HPDE- Open or Closed Face Helmet?
 

Back in the day I wore a full face Shoei helmet when I rode, but now that I'm getting into racing on 4 wheels it's time to buy something new.

Snell is the new determining factor.

I'd like something:

-light (<3.5lbs)

-$200-$300

-Good peripheral vision

-Would prefer open face for comfort~ but ppl seem to be buying full face?


Coming from a crotch rocket, full face helmets seem somewhat excessive for HPDE, but seem to be the popular choice.

My reservations on full face is that I know it's going to cut down on vision somewhat, and be hot as hell- both factors that seem to increase danger to me.

Someone with experience enlighten me. Is the safety of an open face helmet substantially lower in a vehicle? I always felt that the full face chin guard was there to prevent your jaw from being scraped off if you face-planted the pavement http://www.ft86clubvancouver.com/ima...ilies/wink.png

George

I use a full face typically, but use an open face if I'm coaching at an event that allows for the windows to be up.

How much safety equipment will you have in your car?

I use full face also!

My 2 reason beeing, i can take my helmet for karting and other activities.

If i get into a crash, beeing a DD and still have airbag, the full face will protect me from the explosion of the airbag!

In your price range, for something comfortable, snell SA2010 and with plenty of visor to choose from, HJC AR-10 is the big winner for me! Sold to plenty of customer, and they are a lot more comfortable for many, then the Bell/Zamp in the same price range.

I also recommend the closed face helmet. I too have the HJC AR-10 in white. I use the helmet for autocross, track events, and LeMons racing. I have no complaints and have nothing but good things to say about it. Highly recommended.

I use an open face for one reason, they cost less. I've used it for autocross and HPDE in several cars, and I've never had any problem with it.

Closed, or open face I'd reccomend something from Racequip. Quality helmets for more than reasonable prices. Snell 2010 ratings.

Really can't be these for value. Just like everyone mentioned above, I'd reccomend a full face helmet as well.

http://www.racequip.com/autoracinghelmets.html

Thanks for your input guys, I will go full face. Probably best to go around and try some helmets on instead of internet purchasing. When riding a bike I was amazed by how much difference there was between helmet shape. At the time shoei fit the best for a full face motorcycle helmet, and I based my purchase on that.

Just a FYI auto helmets have a smaller minimum opening compared to motorcycle helmets. So you may have a narrower field of vision with an auto one. However auto helmets are impact tested on rollbars and are flame resistant. Just keep an eye out how wide you can see.

I run full face because a shitload of debris enters the car and I've had bits of tires, rocks, etc hit the helmet and visor (and my face when visor has been open) before.

I don't track my cars, but wasn't there a kerfuffle at the SCCA a couple of years back about maybe requiring open-faced helmets in Solo events? The rationale was that these were the only motorsports where the airbag was still enabled, and the air bag deploying against the lower part of the full-faced helmet actually pushed the head back further than was desirable?

Please forgive if my recollection is faulty.

Look for a helmet with a wide eyeport. The ports vary in size, and at least one manufacturer (Stilo) offers wide eyeport versions of their helmets.