How to Choose the Right Racing Helmet

Whether you’re running laps at your local HPDE or gearing up for wheel-to-wheel competition, your helmet is your most important piece of safety equipment. Choosing the right one isn't just about passing tech—it’s about comfort, protection, and performance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select a helmet that fits your head, your car, and your level of racing.

Proper Sizing Starts with Measurement

The biggest mistake drivers make is wearing a helmet that’s too big. Use a cloth measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows and around the widest part of the back of your skull. Take a few measurements and use the largest consistent number to determine your size from the manufacturer’s chart. A snug fit is not just ideal—it’s essential.

More Than Just Size

• Firm, even pressure around the head with no gaps
• No painful pressure points
• Helmet should compress your cheeks slightly
• Minimal to no movement when tugging from the rear

“Comfortable” doesn’t always mean safe. A properly fitting helmet may feel tighter than you're used to—but that’s the point.

Head Shape Matters

Most people fall into one of three head shape categories: Intermediate Oval, Round Oval, or Long Oval. A mismatch between helmet shape and head shape causes discomfort and, in some cases, can compromise protection.

How Stilo and Arai Helmets Fit

Arai helmets are well-known for their hand-built quality and tend to fit Intermediate to Long Oval heads. Their attention to shell shape and inner liner customization makes them a popular choice for drivers who want precision and consistency.

Stilo offers an adaptive, semi-universal fit with internal padding that can be fine-tuned. Their shell is designed to accommodate a wide range of heads comfortably, and they shine in endurance and pro-level motorsports due to integrated comms, hydration, and forced air options built directly into the shell design.

Helmet Safety Certifications

• Snell SA2020: Required for most U.S. racing events; valid through 2030
• FIA 8858: Includes M6 terminals for HANS device compatibility
• FIA 8860-2018: Ultra-lightweight, pro-grade helmets with superior energy absorption and penetration resistance

Materials and Why They Matter

Helmet shells come in a range of materials:

• Fiberglass: Heavier, affordable, meets basic standards
• Composite (Kevlar/Carbon): Lighter, stronger, more expensive
• Full Carbon Fiber: Premium construction, maximum protection and weight savings

High-end helmets like the Stilo ST5.1 Carbon or Arai GP-7 SRC offer elite protection, lighter weight, and superior ventilation—but they come with a higher price tag for a reason.

Built-In Features That Matter

Modern helmets aren’t just for protection. They’re integrated safety systems:

• Communication ports: Critical for endurance and team racing
• Hydration ports: Keeps drivers focused during long stints
• Forced air compatibility: Helps regulate temperature in closed cockpit cars
• Eject systems: Allow safe helmet removal by medical personnel in the event of injury

Stilo helmets lead the pack here, offering all of these as integrated options, not aftermarket add-ons.

Helmet Maintenance Tips

• Keep your helmet out of the sun to prevent breakdown of adhesives
• Dry your helmet thoroughly after every use to prevent bacteria and mold
• Use only helmet-safe cleaners on the liner and visor—no ammonia-based glass cleaners
• Check HANS posts, visor hardware, and seals before every track event

When Should You Replace Your Helmet?

General rule: replace every five years or whenever a new Snell standard is released. If your helmet suffers any significant impact or is dropped from over 12 inches onto a hard surface, replace it immediately—no exceptions.

Also, if your helmet fails a tech inspection or if you change racing series with stricter standards (like FIA 8860-only rules), it's time to upgrade.

Buy Smart, Protect Your Brain

The best helmet is the one that fits your head, meets your needs, and exceeds safety standards. Choosing a trusted brand like Stilo or Arai ensures you’re getting decades of engineering, testing, and motorsport experience in every component. When you’re racing, there are a lot of things you can compromise on—your helmet shouldn’t be one of them.