All you need to know about car helmets!

Essential safety equipment in competition and track days, the role of a car helmet is to protect the wearer’s head in the event of an accident and flying debris. There are different materials, types and sizes of helmets and they are offered at all prices, from a few tens of euros to more than 2000 euros. We propose in this file to take stock of this equipment for the driver or the co-driver in order to help you make your choice of helmet with a view to a purchase.

Summary:

1. Helmet regulations
2. Circuit and rally helmets
3. Vintage helmets

1. Helmet regulations

Before being put on sale, each helmet model must be tested to determine its level of protection and to comply with the regulations in force. Depending on the type of approval, it may have to undergo tests related to impact, flame and abrasion resistance, chinstrap retention, angle of vision, etc. In this respect, the standards are not always the same for car and motorbike helmets.

Basic standards for everyday helmets

Several distinctions exist between these types of helmets, starting with the thickness of the visor and, on motor racing approved models, the flame-retardant interior trim and any attachments for frontal head restraint systems (FHR). Helmets for two-wheelers sold in France must comply with the NF standard and the European standard which appear on the labels. They must also include the ECE mention (followed by a series of numbers) just like the car models for recreational use.

Specific standards for motorsport

Motorsport helmets are subject to increasingly demanding specific standards in terms of protection and safety of the driver and co-driver. These are regularly updated with a new approval valid for a limited number of years. The most widespread are the SNELL and FIA standards.

These standards authorise to take part in regional, national (Coupe de France des Circuits, Trophée Andros, etc.) or international (F1, WRC, WTCR, GT, WEC, etc.) events depending on the homologation. It should be noted that the regulations differ between disciplines, depending on whether the entry is for circuit, rally, historic events, kart, etc.

The most common standards include SNELL SA2010, SAH2010 and SA2015, or FIA 8860-2010, 8859-2015 and 8858-2010. For more information on the standards currently in force and their validity periods, please visit the FIA (www.fia.com) or the FFSA (www.ffsa.org) websites.

2. Circuit and rally helmets

Do you want to compete in motor racing, on a circuit or in a rally, or drive a vehicle on the occasion of track days or driving school lessons? Depending on its use, the racing helmet will be distinguished in particular by its shape, the materials used, the degree of protection and comfort provided, the integrated equipment and its type of approval.

The most common types of helmets used in cars are the full-face helmet and the open-face helmet. The full-face covers the entire head and has a visor that protects the eyes from wind, insects and other projections. Lighter, the open-face is open at the face and chin to provide a superior field of vision and better ventilation.

For the circuit, the wearing of a full-face helmet is essential in an open car (roadster, single-seater, barquette, etc.) while in a closed car, the choice of the full-face or the open-face will be at the discretion of each . It may have a shell made of thermoplastic or ABS materials for use in track days and driving schools: it is then not approved for competition.

In France, a helmet used in car racing must be FIA approved and have a shell made of composite materials (combination of fiberglass, carbon and Kevlar) as well as an interior treated against fire. All FIA events require the wearing of an FHR system (Hans, Hybrid…).

Some examples of track racing approved helmets:

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Some examples of rally approved helmets:

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It is also possible to equip your circuit or rally helmet with accessories to improve its performance. There are supports for camel back hydration systems, peaks for light sun protection, rain visors, spoilers and fins for better head stability at high speeds, and ventilation kits.

3. Vintage helmets

For some years now, vintage has been fashionable in many areas and the world of helmets is no exception. Retro models, reminiscent of the golden age of racing from the 1950s to the 1980s, are making a comeback to the delight of vintage car enthusiasts. Alongside the iconic vintage jet helmet, which is still very popular, there are full-face helmets with a vintage look, but also bowl helmets. The latter emerged in the middle of the last century, advantageously replacing the leather aviator helmets used until then.

Classic, vintage or revival helmets take on the appearance of the models of yesteryear while presenting modern features in order to reach a current standard of comfort and safety. ECE homologation is the most common for this type of equipment, but some manufacturers also offer helmets that meet FIA and SNELL standards. These are therefore particularly suitable for VHC events and TSD rallies.

Nowadays, retro helmets are very popular with drivers of vintage convertibles. They fit in perfectly with the style of the vehicle and can add a touch of authenticity during a concours d’élégance. Some models can be combined with a pair of aviation goggles and can also be complemented with a complete outfit including a suit, velvet or leather driving gloves and boots.

Some examples of vintage car helmets:

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Photo sources: Speedhunters / DMD Helmets / DR