HPDE- Open or Closed Face Helmet? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

OjiGeorge · 03-11-2014, 12:51 AM

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

George

CSG Mike · 03-11-2014, 01:35 AM

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?

canu_50 · 03-11-2014, 10:46 AM

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.

n8dog11914 · 03-11-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canu_50

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.

markitect · 03-11-2014, 10:59 AM

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.

SeanRTR · 03-11-2014, 12:30 PM

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

OjiGeorge · 03-12-2014, 03:54 AM

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.

hyper4mance · 03-12-2014, 11:09 AM

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.

Dave-ROR · 03-12-2014, 12:39 PM

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.

Cato · 04-04-2014, 05:03 PM

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.

dradernh · 04-04-2014, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyper4mance

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.

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.

03-11-2014, 12:51 AM	#1
OjiGeorge Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: White 2013 FRS Location: Langley, BC Posts: 450 Thanks: 441 Thanked 146 Times in 92 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	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 George

03-12-2014, 12:39 PM	#9
Dave-ROR Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Drives: Stuff Location: Florida Posts: 10,317 Thanks: 955 Thanked 5,965 Times in 2,689 Posts Mentioned: 262 Post(s) Tagged: 8 Thread(s)	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. __________________ -Dave Track cars: 2013 Scion FRS, 1998 Acura Integra Type-R, 1993 Honda Civic Hatchback DD: 2005 Acura TSX Tow: 2022 F-450 Toys: 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo, 1994 Toyota MR2 Turbo, 1991 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Parts: 2015 Subaru BRZ Limited, 2005 Acura TSX Projects: 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited track car build FS: 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 LT CCSB 8.1/Allison with 99k miles

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
BRZedit Fuel Trims, Closed to Open loop transiton	mad_sb	Engine, Exhaust, Transmission	32	08-06-2015 04:14 AM
Open BMW/PCA HPDE & Autocross Weekend 10/5-6 at PIR	torqdork	Northwest	93	10-17-2013 03:18 PM
ARK Groupbuy *Closed* Open for Reviews	Titanmotorsports	Groupbuys	37	09-26-2013 01:51 PM
Bell SNELL 2010 full face helmet $250 (San Diego)	suaveflooder	Miscellaneous	2	06-27-2013 03:09 PM
Injen installed, open/closed hood dynoed	Bahraini86	Engine, Exhaust, Transmission	55	02-15-2013 12:24 AM

03-11-2014, 01:35 AM	#2
CSG Mike Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: S2000 CR Location: Orange County Posts: 14,562 Thanks: 8,942 Thanked 14,211 Times in 6,854 Posts Mentioned: 970 Post(s) Tagged: 14 Thread(s)	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?

03-11-2014, 10:46 AM	#3
canu_50 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Drives: Scion fr-s Location: Terrebonne Posts: 239 Thanks: 115 Thanked 59 Times in 47 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	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.

03-11-2014, 10:59 AM	#5
markitect Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Drives: Scion FRS Location: Michigan Posts: 216 Thanks: 17 Thanked 59 Times in 39 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	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.

03-12-2014, 03:54 AM	#7
OjiGeorge Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: White 2013 FRS Location: Langley, BC Posts: 450 Thanks: 441 Thanked 146 Times in 92 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	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.

04-04-2014, 05:03 PM	#10
Cato Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Drives: 2014 Subaru BRZ Limited Location: North Carolina, USA Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	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.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password