Helmet advice for hillclimb newbie

[GibsonSG]

Hi

I’d be grateful for some advice on the above. This will be my first year competing in hillclimb - I’ll be in an MX5 Roadgoing Production Car - and I’m finding the Blue Book a bit ambiguous when it comes to a soft top car.

I would prefer to buy an open face helmet, basically as I find them more comfortable, but I noted in section K that “either goggles or a visor must be worn.....unless in a closed vehicle”. I interpret the MX as an open vehicle if the roof is down, but wanted to check that an open vehicle wasn’t something like an Atom, with aero screens or no screen at all.

Apologies if it’s a dumb question but I’d value feedback before going shopping for my kit.

[Dan BSCS]

If you value your facial features I would strongly recommend a full face helmet.

/2p

Dan

[GibsonSG]

Fair comment

[df76]

If it was a closed car with airbags, I'd say that an open face wouldn't be an issue..

[Slb89]

if you race with the roof down you have to have a full face helmet.
open face (rally style) is only for saloons.

scott

[fat80b]

Slb89 said:

if you race with the roof down you have to have a full face helmet.
open face (rally style) is only for saloons.

scott

I'd go full face as well, that way you won't end up in an argument with an official regarding whether it is allowed or not.

We did a few track days/events where they stated full face must be used for MX5s / soft-tops - It would be shame to get there and not be able to run.

Luckily, I have both an open face (with intercom) and a closed face and take both just in case. It is always easier to comply than to argue.

[GibsonSG]

Thanks everyone, I’ll take the collective advice and go full face. Better safe than sorry!

[Vocal Minority]

Absolutely.

You are only in the car for 10 minutes waiting and then driving for a minute - so you can tolerate the comfort aspect.

[andy97]

Don't be swayed by brand name, by the one that fits best. Don't order mail order, try them on and try and keep them on for more than a few minutes.

Different manufacturers have a different view of what is a "standard shaped head". I used to have a Large Bell but it pinched my forehead; I have since had medium Sparco and Medium Hedtec and they both fit far better.

[Willhire89]

Slb89 said:

if you race with the roof down you have to have a full face helmet.
open face (rally style) is only for saloons.

scott

Can you point me at the blue book ref to that requirement

[GibsonSG]

andy97 said:

Don't be swayed by brand name, by the one that fits best. Don't order mail order, try them on and try and keep them on for more than a few minutes.

Different manufacturers have a different view of what is a "standard shaped head". I used to have a Large Bell but it pinched my forehead; I have since had medium Sparco and Medium Hedtec and they both fit far better.

I was planning to do a mass in-store shop of gear as I would be very uncomfortable with buying a helmet by mail order. My first thoughts were Demon Tweeks - not too far from where I work so that helps. Any other recommendations?

[frodo_monkey]

Willhire89 said:

Can you point me at the blue book ref to that requirement

Whilst I agree with the spirit of the post above, section K as Willhire89 points out only states that visors or approved goggles must be used in open cars. So you could use an open face helmet if you wanted (although I personally wouldn’t).

[Vaud]

frodo_monkey said:

Willhire89 said:

Can you point me at the blue book ref to that requirement

Whilst I agree with the spirit of the post above, section K as Willhire89 points out only states that visors or approved goggles must be used in open cars. So you could use an open face helmet if you wanted (although I personally wouldn’t).

I guess if you look at the worst case - upside down in gravel / dirt... then a full face is better either way.

[frodo_monkey]

Absolutely!