im looking into starting road racing and autocrossing this year. looking at these two helmets, both rated SA-2000. ive heard that thats the rating i need.
http://www.helmetcity.com/helmets/im..._white_big.jpg http://www.helmetcity.com/helmets/im..._white_big.jpg

what are the advantages/disadvantages of full face or open face helmets. ive never worn a helmet while driving or even riding a bike. and ive never done this type of racing so i need some input. thanks in advance.

 

closed face helmets protect your jaw, and I like to chew my food.
On speedvision the other day there was rally coverage. They were using open face helmets, WTF! Why?

 

You'll need the SA rated full face helmet for road racing but a M2000 rated helmet works fine for most auto-X circuts. The only thing against full face M2000 helmets is that you get hotter faster. That may not factor into where you live but in Florida it's a huge concern.

I don't really think you need a helmet for Auto-X but what the hell.

 

Yeah, the rally guys kinda surprise me with their open helmets.

Closed face = more protection for face/jaw.

Open face = more comfortable in extreme heat.

I would use an open face for autocross. But, I also road race, so I use a full face.

Yes, SA2000 is the rating you want. Always try a helmet on first if possible to avoid mail tag.

 

I HIGHLY recomend full face.. helps protect you many ways..

 

My thinking... A helmet is to protect my head, so why on earth would I get one that exposes 1/4 of that head I'm trying to protect? It's no choice if you are planning to go on track... full face all the way.

 

My thought is that full face is the way to go long term. I am sure that steering wheels are designed to give way before crushing your jaw but if you go with an aftermarket wheel or were to plant into the hub, I think it would do some severe damage to your jaw and possibly your neck. Also, there is a benefit to being able to slide the visor down if it is a real dusty track.

 

At least for the navigator, I'm thinking part of the reason for wearing the open face is that he has to read the navigation directions. Not sure about the driver, other than temperature.

 

i usually wear my glasses when i drive my car. not essential, but i see better long distance with them on. will a full face helmet interfere?

 

It doesn't for me.

 

Full Face is the only way to go. Glasses will fit through the opening of even the smallest ones. Just go try a helmet in the store to be sure. You should try before buying anyway since proper fit is very important. If it's a bit loose, it will come off your head in a rollover when you need it the most. If it's a bit tight, you will get headaches.

BTW, even if you are in a closed car like the R, you should always keep the visor down when on the track. It serves as eye protection too, in case of a crash and parts are flying around.

 

ok.. what kind of store would i be looking for around here? ive only been looking online, but i want to follow your recommendations and try one on first..

 

I like my full face cause I wear contacts and trying to wear sunglasses on a hot day just doesn't work. I usually have my air (not A/C) on full blast until I pull up to the line - which I turn off when I'm ready to go and close my visor.

 

Rally co drivers weat the open face helmets because if you vomit (from motion sickness) with a closed face helmet in the car it is a problem... True story.

 

Many opt for an open face for their first helmet, feeling that closed-face helmets are restrictive and claustrophobic (of course the helmets themselves aren't claustrophobic). I actually prefer the feeling of the closed-face. You'll feel like Darth Vader and I find being able to hear myself breath helps me concentrate better (uh, except at VIR last month). Plus having your head/face fully enclosed while heading into a corner (and heaven forbid the tire wall behind it) at tripple digits just feels so much more secure.

 

What about one of these? https://www.ogracing.com/ogshell/loadpage.pl?604095+enlargements/158.html

 

Personally, I think they are fine but I would opt for one that has a face shield - for those times that you'd really want one - karting, open wheel (who knows - maybe a race school?), etc . . . You can always buy a full face with shield and remove the shield if you plan on always wearing some glasses or goggles. That way, you won't have scratched the crap out of it when you DO want to use it. YMMV and that's just my O of-course.

 

If you are worried about the opening size, try a Bell M2 (fiberglass) or M2 Pro (kevlar). They have a bigger opening designed for those who wear glasses (or like to wear sunglasses). I like to wear sunglasses when it is sunny. I switch to the clear shield for dusk or cloudy weather. There are others you can get if you don't want a faceshield. Bell SR Pro, Bif. Intergal, Simpson LX Plus (?).

 

There are a few compromise helmets out there that have more of an "open face feel" like the Bell SR Pro - It is a closed face helmet with the design of an open face - no face shield (which many people don't use anyway - it fogs up), and a small visor over the eye portion...
See http://www.racerwholesale.com - Racing Helmets - this one's about $250
(sorry, don't know best way to post an image here...)
I've used this helmet for a few years and it is very comfortable - accomodates eyeglasses or sunglasses, too.


[Modified by nc-rsx-s, 11:08 AM 1/5/2002]


[Modified by nc-rsx-s, 11:09 AM 1/5/2002]

 

Definitely full face. Your face is precious. A quality helmet will have good ventilation and be light. Discomfort should not be a problem. I presume autocross requires that your windows be down. All road racing schools and HPDEs do.

125+ MPH road racing (laydown) shifter go-karts
2001 black ITR