Motorsport Helmet Buyer’s Guide

Motorsport Helmet Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the Right Helmet for Race, Rally & Karting

Buying a motorsport helmet can feel overwhelming, especially with so many approvals, styles and regulations to consider. Whether you compete in rallying, circuit racing, karting or occasional track days, choosing the correct helmet is one of the most important safety decisions you’ll make.

Different disciplines have different requirements, and selecting the wrong helmet could leave you unable to pass scrutineering. This guide breaks down the key differences between race, rally and kart helmets, along with the standards you need to look for before buying.

Choosing a Circuit Racing Helmet

For circuit racing, the type of car you drive has a major influence on the style of helmet required.

Single Seater Racing Helmets

If you compete in modern single seaters, a full face helmet is mandatory. The only real exception is some historic championships, where period-correct open face helmets may still be permitted alongside goggles. It’s always worth confirming with your championship organiser before purchasing.

Most single seater drivers choose a helmet with a narrower visor opening to reduce the risk of debris entering the visor area during an impact.

At the very highest levels of motorsport, the FIA introduced the Advanced Ballistic Protection (ABP) helmet standard. These helmets feature:

  • Reduced visor apertures
  • Reinforced forehead protection
  • Increased resistance against flying debris

Although primarily designed for Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3, ABP helmets can also be used in club-level motorsport.


Saloon & Closed Cockpit Racing Helmets

For saloon cars and closed-roof circuit racing, drivers can usually choose between:

  • Full face helmets
  • Open face helmets

Many competitors prefer a full face helmet fitted with a peak rather than a visor, offering improved protection while still feeling open and comfortable inside the car.

It’s also important to consider communication systems. Some championships prohibit car-to-pit radios, meaning helmets with pre-installed communication kits may not be allowed.

Circuit Racing Helmet Standards

If your helmet approval is no longer recognised, the helmet cannot be used in competition.

Commonly Accepted Standards

  • Snell SA2020
  • Snell SA2025
  • FIA 8859-2015
  • FIA 8860-2018
  • FIA 8860-2018 ABP

Many UK championships now include overseas rounds at venues such as Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring. If this applies to your series, FIA-approved helmets are often mandatory.

Choosing a Rally Helmet

When selecting a rally helmet, one of the biggest things to consider is intercom compatibility. Unlike circuit racing, rally competitors rely heavily on communication between driver and co-driver, so ensuring your helmet works correctly with your intercom system is essential.

At Race Rally Supplies, we primarily supply rally helmets from Bell Helmets and Zero Noise, both of which are widely used throughout modern rallying

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Rally Helmet Intercom Compatibility

Before purchasing a helmet, you should confirm which intercom system is fitted to your car.

Bell Rally Helmets

Bell rally helmets typically use:

  • Female Nexus connectors

These are commonly found with:

  • Bell intercom systems
  • Zero Noise systems
  • Various professional-level rally installations

Zero Noise Rally Helmets & Systems

Zero Noise systems are widely regarded as some of the best-performing rally intercoms available, particularly in high-noise environments.

Depending on the system specification, Zero Noise intercoms can support:

  • Female Nexus connections
  • Male Nexus connections

Because compatibility can vary between setups, it’s always worth checking before ordering.

Open Face vs Full Face Rally Helmets

Most rally competitors prefer open face helmets because they provide:

  • Better visibility
  • Improved spatial awareness
  • Easier communication inside the cockpit

However, full face rally helmets remain a popular option, particularly for competitors who prefer additional facial protection or compete in mixed disciplines.

Ultimately, helmet choice comes down to:

  • Comfort
  • Visibility
  • Intercom compatibility
  • Personal preference

Rally Helmet Standards

The most commonly accepted approvals for rallying include:

  • Snell SA2020
  • Snell SA2025
  • FIA 8859-2015
  • FIA 8859-2024
  • FIA 8860-2018
  • FIA 8860-2018 ABP

For higher-level FIA competition, stricter standards may apply.

Choosing a Karting Helmet

Karting helmet regulations differ depending on the age of the driver.

Kart Helmets for Drivers Under 15

Junior competitors must use lightweight helmets approved to:

  • Snell CMR2016
  • Snell CMS2016

These helmets are specifically designed to reduce strain on younger drivers’ necks.

Kart Helmets for Drivers Aged 15+

Adult kart competitors can use:

  • Snell K2020
  • Snell K2025
  • FIA-approved motorsport helmets
  • Snell SA-approved race helmets

Kart-specific helmets are built differently to car racing helmets and are generally not fireproof unless carrying FIA or SA approval.

Other Motorsport Helmet Applications

For disciplines such as:

  • Hill climbs
  • Sprints
  • Drag racing
  • Trials
  • Cross country events
  • Track days

Helmet requirements can vary depending on the organiser and event regulations.

As a general rule, an FIA or Snell-approved motorsport helmet will provide excellent protection and broad compatibility across multiple disciplines.

If you’re planning to use your helmet for track days, always check requirements with the organiser beforehand, as standards can differ between circuits and operators.

How Should a Motorsport Helmet Fit?

Even the best helmet will not protect correctly if it does not fit properly.

A correctly fitted helmet should:

  • Feel snug without causing pressure points
  • Sit evenly around the head
  • Not move excessively when shaken
  • Allow comfortable use of FHR devices and intercom systems

Different manufacturers suit different head shapes, so trying multiple brands is always recommended where possible.

Need Help Choosing The Right Helmet?

Selecting the correct motorsport helmet can be confusing, especially with changing FIA and Snell regulations across different disciplines.

Whether you compete in:

  • Rallying
  • Circuit racing
  • Karting
  • Track days
  • Historic motorsport

our team can help guide you towards the correct helmet for your application, budget and approval requirements.

Explore our latest range of rally, race and kart helmets online, or contact the team for advice before ordering.

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