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What helmet?
JeffHs - 17/9/09 at 11:39 AM

I've decided I probably should be using a proper helmet in my car. It's got Brooklands aeroscreens but they don't do a lot of screening of wind or flying objects and my sheepskin lined leather helmet looks ridiculous (but it's warm!)

What do you recommend? I gave up motorbikes decades ago so I've never used a full face so I think I'd be better with an open design like the OMP track-day one.

Any suggestions?

SALAD - 17/9/09 at 11:44 AM

If the problem is wind and flying objects, wouldn't you want a full face helmet?!

oldtimer - 17/9/09 at 11:47 AM

The OMP Jet 3.5 is probably the best starter track helmet, it is passed to BSI red label 6658-85 Type A/FR which is motorsport usage, the £70 OMP ones are much lower spec, can be used on SOME trackdays but not all.

mgmiller - 17/9/09 at 11:49 AM

I bought this one.

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/609/35596

Its light so does not strain my neck to much. I like it a lot.

BenB - 17/9/09 at 11:58 AM

Unfortunately you really do need to try the different lids on. They're all differently shaped and if you've got an Arai shape head and you get an OMP lid you'll be in a whole world of pain!! For track days an open face is good (ie where you have to wear a helmet but not necessarily a full lid). For driving on the roads I personally would only use a full face.... But then my main reason to use a lid is cos my nose runs!!!!

Slater - 17/9/09 at 12:10 PM

Try a Nolan N43 Air Classic, best of both worlds. Open face or full face in one helmit. Very pleased with mine.

linker to review

Nolan N43 Air Classic
Nolan N43 Air Classic

Flamez - 17/9/09 at 12:25 PM

Buy a motor racing car helmet. They are specifically designed for impact within the car whereas bike ones are not.

BenB - 17/9/09 at 12:47 PM

Presumably bike ones are designed for impact with a car

JekRankin - 17/9/09 at 12:59 PM

I thought the main difference between bike and car helmets was that car helmets are more fire resistant? Could be nonsense though!

[Edited on 17/9/09 by JekRankin]

BenB - 17/9/09 at 02:17 PM

Aren't there also differences in shape and the position of the visor. Bike helmets are going to be designed for leaning forwards, car helmets leaning backwards? Or have I just made that up?!?!

wicket - 17/9/09 at 03:16 PM

Useful info here on the subject

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/doc.asp?c=52&i=13304

blakep82 - 17/9/09 at 06:47 PM

quote:
Originally posted by BenB
Aren't there also differences in shape and the position of the visor. Bike helmets are going to be designed for leaning forwards, car helmets leaning backwards? Or have I just made that up?!?!


thats all i thought it was. air flow etc. surely a bike helmet is better for the air, and taking a battering? ie biker hitting head on tarmac and sliding down a road

b4ldd - 17/9/09 at 09:18 PM

Hi
I brought a Caberg Carbon Fibre for the bike, also will wear it in the car, its light has removeable linning and has a flip down internal tinted visor, also it is worth paying George White clearence a visit in swindon, lots of crash helmets to try at reduced rates

iank - 17/9/09 at 10:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by blakep82
quote:
Originally posted by BenB
Aren't there also differences in shape and the position of the visor. Bike helmets are going to be designed for leaning forwards, car helmets leaning backwards? Or have I just made that up?!?!


thats all i thought it was. air flow etc. surely a bike helmet is better for the air, and taking a battering? ie biker hitting head on tarmac and sliding down a road


Differences are (as I understand it)

Aero, different head position means they are designed slightly differently, in a car a bike helmet will start to lift when north of 70mph.

Fire resistance, bikes don't have to be as resistant (doesn't mean they aren't)

Impact, bike helmet one big bang then a long scrape, car helmet battered off roll bar repeatedly

Approvals, if you don't have the right sticker it can mean you can't use the helmet on the track - important if you want to race.

Cost, car specific helmets aren't sold in the same quantities so there isn't the range and they cost a lot more.

For a road car, driven at legal speeds a cheap bike helmet that fits properly is all you really need - only the visor is really important to keep the bees and gravel off. If you also ride a bike get a good quality one that fits (not necessarily the same as expensive but obviously there is some correlation). If you race then find out what approvals sticker(s) you need and buy accordingly.