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Post by kevwilliams on Jun 13, 2012 11:36:07 GMT
I'm looking into getting a helmet. I know I need to spend as much as I can afford and I need a flame retardant lining but are there any other considerations? What about open face v. close lid? I will probably go to a store to try some on rather than chance mail order and find it doesn't quite suit my head shape. Any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks
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Post by speedsport on Jun 25, 2012 20:30:40 GMT
First of all, make sure the store knows you want it for use in a car, not a bike. They have different non transferable standards. Eye protection is compulsory in an open car, so that means using a helmet with a visor, or goggles. If you intend using it in an open car then there's only normally one choice - a full face helmet. If you are only going to use it in a closed car, then an open face is fine. A full face offers more protection in that it protects the jaw as well as the head, but is also more claustrophobic and slightly more difficult to put on (particularly fastening the chin strap).
If you ever are likely to drive a car with no windscreen, then consider a helmet with an aerodynamic shell that is designed to prevent lift by having a dam profile below the chin guard &/or on top of the head. These are more expensive though and are unnecessary in a car with a screen.
Have a look at the different fastening methods. Most use a double ring and strap fastening which is fiddly (impossible with gloves on) but is less intrusive. Some have a clasp like a miniature seat belt buckle - easier to fasten, but more bulky.
If you are likely to have a design applied, you'll need a helmet that can be painted - or buy one that's already done. A luxury really!
The most important thing is to make sure it fits. Also think whether you are ever likely to wear a fire retardant balaclava with it... you'll need to take that into consideration when assessing size.
Do check the manufacturing date. Buy the most recent one you can afford/find. And once you get it, look after it, keep it in a protective bag & put it somewhere where it can't fall or hit anything solid, and never drop it. And don't be tempted to carry it by the strap - scrutineers can be very funny if they see you doing that. For competition use, you'll need to have it checked by an MSA scrutineer and an MSA sticker attached at an event.
John H
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Post by kevwilliams on Jun 26, 2012 7:56:27 GMT
Thanks John. I'm hoping to get down to a store at some point and try some on. I know that some makes can fit differently even though they are the same size.
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