Helmet shapes in the late 90s

[flattyre]

A few drivers in the late 90s (and early 00s?) used helmets with a much lower front section with a lip at the bottom. I have always wondered - what was the purpose of this, and why don't they use it in modern helmet designs?

I used to assume it improved the aerodynamics somehow, but if this is the case then why don't they use it anymore? I even wondered at one point if it was some kind early HANS, to prevent the head being thrown forward in an accident. I doubt that though because it would probably damage the driver's chest pretty badly...

This is the kind of thing I'm talking about:

[jjn9128]

The chin spoiler was there to stop the helmet lifting:


Nowadays it's more an add on which is purchased separately.
http://www.bellhelmets.eu/accessories/a ... vices.html

[ian_s]

their heads were much more exposed back then, now they are much lower so the helmet is more protected. this would just be weight that is not needed.

[jjn9128]

their heads were much more exposed back then, now they are much lower so the helmet is more protected. this would just be weight that is not needed.

I don't necessarily agree, helmets are heavier now than circa '99 - <1kg vs ~1.25kg now. I think that added weight is mainly since Massa's accident in '09.

[ian_s]

their heads were much more exposed back then, now they are much lower so the helmet is more protected. this would just be weight that is not needed.

I don't necessarily agree, helmets are heavier now than circa '99 - <1kg vs ~1.25kg now. I think that added weight is mainly since Massa's accident in '09.

yes the helmets are heavier now, but add that chin on it and its heavier still, my point still stands.

[jjn9128]

yes the helmets are heavier now, but add that chin on it and its heavier still, my point still stands.

[krisfx]

The chin spoiler was there to stop the helmet lifting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi_aYoccb0o

Nowadays it's more an add on which is purchased separately.
http://www.bellhelmets.eu/accessories/a ... vices.html

Some Bell helmets are sold with/without the duck bill chin, I always thought it looked dead daft. Especially the chin/front spoiler combination.

[krisfx]

A few drivers in the late 90s (and early 00s?) used helmets with a much lower front section with a lip at the bottom. I have always wondered - what was the purpose of this, and why don't they use it in modern helmet designs?

I used to assume it improved the aerodynamics somehow, but if this is the case then why don't they use it anymore? I even wondered at one point if it was some kind early HANS, to prevent the head being thrown forward in an accident. I doubt that though because it would probably damage the driver's chest pretty badly...

This is the kind of thing I'm talking about:

http://f-lap.net/_src/6695/ms0102.jpg

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/jo ... dXAOs6lEQ=

http://www.bellhelmets.eu/helmets/advanced/hp7.html - Not as extreme, but they're still out there. Also there's a cheap karting helmet called a "V2 Pro", which has a massive chin.

[Big Tea]

The helmets have support straps and I believe some drivers also use a 'polo mint' pad between the shoulders and lower edge pads ( although I am not sure I have seen a current F1 driver use this)

[rkn]

Correct, the "lip" serves an aerodynamic purpose which is to prevent the helmet from rising at high speeds, similar to the spoiler at back of the helmet which is there to prevent the head from shaking as well as preventing turbulence.

As was mentioned, these days, the "lips" serving that purpose are higher up on the helmet chin as drivers heads are less exposed to oncoming airflow: