Re: Helmets for Driving School (slightly OT) (archive)

Gary,
That's great news you'll be attending a club driving school. I'm also a GGR CCA member and participated in my first GGR Sears Point school at age 17, and have been a "track go-er" with various clubs/sanctions since. I certainly hope and would bet $50 that you'll get hooked too.

Just a thought: I buy my safety gear in person and physically touch it before I purchase and use it.

That said, a motorcycle helmet will do fine, a Snell95 Bell or Shoei should present itself as a great value- you'll be able to use it in coming years after the Snell90 is no longer permitted. I bought my Shoei for this season at Redwood City Yamaha. Shoei's just seem to fit my head right and the visibility on them works fine for me. While you're trying helmets on, test for peripheral visibility.
Shops often have helmets on clearance sale. It's worth a 2 minute phone call or visit.

Good luck, have fun!
Austin
Schulba Belmont Motor Works

I'm considering driving school through the Golden Gate Chapter of the BMWCCA, probably in October. One of the requirements is a SNELL 1990 or 95 helmet, which I've gathered at this point is actually a DOT safety standard rather than a brand or type of helmet.

So a few questions:

* Is it worth buying a helmet for events like these, especially if it's your first time? I don't want to be left out of the fun because I'm waiting to borrow a helmet.

* Are the motorcycle helmets and automotive racing helmets basically the same? The automotive helmets run from $300, while motorcycle helmets start at about $100.

* Any downside to used helmets? The Ebay helmets for sale are usually slightly used motorcycle helmets ($50-100) or collectors edition F1 helmets ($400-$1000).

* What are you all using?

Thanks!

--gary

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