Racing Helmet Purchase

[Bent Wishbone]

In view of the recent MSA news that Hans devices are going to be mandatory for single seat racing - does anyone have any advice/view on the best helmet to buy that will comply with current MSA regs and still be suitable for 2016?

Thanks

[JamesCaterRacing]

I was under the impression that you can get the posts drilled into just about any helmet?

Or if I'm wrong, what are the exceptions?

[Turby]

best or cheapest ? For best value try https://www.hedtec.co.uk/products/category/helmets/

[andy97]

The one that fits best, don't buy by mail order and don't be tempted by brand name. I learnt from (painful) experience.

Not every head is the same shape, and different helmet manufacturers have different views (dimensions) on what they consider the "standard" head shape to be.

I had a large Bell bought mail order. It cause pain on my forehead. I went and tried several on and the most comfortable was a medium Sparco.

[youngoldy]

We were at Anglesey this weekend and our helmet was to the SA2000 spec.

I was informed by an MSA Scrutineer that the Snell code inside the helmets manufactured to the 'current' (2010-2014) spec is SA2010.

As of next year (or when helmets manufactured to the latest SA2015 spec) will carry the SA2015 sticker, which will give you 15 years (?) use from that helmet, so would be better waiting until the first batch of SA2015 helmets are on the market...

Helmets carrying the Snell SA 2000 sticker (ours and thousands more) will not be allowed to be used as of 2015 onwards, so check your helmet spec's too before stumping up for post inserts.

Helmets carrying SA2005, SA2010 and SA2015 all OK until next new spec.

[Bent Wishbone]

Many thanks for your comments guys...

Yes, after the best not the cheapest

Drilling existing helmets sounds rather risky?? - Think I will be buying one that is suitable for the forthcoming regs..

Again thanks

[haggispeed]

Drilling holes in an existing helmet must not be done, the helmet must be manufactured in a way to accept the FHR mounting posts, that is they are strengthened in the area to accept the threaded bushes, or have the bushes already fitted.
Please do not try doing this yourself, it is most likely your helmet will be impounded at scrutineering.

As already said the best helmet to buy is the one that fits your head properly, even different designs from the same manufacturer will have different shapes.

As for the Snell specs 2005 & 2010 will be fine, from the Snell Foundation
"The projected timeline for SA2015 is as follows:
• SA2015 Certification testing has already begun.
• SA2015 Certified helmets will not be available for sale until October 1, 2015, when the standard takes effect."

Hope that helps. I'm sure a number of stands at Autosport will be doing a good trade in January.....