opinions needed on race helmets

[The Reflex]

I will be getting a SNELL SA 2005 race helmet for next season soon and i have two options the V2 pro (full face) or the V2 tour, which is open.
I am wondering about your opinions and what you prefer and also the pros and cons of each type of helmet.
I hope this will give me the advice I'm looking for.
Thanks
Loulabelle 

[Eric Ellis (57HotrodVW)]

The 2009 NHRA rules regarding helmet requirements are as follows:

For all 9.99 and quicker closed-bodied cars, a full-face Snell M2000, M2005, K2005, SA2000, SA2005, SFI 31.2A, or 41.2A helmet mandatory; shield permitted.
For all 7.49 and quicker closed-bodies cars, a full-face Snell M2000, M2005, K2005, SA2000, SA2005, SFI 31.2A, or 41.2A helmet mandatory; shield mandatory.

I don't believe these basic rules have changed for 2010, and many other drag racing sanctioning bodies World-wide follow or are similar to NHRA rules.

A full face helmet with shield is my choice. I know of a couple of racers who've been involved in accidents on the track, and have been glad they were wearing a full face helmet when their seatbelts stretched enough to allow their helmets to make contact with the steering wheel.

Here is some related rating/definition/date info:

SFI Spec 31.1A = Snell SA, open-face helmet
SFI Spec 31.2A = Snell SA, full-face helmet
SFI Spec 41.1A = Snell M, open-face helmet
SFI Spec 41.2A = Snell M , full-face helmet

NHRA Helmet Expiration Dates
Label         Expires
-------         ------------
Snell 2000 1/1/2012
Snell 2005 1/1/2017
Snell 2007 1/1/2019
SFI 31.1A 1/1/2014
SFI 31.2A 1/1/2014
SFI 41.2A 1/1/2014
SFI 24.1 (JDRL only) 1/1/2015
SFI 24.1/2005 1/1/2017
SFI 31.1/2005 1/1/2017
SFI 41.1/2005 1/1/2017

[.]

I prefer old school !
 

[The Burnout King]

get one that fits you and your comfortable with.... thats the best advise one can give.....

[Neil Davies]

Some people are more claustrophobic than others - personally I feel much safer cocooned in a full face, but you might not like that feeling.

[kingsburgphil]

Something else to consider, helmet weight, head restraints, and collarbone protection in a worse case scenario, like barrel rolls thru the lights at a 100+.
Hopefully we've all learned something from the Dale Earnhardt tragedy, specifically spinal column/brain stem injuries resulting in paralysis or death.
Sorry for the downbeat post. 

[The Reflex]

Thanks for the advice guys. 
My brother Russ has an open face helmet and i have already worn that and feel comfortable in it.
But i think i will go and try a full face helmet and see how it feels.

Loulou

[Adele AW]

I have an open face helmet and neck brace. Will be upgrading to the simpson version of the Hans Device to fit my current helmet for this years season.

I personally feel more in control and feel like i can see more in the open faced helment versus the enclosed one which i have always had previously.

Adele 

[The Reflex]

I have an open face helmet and neck brace. Will be upgrading to the simpson version of the Hans Device to fit my current helmet for this years season.

I personally feel more in control and feel like i can see more in the open faced helment versus the enclosed one which i have always had previously.

Adele 

Thanks Adele, as i mentioned i have worn my brothers open face one and felt ok with it, my concerns with the closed helmet is that i will get too hot and feel a little claustrophobic.
How much do the neck braces cost?
Loulou

[Adele AW]

Thanks Adele, as i mentioned i have worn my brothers open face one and felt ok with it, my concerns with the closed helmet is that i will get too hot and feel a little claustrophobic.
How much do the neck braces cost?
Loulou

You can get a neck brace for around £20-£40 depending on which one you go for.

Adele

[The Reflex]

Thanks Adele, as i mentioned i have worn my brothers open face one and felt ok with it, my concerns with the closed helmet is that i will get too hot and feel a little claustrophobic.
How much do the neck braces cost?
Loulou

You can get a neck brace for around £20-£40 depending on which one you go for.

Adele

Thanks Adele, any chance of a link?? 

[SteveW]

Try www.demon-tweeks.com they have some listed but mainly for karting, not sure if there is a difference. We use Simpson racewear which is really nice

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/products/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=344_574&products_id=902&sort=

[The Reflex]

Try www.demon-tweeks.com they have some listed but mainly for karting, not sure if there is a difference. We use Simpson racewear which is really nice

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/products/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=344_574&products_id=902&sort=

Why thank you very kindly 

Loulou