Helmet 'issues' - Need clarification on SNELL certification
 

So I need a helmet for a track meet next weekend, and looking to get an open face since I'm in Phoenix. When I went to a Ride Now Powersports store to try some on, the salesman there said that there are 'never' open faced SNELL certified helmets, as SNELL requires a closed face. This seems to go against previous conversations with fellow Arizonan @jasper, who told me that most of them wear open faced helmets due to the heat and for visibility. The Pyrotect Sportsman helmet I'm looking at getting is open faced, and the manufacturer claims it is Snell M2010 rated.

@jasper I know you are in Vegas but if you happen to be browsing and can chime in, I'd love to hear your take on this :)

There are plenty of SA2010 open face helmets.

The Pyrotect helmet you reference IS SA 2010 Rated. It's fine to use for any track event.

I ware full face because I also use mine for karting and those have to be full faced with visor.

I have a Bell open face helmet - Snell SA2005

I buy my car/motorcycle helmet from speedwayhelmets.com and have really good experience with them, tell them derek sent you
they're in AZ so you should be able to buy one for tomorrow.

Just look for the SNELL sticker under the padding. That's what the inspectors will be looking for anyway.

Thanks all!

I'm buying online, so can't look under the helmet until I receive it :)

Yes I always use an open face I can bring one for you for the next event I have a rather large collection of helmets. I like Simpson they seem to have the best products but they charge for them. For visibility I always use an open face. If you do one session in an open face and the next in a closed face you will see the difference even though many will tell you it's not significant to me it is worth it to have an open face.

Thanks! I actually ordered the helmet on Friday, so it will hopefully be here before Saturday. It seems I have a rather large head... XL and XXL helmets at Ride Now were fitting quite snug. I ended up ordering the XXL Pyrotect open face. If for whatever reason shipping is delayed though, do you have an XL/XXL helmet?

Is Snell required on tracks now?? The one I go to only requires DOT. I knwo SNell is better, but normally one would get those if they were karting or riding motorcycles.

Then again i guess it depends on the event you go to.

Many tracks / events specify SA certified over M

Snell is protection from penetration from a sharp object. These are normally required for a car track day but just a dot is required for a motorcycle track day. But each track and club has a different insurance policy requiring different safety equipment so always check before you go.

Sent from my Q10

I don't know if I have one that big I wear a medium so the biggest I might have would be a large. Message me Friday and I will go out in the garage and check for you if yours hasn't shipped yet.

Sent from my Q10

I purchased an open-faced helmet for my first track days. I'll be switching to a close faced helmet when I purchase my next one. Since your windows are open, there's lots of stuff flying into the car. I don't want any of it hitting me in the eye. And when you go off, and you will go off eventually, there's going to be all sorts of dust and grass and crap flying into the car. You want a close-faced helmet then, too. If heat is a concern, eventually you can splurge and get one with an AC inlet. Some jerry-rigging will give you a cool head.

I personally would never drive on the track with the AC on. I also wear glasses or sunglasses when I track the car so I have never gotten anything in my eye. I think the average person will be fine with an open faced helmet.

AC cuts out on acceleration. Makes the overall experience more pleasant. As long as you don't overheat, it can help.

I wear glasses and would prefer closed face. I can always leave the closed face mask open, but I can never close an open faced helmet. Closed is also safer for the face, obviously. Visibility is somewhat different, yes. Open is probably more comfortable but proper helmet fit and head compatibility are more important.

Car racing helmets are SA Snell which is rated for multiple impact and fire resistance. Motorcycle and powersports are M Snell which is typically rated for one impact and no fire resistance. It's possible the M Snell helmets now require full face protection for motorcycles but as mentioned open face helmets are plentiful in SA Snell.

Phil Grabow

Here's a good reason for a full face (at least out side of autocross)

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...rfest+deer+hit

and it works better if you SHUT the shield.................

I have run both I use a full face in my truck for off road stuff becuase of the mud but the visibility on a track day was not good enough for me so in my car I wear an open face. I also have a wide mask closed face for motorcycles but that one doesn't get much use sense I sold the bike. If you are going to track a lot I would look at the wide mask they are expensive but way better visability than then a regular motorcycle helmet.

Sent from my Q10

I was racing with him when that happened and had a close call earlier in the day with a deer. Honestly ever since that happened it's been a reminder to always put my visor down!

Since most of you are smarter than I am, can you tell me if this helmet can be used for racing? I have this exact helmet and havent really used it yet on a real track besides a few small events...

http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/raid...tegoryId=02267

I didn't see anything about a snell rating which means that 99% of the tracks would not let you run with it. They will most likely say snell rated sa 2010 or 2005 in the ad.

Sent from my Q10

Full face Pyrotect Sportsman for karting? Looking into the M2010 Pyrotect for Karting but, can't find any reviews on ventilation.