I just got my G-Force GF750 helmet (cheap open face SA2000). I looked at it, and thought it looked kind of high. I put it on to see if I fit in the car.

Well, it is bumping the roof. I can probably drive, but just barely (and if I bounce around much, I don't know). I think I'm a bit better off if I recline the seat, but that isn't my favorite position.

I'm 6'1", with a 34" inseam. I sit all the way back against the stop. I'd say I have longer legs than average for my height. I don't have problems without the helmet.

Is this helmet just high, or are the all like that? If so, I'm not sure what to do. I guess I can just deal, but I don't really know how safe it would really be to already be pretty much on the roof.

 

From your height and inseam measurement, you and I are very close to the same height. I push the seat all the way back and raise the front of the seat cushion as high as it will go. I also have learned to have the seat back more upright since reading a few books on rapid driving. It does help.

I bought a Simpson helmet, and I probably have 1 1/2 inches of clearance. I never touch the ceiling even when I go over up-and-down sections.

Not having seen the helmet, it probably is a good guess that your helmet sits higher on your heard. At autocross and open track days, they often have helmets available. You might try a couple of other helmets and see if any of them work.

What a drag. I'm sure you are eager to get at it on the track.

 

I don't have 1.5 inches clearance with NO helmet

I just went and experimented again. The only way I can get my head off the roof is to move the seat foward a few inches, then recline back. Doing this makes me have to jack the steering wheel up to be able to work the pedals (which is another problem I have with this car, there isn't enough foot room above the clutch for us 13s).

Sigh. I checked at a few motorcycle shops around here, and most didn't even know what SA2000 helmets were. I really don't know where else to look.

Thanks for the input.

 

This is a big issue for us taller folks. The Simpson Voyager & Super Voyager were the only ones that I could wear comfortably in the car (I'm 6'1'') with no ceiling contact at all.

I also tried the Bell M2, M3 and a Bieffe model (sorry, I don't remember which one,) and they both had a slightly higher rise over the top of the helmet that made them just a bit too tall for the car. There's no way I would want to take my car onto the track with my head pushed against the ceiling. Just one minor bump at speed and you could be talking about some painful neck injuries.

My advice is to call around and find a local race shop that carries a few different brands of helmet. Find a couple that fit you in the shop, and then go out to the parking lot to try them in your car. The Simpson worked for me, but different helmets fit different folks differently (go figure,) so your mileage may vary.

And don't worry if the best helmet for you is a little pricey. After all, you're not spending money on a helmet, you're spending money on your head. Good luck.

Gary

 

I'm 6'1" and have a G force, Pro Force 1(full face) and have no problem. It is close, but the clearance is great.

 

Guess I'll have to do some looking around. This is frustrating. I wanted to do something prior to 3/28. I'm taking the evolution autox class then.

 

Aaaahhh! I had posted a question here on this topic before, expressing my worries about this. I am only 5'8" but believe me, when I sit in my auto-x position, up-right and close enough to the steering wheel so that I can turn it 3/4 turn without moving my shoulders, I suspect I will not fit with the helmet.

It is a major problem for me in my 330Ci at this time and after driving for 30 mins with my head squeezed in to the headliner, I get severe neck aches.

I need to go test drive the car with my helmet, I just hope this little issue does not stop me from buying the car

FT!

 

I don't see where a 5'8" person would have this problem. If you are closer to the wheel than I am, the roof is higher, because it slopes down toward the rear more the farther back you sit. Plus, even with this helmet, I'm just touching the ceiling. I wish you luck, though.

Heh, I'm picturing the salesperson as you walk up to the car for a test drive with a helmet

 

Mannishboy: We wanted helmets basically for autocross and a few track days, and bought our helmets through: <helmetcity.com>

Got the Simpson 'LX plus' (263.99) which basically is their open face helmet with a 'chin bar'. I selected this one because I can put-on/take-off my glasses very easily. Wanted the chin bar so that my face doesn't bounce off the steering wheel. Had them painted black for an extra $25.

I'm sure that this helmet is not quite as safe as a full face helmet. I'd be interested in any comments from the real racers.

 

Also, most autox and non time trial HPDEs only require M1995 or M2000. Those helmets are much smaller, cheaper too. If you don't need the SA2000 helmet you may want to look into it. I noticed that my Gforce-Pro Force 1 full face is a little taller than my freinds' Bell M2.

 

All Simpson helmets including the one we bought have the SA2000 rating. I had thought that all SCCA events require a current SA2000 rating.

 

Nasa and other HPDEs are not SCCA. How many of us are plannnig to fully race prepare our Zs for solo I or II? I know the local BMWCCA track days and other groups I go to only require M2000 as do all the regional tracks, CMP, VIR, Roebling Road, and AutoX.

 

NASA lost their track last year, so SCCA is the only other 'local' autocross for SF. The next event is next weekend. I'll ask about helmet requirements. I also found this on the SFRSCCA.org site:

"SNELL 90 Helmets or Newer required in 2003 Note that this is not a new rule, as Solo2 rules have always required helmets of the latest Snell Standard, or one of the two previous standards. Since a Snell 2000 Standard was issued, Snell 85 and earlier helmets are no longer legal. Note that Snell recommends helmets be discontinued from use after 5 years due to wear and chemical aging of components."

I don't know what a 'Snell 90' helmet is.

 

Uh, do you guys wear these helmets to the grocery store?

 

I thought it was obvious we are talking about either autox, drag, or the track.

I'm taking a autox course in a couple of weeks, so thought I'd buy helmet since I couldn't find out for sure if they'd have loaners or not.

 

Too bad. I thought I'd look cool wearing one when I drive to Walmart. Oh well.

PS. Actually, I understood your topic. Didn't they cover subtlety in your English class at Austin Peay State U?

 

They barely taught me to spell subtlety suddelty in my English class.

I've received very favorable comments from the check out clerks when I wear my shiny black helmet. GQ is doing a photo shoot of me and the Z at the local Safeway.

I still cannot climb out of the door windows wearing my helmet.

 

They may have, but I didn't get that type of quality education at UT.

I figured you understood, since we were talking about it, but saw no emoticons, so thought I'd play along just in case

 

That is what the hatch is for

 

Oh yeah the back door.

Does anyone know about Snell 90?