If you’re a fan of auto racing, you know how important it is to have a good helmet. A helmet can protect your head from serious injuries, fire, debris, and noise. It can also enhance your comfort, vision, and communication on the track. But not all helmets are the same. Some are only suitable for specific types of racing, some have more features than others, and some are more expensive than others.
In this blog post, I’m going to show you the best auto racing helmets on the market today. I’ll cover different categories, such as budget, pro, youth, vintage, and more. I’ll also tell you what to look for when buying a helmet, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
But before we get into that, let me remind you that I’ve also written a blog post about Best Auto Racing Suits, where I review the best fire-resistant clothing for racers. You might want to check that out too, if you haven’t already.
What to Look for When Buying an Auto Racing Helmet
There are six things you should consider when shopping for an auto racing helmet:
- Helmet Type: Different types of racing require different types of helmets. For example, open-cockpit helmets suit open-wheel or formula cars, while full-face helmets fit closed-wheel or touring cars better. You should also check the helmet’s certification, such as Snell SA2020 or FIA 8860-2018, which shows the helmet’s safety and performance level.
- Shell Material: The shell is the helmet’s outer layer that protects your head and absorbs the impact. The shell can be made of different materials, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or composite. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest material, but also the most expensive. Fiberglass is cheaper and heavier but still offers good protection. Composite is a mix of different materials that can vary in quality and price.
- Liner Material: The liner is the helmet’s inner layer that cushions your head and absorbs energy. The liner can be made of different materials, such as foam, EPS (expanded polystyrene), or EPP (expanded polypropylene). EPS is the most common material, as it is cheap and effective. EPP is more durable and resilient, but also more expensive. Foam is soft and comfortable, but less protective.
- Ventilation: Ventilation keeps your head cool and comfortable during a race. You can get ventilation by having air vents on the top, front, back, or sides of the helmet. Some helmets let you adjust the vents to open or close them depending on the weather and your preference. Some helmets also have air channels inside the shell that direct airflow to your face and ears.
- Visor: The visor is the transparent shield that covers your eyes and face. You can choose a tinted or clear visor, depending on the lighting conditions and your preference. Some visors have anti-fog or anti-scratch coatings to improve visibility and durability. You can also remove or replace some visors to change them according to your needs.
- Extras: Some extra features can make your helmet more comfortable or functional. For example, some helmets have removable or washable liners that you can clean or replace easily. Other features that some helmets offer are built-in speakers or microphones for communication, hydration ports for drinking, and spoilers or chin bars for aerodynamics or stability.
The Best Auto Racing Helmets by Category
Now that you know what to look for in a helmet, let me show you some of the best options available in each category.
1. Best Budget Auto Racing Helmet: Bell Sport Mag
If you’re looking for a quality helmet that won’t break the bank, you might want to consider the Bell Sport Mag. This helmet is designed specifically for entry-level racers who need a reliable and affordable helmet.
This helmet features a lightweight fiberglass shell that meets Snell SA2020 standards. It has a large eye port that offers excellent peripheral vision and accommodates most eyewear. The interior is comfortable and fire-retardant, with cheek pads that you can adjust for fit.
The helmet also has a double-screen anti-fog (DSAF) visor that prevents fogging and provides UV protection. You can easily install head and neck restraint devices (HNR) with the M6 terminals. The helmet comes in various sizes and colors to suit your style.
The Bell Sport Mag costs $359.99* at Winding Road Racing.
2. Best Pro Racing Helmet: Stilo ST5
The Stilo ST5 is a premium helmet that offers the best performance and features. It is designed for professional racers who demand the highest level of safety and comfort.
This helmet features a carbon fiber shell that meets FIA 8858-2015 and Snell 2020 standards. It has a complex laminate shell construction that reduces weight and increases strength. The eye port is narrow, which maximizes fire protection and reduces noise.
The helmet also has a DSAF visor that you can adjust in three positions and has an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating. The microphone and ear cups are integrated, which provide clear communication and noise cancellation. The hydration port allows you to drink water or electrolytes during a race.
The Stilo ST5 costs $2,038.95 at Winding Road Racing.
3. Best Youth Racing Helmet: Zamp RZ-42Y
If you’re looking for a helmet for your young racer, you might want to consider the Zamp RZ-42Y. This helmet is designed for youth racers who need a helmet that fits their smaller head size and meets their safety needs.
This helmet features a fiberglass shell that meets Snell CMR2020 standards. It has a low-profile design that reduces drag and improves aerodynamics. The interior is comfortable and fire-retardant, with removable cheek pads that you can wash or replace.
The helmet also has a DSAF visor that provides UV protection and prevents fogging. You can easily install HNR devices with the M6 terminals. The helmet comes in various sizes and colors to suit your young racer’s preference.
The Zamp RZ-42Y costs $197.96 at Winding Road Racing.
4. Best Vintage Style Racing Helmet: Conquer Open Face Rally
If you’re looking for a helmet that has a retro look and feel, you might want to consider the Conquer Open Face Rally. This helmet is designed for vintage or classic car racers who want to enjoy the nostalgia of the old days.
This helmet features a fiberglass shell that meets Snell SA2020 standards. It has an open-face design that gives you more freedom and visibility. The interior is soft suede, with cheek pads that you can adjust for fit.
The helmet also has a flip-up visor that you can remove or replace easily. You can easily install HNR devices with the M6 terminals. The helmet comes in various sizes and colors to suit your taste.
The Conquer Open Face Rally costs $199.95 at Amazon.
5. Best Track Day Helmet: Bell RS7 Carbon
If you’re looking for a helmet that is ideal for track day enthusiasts, you might want to consider the Bell RS7 Carbon. This helmet is designed for racers who want a high-performance helmet that is lightweight, comfortable, and durable.
This helmet features a carbon fiber shell that meets Snell SA2020 and FIA 8859-2015 standards. It has an ultra-lightweight carbon construction that reduces fatigue and improves handling. The liner is energy-absorbing, which protects your head from impact.
The helmet also has a DSAF visor that you can adjust in three positions and has an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating. The ventilation system is advanced, which keeps your head cool and dry. You can easily install HNR devices with the M6 terminals.
The Bell RS7 Carbon costs $1,499.95 at Winding Road Racing.
Conclusion
There you have it, the best auto racing helmets on the market today. I hope this blog post helped you find the perfect helmet for your racing needs.
Remember, when buying a helmet, you should consider the type, material, liner, ventilation, visor, and extras of the helmet. You should also make sure the helmet fits your head size and shape, and that it is compatible with your HNR device and other accessories. You should also check the certification and expiration date of the helmet, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for and store your helmet.
Until next time, stay safe and have fun on the track! 🏁
