Motorsport Helmets

Motorsport Helmets

A helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment a driver buys. Whether you’re starting out in karting, moving into circuit racing, or fitting out for stage rallying, the helmet has to meet the homologation required by your event and fit your head properly. 

The motorsport helmets on this page cover every discipline, from CMR approved junior karting lids through to FIA 8860-2018 professional race helmets. Here’s what to look for:

• Current FIA homologations: the range includes FIA 8859-2024 (the new mainstream standard), FIA 8859-2015 (still valid, no expiry set), FIA 8860-2018 (highest professional standard), plus FIA 8859-2024 ABP for open wheel and open top cars

• Snell approved options: Snell SA2020 and SA2025, Snell K2020 and FIA 8878-2024 for karting, CMR 2016 for junior karting under 15 

• All four major brands in stock: Arai, Bell, Stilo and Zamp, covering everything from entry level competition through to professional specification

• Full face and open face designs: full face for rallying, circuit racing and karting, open face (typically with intercom provisions) for rallying and co-driver use

• Carbon fibre and composite shells: carbon for the lightest weight in the premium tier, composite for strong value across mid-budget options

Choosing the Right Helmet Standard

Helmet standards are the first thing to check, since the wrong homologation will fail scrutineering regardless of how good the helmet is. Match the standard to your event:

If you're unsure which standard your event requires, check the regulations for your series or contact us before you buy.

Note: These are the correct standards and statuses at the time of writing.

Choosing by Discipline

The discipline you compete in narrows the helmet type quickly:

• Karting helmets: full face with either Snell K2020 (adult), CMR 2016 (junior under 15), or one of the FIA karting standards. Lighter weight and designed for the head positions specific to karting

• Race helmets: full face for circuit racing and track day use, typically with FHR/HANS post fittings. FIA 8859-2024 or 8859-2015 for club through national, 8860-2018 for professional series

• Rally helmets: open face designs with built in microphone and speaker provisions for intercom systems, allowing communication with the co-driver. Stilo and Bell dominate this category through their integrated electronics

Helmet Brands We Stock

We stock the four brands that cover the full spread of motorsport helmet buying: Arai, Bell, Stilo and Zamp.

Arai Helmets

Japanese made with a focus on shell integrity and three different head shapes across the range, giving a precise fit for buyers who struggle with other brands. The GP-J3, GP-6S, GP-7 and SK-6 are common picks for circuit, rally and karting respectively.

Bell Helmets

Have been making racing lids since 1954 and have the deepest range across price points. The Mag-10 rally and RS7 circuit helmets are the staples, with carbon Pro and Ultra series available for drivers who want the lightest weight in the lineup.

Stilo Helmets

Are the rally helmet specialists, with integrated intercom electronics built into the helmet rather than added on. The Venti and ST6 ranges cover everything from club rallying through to WRC, and the ST5/ST6 circuit helmets are widely used in GT and endurance racing.

Zamp Helmets

Zamp helmets are the entry point into competition lids, with the RZ-42, RZ-48 and RZ-70 series covering karting through to circuit racing at prices well below the European brands while still carrying full FIA and Snell approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which FIA helmet standard do I need for UK club motorsport?

For most Motorsport UK club events, FIA 8859-2015 or FIA 8859-2024 is the required standard. Snell SA2020 and SA2025 are also accepted. Always check your series regulations before buying, since some championships are stricter than the MSUK Blue Book minimum. 

Is FIA 8859-2015 still valid in 2026?

Yes. FIA 8859-2015 currently has no expiry date and is still accepted at most events, although FIA 8859-2024 is now the benchmark standard for new purchases. If you compete in an FIA international series, check the series regulations as some have moved or will move to require 8859-2024 or 8860-2018. 

Are these helmets FHR/HANS compatible?

All FIA homologated race and rally helmets on this page come with M6 threaded inserts for FHR/HANS post fitting. The posts themselves are usually sold separately. If you do not already have a head and neck restraint, see our FHR accessories collection.

Can I use a track day helmet for racing?

Not unless it carries a current FIA or Snell motorsport homologation. A motorcycle helmet, even an expensive one, will fail scrutineering. If the helmet you have carries only a road homologation (such as ECE 22.06), it isn't approved for competition use.

How long does a motorsport helmet last?

FIA and Snell standards have set service lives, after which the homologation expires regardless of helmet condition. Snell SA standards are valid for 10 years from the standard year (e.g. SA2020 is valid until 2030). FIA 8859-2015, 8859-2024 and 8860-2018 currently have no expiry date set, but most series have their own age limits, typically 5 to 10 years. Always check before the start of a new season.