[M3to335]

My isntructor mentioned that wearing a full face helmet was a bad idea with the airbag still on. Is there an easy way to pull a fuse or something to turn off the airbag?

[I335]

I'm guessing you can just pull the fuse, but I don't know which one it is. If you do that and drive the car though, you may get code that'll have to be cleared by the dealer - not sure though...

[M3to335]

Can anyone confirm this?

[Remonster]

I think the instructor meant get a non full-face helmet....much easier to do than disabling your airbag don't you think?

[leftcoastman]

Yeah I think I'd prefer that.

You know, if you slam into a wall or something, a big heavy helmet on your head just makes it much more likely that you'll break your neck.

I'd rather get a lighter helmet and leave the airbags on. With a cushion of airbags around you, it's close to the neck protection afforded by a HANS device.

[Chowbow]

Along the same lines... Do you guys recommend wearing a neck brace? Save for a HANS, open face helmet + neck brace good?

[leftcoastman]

Originally Posted by Chowbow

Along the same lines... Do you guys recommend wearing a neck brace? Save for a HANS, open face helmet + neck brace good?

I'm getting one. My bony little neck doesn't stand a chance when I smack that wall at 140!

[Chowbow]

Cool. I wasn't sure if neck braces predominantly work with full faces or are also OK with open face helmets. I'm considering one of those helmets where you can flip up the entire front, so it can be both full face and open face... Hope those are OK too.

[M3to335]

Well, I already have a full face one on the way, and have borrowed a full face one for the past events and the event I am going to this Sunday. At this point, the only option is to turn it off..... well I suppose HANS is an option as well.

[leftcoastman]

HANS is not an option unless you intend on installing a full roll cage.

It's your choice, but if I were you, I'd sell the fullface (or return it if possible) and get an open face. At least to me, my neck is worth $200-300.

I wouldn't disable an advanced safety system and risk breaking my neck over a few hundred bucks.

[M3to335]

I didnt realize every track person on here was running with an open face (pending they didnt have a cage).

The open face to closed ratio at most events is 3 open for every 30 closed.

Leftcoast, Im assuming yours is open as well? What kind did you get?

[Dascamel]

After much thought I went open also. Figured if I needed a full face in a crash I'm so fucked anyway.
Regardless, its better to leave the airbag on and have a greater chance of breaking your jaw with a closed face, rather than slamming your head off of solid objects or as the other post mentioned severely damaging other structures like your spine.