Helmets

[wa-fu]

I'm looking for a automotive racing helmet and was wondering what a good brand or model is.  There seems to be a larger selection for motorcycle helmets than for automotive helmets.  Is there any difference between the two besides a nomex lining?  Also, does anybody have any opinion about open face verses full face?  
Thanks

[JasonNagra]

I am also VERY interested in this topic, I know a lot of you guys race so any input would be appreciated. Thanks everyone, Jason. &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[Dousan_PG]

i use a Bell Full face-no visor. got it from PDM-racing
good price too (not over priced)

no visor cuz i wear glasses
if i had visor be

i also got a full face because i dont want someone taking a pic of me gritting my teeth and looking funky.

and i dont want to lose my teeth on my no air bag/no horn button aftermarket wheel. so it serves two purposes.

glasses-visor-windshield. too much. so it works perfect. wish i got visor though so i can use it at the CART (dromo1) track. next time. might get a backup helmet later for firends who ride with me. its a SA2000 helmet.

[GotDriftS14]

i have a Bell Sport-II full face helmet. i usually wear the visor up though, since its a lil easier to breathe and the visor gets foggy soemtimes. i would recommend a full face helmet because you would want something that protects your face in a crash. it also protects you from spinal injury because the front part of the helmet will hit your chest before your head is able to snap forward in a crash, in an open face helmet, your head can move much farther forward. the cool thing about the visor is that when you spin off track (and believe me you will...unless you drive like a sissy la-la), it keeps whatever dirt, dust, car parts, and crap you kick up out of ur eyes and face. i guess the only advantage of an open face is the cheaper price and more room for glasses...

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/withstupid.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':withstupid:'>

[DSC]

Good helmet FAQ
http://www.norcalcrx.org/tyson/helmet.html

I'm buying a Bell M2...

[wa-fu]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot. &nbsp;I will go with full face for sure.

[adey]

I'm using a full face Simpson Voyager (one of their most basic helmets) with an SA2000 rating, and like it a lot... other than the way I look with it on. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> &nbsp;
The helmet fits snugly and the visor hasn't fogged on me yet. I wear glasses and they fit fine both with and without the visor. I recommend Simpson products, but I recommend AGAINST buying from their CA simpson-world store. Customer service there is horrible!

Also, I have to suggest trying a helmet on in person. when I measured my head, i figured I'd be a simpson size 7, where in fact a JR fitted a lot more securely/snugly. &nbsp;You really have to try the helmets on to appreciate their fitment.

[HippoSleek]

To finish what Adey said - If I hadn't gone to a shop to try them on, I would have bought a Simpson (after hearing about how their switch gear was better than Bell's, blah blah). &nbsp;Anyway, I tried a Simpson on at the shop and it was waaaay too tight on my jaw. &nbsp;I bought a Bell. &nbsp;

Otherwise, what everyone here said.

[LanceS13]

On the issue of open vs. closed face helmets (well, sort of)...
Is there a reason that all the pro rally car drivers wear open faced helmets?

[JasonNagra]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (LanceS13 @ Nov. 11 2002,12:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">On the issue of open vs. closed face helmets (well, sort of)...
Is there a reason that all the pro rally car drivers wear open faced helmets?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yes, mainly visibility purposes since it is so important in rally. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':alien:'>