Guide to Buying a Racing Helmet - FastLap Supply

Guide to Buying a Racing Helmet

Guide to Buying a Racing Helmet

Look, you need a helmet because the rules say so and also because your brain is pretty important. We get it. So let's cut through the marketing fluff and talk about what actually matters.

The Standards Thing

Two organizations test helmets in North America: Snell (California-based, indie, a bit more chill) and FIA (Europe's way of saying "we take this seriously"). Your sanctioning body probably cares about one of them. Call them and ask which one. Don't guess.

Important: FIA and Snell are separate certification bodies with different standards. A helmet can carry one, both, or neither. Don't assume they're interchangeable—check what your series actually requires.

FIA Circuit Racing
8859-2018
Current homologation for most circuit series
FIA Club / Older Series
8859-2015
Still accepted in many club-level events
Snell Current
SA2020 / SA2025
Valid for 10 years from manufacture date
Cert date vs. approved-to-use window: FIA-homologated helmets are typically approved for use for 5 years from the date of certification (not manufacture). That means a helmet certified in 2018 may only be accepted in competition through 2023 in some series—even if it's physically in perfect condition. Always check your sanctioning body's current approved list, not just the standard printed on the sticker. Snell ratings work differently: SA2020 and SA2025 helmets are valid for 10 years from the manufacture date stamped inside the helmet.

Most club-level circuit racing accepts either FIA 8859-2018 or a current Snell rating. If you're shopping, FIA 8859-2018 is the current benchmark for competitive circuit racing. FIA 8859-2015 is still valid in many club events and usually comes at a lower price point.

If you're buying FIA, you get lighter weight and better impact absorption compared to older standards. You also get a bill that'll make you sweat. Worth it if you're racing competitively and every tenth matters.

Bell M8 Ultra Carbon Racing Helmet - SA2025


Actually Measuring Your Head

Use a soft measuring tape (craft store, like $3). Wrap it around the widest part of your dome, forehead to back, and get the same number twice. Use that number to pick your size. Revolutionary, we know. lol.

⚠️ Sizing varies between brands. Check the size chart for the specific helmet before you buy.

SHOP HELMETS

Sizing Without Trying On (Yeah, We Know)

Measure your head properly, we covered that above. Use that number to pick your size. But here's the thing: sizing varies between brands. A Medium in one helmet might be a Large in another. Check the specific size chart for the helmet you're eyeing before you buy.

Once it arrives, put it on. Leave it on for a few minutes in your home (not at the track). Fasten the chin strap like you mean it. Reach back and pull up slightly—if it slides over your eyes, it's too loose. If your forehead bunches, it fits. Even pressure all around. No pain points. Your cheeks should bunch a little.

If it doesn't feel right? Send it back. We work with you on returns. Helmet fit is non-negotiable, so don't force it. Better to swap sizes now than discover mid-session that your head is bouncing around in there.

✓ Good Fit
  • Forehead bunches when you pull back
  • Even pressure all around
  • Cheeks bunch slightly
  • No pain points
✗ Too Loose
  • Slides down over your eyes when you pull back
  • Moves around on your head
  • Pressure uneven

Carbon Fiber Is Legit

Carbon helmets are lighter and less fatiguing over a long race weekend. Every pound counts.

Here are some solid options:

Stilo ST5 GT

Solid all-around

Bell M8 Carbon

Trusted choice

G-Force Nova Carbon

Budget option

Schuberth SP1 Carbon

Performance play

Pick Your Brand

Bell, OMP, Simpson, Stilo, G-Force. Each has its own vibe. Style, fit, and price. Then check features.

Comm radio Stilo's system is legit for endurance racing. But - install aftermarket kits in any other helmet too.
Single-seater / open-wheel racing Some open-wheel and formula series require helmets with a narrow visor aperture and additional frontal protection—commonly called a "duckbill" due to the forward-projecting chin guard. Whether this is required or even permitted depends entirely on your specific series rulebook. Not all open-wheel categories mandate it, and some don't allow it at all. Check your series regulations before buying. If your series does require it, make sure the helmet is explicitly listed on your sanctioning body's approved equipment list.
Replacement visors Bell and Stilo both have well-documented visor replacement systems with widely available spares—straightforward swaps you can do yourself. Most other brands require more effort or dealer involvement. If easy visor access matters to you, factor that in when choosing.

Keep It Alive

At the Track
  • Keep it out of direct sun
  • Use the helmet bag
  • Air dry between sessions
  • Consider a helmet dryer
Offseason
  • Store in helmet bag + box
  • Keep in closet or spare room
  • Avoid temperature swings
  • No unheated garage

When It's Time

Dropped more than 12 inches? It's done. Replace immediately.
Padding peeling or smelly? Replace even if the expiration date says you have time.
Check your manufacture date. Look for the sticker inside under the lining. SA2020 helmets are valid for 10 years from the manufacture date—so a helmet made in 2022 is good through 2032, not a fixed calendar year. FIA-homologated helmets have a separate approved-use window set by your sanctioning body; check their current approved list.

Racing helmets take one impact. One. Don't test this.

The Real Talk

$250
Meets minimum standard
$750
Fit, features, comfort
$2k+
Weight, protection, pro-grade

What you actually need depends on whether you're running club races, competitive racing, or open-wheel. Know your category. Know your budget. Pick something that fits and feels right.

Then get on track and stop overthinking it.

SHOP HELMETS

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