Crash Helmet

[Rolling Stone]

Getting a crash helmet soon for track days next year.

Can anyone advise what spec  I need to look for ?

I know... do a search - but it's good to talk.

[adhawkins]

Doesn't really matter for track days, although check with the TDOs you intend to use before buying.

It's only for competitive use (generally) that you have to worry about the various approvals.

Just get the best full face helmet you can afford...

Andy

[Frau Vesty]

Track days may well lead to a spot of competitive sport later on, so for the small difference in price, I'd go for one of the right standard anyhow.

Also, seems to be fairly standard advice to go for a lid specifically made for car rather than bike, as bike lids have different properties, e.g. no fire proofing and different impact properties as the usage (i.e. thrown away from a bike but trapped in car during an incident) is different.

How many times can one say "different" in a single posting, I wonder  

[Rolling Stone]

Thanks folks, think I will go for the competition spec as I can see that being the inevitable next step.

I know of several bike shops around but nowhere to get a car lid.

Anyone got any idea where to go in the midlands - I'm in Oldswinford, 2 miles from Westfield factory

[adhawkins]

Demon Thieves aren't a million miles away (Wrexham way). There's a Grand Prix Racewear shop at Silverstone I think, and then there's Merlin Motorsport at Castle Combe.

Admittedly, not 'down the road', but hardly miles away...

Andy

[peterg]

I don't think motorcycle helmets are any 'different' in impact resistance although the neck part is possibly cut away a bit more for extra movement..... advantage to buying one is that they're VAT free whereas helmets for competition use aren't

I use a motorbike one at the moment as I had 2 anyway so keep one for track and the other for when I'm biking but when replacement time comes I'll probably get a decent motorsport one.

[Muttleys V8]

I'm waiting for Motorsport Int at the NEC in January.

Should be able to get something there at "show price"

Steve

[peterg]

It's called Autosport International  

[/pedant mode off]

[Blatman]

And there aren't any real bargains anymore, IMHO. Much easier and cheaper to buy on line, and even cheaper to buy in the States. With the Dollar so low, even with import duties you'll still be able to save a handsome amount of money whilst avoiding a smuggling/customs evasion charge

[Muttleys V8]

Have done some checking and the prices are much the same, unless you know of some special sites.......

Steve

[nlash]

Well worth a look at the Autosport International Show in Jan 2005

I did a deal with DT (shock) on a Sparco Formula £212 down to £190 with a Sparco protective bag included. Approx saving of £40

[Rob Navin]

I have to say I would never buy a helmet on line or by mail order.

Two reasons make me say this.

1) you need to ensure that you get a perfect fit on any helmet as they differ between makers styles never mind makers.

2) I don't trust delivery companies when it comes to anything that is fragile and one day I could be relying on to sace my life.

You may not be able to get a deal at Autosoprt International at places like DT or Grand Prix Racewear but you can find cheaper alternatives that you can try on and make sure they fit.  These smaller companies DO still offer discounts at the show if you ask nicley.

// Rant mode off //

[Blatman]

Try before you buy at your local helmet purveyors, then buy on line with confidence. Remember also that lids are rarely made in the company where you buy them, so they are, by default, adequately packaged for transporation by either land, air or sea, 'cos that's how they got to the shop...

[/opinion of a transportation professional]

I'd have *no* qualms about buying from abroad, once I was satisfied that I had ascertained the correct size by trying lots of lids on at GP Racewear/Demon Twonks etc, then walking out without buying