Helmets and HANS

COMPETITION HELMETS

Rally · Track · FIA homologation · HANS mandatory

The helmet is the most important element in driver and co-driver safety, whatever their level. The right homologation, the correct size and the HANS system make the difference in competition.

Helmet types: Full face vs Open face

FULL FACE

Full Face

Rally · Track · Mandatory in open cars

Covers the whole head, with a visor. Mandatory in open cars (single-seaters, roadsters, barchettas). Maximum impact protection.

✓ Full face and chin protection

✓ Mandatory in single-seaters and open cars

✓ Recommended for rally and track

✓ Better intercom integration

OPEN FACE

Jet / Open

Closed car · Driver's choice

Wider field of vision and better ventilation. In a closed car, the choice between full face and open face is up to the driver.

✓ Wider field of vision

✓ Better ventilation

✓ Lighter

✗ Not permitted in open cars

FIA homologations: what to look for

The most important thing: check the FIA homologation

In Europe, the homologation that really matters is the FIA. SNELL homologation is an American standard created for competitions where you are allowed to race without an FHR device (the so-called HANS). In Europe, FHR is mandatory at all events, so SNELL on its own has no application or validity as a racing homologation. When it appears alongside FIA it is simply a complement; it adds nothing in terms of validity for competing here.

FIA standard	Level	Typical use
FIA 8859-2015	Standard	Rally · Track · Regional and national events
FIA 8859-2024	Standard — latest generation	All types of FIA competitions
FIA 8860-2018	Advanced — The strictest	WRC · Le Mans · GT World Challenge · F1

Shell materials

Fibreglass

Entry level · Track day

Valid with FIA homologation. Heavier than carbon but more affordable.

Carbon fibre

High performance

Maximum strength with minimum weight. Mandatory under the FIA 8860-2018 standard, WRC and F1.

Kevlar / Composite

Balance · Mid-range

A combination of glass, carbon and Kevlar. A good balance between weight, strength and price.

FHR / HANS system — Mandatory

All helmets must have HANS clips fitted

The FHR (Frontal Head Restraint) system, popularly known as HANS, is mandatory at all FIA events. It reduces the risk of cervical vertebrae fractures and muscle strain in frontal collisions.

✓ FHR clips integrated into the helmet shell	✓ Mandatory at all FIA events
✓ All the helmets in our range include clips for the FHR system

How to choose the right size

3 basic rules

Measure your head across the forehead. If you wear a balaclava, measure with it on.

It should not move around or squeeze too much. The padding gives a little with use.

Check the manufacturer's guide. Each brand may have its own sizing.

Approximate size chart (measure head circumference in cm)

Circumference (cm)	Size	EU size	US / UK size
53 – 54	XS	53 / 54	6⅝ – 6¾
55 – 56	S	55 / 56	6⅞ – 7
57 – 58	M	57 / 58	7⅛ – 7¼
59 – 60	L	59 / 60	7⅜ – 7½
61 – 62	XL	61 / 62	7⅝ – 7¾
63 – 64	XXL	63 / 64	7⅞ – 8

Approximate chart. Some manufacturers use their own sizing. Ask us if in doubt.

Tip	For most rally and track drivers, the FIA 8859-2015 or 8859-2024 standard is more than enough. The FIA 8860-2018 is for elite championships (WRC, WEC). If you have doubts about which homologation you need for your event, ask us.