Having a big head and finding that go-kart places rarely have suitable sized helmets I'm looking for a cheap helmet that's approved for UK track days (should I decide to do any).

Today I went along to Motorcycle City in North Camp and was told that a motorbike helmet wouldn't do because car helmets have to be fireproof and that motorbike helmets don't.

In case I decide to get a bike or at least do a CBT sometime in the near future it'd be great if a helmet could be both bike and car approved but was told that there's no such thing.

Is this true and where's a good place to get a cheap but half-decent helmet?

Cheers,
Paul

 

Hiya Paul.

I was in a similar position a while ago when I wanted to buy a helmet. I found having big head rules out cheap helmets , but then what price on the safe keeping of your head?

I went to a local bike accessory shop in Stoke. They recommended a Gold class helmet which are approved for motorsport (not sure if that's car or bike though).

We started at around £50 for their entry lids and rapidly progressed upwards due to the size of my bonce. I ended up getting a Shoei from the previous years range at well under 1/2 price. The guy said Shoei are good for people with big 'eds.

I've used it for a several days at Donnington (as a passenger) now with no problems.

Cheers,

Chris.

 

If you get a BS6658 type A bash hat it will be fine for all track days etc.

 

Go to any bike shop and they'll sort you out. Everyone rates Arai and Shoei (mines an Arai) but for a good cheap lid i'd buy an AGV. Hope this helps.

Dom

 

sorry guys, i think this big bonce post is hilareous.

so who has got the biggest head on the bbs then??

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>BS6658 type A <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Is this the same as the Snell 95 rating ? Which is what my Bell Mag5 Kevlar is.

Just checking for Silverstone

Richard

 

I too have a big bonce, but not a HUGE ego

I was wondering the same myself. Surely most decent 'lids' for bikes are full face, whereas for driving a car an open face would be better? Or am I just thick

Chris

 

richard, you are fine.

Aproved helmets for UK motorsport are BS 6658-85 Type A (Type B not acceptable), BS6658 Type A/FR, SNELL SA 90, SNELL SA 95, SFI Foundation 31.1, 31.2

Personally i always use a full face helmet, i feel more protected in one. Its a personal preference thing really. The main reason i prefer full face is because i once attended a rally accident when on the rescue ambulance and the guy we attended had an open face helmet, a branch had come through the side window and broke his jaw, he would have been OK in a full face.

Some people feel very clostrophobic in a full face though so its down to how you feel i guess.

 

Fir proof for motorsport I agree but for a track day ? I'm sure the ones Brands provide for there BMW and rally days are the cheapest ones if I remember correctly and certainly not fireproof.

I have a small haed and that too was a problem getting a lid that didn't just fall off even with the starp done up.


...Ian

 

I went to my local bike shop and bought a Type A helmet (that shiny chrome thing! )for £50 as it was slightly marked.
No need to spend silly money.

Stef.

 

The saying goes....

<B>"If you've got a £10.00 head, get a £10.00 helmet!"</B>

LOL



[This message has been edited by Puff The Magic Wagon! (edited 23-07-2000).]

 

How much for an approved open face helmet and how does the cost fair against a full face?
Cheers
Martin