I'll be needing a new helmet for this summer, as I haven't been on a track in almost 3 years, and my old helmut is a M95 I beleive.

Ive only every had a Full face, so Im wondering for you AutoX'ers or track nuts, which do you prefer, and why ?

Before someone decides to be smart and interject... GO TRY THEM OUT!!!

Im looking for experience while driving, comfort, visibility, etc...

Of course I'll try them out, my local shop has Zamp helmets for dirt cheap.

Thanks for any input.

 

I use an inexpensive, open face M2000 helmet for autocross and a Bell M3 full coverage for track...I like the open face's vision, when spotting cones, plus it's easier to quickly throw on or off and much cooler. But, for track use, I'm much more comfortable with the full coverage...

 

Full face for rack........

 

most tracks only accept a full face SA rated helmet.

 

I see plenty of open face helmets at the HPDE's.
Definately go full if you ever plan on driving an open wheel car (like a formula car at a racing school).
I have a full helmet myself. You can keep the visor up in an closed cockpit, but in an open wheel car, you definately want a helmet with vents for breathing. Balaclava + closed visor and no vents = claustrophobia. I made the mistake of purchasing one without vents and I need to crack open the visor as a result for enough air to get in.

 

I use open for visability.

 

for just lapping days where you arent RACING anyone, i think an open-face helmet should more than suffice in an RX-8, which is what i use as well.

 

I use a full faced M2005 helmet from HJC.

 

I use a full-face helmet for track days and autocross. It is a bit hotter in the summer while autocrossing, but I prefer having a full visor. I wear contacts, so a full visor offers better protection against getting grit in my eyes.

For track days I would recommend an SA-rated helmet over an M-rated helmet (click here to learn the difference between SA and M ratings) due to the extra flammability and multi-impact requirements.

Beyond an SA rating, more expensive helmets tend to be lighter (which is nice during a 20-minute track session), offer better venting, and additional features like removable/washable liners. I would personally recommend getting the best helmet you can afford.

I know you've said you'll be trying your helmet on, but I would encourage you to try on helmets from several different manufacturers to ensure yourself of a good fit. Different brands fit differently. When I bought my current helmet, I was leanining towards a Bell M3 Pro. While Bell makes excellent helmets, they don't fit my head shape very comfortably. After trying several on, I ended up with a Simpson Super Bandit instead. Pressure points may not be critical to you if you're looking for an autocross helmet where you're only wearing it for a minute or two at a time, but for twenty minute track sessions helmet fit can have a big impact on your concentration levels.

Also make sure to size your helmet properly. To do its job properly in the event of an accident, it should fit snugly. If the helmet moves when you nod your head, it is too big.

 

For track use, full face - open face helmet shouldn't cross your mind. That said, for closed car use, the ventilation provided by wearing a visorless design for me is a great advantage. (See avatar)

 

I have a SA rated open face helmet for HPDE days. Reason I went with open face was from reading a release from the SCCA regarding cars with front airbags and closed face helmets, they were making the link for this increasing the instances of whiplash when the front of the helmet impacted the airbag instead of the face.

Don't know how accurate that really is, but it was enough to sway me at the time.

 

Neck protector.

Weight of my head + helmet = broken nose, loose teeth.

 

For HPDEs I'm with you 100% I use an open face for just that reason, plus the benefits of ventilation (a biggie in summer!) and better field of view. I added a neck protector too as whiplash is whiplash no matter what causes it, airbags or other abrupt circumstances.

 

Oooops... been wearing a HANS device so long I take it for granted. If you're using 5 or 6 point belts get a HANS!!!!

 

CF, you might have inadvertantly just opened the "if you don't have a cage, should you really use a 5 or 6 point belt" debate...

 

The entire BS class voted and decided Ian had to wear full face, no one wants to look at him right before a run.

 

Jason, you're just jealous because people don't confuse you for the Stig...

 

Maybe if you had a visor you could see through you would be faster.

 

Yeah, but in open wheel you've got the breeze coming up under the chin of the helmet. Besides (at least in my limited experience) the abundant adrenaline and intense focus on the job at hand overrides my awareness of claustrophobia causing conditions in the cockpit.


Full face is my vote!

 

As you have heard, there are the tradeoffs.
I got an open face to try Autox, and a couple track days. Loved it being cooler, and the vision.
Then I had an "off" on track and started tracking a Miata convertible, and felt more comfortable with full face.
Now I have the best of both worlds - one of each.