Drifting Safely: Helmet Guide
With any motorsport, it is essential to have the proper helmet for the venue you are racing or competing in. There are also so many different shapes, styles and materials of helmets so the question now is: What is the right helmet for me?
We are going to talk about that here. Before diving into this topic though, please remember that a helmet is one of the most crucial safety investments you will make for drifting or other forms of racing so really take your time when looking for one. Spend wisely and don’t cheap out!
Okay, let’s get to it ….
Take Measurements
The first thing you would want to do is get a measuring tape and measure your head. Make sure the tape is snug around your head because a loose helmet just wouldn’t cut it and would most likely do more harm than good.
What would you be using it for?
This should be your next question. Are you considering to drift competitively long-term? Or are you just looking to attend local drift days? This is important to know as the helmet requirement for these vary. Essentially, the more competitive you go, the higher the helmet certification requirement. That being said, if you are heading to a drift day event and feel like you might need more helmet protection. You can always use an FIA (professional-level) standard helmet.
Nowadays, a lot of drift day events require you to have a helmet and a spare if you are having a passenger in your car as you drift. In this case, follow the helmet requirements stated in their safety guide, instruction handbook, or rules and regulations (whichever it may be called).
Materials for you
Now that you know your head size and the standard requirement for the level of drifting you are venturing into, the next thing would be to start looking into the material that suits you and your needs best. The most common helmet materials out there are fiber glass, kevlar composite, and carbon fiber.
The fiber glass helmets are usually the cheapest option. So if you are on a tight budget, this might be a fit for you. The downsides to consider though are that they are usually heavier than other helmet materials and don’t really offer much impact absorption.
The Kevlar composite helmets are a lot lighter than the fiber glass and offer and absorb impacts much better. They are more expensive than the fiber-glass however so if you might have to dig deep in dem’ pockets.
Of course, we saved the best for last. Carbon fiber helmets are the most common in the terms of protection level. They are hands down the most superior helmet material in the market today as they are way lighter and have the best impact absorption quality. This quality also makes it more penetration and abrasion-proof than the other two materials. If you are on a tight budget, they might not be for you but keep in mind that they offer the best protection out there and your safety comes first.
The good thing is that we are here to support you all the way. So please contact us if you need any help choosing your helmet and check out our collection so you have your right fit!