Looking for advice on a forced air SAH2010 helmet.

[Jon]

I need to buy a Hans fitting helmet and won't use it for anything else other than DLRA meets so thought I'd get a forced air one in case it ever gets a bit smoky inside.

The current requirement is for a SA Snell helmet for sit in vehicles, is this likely to change to SAH?

I can find a few SA forced air helmets but less with SAH.


Thanks
jon

[Cajun Kid]

The differance between SA and SAH  is the SAH already has the mounting points drilled and tapped for a HNR device.

Some SA's also have this done but have not been noted as SAH...

Either will work... Mine is a Simpson Voyager Top Air SA that Simpson mounted the HNR attachment points.

Charles

[Jon]

Thanks Charles

I contacted Simpson and none of their helmets are SAH or even Hans ready.
Seems a little wierd for a company that makes Head and Neck Restraint gear 

Think I will end up with a Bell, I don't want to buy a new helmet and then pull it apart and drill holes in it.
I'll need a side entry air as there's no room for top feed.

Than and I'm going to use one it one week a year and don't want to get a SA rated helmet and the rules change to needing a SAH in a couple years.

Thanks
jon



Jon

[Buickguy3]

  I sent my Simpson back to them and they installed the HANS studs for $35. Quick turn around. I hated having to pay the postage and it probably could have been done when I purchased it but it wasn't mentioned. I have the one that the air comes in on the side and the hose inlet gets in the way of the HANS connection and hit the cage, so I had to put a U-turn in the outlet and mount the little fan and filter facing forward. Works fine now. Be sure to check where the connection for the air is in relation to any obstructions.
   Doug 

[Peter Jack]

While it looks intimidating the helmets actually come apart rather easily and the installation of the hardware is really straight forward. The best way is to get the hardware installed by the manufacturer just so the work isn't done twice but the job is relatively easy and the helmet isn't compromised in any way.

Pete

[Jon]

Thanks guys.

Did you turn the whole side mount around Doug?
If so would you have some pics?, I need to feed from the front anyway as there's a firewall straight behind me.

Has there been any talk on SCTA calling for SAH rather than SA?
DLRA rules are SCTA rules with a years lag.

Thanks
Jon

[Buickguy3]

Jon, Hope this helps. I used two street els two make the turn.
   Doug

[dw230]

Doug,

Does that pass the fire shield on breathing systems test?  2012 rulebook, page 32, section 3.E, 2nd paragraph, next to last sentence ..."All air breathing and cooling systems that supply air to the driver must have fire retardant protection on the hoses that supply air"...

I ask because we are in that part of the build getting ready for the season.

DW

[Bob Drury]

  In reference to Dans post, Both Jeg's and Summit sell fire retardant sleeve material to cover ALL tubing as required by the rules.
  With the tight bends as shown on Buick's reverse set up, you might be better off buying the material in a flat sheet, and wrapping the entire assembly as one.
  I would strongly advise that if you are in a tight cockpit, that you mount the fan unit to the chassis and run a hose to it.
  Mine is long enough so that if I need to egress in a hurry, I can climb out with the hose still attached.               Bob       

[Jon]

Are any of the ones that the forced air bit bolts on reversible?

The bolt on part isn't structural to the helmet strength, I may be able to rework one a bit to face it forward and pick up the original mount holes.

Jon

[Tman]

Buickguys "tubing" looks like copper tubing under that black paint? Not flamable.  You guys buy that black in 55 gal drums!?!?!?

[Buickguy3]

  The copper is way more fire retardent than the plastic helmet that it's attached to. The electrical connector disconnects itself when I exit. No extra things to remember. [for old guys like me that's good]
  Doug

[dw230]

I was referring to the filter at the front of the helmet. Any thoughts on if a face full of fire will burn through the filter and then the copper tubing will funnel the fire into the interior of the helmet?

DW

[Buickguy3]

  All of the systems that I've seen have some sort of filter on them. I'm hoping all of the flamable stuff stays behind me. We have tried to seal the compartment off from what's behind me. I guess we could add another step and put a hose on there instead of the filter. It's getting crowded in there.
  Doug