Helmet brands

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Jan 25, 2007 | 11:57 AM

#26

S Curvz

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 1,755

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From: Somewhere west

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephan_mckeown

IMHO open verses closed helmet seems a more pertinent question than which brand of helmet. As a Chief Instructor for BMW CCA, Neil's observations are well worth paying attention to.

I've just gone through the process of researching/buying a helmet myself. I wanted clear answers on the open/closed helmet/airbag issue, having learned about the 2004 open face recommendation from SCCA. In this regard, I found Just Racing's seminar section very informative. The following 2006 Q & A with motor sports safety expert Joe Marko addresses open verses closed helmets, airbags, harnesses, HANS etc (and dovetails with Neil's position):

http://www.justracing.com/seminar_ar...wtopic.php?t=5

More info on Joe Marko:

http://www.justracing.com/past_seminars.php

Yes, Mr. Marko does sell safety equipment, and may have ulterior motives but I was impressed with his experience and position in the motorsports industry.

I ended up buying a closed-face helmet.

Stephan

Great article. Looks like I am going to get a closed face helmet, probably a Protect because it's liner comes out for washing. Maybe some driving gloves too.

Jan 25, 2007 | 05:56 PM

#27

snid

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 2,021

Likes: 5

From: Burlington, VT

Joe Marko is a good guy...

from http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/info/company

Quote:

Joe Marko - owner and resident MINI enthusiast

always willing to help out in the pits at the track (HPDE events), and drive a pretty quick MCS out there.

Jan 25, 2007 | 06:39 PM

#28

billie_morini

5th Gear

Joined: Feb 2006

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Will not use anything in racing other than Arai helmets. Have used them for more than 15 years.

Jan 27, 2007 | 10:31 AM

#29

NeilM

3rd Gear

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 216

Likes: 0

From: Fort Wayne, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by billie_morini

Will not use anything in racing other than Arai helmets. Have used them for more than 15 years.

Arai makes very good helmets. They're also rather expensive. We all buy certain things because we like them better, even when that choice can't necessarily be justified by some objective measure.

However before anybody gets launched on a "How much is your head worth to you" thread, consider whether it's established that any particular expensive helmet performs better.

Neil
05 MCS
96 M3

Jan 27, 2007 | 10:38 AM

#30

ScottRiqui

OVERDRIVE

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 7,201

Likes: 8

From: Norfolk, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilM

Excellent point - as long as two particular helmets meet the same safety standards, there's no guarantee that the more-expensive one will protect better. Oftentimes, the more expensive helmet may have fancier graphics, or be lighter, or have more ventilation and convenience features like removable liners or easy-to-change visors, but sometimes, the more-expensive helmet is just that - more expensive.

I only use Arai helmets in the car and on my bike, but that's simply because that's the only brand with models that fit my particular head shape (medium oval, so I'm using the Arai Signet GTR right now).

All of the other helmets I've tried give me a wicked "hot spot" high on my forehead, even my Navy flight helmet that probably costs a ridiculous amount of money.

Believe me, if I could find a Snell-rated fullface helmet that was as comfortable for *me* as the Arai for half the price, I'd be all over it.

Jan 28, 2007 | 04:44 PM

#31

89AKurt

6th Gear

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 12,295

Likes: 1

From: Prescott, AZ, USA

Simpson

It's Snell M2000 rated, couldn't tell you the model number. I just ordered what was on sale at Summit. I have used it for one HPDE weekend. The glasses are a pain to shove between the liner and ears, but once in they don't move.
Just painted so it wouldn't look like a rent-a-helmet.