Helmet - Full-Face or Open-Face ?
#1
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Helmet - Full-Face or Open-Face ?
I remember reading something from an SCCA site that on cars with air bags, you should only use an open-face helmet. Any thoughts?
#2
Rally Car Racer
That's what I would do. It has the least amount of obstruction.
I personally would only wear a full-face for situations in which my face may come in direct contact with handlebars or pavement.
But I've seen it both ways. I guess it's just a personal preference.
I personally would only wear a full-face for situations in which my face may come in direct contact with handlebars or pavement.
But I've seen it both ways. I guess it's just a personal preference.
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I should add... the reasoning was that when the air bag hits a full-face helmet, it'll slam the drivers head back even more, increasing the possibility of neck injuries.
#6
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A recent thread on SCCAForums claims there is some who has debunked this theory.
I wear a full face helmet, though I own an open.
There's nothing currently that says you have to wear a full or open face in Solo competition, just that you have to wear a helmet of a certain rating.
I wear a full face helmet, though I own an open.
There's nothing currently that says you have to wear a full or open face in Solo competition, just that you have to wear a helmet of a certain rating.
#8
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Originally Posted by BlueRenesis82
I rock a closed face, but it would be nice to have an open face for DE's, a lot more comfortable
#9
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Originally Posted by Paul_in_DC
I should add... the reasoning was that when the air bag hits a full-face helmet, it'll slam the drivers head back even more, increasing the possibility of neck injuries.
however, if you're properly restrained, and all safety precautions have been taken in your car, ie think of a rally car, then an open face helmet should suffice, no?
#11
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for track lapping days, open face is more than adequate. when you go into track competition where speed is higher, and the risk of an accident is much greater, a closed face helmet WITH proper head-and-neck restraint system should be required.
I don't really see how autox will need anything more than an open-face that satisfies the minimal safety rating.
I don't really see how autox will need anything more than an open-face that satisfies the minimal safety rating.
#12
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I ran a closed faced M95 helmet last year for autocross and track days. Got a pyrotec open faced SA2005 for this year and I love it. A lot more comfortable, better visibility, and the adjustable visor is nice. It wasn't that hot yesterday, but I can easily tell that on the hot days the open faced will be a lot better.
If you don't plan on driving any open cockpit cars, I would definately recommend the open. The jury is still out on the airbag issue, but I personally feel safer without that extra inch or so of fiberglass in front of my chin.
If you don't plan on driving any open cockpit cars, I would definately recommend the open. The jury is still out on the airbag issue, but I personally feel safer without that extra inch or so of fiberglass in front of my chin.
#13
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When I was road racing, I started with a full and went to an open face. It was less weight when cornering. You have a windshield to protect you face from flying objects. And you are strapped in your seat, your not going to hit anything. I wore a full nomex hood to protect from fire.
When on the bike, I always wear a full face. I made the mistake of only having an open face 30 yrs ago.
When on the bike, I always wear a full face. I made the mistake of only having an open face 30 yrs ago.
#14
Originally Posted by visitor
if it comes to the point where you set off your airbag in autocross, there are two things you should do: 1, take it down a notch, unless if this is your dedicated autocross only car, and if that's the case, why do you even have an airbag installed?
There are a number of classes that require the airbag to be kept installed. People have cars that serve as dedicated autox cars in those classes.
2, acquire some skills. of course there's the highly unlikely chance of someone running into you. don't think that that's gonna happen.
On the original subject of closed face vs open face in airbag equipped cars and the SCCA's guidance...
They screwed up by posting that advisory without seeming to have actually read or comprehended the study that they based the adviosory on. The phrase, "knows just enough to be dangerous," comes to mind. Whether the study itself was valid or not isn't, or shouldn't, be a point of contention...it's that the subject of the study (airbags in F1 cars) doesn't directly transfer to the vast majority of cars used in Solo.
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I read the same SCCA advisory and becuase of it have been planning on purchasing an open-face helmet for RX-8. I thought I had a copy of it saved but can't seem to locate it.
#17
Closed face for me. I had an open face for like five years and replaced it last year. I have no worries concerning the airbag even though I sit way up. I'm strapped in real tight w/ my harness.
#18
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Originally Posted by conedodger
Closed face for me. I had an open face for like five years and replaced it last year. I have no worries concerning the airbag even though I sit way up. I'm strapped in real tight w/ my harness.
BTW... harness? Do you have racing seats? What type of seats/harness do you have?
#19
Originally Posted by Paul_in_DC
So in your case, the only thing the air bag can do is scare the bejeezus out of you?
BTW... harness? Do you have racing seats? What type of seats/harness do you have?
BTW... harness? Do you have racing seats? What type of seats/harness do you have?
#20
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Originally Posted by conedodger
Car is bone stock. I just got V710s mounted on SSR Competitions two days ago so I'm anxious to try them out. I only ran once last year, and that was on the stock street tires. I have this belt, http://www.soloracer.com/corbeau3ptdbl.html, that I got off my friend Brett at SoloRacer. I run the two shoulder straps thru the triangular cutout in the seat and the rear strap to the baby seat hook above the rear seat. Some people may think that that hook isn't strong enough but I'm comfortable using it.
#21
Smooth Criminal
I prefer open faced, I have better visibility, less obstruction of my view, both the road and in the car, and it gets good airflow, which is nice in the summer. And the closed face makes me a bit claustrophobic in the car. When I used to ride dirt bikes closed face was fine, but not in the car.
#24
I don't buy the whole airbag argument, it never made sense to me. Bottom line for me is that you cannot argue that a open face offers the same impact and fire protection as a closed face helmet. Protection is why I buy helmets, so I'm going to buy the best I can. Closed face for me.
You can buy closed face helmets specifically designed for closed cars and the visibility is great. The Stilo ST3 is a good choice.
You can buy closed face helmets specifically designed for closed cars and the visibility is great. The Stilo ST3 is a good choice.
#25
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Originally Posted by Huhwha
Open-faced is fine for auto-x. Only use full-faced for track, unless you're ok with something hitting your unprotected face at 100+
if something's gonna go through your windshield at 100+ mph, i doubt your full-face helmet will stop it from going through either....