Helmets-Bike v's Car
Discussion
One head, best protect it and all that...
However, the difference in price for the huge motorcycle market v's the specialist car track day helmets is obscene. I understand bike helmets won't have a fireproof rating and I also recall there being a difference in the spec, something to do with the type of accident you're likely to have.
However, in an open top car such as a Caterham, what would be the major disadvantage of buying a nice sub £300 carbon fibre lid made for motorcycling v's a sub £300 car helmet?
However, the difference in price for the huge motorcycle market v's the specialist car track day helmets is obscene. I understand bike helmets won't have a fireproof rating and I also recall there being a difference in the spec, something to do with the type of accident you're likely to have.
However, in an open top car such as a Caterham, what would be the major disadvantage of buying a nice sub £300 carbon fibre lid made for motorcycling v's a sub £300 car helmet?
You’ve already highlighted the two major differences IMO. AFAIK they’re design for very different types of accident. One where you might get thrown from a bike and skid along tarmac clear of the wreckage whist the other for being bounced off the interior of a rolling car, impact with the cage and the possible chance that you might be trapped in a fire.
The budget go to track day helmets from Sparco and omp are rebadged motorcycle helmets. I'd agree that as you move up the price range you'll get a dedicated car helmet but at the lower end you don't.
I wear a motorcycle helmet, I reviewed the SHARP reviews before choosing my helmet. It is essential to ensure it fits well.
I wear a motorcycle helmet, I reviewed the SHARP reviews before choosing my helmet. It is essential to ensure it fits well.
Snell’s website FAQ’s state that only major differences between bike and car helmets standards are the fireproof rating and the size of the visor area.
Whilst there appears to a slight difference in the impact testing, in reality I imagine both types of helmet would pass both types of test.
Obviously bike helmets may have more vents, better aerodynamics etc, but none of that is a disadvantage in a car.
If you’re not bothered about the lack of fire rating (and let’s be honest, the chance of being trapped in a burning car on a track day is pretty low, especially in a normal road car) then there’s no real reason not to use a nice bike helmet.
Having said that, V2Sport.com do car helmets made the latest Snell standards and with HANS posts (if you ever want them) for under £300. I’ve got one and think it’s good value for money.
Whilst there appears to a slight difference in the impact testing, in reality I imagine both types of helmet would pass both types of test.
Obviously bike helmets may have more vents, better aerodynamics etc, but none of that is a disadvantage in a car.
If you’re not bothered about the lack of fire rating (and let’s be honest, the chance of being trapped in a burning car on a track day is pretty low, especially in a normal road car) then there’s no real reason not to use a nice bike helmet.
Having said that, V2Sport.com do car helmets made the latest Snell standards and with HANS posts (if you ever want them) for under £300. I’ve got one and think it’s good value for money.
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