Track day helmets?
Discussion
Sparco Club X1 and OMP Circuit Evo Helmet are the typical trackday beginners helmets - under £100 so won't break the bank, full face so there's no issues with roofless cars (some circuits say you must have full face for cars without a roof/tintop). I've got the Sparco one and it's good helmet - think they go up to XXL, but measure your head using a size guide and it should fit nicely (that's what I did for mine and it fits much better than any other hired helmets I've used).
It's best to try some on if you can, Demon Tweeks is good if you can get there?
I have a Sparco X1 full face helmet in size XXL and an OMP open face on size XL whihc gives you an indication on the variation in size and style, although I do admit the Sparco is more comfortable and i'll probably not use the OMP again.
In terms of brands and looking like a noob don't worry about it, no one will care less what helmet you are using or if you are renting it for the day from the organisers, just buy something comfortable.
I have a Sparco X1 full face helmet in size XXL and an OMP open face on size XL whihc gives you an indication on the variation in size and style, although I do admit the Sparco is more comfortable and i'll probably not use the OMP again.
In terms of brands and looking like a noob don't worry about it, no one will care less what helmet you are using or if you are renting it for the day from the organisers, just buy something comfortable.
ollieM2C said:
two reasons; it's full face and I also understand that you can't use a motorcycle helmet.
Not sure where that comes from... in 20 years of track days, I've always used my bike helmet and nobody's ever commented on it much less looked at it or inspected it. I think full face motorsport helmets have a smaller aperture, but are otherwise constructed the same (there was/is a huge thread debating this point on here somewhere!).Tabs said:
I'm sure I've read somewhere that a car helmet has to be fire resistant, whereas a bike helmet does not. So you can wear a car helmet in a car or on a bike, but not vice versa.
Yes, but only relevant in motorsport. A track day organiser really won’t care. A nice motorbike helmet is likely to fit better than some cheap track day helmet (which wouldn’t meet the motorsport requirements anyway).I've been using a motorcycle helmet the last decade, was easier to buy as good try on various lids in a local motorcycle shop and found the one that fits the best.
Could be tricky currently as don't know if they are open.
Ideally take your car and ask nicely if you can sit in your car with their helmet, I have to recline my seat a fair bit to fit in my car with a helmet on.
Some trackdays are not hiring out helmet during covid rules but MSV stated some will be for sale at the venue.
I look super un-cool in a helmet by the way, like an astronaut without the suit.
Could be tricky currently as don't know if they are open.
Ideally take your car and ask nicely if you can sit in your car with their helmet, I have to recline my seat a fair bit to fit in my car with a helmet on.
Some trackdays are not hiring out helmet during covid rules but MSV stated some will be for sale at the venue.
I look super un-cool in a helmet by the way, like an astronaut without the suit.
OMPs cheap open face helmet is the Star, but as others have said id really go straight for a full face... you never know when someone might offer you a ride in a caterham!
But really, a motorcycle helmet is fine for trackdays. If you find yourself running slicks, rollcage and plumbed in fire extinguisher, then consider an expensive fireproof helmet to go with your fireproof overalls.
And as for not looking like a noob i wouldnt worry... just turn up in comfortable clothes and suitable shoes. The thing thatll make you stand out as a noob is how you drive, not how you look. Keep an eye on your mirrors and let faster cars past when it is safe to do so and youll be fine👍
But really, a motorcycle helmet is fine for trackdays. If you find yourself running slicks, rollcage and plumbed in fire extinguisher, then consider an expensive fireproof helmet to go with your fireproof overalls.
And as for not looking like a noob i wouldnt worry... just turn up in comfortable clothes and suitable shoes. The thing thatll make you stand out as a noob is how you drive, not how you look. Keep an eye on your mirrors and let faster cars past when it is safe to do so and youll be fine👍
I know it's personal preference, but I bloody hate full-face helmets. I find them claustrophobic, they don't help my peripheral vision, and I've struggled to find a comfortable one.
I'm likely switching up the Mini for a soft-top track car, so will need to make the change. Does anyone have any recommendations, other than those listed above?
I'm likely switching up the Mini for a soft-top track car, so will need to make the change. Does anyone have any recommendations, other than those listed above?
C70R said:
I know it's personal preference, but I bloody hate full-face helmets. I find them claustrophobic, they don't help my peripheral vision, and I've struggled to find a comfortable one.
I'm likely switching up the Mini for a soft-top track car, so will need to make the change. Does anyone have any recommendations, other than those listed above?
Spending a bit of money always helps tbh. I've got a OMP GP7 (now 8) which was great value for money. A couple of friends have the Bell Sport 5 and love them, not a bad price at DT. https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/bell-sport-5-helme...I'm likely switching up the Mini for a soft-top track car, so will need to make the change. Does anyone have any recommendations, other than those listed above?
On a budget then Hedtec is worth a look. https://www.hedtec.co.uk/products/gem-snell-sa2015...
Or V2. http://www.v2sport.com/v2-super-vent.html
ollieM2C said:
df76 said:
Why not just use the motorbike helmet?
two reasons; it's full face and I also understand that you can't use a motorcycle helmet.The reality, when you can get away from many car drivers anti-bike prejudice, is that a good BS6658-A helmet is better then anything that youll get to hire on a track day. I used to compete in a 'bike' helmet too, and latterly in a BS6658-A F/R which was the same Arai with a Nomex liner.
I know that ECE2205 has massed everything up, as it is an inferior standard, but the ACU still only give gold labels to the equivalent of Type-A helmets and if it is good enough for the TT, then it will manage with a trip into the gravel trap at Oulton Park...
The EU demanded a community wide standard which over-rode local standards, even where it was inferior. As a result even the best helmet manufacturers (Shoei & Arai) only test their kit to the required ECE standard, and no longer bother with our original and superior British Standard (BS6658-A - the lesser helmet in your example would be to BS6658-B).
A moped? I don't understand the diminishing sentiment. The helmets that TT riders wear doing 200mph down towards Hillberry will be ECE-marked!
A moped? I don't understand the diminishing sentiment. The helmets that TT riders wear doing 200mph down towards Hillberry will be ECE-marked!
And talk suggesting that 'car' helmets are superior (usually based on misunderstood tests by the now uncredible SNELL Inst.) and bike helmets inferior because they're only designed to 'slide down a road' are ignorant and biased twaddle usually found here.
I will take any Arai over a Snell 2010/15 Sparco any day of tge week and twice on Sunday. Theyre made by Yes ffs!
I will take any Arai over a Snell 2010/15 Sparco any day of tge week and twice on Sunday. Theyre made by Yes ffs!
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