Track helmet - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

jaykay · 07-12-2011, 11:00 AM

I was considering not worrying about Hans as the helmet may likely expire before I am racing. This would open up the field to motorcycle helmets....Do you feel that Hans will be mandatory for all track exposure soon

Topless · 07-12-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaykay

I was considering not worrying about Hans as the helmet may likely expire before I am racing. This would open up the field to motorcycle helmets....Do you feel that Hans will be mandatory for all track exposure soon

No. Just a personal safety consideration. If you use a 5/6 point harness, you probably also need a HANS to protect your neck (see Dale Earnhart Sr.). With a harness your torso is effectively locked in place and your neck becomes the weakest link by far in a crash. If you still run stock 3pt belts, your torso is allowed some movement which actually protects your neck somewhat. Active airbags also contribute to neck/head protection.

Stroked & Blown · 07-12-2011, 01:06 PM

What kind of events do you plan to run?
If you are just doing a couple of AX events per year, a full face M2005 will tech and is available at a reasonable price.

If you're doing any DE/track events, I would go for an SA2005 or SA2010 w/ HANS. It's less than an M030 suspension kit - BEFORE installation.

A guy in one of my clubs is a COM instructor and was riding shotgun during two accidents last weekend. Sore ribs, but the HANS saved his neck....twice.

...and no, I'm not letting him ride shotgun in my car ever again.

jaykay · 07-13-2011, 11:02 AM

DE and track no race

How do people feel about open face versus closed? I have used closed but perhaps my sit. awareness would be improved with open.

thstone · 07-13-2011, 12:09 PM

Definitely get closed faced. Your face and jaw will appreciate the coverage. No worry re: situational awareness.

Pat · 07-13-2011, 12:31 PM

Buy what fits best. Try them on locally if at all possible.

ppbon · 07-13-2011, 12:59 PM

... for non-track cars.
If you have an airbag that can deploy in case of a frontal hit you will be better off with an open-faced helmet.
There have been several incidents of broken necks when a deploying airbag catches the bottom edge of a full-faced helmet and forces the head back while the body is still moving forward.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro

jaykay · 07-13-2011, 03:29 PM

Thanks some really good info here!

Pedro: so the edge of a helmet has been found to be worse than a chin; it would give more friction but I would have thought at the velocity of an air bag the friction force generated would be on the same order as a chin...intersesting

Thanks never had heard of this before...