We have a wide variety of helmets for sale here at Demon Tweeks and it can be very difficult to know which helmet is right for the type of racing you are doing.
The first thing to consider when choosing a new helmet is the type of competition you’ll be doing. Just like motorsports, there are many rules to follow, and helmets are no exception.
Rally, saloon or single-seat circuit racing, karting or track days have different requirements for helmets, so let’s look at each discipline individually and highlight the key points to look for when choosing a helmet, including the standards required.
Keep reading to learn about all the rules and requirements for helmets for racing, karting, rallying, and more that you need to be aware of when competing.
Choosing a Helmet for Circuit Racing
If you race single-seaters or sedans in circuit racing, then the type of helmet you need is an easier choice.
Let’s focus on single-seaters first. Every driver planning to race a single-seater must wear a full-face helmet. However, there is one exception to this rule in the form of historical single-seater cars, which can be worn with an open-face helmet and goggles, as was the practice of the period. In this case, it is best to check with your series organizer.
For all other, non-historic single-seat championships, a full-face helmet is required, and it is recommended that a helmet with a narrow opening, visor height be worn to limit the possible entry of debris into the visor area. .
For single-seater competition at the highest level, the FIA has introduced a new standard for Advanced Ballistic Protection (ABP) helmets. These helmets have a reduced visor opening that is 10mm smaller than standard helmets and a reinforced panel just above the visor to protect against the risk of flying debris entering the helmet.
Although this requirement is only for competitors in Formula 1, Formula 2, etc., it is not limited exclusively to these championships. Anyone driving a single-seater car can wear one of these helmets.
In sedan or closed-roof circuit racing, the choice of helmet type is less limited, meaning the rider can wear either a full-face helmet or an open-face helmet, depending on personal preference and fit.
Many riders prefer to use a full face helmet, but with a visor rather than a full face helmet. This provides additional protection to a full face helmet, but not as tightly as with the visor installed.
It is worth noting here that some championships prohibit the use of communication between cars and pits. This is important because some helmets come with communication equipment already installed. This will not be permitted and may result in you failing verification.
Helmet standards you should pay attention to:
| Event type | ||||
| Motorsport UK National | FIA rules | |||
| Homologation | expiry date | Club racing | International | F1, F2, F3, FE |
| Snell SA2010 | 12/31/23 | ✓ | ||
| Snell SAH2010 | 12/31/23 | ✓ | ||
| Snell SA2015 | – | ✓ | ||
| Snell SA2020 | – | ✓ | ||
| FIA 8859-2015 | – | ✓ | ✓ * | |
| FIA 8860-2010 | 12/31/28 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FIA 8860-2018 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FIA 8860-2018 ABP | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Choosing a Karting Helmet
If you are 16 years of age or older, there are requirements for non-CMR approved karting helmets that are suitable for use in all Motorsport UK karting helmets. A Snell or FIA approved racing helmet may also be worn.
Helmet standards you should pay attention to:
If your helmet standard is not listed below, it has expired and is no longer fit for use.
| Event type | ||||
| Homologation | expiry date | Required for drivers under 15 years of age | Karting, including Super 1 | Karting and auto racing |
| Snell FIA CMR2007 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Snell FIA CMS2007 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Snell FIA CMR2016 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Snell K2010 | 12/31/23 | ✓ | ||
| Snell K2015 | – | ✓ | ||
| Snell K2020 | – | ✓ | ||
| Snell SA2010 | 12/31/23 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Snell SA2015 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Snell SA2020 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FIA 8859-2015 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FIA 8860-2018 | – | ✓ | ✓ | |
Choosing a Rally Helmet
When watching Rallying, you’ll likely want a helmet with intercom capability. Before choosing which helmet to buy, you need to know what type of intercom you have in your car, since each intercom manufacturer tends to use a specific type of connector.
Typically options include; Nexus male plugs, which are used in ZeroNoise, Sparco and OMP intercoms, Nexus female plugs, which are used in Stilo intercoms, as well as in ZeroNoise intercom systems. Terratrip style end caps used in Terratrip intercoms and entry-level Sparco and ZeroNoise systems.
Once you have determined what type of intercom is installed in your car or what type you are going to install, you need to make sure that it is compatible with the specific helmet you want to buy.
Sparco helmets have Nexus style forks, while Stilo and Bell use a Nexus female fork. The only exception is the Stilo Trophy Des Rally helmet, which has its own unique connector that is only compatible with the Stilo Trophy intercom.
Once you have determined what type of intercom system you are using, you can decide whether you prefer a full-face or open-face helmet.
Most rally competitors tend to prefer an open-face helmet due to better overall visibility and spatial awareness, but you can use either one depending on which one you feel most comfortable with.
Helmet standards you should pay attention to:
| Event type | |||||
| Motorsport UK National | FIA rules | ||||
| Homologation | Predicted expiration date | One venue | Rally stage | International | F1, F2, F3, FE |
| Snell SA2010 | 12/31/23 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Snell SAH2010 | 12/31/23 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Snell SA2015 | 12/31/23 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| FIA 8859-2015 | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ * | |
| FIA 8860-2010 | 12/31/28 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FIA 8860-2018 | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| FIA 8860-2018 ABP | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| *Selected events | |||||
Other styles of motorsports helmets
Of course, there are other types of motorsports that don’t fit into the above categories. For disciplines such as sprinting, hill climbing, drag racing, cross country, trials, etc., it is always wise to check with the championship organizers to ensure you are purchasing the correct type of helmet.
However, as a general rule, if you want to buy a helmet that is suitable for circuit racing and has Snell and/or FIA approvals, you will not only be getting a helmet that is fire resistant, but one that also meets a high standard of protection.
The same rule applies if you are going to participate in track days. As there is no specific helmet standard listed, the choice is left to the discretion of the track day organiser, so always check before booking.
If you are still unsure about anything mentioned in this guide or are unsure of how a helmet should fit, please contact our sales team who will be happy to answer your questions and make recommendations.
Liked this? Read more of our latest news:
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