What are the gains/losses that come with helmet aero? Is it noticeable?
What are the gains/losses that come with helmet aero? Is it noticeable?
From a comfort standpoint: very much so, depending on the cockpit configuration & the driver's seating position.
Performance wise not so much, in my experience (unless your head's getting buffeted around so much you have trouble seeing).
When I started racing 5 years ago, I bought a helmet with no aero devices of any kind and in particular, no rear spoiler. Every time I got going fast, it was trying to lift itself off my head.
I added a stick-on spoiler, and the problem was gone.
I'm no aero engineer, but the losses are negligible especially if you're sitting low in the car. I would imagine a GoPro hanging out in the breeze would cost you much more aero-wise. The gains are to stabilize your head to prevent the buffeting knuckle ball effect. No real advantage to it unless you're experiencing involuntary head movement at speed.
2003 VanDiemen FSCCA #29
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Dave Weitzenhof
My first helmet had no aero. It tried lifting off my head at speed. My second helmet was a Bell with great aero... chin spoiler & top spoilers... far more comfortable. No lift. No buffet. Go with a helmet with good aero.
"An analog man living in a digital world"
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