Full Face or open face helmet with air

[DKL]

Ok, trying to get some opinions as I am new to this.Maybe help me and other new people trying to get geared up.
I will be running sst45 with enclosed cockpit , I am trying to decide full or open face helment. I have a small air tank and regulator rigged in the boat, I am thinking if and when I'm upside down with a cockpit full of water the closed face helment would be more difficult to fit the regulator into to breath and to see out of full of water///

open face==easy access to regulator, better frontal vision,,cooler to wear in Texas summer time ect. ect. but less protection ect.
I do not have the cash for a air mask(Tiger air) type yet unless someone has a deal on one .
Thaose of you who have been in this unfortunate situation of rolling over,what ,how did your choice of helmet work out
ANY suggestions appreciated,lets liven this place up a little with some meaningful discusion

Doug

[Rob D]

I have same air as you with a full face and I could get to the air. Takes 2 hands though. You have to push up the bottom of your helmet first to get the regulator in your mouth. But in time you will find it faster to skip the air and just get the hell out. Been there done that.

Rob
SST-45 #30

[Skoontz]

This is a side step, but, when I drove dirt track cars, and many went to full face, I hated them because I felt choked. Open face I was able to breathe and could think more clearly when I needed to pass or come out of a broadslide. The few races I drove with a closed face I felt clostrophobic.

I realize they are probably not as safe of a helmet. But, having seen many studies done by A.B.A.T.E. when the liberoids were working for the insirance companies in attempts to mandate helmets on motorcycle riders, closed face causes a 10° temperature rise in yor head, where most of your blood vessels are, so, your blood gets hotter, and, it does impair the way you think. Even the most vented air flow helmets will do this. And, the way you thinik effects your safety as much if not more than any collision you may or maynot have. At one point, helmet manufacturers were nearly out of business from product liability lawsuites because leftsut lawyers would file civil suites dragging everyone into the mix.
I know Bell was working on some type of helmet with air sacks like a football hemlmet, where water, cooled water could flow through them and address this problem, which would work on a race car/boat and help that issue. Not having driven a capsule boat, as an outsider looking through the glass, there ain't no way you couold get an air piece to your mouth as fast as with an open helmet. It's not physically possible unless somehow they could integrate to air to the helmet face gaurd...

I might be all wet here, so those who know better please educate me. I'm looking to the day when my daughter drives 45, even though she has yet to run her hydro. When that day comes, I want all of our systems in place before the first race.

[Scott23]

I would use the open face for now until you save up for full face air system. It is easier to put it in your mouth if you need to. When I blew over I was able to put it in my mouth as I was going over. Didn't need it though because I landed right side up :)

[sst45jefff]

The other thing you need to think about is that if your air is not working or you are knocked out the divers will give you air with their buddy regulator if need be. I am not sure with a full face helmet the divers could do that or would try.
The other thing to think about is if you need mouth to mouth The full face helmet has to come off to do it and you could have a neck injury that may be compromised removing the helmet to recesatate you. With an open face it could be left on until your injuries are completly assesed.

[Doug Hall Y51]

Hey Doug, I would definatly suggest the open face helmet when using air. I have been upside down twice in my Pro hydro and the first time had no problem putting my regulator in. The second time I could not find the regulator and just got out without using it. I am not sure that when you are strapped in that you need the protection of the full face helmet. Just my opinion from experience. Hope it helps.

[Ron Hill]

I have two sons racing 45 SS. Both like their full face helmets... I called Tiger, Friday, and they will install the newest masks in full face helmets.

Where I'm confused, Bob Wartinger says, "Make sure the mask is confortable..."

How do you figure out if it is comfortable, if they install the makss in New York???

Jimbo and I never wore a full faced helmet in kneeldowns, because we didn't think we could see...But, EVEN in a capsule, I think the full face is good...Chris Henderson only had a broken rib, last October, at Bakerfield, but looking at the pictures and all, a full face would have been nice!!!

Wartinger did say to use the air that only comes on when you are upside down!!! (Not full time ari, as you change bottles every heat...).

[RichardKCMo]

I had know idea we were going to maintain status Quo?
Sorta' glad i'm not where you're at yet.
RichardKCMo I have two sons racing 45 SS. Both like their full face helmets... I called Tiger, Friday, and they will install the newest masks in full face helmets.

Where I'm confused, Bob Wartinger says, "Make sure the mask is confortable..."

How do you figure out if it is comfortable, if they install the makss in New York???

Jimbo and I never wore a full faced helmet in kneeldowns, because we didn't think we could see...But, EVEN in a capsule, I think the full face is good...Chris Henderson only had a broken rib, last October, at Bakerfield, but looking at the pictures and all, a full face would have been nice!!!

Wartinger did say to use the air that only comes on when you are upside down!!! (Not full time ari, as you change bottles every heat...).

[RichardKCMo]

When are you go fast guys going to be in KCMo? Sure was a fun event in St. Jo. Mo several yrs. ago.
I forgot , they,re a lot quieter than MODs.
I,m not sure if that,s a plus.? EH , anyways , we do what we like eh?
RichartdKCMo Hey Doug, I would definatly suggest the open face helmet when using air. I have been upside down twice in my Pro hydro and the first time had no problem putting my regulator in. The second time I could not find the regulator and just got out without using it. I am not sure that when you are strapped in that you need the protection of the full face helmet. Just my opinion from experience. Hope it helps.

[DKL]

To all ,thanks for your input, I went with a open face for now. I am sure your advice will not only help me but others as well. Race safe:D

Doug

[BMS13]

I have a complete SRP full face system for sale if you are interested. Check out the APR for sale area or look at this web site under classifieds. If you have any questions give me a call.

Lance
786-402-1502