Re: helmet recomendations

[Andy Poling <andy@realbig.com>]

On Fri, 4 Oct 1996 Reiner Fink <reinerf@microsoft.com> sed:
[...]
> Before the 18th I need to purchase a helmet for driving at Portland with
> the NWRAQC. What I wanted to know is do I really need a full-face
> helmet, or will an open-face one suffice? I plan on taking my A4q to the
> track as much as possible (5 times/yr I'm guessing) and another step up
> is going to a kevlar helmet. Is the lower weight of kevlar worth the $70
> step up in price? Is kevlar safer as well? Right now I'm leaning toward
> the Bell mag4 (open-face), and am undecided on wether to spend the extra
> $$ for kevlar. TIA,

I always use the old biker's creedo: got a $10 head, buy a $10 hat.

Reduced weight is certainly worth any amount of $$ in the event of an oops
at high speed.  Under certain circumstances, the helmet itself can cause
neck and back injuries due to the increased weight of your helmeted head.
The lighter you can get your head (without reducing protection) the better.
It will also make the helmet more comfortable for all-day-long track fun and
can help cut fatigue.

I'm a big fan of closed-face helmets for both motorcycles and cars.  In the
case of motorcycles, studies have shown that the chin-bar can significantly
reduce the danger of facial injuries - particularly to the nose and jaws (big
surprise there, eh).  I figure that applies in a car too since that steering
wheel is right there in front of your face.

They'll probably require a recent Snell SA rating (the MAG4 has you covered
there) if they're really serious about your safety.

-Andy

'91 Miata: "ZIP"          '96 A4 Quattro: "ZOOM"       '84 Yam RZ350: "ZING"  
                        '88 Bronco II 4WD: "ZZZZZ"