Car racing helmets are essential safety gear for drivers, protecting them from head injuries in the event of a crash. They are typically made of a composite material, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, and are lined with foam to absorb impact.
Helmets are classified into two types: full-face and open-face. Full-face helmets protect the entire head and face, whereas open-face helmets expose the face.
When selecting a car racing helmet, it is critical to ensure that it fits properly. The helmet should be snug but not overly so, and it should not shift when you shake your head.
B2 Helmets Vision EV
Price: $349.95 at b2helmets.com and $349.95 at Fast Racer
Pros
- Large viewing port
- Quality fit and finish
- Low cost
Cons
- Non-removable cheek pads
- Heavy
- No FIA homologation
With unrivaled quality in its price category, the B2 Helmets Vision EV allows racers to get safely on track with a low barrier to entry.
Another appealing feature for inexperienced racers is the Vision EV's Extended Vision (EV) eye port, which provides some comfort to those who suffer from the claustrophobia that some racers face in helmets with smaller eye openings.
For improved ventilation and air exchange, the Vision has direct flow forehead vents, upper chin bar vents, and rear-facing lower chin bar vents.
Zamp RZ-62
Price: $388.45 at Amazon and $369.00 at Tmiracing
Pros
- Factory hydration provision
- Removable cheek pad
- Optional factory graphic
Cons
- Low-quality shield
- Does not fit all head shape well
- Thin pad
Zamp offers several advantages to budget-conscious racers, such as easily integrated hydration, replaceable cheek cushions, and soft inner fabric. The internal fabric amazes whenever the helmet is put on; its softness and comfort rival helmets that cost more than $1000.
Bell Racing GP3 Carbon
Price: $1,199.95 at Store.windlingroad and $1,479.95 at Fastracer.com
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pajama-like interior fabric
- Great ventilation
Cons
- Not FIA 8860 homologated
- Shell shape is not conducive to all head shapes
Features
- Ultra-lightweight carbon shell
- Advanced multi-density, multi-piece liner to maximize energy absorption and impact performance
- Optical grade injection molded Double Screen Anti-Fog (DSAF) visor for anti-fog control and superior visibility
- Versatile ventilation system featuring lower front chin bar ventilation and upper manual lever air intake vents that can be opened and closed
The GP3 Carbon is ideal for drivers looking for a performance edge, as it combines a legendary F1 appearance, a versatile air intake system, and an ultra-lightweight carbon shell with cutting-edge aerodynamic performance.
Stilo ST5 Carbon
Price: $2,038.95 at fastracer.com and Stilo helmets
Features
- Autoclave Molded Carbon/Kevlar Composite
- Much lighter: 1.280g (Small Shell) and 1.330 g (large shell)
- Comes with a 3mm clear visor for the absolute best protection
- Smallest Shell
- Increased Vision
- More Comfortable
- More Aerodynamic
- Better Driver Ventilation
- Multi-Function Visor Locking Clasp
- New Visor Locking System Central With Double Click
The ST5 GT Carbon Helmet is an advancement over the ST4 GT. All ST5 helmets have a taller cutout for the eyeport than the previous ST4 and a unique visor to suit the wider aperture.
It has a completely redesigned shell for improved size, ventilation, visibility, and weight.
Arai GP-5W
Price: $829.95 at Speedfreaksusa.com
Features
- SCLC Construction
- Shell Shape
- Wider Eye-port
- Interior Fit
- Removable/ Replaceable Cheek pads
- Ventilation
- Hans Device Mounts
We couldn't compile this list without including an Arai helmet, and the GP-5W provides the best value for money.
The GP-5W's relatively wide eye port provides the visibility that inexperienced racers demand while providing the protection that a premium helmet manufacturer delivers.
Arai helmets are unrivaled in quality; they've just been difficult to get since supply chain troubles arose.
Bell Racing M8 Composite
Price: $549.95 at Storewindingroad.com and Amazon
Features
- Snell SA2020 Homologation
- Lightweight composite shell
- Advanced multi-density, multi-piece liner to maximize energy absorption and impact performance
- Integrated channels in face piece offer multiple options to install drink tubes and radio systems
- M6 terminals for FHR anchor attachment and homologated for use with approved head and neck devices
- Largest size range available in the Bell Racing product line
- Large eye-port for enhanced vision
- Synthetic rubber gasket seal to prevent dirt and water from entering the helmet
- Shield and pivot kit: SRV-8, SRV-1
- Colors: White and Matte Black
- Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, also 4XL
Among the bell racing helmets is the next iteration of Bell's iconic M series design idea, with a traditional appearance, better visibility, and versatile features that allow the helmet to be used in all forms of racing.
Bell Racing RS7C LTWT
Price: $1,999.95 at Amazon and Store.windingroad.com
Features
- Aerospace-grade ultra-lightweight carbon shell
- Multi-purpose fit system that can be used with or without ear cups (ear cups included)
- Interior ventilation channels enhanced to maximize airflow
- Rear spoilers, top gurney, and chin bar gurneys are available separately
- Forced air attachments available separately
- Factory installed Hans anchors as original equipment
- Synthetic rubber gasket seal to prevent dirt and water from entering the helmet
- Shield and pivot kit: SE07 3mm, SV(SE07,SE077)
- Homologation: Snell SA2020 approved
- Color: Carbon Matte Clear
- Sizes: 6 3/4 (54) to 7 5/8+ (61+)
The Bell RS7C LTWT Carbon Series helmet was created in partnership with Penske Racing to reduce weight and improve airflow for NASCAR use. The result is the most modern, lightweight Snell-approved helmet that can be utilized in the most demanding kinds of racing in North America.
Stilo ST5 GT 8860
Price: $3,603.95 at simpsonraceproducts.com
Features
- FIA 8860-2018 Certified
- Includes Stilo HANS posts
- Significantly lighter than the previous ST4 helmets
- Sizing from Extra Small through 3XL
- All ST5 shields are now interchangeable across all ST5 helmets
- Eight ventilation holes for use with Stilo Helmets Top Air systems
- Prepared for side and frontal drinking systems
- Redesigned cheek pads are more contoured and comfortable than previous ST4 helmets
- Made from 100% medium tensile carbon
- Weight (intercom included) +/-30 g:
- Small shell 1.370 kg (3.0 lbs)
- Large shell 1.470 kg (3.2 lbs)
The Stilo Helmets ST5 GT 8860-2018 carbon helmet was created for professional racers who must adhere to the stringent FIA 8860-2018 regulations. It's also the helmet of choice for drivers who refuse to jeopardize their safety no matter where they race.
This accreditation guarantees an unrivaled level of puncture and impact resistance.
Bell Racing M8 Carbon
Price: $1,159.95 at store.windingroad.com and $1,090.00 - $1,159.95 at Amazon
Features
- Ultra-lightweight carbon shell
- Advanced multi-density, multi-piece liner to maximize energy absorption and impact performance
- Large eye port for enhanced visibility
- Integrated channels in face piece offer multiple options to install drink tubes and radio systems
- M6 terminals for FHR anchor attachment and homologated for use with approved head and neck devices
- Synthetic rubber gasket seal to prevent dirt and water from entering the helmet
- Shield and pivot kit: SRV-8, SRV-1
- Homologation: Snell SA2020 and FIA8859 approved
This amazing bell racing helmet is designed for closed cockpit forms of racing, it is the next evolution in Bell’s legendary M series design platform.
Stilo ST5 GT Composite
Price: $912.00 at Walmart, $1,028.95 at fastracer.com and $1,302.43 at eBay
Features
- Noise Attenuating Earmuffs
- FIA Hans Posts
- Integrated Radio Options
- Made in Italy and assembled by hand by skilled craftsmen
- Lightweight composite shell
Among the race car helmets, the Stilo ST5 GT composite helmet is part of the hugely popular ST5 range of helmets developed to offer the very best in performance and comfort.
Simpson Diamondback
Price: $699.95 at Amazon and $720.95 at Pitstopusa.com
Features
- The recessed eye port offers a 100% shield seal
- Radio communications may be added
- Head and neck restraint ready
- Italian composite shell
- Assembled in Texas
- Your helmet ships with one clear shield installed
- Defined "wave eliminators" increase functionality from an aerodynamic aspect
- Recommended for multi-use including Stock Car, Dirt Track, Drag Racing, Karting, Road Racing, and Off Road
Among drag racing helmets Simpson Diamondback 2021 features a redesigned Italian composite shell, a shorter chinbar, and improvements to the visor for greater fit and function, as well as enhanced impact protection.
Arai GP-7
Price: $1,069.95 at Fastracer.com and $1,079.95 at Pitstopusa.com
Features
- Lightweight
- Positive Shield Latch
- New Shield Pivot Hardware
- New FCS Cheek Pads
- Ventilation
- M6 Anchor Type
- E-ject Ready Crown Pad
- Drink System Compatibility
Being the dominant helmet on the F-1 grid, winning an IRL Championship, and safeguarding the heads of NASCAR legends like Gordon, Burton, and Montoya has resulted in a flood of world-class auto racing helmets input for Arai. And the GP-7 benefits from this contribution.
The Arai GP-7's proven Arai shell provides amazing strength and flexibility, allowing Arai to use an extraordinarily soft EPS liner that's so comfy it'll make you think of a nap rather than a race. That is until you strap in.
Bell GTX3 Carbon
Price: $1,199.99 at shopoffaxis.com and $1,199.95 at Fastracer.com
Features
- Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Shell
- High-Pressure Molding System for Improved Shell Strength
- Sleek Aerodynamic Styling with Integrated Wing
- Standard Size Eyeport
- SE03 3MM DSAF Shield (SV SE03/05 Pivot System) – Clear Shield
- Double Screen Anti-Fog (DSAF) Visor Insert For Improved Anti-Fog Performance
- M6 Terminal Hardware for Head and Neck Restraint Devices
- Draw String Helmet Bag Included
- Hex Wrench Included
- Snell SA2020 Approved
- FIA 8859-2015 Approved
The GTX.3 Carbon has an ultra-lightweight Carbon shell and stylish aero design, such as a front chin bar gurney and integrated rear wing, for improved aerodynamic performance at faster speeds.
It has industry-leading performance and professional features, making it an excellent choice for racers competing in open wheel, open compartment, formula, karting, and dirt track racing.
Sparco RJ-I Carbon
Price: $1,381.60 at eBay and $1,899.00 at Sparcousa.com
Features
- Red or black interior option
- Light-weight carbon fiber with carbon-kevlar base layer
- New Medium/Large size which uses the lighter and more compact shell
- Hans clips pre-installed
- Anodized aluminum chin strap hardware
- Removable, washable lining
- Flexible Boom Mic and Ear Cup Speakers
- Mil-Spec Nexus connector
- SNELL SA2020 and FIA 8859-2015 Approved
Sparco helmets are the culmination of more than 40 years of research and development, including wind tunnel testing. The new range was created to match the new FIA 8859-2015 and New Snell SA2020 ratings.
Schuberth SP1 Carbon Fiber
Price: $2049.00 at Hmsmotorsport.com and Schuberthracing.com
Features
- Fully featured
- Outstanding comfort
- Unparalleled exterior finish
- Exquisite attention to detail
- Many customizable options
- Just over 3lbs total weight
- Complies with Snell SA2020 and FIA 8859-2015 safety requirements
The standard helmet does not come with communications equipment, however, there are various options. Right or left side connections, IMSA or MRTC connectors, and boom or integrated chin microphones are available.
Ear cushions for earbuds or speakers are available. Every piece of communication equipment is offered individually.
