dr_jones

iTrader: (1)

Can anyone outline the differences between a full face bike helmet and a full face motorsport car helmet?

I ask as I've got a trackday coming up, in the past I've always borrowed a bike helmet off a buddy of mine but I think the time has come to buy my own.

What with the tail end BMF coming up in Peterborough before long it's quite possible I could get a reasonable priced bike helmet as opposed to a (in general) rather more pricey car helmet....

16vmarc

Personally i would get a bike helmet, they go through a lot more in a crash!!

fuz

plus you can get scooby ears

mutant_matt

...and with Bike helmets, you can use them on a.....wait for it.....Bike

Seriously, there is a wide choice of helmets available at a Bike shop for good value for money and you don't have to pay VAT on bike lids either (yet...).

Matt

scunnered

iTrader: (1)

I think the main difference is a car helmet has a fire proof interior.

SteveF

You'll probably find that the motorsport helmets are nomex lined, and are certified for FIA/MSA use, and that they attract VAT as they are for 'recreation'.

Bike helmets used to be classified as either B (scooter type) or A (Bike), and may also have a 'gold' label which from memory is the 'race approval'. There are now Euro 'E' numbers to replace these.

The A-gold is probably about the same standard as the motorsport - but probably won't be nomex lined, and I think is VAT free as it's classed as safety equipment - so unless you're actually going to use it in an MSA/FIA event the bike helmet is probably the better option, as there is more variety/choice - and the key to a good protective helmet - is one that fits correctly

Hope this helps

Steve

spyr0

there may also be a difference in the visors........
maybe this is cr*p but i have heard that
a F1 visor can withstand a shotgun blast at point blank whilst a road going bike visor wont.
i do know that car helmets have a smaller aperture than bike lids tho

spyr0



[Edited by spyr0 - 8/26/2003 1:19:20 PM]

ADP

buy a fire proof balaclava if youre worried

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

A balaclava is a good idea anyway, as it will stop your helmet getting all sweaty!!!

I have a Sparco one and even after a couple of hours playing in go karts, they feel like they need to wrung out!!!

[Edited by Andy Tang - 8/26/2003 3:36:51 PM]

greasemonkey

Steve F - not all motorsport helmets attract VAT.

[Edited by greasemonkey - 8/26/2003 4:39:29 PM]

mutant_matt

You're right, it does sound like crap!! Bike visors (and presumably Motorsport visors (though they *may* not be impact tested like Bike visors)) are plenty strong enough!!

Matt

[Edited by mutant_matt - 8/26/2003 8:23:36 PM]

BAH

what sort of cost is a helmet that can be used on trackdays...?

BOB.T

I say the noticeable difference would be that the bike ones have a wider opening, which in a road isn't a bad thing when you're trying to belts on and what have you They *may* be a tad lighter too, not sure!

I'd say spend whatever you think you're head's worth...mine helmet was 50 quid

Oh and bike helmets are more spangly

dr_jones

iTrader: (1)

Cheers for the info - so it looks like a bike helmet is the better option for general trackday use unless your gonna try your hand in actual competition then.

motorsport items from about 89 squid OMP Integrale Plus Helmet http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk

Attu

I bought an open face Bieffe helmet from the shop at Donnington yesterday, Ive got a full face bike helmet but dont like wearing it in the car and as ive booked myself into a few track days over the next month or so decided it was time for a new lid.
As far as i know a helmet must conform to British standard BS6658 if you want to use it for motor sport but alot now have euro type approval which isnt reconised by the MSA....so im led to belive anyway but id imagine the euro standard would be ok for track days.

Andy

gregh

>> bought an open face Bieffe helmet

Andy,

One thing always worries me about open face helmets and that's your teeth/nose making contact with the steering wheel during an accident.

Greg

Tiggs

it may be crap but i've heard an open face helmet wont withstand a shotgun at close range?

mutant_matt

You're right Tiggs, an open face helmet won't withstand a shotgun blast at close range!



Matt

StickyMicky

would be pretty gutting if the bloke on the start line had 2 12 bore`s instead of a flag