I know this subject has been brought up alot, and i did do a search for some answers, but i couldn't find what i wanted. Right now I am looking to get a helmet. The problem is that i want to use the helmt for both autocross, and drag racing. I have tried different helmets on, but i can't seem to find one that is good for both applications. It always seems like an open face helmet is better for autocross, while a closed face is better for drag racing. So if some of you guys could help me out, it would be much appriciated. Thanks.

 

I use a closed faced helmet for autocross. I like to have the "insurance" that if something goes terrible wrong, at least my face and head are protected. I looked at the open face one's, but just don't feel secure with them on. At most of the autocross's I have attended, they have loaners that are usually open faced. Some track's will not allow you to wear open faced helmets, just depends on the track and safety reg's they implement. Next time you are out at the autocross, ask someone if you could borrow their helmet (for comparison vs open faced) too see if you are comfortable with it. I just prefer to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to personal protection. That's my 2cents worth.

Dale

 

Why do you say an open face helmet is better for auto-x ? Most of the people I race with choose the full face model. Sure it has a larger shell, meaning your going to bump your head on a few more things getting into/out of the car, but for the protection it affords (like not having to visit your dentist!) I can't see why anyone would want an open face model. I've ridden bikes since 1971 and bought my first full face in 1972. Haven't worn any other style since then. My car helmet of choice is the Bell XFM-1, a light kevlar full face I bought for less than $300. On my bike, I choose an Arai Quantam F, about $400. Like the ad says, what you decide to pay for a helmet really depends on what you plan to put in it.

 

The Simpson Voyager helmet is a good compromise between closed and open face. It has the largest view port of any helmet (glasses and sunglasses fit without any problem), is fairly light, and is comfortable.

 

Summer in Chicago gets pretty damn hot and sticky, I prefer a open face to be more comfortable. Also when I have worn a closed face my glasses fog up, not very good when driving.

If it were for anything other than autocross, like a open car or at higher speeds I would probably go with a closed face.

 

I have always used an open face helmet in the car on the road course. It is too hot in Texas and too difficult to use glasses in a full helmet. I have never seen a track or an organizer have trouble with them.

I have an old full face helmet that I reserve for my rare outings on a bike. In comparison I find it has restricted visibility and is less comfortable.

 

I first bought a full-face Bell helmet and never wore it because it made me feel claustrophobic. Then I tried a Simpson Super Bandit at a driving school and really liked it. (Have since bought one.) There's a drag racing version with built-in head sock available if you'd be interested in that.

I don't know what the rules say about this, but you can leave the shield up, or even take it off. There's plenty of room for shades or eyeglasses if you need them.

cal

 

That is interesting.. I thought those were only M rated. They have an SA version?

 

Snell SA 95.

 

I wear a cheap open face at Auto-X because I've done (do?) more dangerous things out on the street. Like S2K_coming, I wear a fancy full-face Arai Quantum on my bike. I figure I'm more likely to need it.

What sort of drag racing are you planning? I imagine as speeds go up the need for protection does too. I'm not afraid of a stock S2K's 14 sec time but go closer to 10 sec and my head worries more.