I'm planning on buying a helmet this year for use at autocross, SCCBC Driver Training, and trackdays (and remote possibility of entering a novice race after completing driver training). Interested in people's thoughts about the merits of open face versus closed face, especially considering that I wear glasses (They fog up real bad when playing paintball).  I think open face is fine for most of the purposes above.  Do any of the novice race classes require full face? Thanks.

Talk to Frank at www.driversedgeautosport.com his shop is on Boundary Road near Hwy 1.
604 298 5575

There have been no tests done (to my knowledge) with a HANS and open face helmets.  Since some form of head and neck restraint is becoming common or in some cases required, I would only consider a closed face.  A closed face with a sheild is expected for open wheel in case you want to try the excellent novice formula V program FART has.  The rules might still allow open face with a pair of goggles but now you need perscription goggles.  The flying rubber and rocks also really hurt IMHO.... 

The plus side to the open....  Well the glasses don't fog.  The helmet can be pulled off easily...  hum not sure if that last one would actually  be an advantage. 

I wear glasses and once the car is moving I have no issues with fogging in a closed face.  Sitting in the paddock is a little interesting but not really a big deal. 



Stewbie wrote on Jan 24^th, 2014 at 9:45am:

I'm planning on buying a helmet this year for use at autocross, SCCBC Driver Training, and trackdays (and remote possibility of entering a novice race after completing driver training). Interested in people's thoughts about the merits of open face versus closed face, especially considering that I wear glasses (They fog up real bad when playing paintball).  I think open face is fine for most of the purposes above.  Do any of the novice race classes require full face? Thanks.

ip2gsr wrote on Jan 24^th, 2014 at 11:18am:

I wear glasses and once the car is moving I have no issues with fogging in a closed face.

Would that be an open wheel car or a car with a windshield?

Stewbie:  Had the issue with my glasses fogging in an open wheel car. Cracked the visor a touch and the problem was gone. And it's not just the glasses, it's also the inside of the visor :o Or, your glasses slide down your nose because of the sweat, yet another problem. Resolved the issues and had Lasik surgery. Now it's just the visor. The little crack works great. And Dave (ip2gsr) is correct about the "full face" helmet....need it for sure in the open wheel classes. Back in the day I used open face units, now, only full face for me. Windshield or not!
And if you're looking to do your novice program, give me a call. We (FART) can get you into a Formula Vee and get you acquainted with everything you need to know about the SCCBC, the drivers, and of course MRP. Give me a call.
604.838.8264 or Jennifer Arthur, 604.826.5251 Thanks. Bob
And Thanks for the plug Dave. ;)

More importantly, you can't pretend you're The Stig with an open face helmet!  :D

A HANS device works just fine with an open faced helmet, and is approved for that.

Although I would still recommend a closed face helmet. (Stigness IS awesome!)

Also, Chumpcar requires closed face helmets if you ever wanted to try that.

Richard

I recommend reading the article in the February issue of Road & Track

The importance of proper helmets and head and neck restraints CANNOT be stressed enough.

My own suggestion would be a full-faced helmet. The little lift on the visor is something brought to road racing by the late Gilles Villeneuve at Gimli Manitoba in a F/A race, I believe.  Or, at least, that was the first time we'd seen it use road racing. It originated in snowmobile racing,

I have an idea I want to try on a visor and/or windscreen at the first rainy event  If it works, I'll spread the word.

A good helmet is not a cheap investment. Make it something you can use it any application of motor sports   Buy the closed face  Also take the time to find a proper  fitting one  different brands will fit different head shapes better  Visit Frank , Drivers Edge, he has a good selection , and will take the time to ensure a good match to your head and wallet

Definitely Frank @ Drivers Edge.

Thanks for the info everyone!