cases now. I use an open face myself just for comfort (Bell) and they're a couple hundred bucks. There's no substitute for a full face version, but honestly unless your car is decked out with 5-6 point harnesses and a roll bar (and more), whether the helmet is full face or open is the least of your worries in pretty much any track accident. Whether you have an airbag is also a huge thing as well because your face meeting your steering wheel isn't going to be pretty in an open face version, but without an airbag your head hitting the steering wheel with a closed face helmet isn't going to go well either.

Safety is about the sum of the parts and not just one item, but your noggin protection should be considered carefully.

 

I'm not aware of any HPDE events around here requiring a full face helmet (as opposed to open face). I like the comfort and better airflow of an open face. There definitely are some events that require helmets with SA ratings (while some others are OK with M ratings). If you're buying new, I'd get the SA just so you're covered.

 

Last year NJMP instituted a no open face helmet policy because the state police mandated it. They changed the policy back after a month.

They could go back at any time.

 

Interesting. And I thought it was just our state that had the heavily restrictive safety laws....

 

I think I'll probably get this one :
http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?...&cat=14&page=2
It's open face, snell 2010 approved, and affordable. Just have to measure my head when I get home from work.
Thanks for all the input.
Chris

 

Sounds good..I used a Pyrotect in a driving school I attended. Good helmet for the money.

Best and enjoy the DE.

 

Are you sure you've thought this decision thru? The only time you "need" a helmet at the track is when things go horrendously wrong. It doesn't happen often at a DE but it can. People make mistakes, cars break and stuff happens. If it does, it could result in a high-impact situation, a rollover with outside debris flying into your car through the open windows or fire. Why wouldn't you want the best protection for your head, neck and face available? I don't mean to be an alarmist but check out YouTube and see for yourself. In any event, have fun! Best.

 

Although they look the same -- I think this one is the Motorcycle version (M2005). Also, it might be a little cheaper because the 2010 rated helmets are already out. Keep in mind that this one may not be approved after 2015 (in a few years) for many track events -- usually, they only go 10 years from the rating.

You might want to look into an SA2005 or, even better, an SA2010 helmet. I have this same model -- but the SA2010 version.

Just a thought.....

*** Correction -- it looks like this one is a M2010 helmet. The description still says M2005, but the title clearly indicates M2010. You still might want to look into an SA2010 helmet though since some track events require SA Helmets for cars. Here's a link to the SA2010 version:

http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?...&cat=14&page=1

 

aero is correct...this is a M rated helmet...you need to get an SA rated...

 

you need this one...

http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?...&cat=14&page=1

 

For DE events usually you can rent a helmet. That way you can see if the DE events are for you. Proper fit is important and trying helmets on is useful. You can also see what other people gave for their snell 2010 helmets. Check your local PCA chapter for rental info.