A helmit's a helmet...right?

[MarkCoupe]

Hey folks,

Now my car is big hp, im guessing ill need a helmet for pod. Im also about apply for my provisional bike license.

So, im trying kill two birds with one stone, is a crash helmet the same regardless of if its for a motorcylcist or a car driver?

Cheers folks,

Mark

[rover220]

as long as its got the gold stamp on the back it should be fine for both.

[chrislandy]

A car helmet is designed for loads of small knocks and one big one whereas the bike ones are generally a lot more fragile and can be damaged quite easily on a rollcage.

Not sure on pod but some tracks will only let you on with a snell or fia helmet rather than a bike helmet like they used to

[ttrw2]

Every track I've been on has never bothered checking helmets and I've seen people going around in £17 Lidl ones...

So, unless you're competing (where helmets are subject to scrutiny), it's your call what you feel safe in. Chris' points are very good. Also, motorcycle helmets are not fireproof (car ones are) and a lot of car ones specifically state not suitable for motorcycles.

I would buy the VERY VERY VERY best one you can afford for the bike (don't know much about bike helmets though), and a decent £100-ish open face helmet like the OMP Jet Axis - the cheaper version of the Jet 3.5 (my lid). Open face helmets are much nicer for casual track-days, but you will need to use your bike one in an open top car.

Cheers

[BazR]

Just looked up the OMP helmet for my own adventures and you can get them for below a ton on ebay new, not bad.

[munky]

definitely get open face for in the car as a lot of track days wont let you drive with the windows open, and if you dont have a race suit they may make you wear long sleeves...

I learnt that lesson in a matt black car, with a bike helmet, on the hottest day of the year, when the only long sleeved thing I had with me was my winter coat from the boot

I smelt lovely by the end of the day

But as has been said, buy the best you can afford and get one for the car and one for the bike as they have different characteristics.

[marc9584]

Hey folks,

Now my car is big hp, im guessing ill need a helmet for pod. Im also about apply for my provisional bike license.

So, im trying kill two birds with one stone, is a crash helmet the same regardless of if its for a motorcylcist or a car driver?

Cheers folks,

Mark

For pod mate if the car does over 110 over the line you need a helmet

[Drew]

i used my bike one for the trackdays i went on, dont think anyone looked at it.

Drew

[Vard66]

FWIW, I rate HJC helmets very highly Mark, and they're not bad on value either.

[chrislandy]

The V2 helmets are supposed to be good (and cheap too!) www.v2sport.com

[Bikernut]

While i cant comment on car helmets,i can advise on bike helmets.
Shark....in my opinion are in the premier league of bike helmets.
Just about the quietest regarding wind noise,good build quality and a very good fit.
The carbon/kevlar shelled ones weigh nothing.
Nifty visor changing mechanism means visors can be changed in seconds from a nice tinted one to clear.
Although the smaller than average visor area can effect periphal vision somewhat
Factoring in price i just think they offer the best compromise.
Shoei and Arai are for rich people

[E_T_V]

Being a bike rider for many years I'll add my 2p.

Forget the make of helmet. Try lots on and choose the one that fits you best.

Get one that has the ACU? Gold stamp on it and preferablly the BS whatever it is class A. (cheapo helmets are sometimes class B which didn't used to be allowed for proper racing).

Polycarbonate helmets are cheap but generally are the less strong.

Fibreglass are the strongest but also heavy so aren't very popular anymore.

Carbon fibre and kevlar are in vogue so you'll probably find lots of these around.

[DAMAGE INC RACING]

hello mate i've raced bikes and cars and i used the same helmet for both for car racing you just need an rac sticker which you can get from the scrutineer
just make sure you get the best helmet you can get cos i had a nasty crash
at cadwell park and the medic said if i had a lesser helmet i wouldn't be here now
for track days they don't check the helmet cos if they pass it and you crash and the helmet fails you can sue them ! so get a good helmet an you'll be ok

[ttrw2]

Hedtec also worth a thought for casual car tracdays.....

http://www.hedtec.co.uk/

Had a stand at Autosport and fit/finish seemed aiiiight

[DAMAGE INC RACING]

i agree with bikernut above i use a shark carbon cevlar helmet it has a memory foam inner, it moulds to your head and face and is very light and comfortable
and you can buy half visors for when your in a car sound bit of kit !

[RalphG]

Unlike motorsport helmets, motorcycle helmets do not have to pass any form of sample testing. The gold sticker on the helmets only mean that they have been manufactured to a (very low) standard. Only helmets that have BSI or Snell stickers undergo regular sample testing.

[norfie]

Shoei XR1000, best helmet I've had.

[Bikernut]

Only helmets that have BSI or Snell stickers undergo regular sample testing.

You will find most decent motorcycle helmets do indeed have the BS type "A" approval .
Mine have.

[E_T_V]

I also said to look for the BS whattever it is class A.