What is the best helmet?
#3199496
12/22/23 08:49 PM
12/22/23 08:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,495 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
OP
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What is the best helmet?
Criteria you consider? Impact resistance? Fire proof? Abrasion resistance? The most comfortable? The most durable?
or whatever other criteria you may have.
Thanks, Joel
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3199513
12/22/23 09:50 PM
12/22/23 09:50 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,241 Bend,OR USA
Cab_Burge
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I Win
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What application, drag racing, water skiing, motor cycle riding, sky diving or off road racing?
Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3199518
12/22/23 10:32 PM
12/22/23 10:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,113 Usa
A39Coronet
super stock
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super stock
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Usa
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I'm not sure it's the "best" but I have a Simpson Bandit. It was a good chunk of money, but the cheek pad routinely needs readjusted, and the snout hits my nose jussssst a bit, enough to annoy me. I liked the look, but I'm not a huge fan of it. My first helmet was some clearance-priced HJC from a motorcycle shop and it was really comfortable and well made, but its cert expired.
Last edited by A39Coronet; 12/22/23 10:34 PM.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Cab_Burge]
#3199531
12/22/23 11:47 PM
12/22/23 11:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,495 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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What application, drag racing, water skiing, motor cycle riding, sky diving or off road racing? Over the road trucking...you never can be too safe, there is a lot of bad drivers out there. OK, just kidding, this would be for drag racing and land speed racing.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3199584
12/23/23 09:47 AM
12/23/23 09:47 AM
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,146 Loudoun County, VA
Brad_Haak
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super stock
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I don't know if it's "the best", but I bought a new G-Force last year that is very comfortable. I've had a variety of helmets over the years; for motorcycles my favorite is Arai, although Shoei is also top-level stuff.
2021 Challenger 6.4L Scat Pack 1320 100% stock: 1.680, 11.894 at 113.75 (DA 175 ft) weight reduction, wheels, tires, Hellcat air box: 1.661, 11.686 at 115.97 (DA 710 ft)
1973 Challenger 452 ci street/strip [2008] pump gas, DOT radials: 1.454, 10.523 at 126.44 (DA 514 ft)
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: birdtracker]
#3199592
12/23/23 10:35 AM
12/23/23 10:35 AM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,516 PA
moparacer
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Years ago I went through the whole what helmet fits saga.....I settled on the fit and comfort of Impact helmets. The one I have now will need replaced here in 25 and I will buy another.
The only thing I have ever had trouble with is the strap fraying from putting them on and taking them off so much, which a little epoxy on the end fixes right up.
67 Barracuda street/bracket car 11.27-119 68 Dart 502 BB 8.70s-152 414 cid SB Dragster 7.65-174
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: moparacer]
#3199612
12/23/23 12:17 PM
12/23/23 12:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,377 Las Vegas
Al_Alguire
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Tried on many and settled on a Simpson Carbon fiber Bandit. My son has the same helmet.
"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."
"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Al_Alguire]
#3199722
12/23/23 09:31 PM
12/23/23 09:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,631 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
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I just ordered a new Impact 1320. Based on the recommendation of a friend who bought one a few years ago and likes it. And the visibility with the wide eye port. And the fact that Impact is the only helmet still made in the USA as far as I know. And I like the look, simple and clean.
Not the cheapest, but the best helmet IMO.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Brad_Haak]
#3199745
12/24/23 12:15 AM
12/24/23 12:15 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,172 Plymouth, MI
Blusmbl
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I've had a variety of helmets over the years; for motorcycles my favorite is Arai, although Shoei is also top-level stuff. My head fits a little better in Shoeis, so I've had a few of them. Like you said, both are top shelf and are such quality pieces compared to most of the automotive offerings. I use the Shoei with my Plymouth as well, last I remembered I don't think a car rated helmet is needed until dipping into the 9's.
'18 Ford Raptor, random motorcycles, 1968 Plymouth Fury III - 11.37 @ 118
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: moparx]
#3199817
12/24/23 12:25 PM
12/24/23 12:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,192 Park Forest, IL
slantzilla
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for us super slow guys, what is a good open face helmet, or don't those exist anymore ? I have a Snell/DOT rated open face in my car. I think it's a JCB. I bought it off Amazon after my normal dealer retired. I had the same helmet that didn't have the DOT tag on it and got bounced from Tech at RT66.
"Everybody funny, now you funny too."
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: topside]
#3199836
12/24/23 01:11 PM
12/24/23 01:11 PM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,164 CT
GTX MATT
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I don’t have much to compare against but my G Force is pretty comfortable
Now I need to pin those needles, got to feel that heat Hear my motor screamin while I'm tearin up the street
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3200198
12/27/23 07:39 AM
12/27/23 07:39 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,039 MN
JERICOGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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What is the best helmet?
Criteria you consider? Impact resistance? Fire proof? Abrasion resistance? The most comfortable? The most durable?
or whatever other criteria you may have.
Thanks, Joel Did you forget you just bought a new helmet 2 years ago???
69 GTX
68 Road Runner
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3200370
12/27/23 09:17 PM
12/27/23 09:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,115 Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing
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top fuel
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My preference is the Simpson Bandit.
'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60 '01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust, '05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list '60 Willys CJ5 '01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison '64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Moparrob68]
#3200392
12/27/23 11:06 PM
12/27/23 11:06 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,631 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
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The Impact 1320 is a great fitting helmet and it's Made In USA. I wore Bell open face helmets for 30 years. When I decided to go with a full face I ordered a Bell. It didn't fit well, the face shield fogged up instantly and it was made in Bahrain. I sent it back and bought the Impact. Couldn't be happier. My buddy went to PRI with me a few years ago and walked around the place trying on every helmet there. He wears glasses and the helmet had to accommodate them. The Impact was the only one he liked. After using it a few seasons, he is still happy with it. Will have mine soon. Will report my opinion of it. I've had Simpsons in the past, so we'll see.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: JERICOGTX]
#3200408
12/28/23 02:54 AM
12/28/23 02:54 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,495 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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Did you forget you just bought a new helmet 2 years ago???
How could I forget? A tech official on Death Week informed me that it is a motorcycle helmet and not fire resistant. Plus the spots where the Nexgen fitting go have thick, non removable hard foam, so I can't mount them. So I need a new one.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3200418
12/28/23 09:31 AM
12/28/23 09:31 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,039 MN
JERICOGTX
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I Live Here
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Did you forget you just bought a new helmet 2 years ago???
How could I forget? A tech official on Death Week informed me that it is a motorcycle helmet and not fire resistant. Plus the spots where the Nexgen fitting go have thick, non removable hard foam, so I can't mount them. So I need a new one. What size helmet does that big melon of yours take? You can try on my HJC if your head will fit.
69 GTX
68 Road Runner
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: JERICOGTX]
#3200425
12/28/23 10:32 AM
12/28/23 10:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,172 Plymouth, MI
Blusmbl
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I dug through the rulebook just for some clarification, and motorcycle helmets (like the RF1400 I have) are ok provided they are Snell M2015/2020 rated, with a couple exceptions. If you go 9.99 or quicker in an open bodied car with a power adder (or open bodied electric) it needs to be an SA rated helmet, not M. Pro mod, top alcohol dragster, top alcohol funny car, top fuel and funny car also all require SA rated helmets instead of M. Everything else, the M designation is ok per the rulebook.
That being said I don't know enough about the differences in helmet ratings to know which would be better if your head contacts a rollbar in an accident, as an example.
'18 Ford Raptor, random motorcycles, 1968 Plymouth Fury III - 11.37 @ 118
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Blusmbl]
#3200497
12/28/23 01:58 PM
12/28/23 01:58 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,028 Tulsa OK
Bad340fish
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I have a carbon fiber helmet from Speedway, I am sure it is made by the same people that make G-force because that is what it looks like. It is nice and light weight and fits my big melon well. Has all the appropriate ratings.
68 Barracuda Formula S 340
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Bad340fish]
#3200536
12/28/23 07:02 PM
12/28/23 07:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,631 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
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M rated helmets are rated and tested for your head hitting an object or hard surface. SA is tested and rated for having something hit you in the head. Fire rating is also included in SA as well as eye port size.
The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while the M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:
The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not. The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than the M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal). The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi-impact test while the M standard does not.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3200842
12/30/23 04:41 AM
12/30/23 04:41 AM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,241 Bend,OR USA
Cab_Burge
I Win
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I Win
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Bend,OR USA
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Last edited by Cab_Burge; 12/30/23 04:42 AM.
Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3200857
12/30/23 08:39 AM
12/30/23 08:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696 Bitopia
jcc
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
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If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
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How does a vented helmet prevent fire from entering the vents? That is a scary thought. One method might be the use of a low melt temp air supply hose to self disconnect to assist with vehicle exit and also terminate any path for hot pressurized air being forced inside the helmet. Additionally, a crash sensor electrical cutoff switch on the helmet air supply fan might be another precaution.
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: jcc]
#3200932
12/30/23 02:57 PM
12/30/23 02:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,834 A collage of whims
topside
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Too Many Posts
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A collage of whims
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This got me to thinking about a new helmet, and Speedway is having a sale of sorts. The inner liners - often Nomex, or what's called a Nomex blend - are fire-retardant, but yeah, helmet vents supply oxygen... So, hard to quantify, but that's what head socks are supposed to do. But those have their limits too, as anyone who knows who Niki Lauda was can tell.
Anyway, I see Speedway's selling Zamp helmets - never heard of them, but the company has a Meridian, ID address...a couple miles from my new place. Supposedly a Euro-centric helmet maker, owned by Bell.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: topside]
#3200984
12/30/23 06:43 PM
12/30/23 06:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696 Bitopia
jcc
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
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If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
Joined: Dec 2003
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Bitopia
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A few decades back at a Miami Beach hotel Niki sat down for breakfast at the adjacent table. It was rather sobering. I have incredible respect the man/driver. My concern with supplied air helmets is not so much fire, as it is breathing superheated air into the lungs, which a head sock cannot prevent.
Last edited by jcc; 12/30/23 06:46 PM.
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: jcc]
#3200985
12/30/23 06:46 PM
12/30/23 06:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,495 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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Some say they have liners of nomex and some have liners of EPS. What is EPS? The EPS that I know of is expanded polystyrene foam. But that couldn't be a liner, the liner is cloth right?
I was looking at the impact 1320 on their website. You can pay extra to get your helmet with NextGen mounts on it. But I couldn't figure out if you don't buy them next-gen mounts, if the threaded inserts are already in there. I suppose I'll have to call them.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3200986
12/30/23 06:49 PM
12/30/23 06:49 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696 Bitopia
jcc
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
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If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
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By all means call them, but I believe most upper end helmets have the area reinforced and the screw inserts already installed, which makes a lot of sense rather than run the risk of the buyer yanking out the liner/padding and drilling holes. The EPS is basically Styrofoam, covered by fabric (nomex?). The padding is best if it does not rebound, causing more brain injury, and helmets in hard hits are one time use.
Last edited by jcc; 12/30/23 06:52 PM.
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: jcc]
#3201020
12/30/23 10:18 PM
12/30/23 10:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,631 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
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By all means call them, but I believe most upper end helmets have the area reinforced and the screw inserts already installed, which makes a lot of sense rather than run the risk of the buyer yanking out the liner/padding and drilling holes. The EPS is basically Styrofoam, covered by fabric (nomex?). The padding is best if it does not rebound, causing more brain injury, and helmets in hard hits are one time use. If you wreck a car at an NHRA race, two things happen immediately. They pull the cert sticker off the chassis and they pull the Snell sticker out of the helmet.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: CMcAllister]
#3201033
12/30/23 11:33 PM
12/30/23 11:33 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696 Bitopia
jcc
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
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If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
Joined: Dec 2003
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Bitopia
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Does the driver first get to take his helmet off? I did not know that. edit: In further reflection taking off the chassis cert I can understand, but delabeling my helmet starts to be an issue, unless that is agreed to in some small print somewhere in advance. Not being able to prove a helmet was Snell approved post crash post Snell tag removal. seems to be problematic for me,
Last edited by jcc; 12/31/23 08:38 AM.
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3201264
12/31/23 10:35 PM
12/31/23 10:35 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,631 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
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Does the driver first get to take his helmet off? I did not know that. edit: In further reflection taking off the chassis cert I can understand, but delabeling my helmet starts to be an issue, unless that is agreed to in some small print somewhere in advance. Not being able to prove a helmet was Snell approved post crash post Snell tag removal. seems to be problematic for me, Purpose is to prevent it from being used going forward. Or at least passing tech. NHRA can confiscate anything. Read the rule book. Ask Matt Smith. Just how it is. Looks like all SA 2015 and SA2020 helmets are required to have the M6 threaded holes pre-installed for the Hans device.
I think I'm going to go with the Impact 1320. I've heard only good about it, and I like that it is made in the USA. Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Lead time is over a month. Don't wait until a week before you need it.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#3227972
04/18/24 09:51 PM
04/18/24 09:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,631 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
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My Impact 1320 just arrived.
Very nice. Very, very nice. Removable cheek pads. Fits like a glove. Good peripheral vision. Able to get glasses on. Beautiful fit and finish. Made in USA.
Well worth the price and the wait. Very happy with that purchase.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: FurryStump]
#3228136
04/19/24 06:27 PM
04/19/24 06:27 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,631 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
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My list of criteria would be (if I didn’t have a cheap head! 🤣🤣) 1) fit 2) weight
The less weight you have flailing around attached to your head the better. Carbon fiber, but, $$$$$$
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: CMcAllister]
#3228144
04/19/24 07:24 PM
04/19/24 07:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,495 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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I got my new Impact 1320 in time to use it on Sick Week. It had the m6 threads to mount the Hans stuff. I'm very pleased with it.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: BloFish]
#3228224
04/20/24 09:31 AM
04/20/24 09:31 AM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,462 Martinsville, IN
cdwmotorsports
pro stock
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pro stock
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Martinsville, IN
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I see that you got your helmet but I wanted to add for anyone that maybe reads this in the future I have a Racequip Helmet and really like it. It's comfortable and is snug unlike some other helmets I've had in the past.
eBay-cdwmotorsports
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Re: What is the best helmet?
[Re: blowndart]
#3228557
04/22/24 09:15 AM
04/22/24 09:15 AM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,516 PA
moparacer
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master
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Last couple helmets for me have been Impact.
They fit tight enough and are still comfortable.
67 Barracuda street/bracket car 11.27-119 68 Dart 502 BB 8.70s-152 414 cid SB Dragster 7.65-174
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