Fresh air systems...

[Blazer]

Can anyone shed any and all info on fresh air systems? I have done some research and still questioning the pros and cons.
I'm looking for everything from brand preferences, mounting, to seat/helmet situation.

I use an ISP seat with head supports. Assuming side mounted intake on the helmet would be an issue.

Are these things easy to disconnect in case of emergency exit?

Any maintenance involved for them?

Apologies for broad questions.
Thanks for your time!
-Coty

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[diirk]

Well, there are helmets available with a top mount inlet, if that's required.

We use a tie wrap to help our hoses stay on the helmets, but the fit is loose enough that a tug will pull it right off. There's enough slack that it stays on over the course of the race.

The air filters on the pumpers need to be checked/cleaned/replaced as part of your maintenance routine.

[retroblazer]

What do you want to know exactly? First, imho, each person should have their own blower. Second, blower placement is important, depending upon whether you are putting the blower in an enclosed cab or an open buggy. Blowers can be set-up for remote air pick-up if you want to mount the blower in a hot or dusty location or to keep the weight of the blower lower in the car. For long distance use, I recommend squirrel cage blowers over in-lines, as the heat from the motor will be contained in the airstream.

[racer56]

If you are going to use a seat with side head supports, you will need to use a helmet with a top air inlet. I personally don't think a seat with side head supports would be good to use in off road racing.

[retroblazer]

One of the best buys in helmets is the G-Force Air. The air circulation is excellent from the factory, although any helmet will benefit from minor tweeking with some foam and a hot glue gun. Some helmets have no air at the shield and all of it at the mouth or the opposite. A little foam tape or rigid foam can re-direct the flow to where you want it.

[retroblazer]

I don't recommend zip tying the hose on your helmet. A properly fitting hose end shouldn't be falling off. I have rigged up a Velcro strap from the hose onto the helmet just to make sure I didn't unintentionally pull the hose off. There are two types of fitting harder plastic and dip molded plastic. My preference is dip molded, like parker pumper or fresh air systems. Hoses are plastic and will burn, so best to cover them at least until the last foot or 18 inches. Since you're in a hot part of the country, keep in mind there are very effective and cheap coolers that will drop the temp by 24-35 F degrees on ice.

[AZ1000]

One of the best buys in helmets is the G-Force Air. The air circulation is excellent from the factory, although any helmet will benefit from minor tweeking with some foam and a hot glue gun. Some helmets have no air at the shield and all of it at the mouth or the opposite. A little foam tape or rigid foam can re-direct the flow to where you want it.

I wore my SA rated HJC at BAP on Saturday, I could not keep my glasses from fogging up, very poor air flow, switched back to my M rated Shoie for Sunday, worked great. I need to tweak on the HJC. Needs more venting, definetly.
SNORE allows the Shoie's for this year.

[M.Harvey1600]

I wore my SA rated HJC at BAP on Saturday, I could not keep my glasses from fogging up, very poor air flow, switched back to my M rated Shoie for Sunday, worked great. I need to tweak on the HJC. Needs more venting, definetly.
SNORE allows the Shoie's for this year.

the HJC also has a poor seal... have heard it from many owners so its not just my carbon helmet... it lets dust and gravel in through the face mask sometimes... my next helmet will either be a pyrotech carbon fiber or an Impact... not sure yet!!!

[AZ45]

While they last, we have Bell Vortex 2 Helmets on sale from 599.95 to 399.95. It's a great helmet! I've worn one for years and think the fit, finish and air flow as the best you can buy in a sub 1000.00 helmet.

[diirk]

It's not a bad helmet. We have a few of them. The padding could be a little better, and finding room for the comm can be a little challenging. But, it can't be too bad because we keep buying them. I think they're tops in the "bang for the buck" category. BTW, they're also sold under a number of other names....