Question about Helmet requirements.

[IPD]

i'm not going for a 6-second 1/4 here. my car doesn't have a roll-cage (nor will it ever); it has full interior, and i won't be using a roll-bar or a restraining harness.

do i REALLY need an SA helmet? and is snell even that great--considering the arguments i've heard for why DOT-only helmets transfer less G-Forces to the skull than snell helmets?

[Goallie11]

Whoever's told you that DOT rated helmets are better is trying to kill you. Never once have I heard anyone say it's ok to buy a DOT rated helmet only. Here's snell's latest safety standard, and you can check out their main site too to see more info. Snell demands more - M2010. Also you're not buying a DOT or Snell helmet, they're both safety standards and any Snell helmet will be DOT approved, just look at almost any helmet and it'll have a snell and dot sticker.

Personally I don't think you need an SA helmet, if all you're doing is a couple track days an M helmet will work, Snell approved of course.

[IPD]

Helmet Performance: Blowing the Lid Off - Motorcyclist magazine

[R/T93]

Owned

[Goallie11]

Good article, and I now see what you're talking about. I'd find a helmet with the lowest G force transfer during a crash and get it.

[i3igpete]

this discussion is irrelevant if your sanctioning body doesn't allow it. rented events like the NG where we "look the other way" are the exception, not the norm.

[IPD]

pete, if you know of a good full-face, SA qualified helmet--that also meets DOT compliance for motorcycle use--AND is <$200, i'll buy it.

[i3igpete]

thats a bit of a trick question, because M requires eyeport width measurement, whereas this isn't needed for SA. So although an SA helmet might meet the requirement for M, since it wasn't formally measured, it's not M certified.

but there are plenty of SA helmets that would qualify for M (just not certified). Here are some open-face SA helmets with tons of viewing angle.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/VMS-250116
http://www.soloracer.com/pyroopenfacesa.html

[Chatzvr4]

i'm not going for a 6-second 1/4 here. my car doesn't have a roll-cage (nor will it ever); it has full interior, and i won't be using a roll-bar or a restraining harness.

do i REALLY need an SA helmet? and is snell even that great--considering the arguments i've heard for why DOT-only helmets transfer less G-Forces to the skull than snell helmets?

90% of motorcycle helmets are snell and dot approved. pick up a nice shoei helmet and you will be just fine
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Prod...1-0135-03.aspx

and for the inexpensive route http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Prod...5-350-620.aspx

[2fnloud]

The only reason I posted this thread is because I am not going to miss out on the indy lap or road coarse because I do not own a helmet. Honestly at NG would be the only time I would be using it.