What kind of helmet do you use? [Archive]

dirty

12-28-2009, 05:35 PM

peltor, peltor, peltor.

I have an open face. no complaints.

I love my Peltor also. It's light and has a great headset. It's really what fits your head the best. The Peltor fit me better than a Stilo. I have G Force which is the absolute worst fitting helmet ever.

For Rally Cross the intercom is a pain at times. It makes it really hard to hear normal talking and especially a stock exhaust.

Seats and helmets are the worst to buy, so If you ask around most people will let you try theirs on (just be clean and I'd do it BEFORE the rally).

Are you going to Sandblast?

thewizard

12-28-2009, 05:37 PM

I have a Zamp open face and am happy with it but next one will be a closed face Peltor.

UP2MTNS

12-28-2009, 05:55 PM

Stilo > peltor. If I was going to be spending bank on a helmet, that is my preference.

I've heard both opinions, so I'm curious as to 'how' its better? got any factoids?

Plus, at least in the the US....Peltor is much more common. So if you're going to buy one as a co-driver...your best bet is peltor. I don't know too many rally cars w/a Stilo intercom system. (or are they compatible?)

beatersubi

12-28-2009, 06:16 PM

Anyone care to expand on the pro's/con's of an open-face vs. a closed-face.
So far, I've rally-x'ed w/ my closed face bike helmet and have been fine, but I don't see it working w/ an intercom.

conorpeterson85

12-28-2009, 06:38 PM

Anyone care to expand on the pro's/con's of an open-face vs. a closed-face.
So far, I've rally-x'ed w/ my closed face bike helmet and have been fine, but I don't see it working w/ an intercom.

^+1

nkx

12-28-2009, 06:53 PM

Anyone care to expand on the pro's/con's of an open-face vs. a closed-face.
So far, I've rally-x'ed w/ my closed face bike helmet and have been fine, but I don't see it working w/ an intercom.

Closed face offers more protection.

Open face is nice for calling instructions if the intercom breaks, or if something a little chunkier than words need to find their way out.

BenSlocum

12-28-2009, 08:53 PM

I've heard both opinions, so I'm curious as to 'how' its better? got any factoids?

Plus, at least in the the US....Peltor is much more common. So if you're going to buy one as a co-driver...your best bet is peltor. I don't know too many rally cars w/a Stilo intercom system. (or are they compatible?)

I have a Stilo and LOVE it. I've used Peltor as well, and vastly prefer my Rally Trophy+. Safety and sound quality is equal to Peltor, but the padding is a little easier on the head after a rally. They also fit quite differently, so try both and go for whatever feels better.

As for co-driving, I think the Stilo is the best option around. They tend to cost a bit more, but not too enough to have dissuaded me from buying one. They have addaptors for both Terraphone and Peltor, allowing me to use one helmet and intercom to run in any car. Even without the adaptor, Stilo is gaining ground quickly in the US.

thewizard

12-28-2009, 09:08 PM

Closed face offers more protection.

Open face is nice for calling instructions if the intercom breaks, or if something a little chunkier than words need to find their way out.

If the protection gets down to the closed/open face helmet I would think you would have more serious issues to worry about...
I now would prefer to run a closed face coz I co-drove in some cars that are extremely loud (Acura RSX) where the driver was complaining he could hear the exhaust noise. My car is loud but not loud enough to hear the exhaust thru the intercom however.

WRR

12-28-2009, 09:40 PM

G force open face with Peltor mic - budget was tight... the mic cost almost as much as the helmet :-o

KevinWelker

12-28-2009, 11:20 PM

I love my Stilo SR3 closed face and stilo WRC intercom. I bought mine a few years ago from Checkpoint when both together were less than just the helmet is nowadays. Maybe the dollar will come back and make them more affordable again. Fits great, is very light and the built in tinted visor is awesome in the super bright desert sun when just the Oakleys are not even enough. The removeable ear cups are a nice touch too for when I use it for things other than the rally car.

Consider the cost and features of the intercom also, for me, I would not mix peltor with stilo if you don't have to it's just another thing that can go wrong, cause an annoying hum in the system or need an adaptor that could get lost.

Go to a rally and ask to try some on, if you have a head sock nobody will turn you down, and even if you don't most rallyists helmets I've seen are not exactly spotless anyway.

Carl S

12-29-2009, 05:56 AM

I've heard both opinions, so I'm curious as to 'how' its better? got any factoids?

My melon liked the stilo I tried on better than the peltor I've used. So no factoids, just subjective opinion. But, like seats and suits, thats what a lot of helmet choice comes down to.

And like Ben mentioned, adapters for the stilo to be used with peltor and terratrip are available. In my experience Ben's stilo didnt make my terraphone sound any worse than it already does.

Though I do like the idea of the built-in mic stalk on the stilo wrc, I've had issues before with the peltor style mic booms coming loose and falling down right when you need them.

I do prefer closed face though, just for the extra protection. So thats why my gforce hybrid is nice, its closed face with a big eye port and cheap. Not the lightest helmet out there, but its never caused me any issues because of the weight. And with HNR's now helmet weight is less of an issue in an accident. But just make sure you're not a chucker if you go with closed face.

Jard

12-29-2009, 06:06 AM

I guess I need to test fit the Stilo and Peltor after reading everything here.

I would really really like to go closed face but the Stilo WRC open face looks REALLY nice in terms of price and features.

Right now I have a Bell M3 closed face with a Peltor intercom kit in it.

kturner

12-29-2009, 08:29 AM

Jard

12-29-2009, 08:37 AM

Does anyone have experience, or even seen the Arai GP-Jet? its priced between the G-Force and the true rally helmets and I am thinking it might be another good open face option.

http://www.subesports.com/products/cat/Helmets/brand/Arai/prodID/1726
You can pick up a quality open face like this Bell for $275:
http://ogracing.com/catalog/1-Driver/24-Helmets/74-Bell/83-Racing-Helmets/item-1185-BELL-MAG-5-SA2005-HELMET

I don't know if I really see the advantage (for stage rally) of something between the cheap helmets and the true rally helmets.

rally592

12-29-2009, 09:53 AM

G-force open face with Peltor mic and hans anchors. Works very well although gets uncomforable after about 4 hours straight wearing the helmet.

Will be upgradeing to Peltor helmet when I got money to burn...

Daniel B

12-29-2009, 10:24 AM

I have the Bell Mag 4 for track days/RallyX - you can't remove the ear padding to install headphones, the padding is continuous and solid. You could to a cut and paste install, but it wouldn't be optimal.

And to contribute. I have a Peltor I'll use in my car. Great fit (for me). The fact it's light is a big bonus for kneck fatigue.

I've used a cheapo g-force for years and never had comfort problems. Stiff kneck... but that was just part of the fun.

kturner

12-29-2009, 11:32 AM

I don't know if I really see the advantage (for stage rally) of something between the cheap helmets and the true rally helmets.

I equate it to a weight issue. They all meet the minimum safety requirement to get the certification so you are paying for better, lighter materials. Lighter means less fatigue. Fatigue is bad.

My G-Force fits pretty well though and I haven't had any strain issues using it. I think that is partially due to having a head restraint seat and HANs device. With minimal head movement you don't have to work as hard to support your head all day. Also used the G-Force for rallyX w/o HANS and fancy seat and have never had any issues.

Jard

12-29-2009, 11:49 AM

My G-Force fits pretty well though and I haven't had any strain issues using it. I think that is partially due to having a head restraint seat and HANs device. With minimal head movement you don't have to work as hard to support your head all day. Also used the G-Force for rallyX w/o HANS and fancy seat and have never had any issues.

Not broken, don't fix...

Then I think the next worthwhile upgrade is to get the Stilo or Peltor that has the intercom already built-in.

Broken Motorsports

12-29-2009, 01:28 PM

I have a Subaru WRC Peltor and like it lots. ALthough at this point i would much rather put it on the shelf as a novelty rather than wearing it at rallies.

Will be getting a Stilo WRC next.

SoCalBoomer

12-29-2009, 03:30 PM

Closed face offers more protection.

Open face is nice for calling instructions if the intercom breaks, or if something a little chunkier than words need to find their way out.

Was talking with John Dillon over Thanksgiving and he said that he used a closed-face helmet once. . . as a co-driver, problems with a closed face are that you don't feel like you get as much air as with an open face (I can attest to that) and if you do puke, you have to live with it for a LONG time. . . :crazy:

409industries

12-29-2009, 04:52 PM

This is a great thread as i am looking to pull the trigger on a new helmet pretty soon. Just picked up a Peltor intercom, so ill most likely be sticking to a Peltor open face.

Its amazing how few of these are available used or on Ebay. Might have to just go new and be happy that its only my head stinking up the helmet from day one.

thewizard

12-29-2009, 05:13 PM

^^^^
Peltor helmets come with the intercom built in!

WRR

12-29-2009, 05:21 PM

^^^^
Peltor helmets come with the intercom built in!

Peltor helmets come with a mic built in - I had to re-read it too

Lebe Frei

12-29-2009, 09:01 PM

Helpful thread.... not looking forward to shelling out the dough for one though. Might just have to use my bike helmet for awhile

thewizard

12-29-2009, 09:36 PM

Helpful thread.... not looking forward to shelling out the dough for one though. Might just have to use my bike helmet for awhile

At rallyx's I suppose? Rallying requires FIA or SA2005+

BenSlocum

12-29-2009, 09:47 PM

Helpful thread.... not looking forward to shelling out the dough for one though. Might just have to use my bike helmet for awhile

Find a team, get in good, borrow for your first few events.

I went an event borrowing a suit, another three borrowing helmets, and a full year borrowing a HANS.

409industries

12-29-2009, 09:55 PM

I don't think anyone is going to let my shat my pants in their suit ;-)

SoCalBoomer

12-30-2009, 12:42 AM

You can also do Bell - they're fully rated, they're good, and a LOT less expensive than a Peltor. Get yourself one that's effective even if it doesn't have the bling-name and then save your pennies and your winnings ( :D ) and then get a Peltor.

WAM

12-30-2009, 09:39 AM

I don't stage rally so much of this doesn't apply. But here's some misc factoids on helmets. Much applies more to rallyx or autox than stage.

1. Most groups require Snell approval. SCCA solo & rallyx require current spec or previous two. They come out every 5 years, and the 2010's are just hitting the stores. So only those, 2005 and 2000's will be allowable. If you're buying, you might want to be sure you get a 2010 spec (sticker on inside) for longer useful life.

2. Snell has SA and M models, race and motorcycle. SA generally uses more fireproof materials. M generally has larger eye openings. Both can be used for rallyx/autox. Serious track, race and rally generally require SA. And they sometimes require the latest spec.

3. This warning was distributed by SCCA. Dunno how using a HANS would affect it:

ATTENTION SCHOOL, SOLO, SHOWROOM STOCK AND RALLIEST:
Notification from SCCA National Staff
It has been brought to the attention of SCCA Technical Services that the use of full-face or closed face helmets while driving vehicles with active airbag restraint systems may result in injuries in the event of a crash that deploys the airbag. Because of the location of the steering wheel relative to the driver's position, the airbag axis is on a level with the driver's chin. In a crash with airbag deployment, contact with the chin area of a full-face helmet can be so powerful "that fractures to the jaw cannot be ruled out".
(Hubert Gramling, FIA Institute, FT3/AF, 18.5 1999)
Therefore it is highly recommended that full-face helmets not be used in vehicles with functioning airbag systems.

The above is a few years old, and doesn't seemed to have gained much traction. It may have been updated, but I don't have it. People still commonly wear full-face in air-bag equipped cars.

MarkA

12-30-2009, 01:08 PM

ATTENTION SCHOOL, SOLO, SHOWROOM STOCK AND RALLIEST:
Notification from SCCA National Staff
It has been brought to the attention of SCCA Technical Services that the use of full-face or closed face helmets while driving vehicles with active airbag restraint systems may result in injuries in the event of a crash that deploys the airbag. Because of the location of the steering wheel relative to the driver's position, the airbag axis is on a level with the driver's chin. In a crash with airbag deployment, contact with the chin area of a full-face helmet can be so powerful "that fractures to the jaw cannot be ruled out".
(Hubert Gramling, FIA Institute, FT3/AF, 18.5 1999)
Therefore it is highly recommended that full-face helmets not be used in vehicles with functioning airbag systems.

The above is a few years old, and doesn't seemed to have gained much traction. It may have been updated, but I don't have it. People still commonly wear full-face in air-bag equipped cars.

The conclusion I most often heard when that was put out by the SCCA was that the SCCA apparently erroneously referenced an old (1999) FIA study that was on the possible application of airbags in F1 cars.

Read this post here: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/197243-airbags-full-face-helmets.html#post1665790 Five years later, I think it's safe to say that the SCCA forgot about the "...complete report at a later date." :roll:

If you think about though, it doesn't make much sense even if it was referencing passenger cars. If the airbag is going to hit your helmet hard enough to break your jaw, what's it going to do to your face?

WAM

12-30-2009, 04:32 PM

Your analysis sounds right to me. Was interesting tho about airbags blowing both helmets off the 993 guys.

I run in to Doug Gill now and then. If I remember, I'll mention it to him.

UP2MTNS

12-30-2009, 04:50 PM

If you think about though, it doesn't make much sense even if it was referencing passenger cars. If the airbag is going to hit your helmet hard enough to break your jaw, what's it going to do to your face?

makes sense to me, as the entire force of a blow from an air bag is going to be different from having the same force hit you right in the chin, by the front of your helmet, which will be a much smaller area.

like being hit by a 5lbs pillow across your face will snap your head back, but being hit by a 5lbs hammer, at the same speed, will break your chin (and then some).

now, does this happen enough to constitute NOT using a full face helmet? I don't think so....personally, I think in most racing situations, airbags should be disabled.

this kind of parallels the whole discussion of daily driving a caged car around on the street.

SoCalBoomer

12-31-2009, 06:26 PM

I don't think an airbag could HIT my chin without destroying the helmet first - it comes pretty low down over my chin. . .

RallyLady

01-01-2010, 09:05 AM

Just my two cents …. NKX - It sounds to me that you are just about to enter the exciting world of co-driving. Fantastic!

Assuming that you have not co-driven before you might not yet fully know how you are going to experience this nauseating adventure. (1)The fact that you need to get your eyes adjusted between the road and the notes continuously will get most people sick. (2)Note that the nausea is caused by the fact that you need to tilt your head to read the notes in your lap. Keeping your head like this places the fluids inside your ears in a ‘non-preferable location’. This is the clinical reason for nausea in a moving car. (3)Most people find that it is much more difficult to breath inside a closed face helmet. This, especially in a hot weather, will cause nausea.

Considering that we don’t fully know how you as an individual are going to react to all the above, I would recommend going with the open face to start with. If that did not convince you, you just need to listen to the stories of the more experienced co-drivers, including one from my own co-driving mentor John Dillon, what happens if you get sick wearing a closed faced helmet. There is no way of getting rid of the helmet in the middle of the race!

WAM brought up an excellent safety question regarding the closed face helmets. However, I would think that most rally prepped cars have the airbags removed???

Then the manufacturers. Naturally many of us are biased to a certain manufacturer. My personal recommendation again would be to go with a rally proof Bell, Pyrotech, Gforce or similar which you can get for less than $150. You can then later invest in the more expensive models if needed. Note that many rallyists that have been racing for decades, race these $150 helmets!

The next question you are going to face as a new co-driver is the safety device. According to the most recent safety tests, the Leatt device is proven to be safer than the HANS device. The pricing of these is approximately the same. I have used HANS until now but just purchased a Leatt for the future. Also, the Leatt is slightly more comfortable if you need to do car maintenance such as changing tires in the middle of the stage.

What do I have? I have been using a Pyrotech open face for rallyx, autox and rally co-driving with HANS. Now I am looking to purchase a Bell helmet and I just purchased my Leatt as mentioned. I purchased all these from StreetwiseMotorsport [http://www.streetwiseparts.com/ (http://www.streetwiseparts.com/) ]. If you call or email them, they can get you the whole setup and even install the mic into the helmet for you. The best from my point of view – attractive pricing!

Jard

01-01-2010, 09:20 AM

Assuming that you have not co-driven before you might not yet fully know how you are going to experience this nauseating adventure. (1)The fact that you need to get your eyes adjusted between the road and the notes continuously will get most people sick. (2)Note that the nausea is caused by the fact that you need to tilt your head to read the notes in your lap. Keeping your head like this places the fluids inside your ears in a ‘non-preferable location’. This is the clinical reason for nausea in a moving car. (3)Most people find that it is much more difficult to breath inside a closed face helmet. This, especially in a hot weather, will cause nausea.

Stay hydrated, make sure you eat something that you know agrees with you, and rock the motion sickness patch. :)

spiwrx

01-08-2010, 12:37 PM

I had a Bell, then Peltor and it was like the world was lifted off my shoulders, so much more light and comfortable. Also I'm fairly tall and my Bell Hit the roof on my Mitsu GSX rally Car the Peltor doesn't....

erik*a

02-12-2010, 06:20 PM

Just wanted to let you know about my helmet complaint. I bought a custom made Stilo direct from the factory. I had them install the hans posts. They are in a weird place and are causing issues with turning my head and intercom noise. Anyways- it is easy to install the posts so make sure you do it yourself bc now I'm stuck with a 1k helmet with dumb posts...

rollo

02-12-2010, 06:40 PM

Erika - I don't suppose you can have a shop install a second set of posts?

albascoob

02-13-2010, 05:23 PM

What helmet? One that fits you.
Try them on if you can which I know is difficult unless you live near a retailer or distributer.
I use a G-Force open face with the Terrortrip. We're switching over to the Peltor this year and I'll probably replace my helmet with another G-Force but newer spec. The open/closed face argument can go either way. I've used both and I prefer open face as a driver as it's cooler and when it's raining and it doesn't cause my glasses to mist up. I've had that issue with a closed face and it's not fun when flying through the woods.
HANS posts, measure 3 times, check a couple more times then drill and fit them yourself if they didnt come fitted. It's a 15 minute job.
Look out for the new TIM/Alba Rallysport helmet paint job later this year because we all know, looking cool is as important as safety.

I wouldn't recommend the cowboys in post #19. That's a bad experience talking.

erik*a

02-14-2010, 07:38 PM

Erika - I don't suppose you can have a shop install a second set of posts?

I assume that if I remove the posts the first set of holes left open can compromise the helmet- but really don't know. I will ask around about that, good thought.

Otherwise I really like the helmet! One thing that is interesting to note about the wrc Stilo- the boom is permanent in location so if you are talking to someone else outside the car it is loud for the other person if you are both plugged into the intercom- bc you can't move the mic away from your mouth. So if your a co-driver I would say it would be best to get a helmet with a metal wire boom.

rollo

02-14-2010, 11:12 PM

Yeah, dunno about that.

I was thinking more just leave the factory posts in place and put another set in somewhere that won't cause the same issues. Maybe that would cause similar questions..

Stilo make really nice helmets. If it's good enough for Loeb and Elena... :D

Rallycarperson

02-17-2010, 09:55 AM

Peltor G78 for me. Can't beat it. Order from P-Sport for a hefty discount than what is previously seen on the web.

hoche

02-25-2010, 12:19 AM

I used a Bell full-face for my first two years of rallying, with Terraphone inserts, plugged into a a Terraphone amp. I switched to a Peltor open-face and Peltor intercom and haven't looked back. The sound quality is much better and I find that the hearing protection leaves me much less tired at the end of the day.

As a driver, I don't much care whether I have a full-face or open-face. I got an open-face originally because I was doing as much co-driving as driving. I found the open-face to be superior for co-driving partly because of the get-more-air thing and partly because when the intercom craps out you don't have to yell quite as loud.

I sorta figure that between tight harnesses and my HANS, the chinbar isn't really going to help much. Where it would help is in a fire situation.

WRR

02-25-2010, 07:47 AM

Where it would help is in a fire situation.

speaking of that ^^

there is a very good article in the latest Grassroots Motorsports concerning in-car fires and it is written by a guy who went through a hard core in-car explosion in a Miata Cup car... well written and a bit of an eye opener!! this guy is a pro and regularly practices getting out of the car while someone times him as part of their team rules/policies... he feels it helped save his life and it made me think that I have never tried to get out with my eyes closed and probably should give it a try before my next event

he also mentions not to EVER wear something that can melt under your race suit - this made me rethink my under suit clothing as well as I usually wear a pair of thin shorts (nylon ish material) and this is not good

SoCalBoomer

02-25-2010, 09:51 AM

Yeah, Oakley (and I guess Simpson and others) make a CarbonX underwear that, as well as being all sexa and such, just doesn't burn. http://www.saferacer.com/oakley-carbon-x-boxers.html?productid=471

My buddy who's building the trophy truck (pics coming soon, the welds will make you DROOL, best I've EVER seen and, since I've seen Jackson's, that's saying a LOT!!!!!) will be wearing an entire suit made of this stuff, including undies, and all the guys handling the fuel will be wearing at least undies. . .

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-carbon-x-underwear.html?productid=1031

Drew84

02-26-2010, 07:31 AM

I use a Gforce open face. I bought a black one because thats what was in stock; never again. The thing soaks up to much heat on a summer day.

Drew84

02-26-2010, 07:33 AM

Hmm, Peltor G6 is a little cheaper than the Arai that I want.

A1337STI

02-26-2010, 03:32 PM

Otherwise I really like the helmet! One thing that is interesting to note about the wrc Stilo- the boom is permanent in location so if you are talking to someone else outside the car it is loud for the other person if you are both plugged into the intercom- bc you can't move the mic away from your mouth. So if your a co-driver I would say it would be best to get a helmet with a metal wire boom.

I had that issue @ Idaho, everytime my navigator would chat with the course workers i would get an earful :P hehehe

I've been told to buy a helmet worth what my head is... but i couldn't find anything for $1.95

Ended up with a Pyrotect $179 helmet with terraphone intercom attatched. works great and i can move the mic boom around ;) I've never tried a 'better' brand, but it works i can hear the notes now! (went with out intercom for my first 3 rallies) going from Shouting to Intercom was amazing (the shouting method would have not worked if one or both of us had full faced though)
+5 for open face.

Save your money for entry fees n ****.