What should I consider when purchasing a new karting helmet?
When purchasing a brand-new karting helmet, there is so much to consider, such as which shell material you prefer and which safety homologation the helmet should meet.
To ensure you can compete in specific karting competitions, for example, the helmet must often also meet certain safety homologations. A prominent safety standard in karting is the FIA 8878-2024, and for junior helmets it is Snell CMR 2016
If you have several questions about karting helmets, you have arrived at the right place, as our experts are always on hand to assist and advise.
This article will cover:
- Which helmet material is best, composite, carbon or Kevlar
- Karting helmet safety homologations help to keep you safe on track, but there are elements that makes helmet safer still, and that is lighter weights.
- Why is the range of Stilo ST6 helmets is a perfect option
- What is best, carbon-fibre or composite shells?
Whether it's the odd leisurely lap you enjoy or perhaps you’re a seasoned pro who enjoys competing at endurance karting events, you need to consider the overall weight of the helmet.
The main way to reduce the weight of a karting helmet is to choose a carbon fibre helmet, and while there are different levels of carbon, it is also the way these are weaved that adds to a helmets overall weight.
Carbon helmets do tend to be more expensive. The carbon fibre itself is more costly to produce than, say, a composite material. However, the benefits of carbon are clear and proven; the weight savings are significant, therefore producing a more comfortable helmet to wear on the track, the shell are strong, but a lighter helmet has less inertia in an accident.
Composite helmets are still a great option; however, they tend to be heavier than carbon fibre helmets but can be more cost effective.
Tell me more about karting-specific safety homologations.
When you're purchasing a helmet that is certified to, say, the FIA 8878-2024 or Snell CMR 2016 standards, the testing process will be rigorous.
The helmets are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure compliance with impact-resistance requirements and to assess their abrasion resistance.
Therefore, whether or not you wish to compete in professionally managed karting competitions, many drivers choose a homologated karting helmet because they are a safer option. You will be purchasing a product that’s been tested quite literally to its limits, ensuring it meets, for example, impact and abrasion benchmarks.
Some off-the-shelf racing helmets which do not carry a safety homologations label inside, are not subjected to the same level of product testing. How they will withstand impacts and abrasions is consequently unknown, making such a helmet a riskier purchase.
Another thing to bear in mind, in some kart competitions, if there is no safety standard label on the helmet, it cannot be used.
What does the Snell CMR (Children's Motorsport Rating) certification mean?
An adult driver will often have stronger neck muscles than a younger driver.
Junior kart drivers tend to have not fully developed neck muscles, which are therefore weaker.
This means a heavy karting helmet places more strain on a junior driver's neck, and the helmet design therefore needs to compensate for this lack of strength.
The CMR 2016 safety standard was introduced for juniors aged 15 and under. Subject to the size of the helmet a maximum weight was applied to the helmet, meaning to pass the safety test they not only had to be strong but within the weight limit.
There are specific helmets designed for younger riders that are much lighter than this maximum weight limit, they are more comfortable to wear and places less strain on neck muscles during a race or practice laps. So, if you need a CMR standard helmet make sure the overall weight is as light as you can get. This will make a big difference to your driving.
Will a karting helmet need to be fire-resistant?
In certain motorsport activities, such as rally competitions, safety homologations often primarily focus on the equipment's level of fire resistance.
However, in karting, there is often less risk of a significant fire breaking out due to a less complicated engine design.
Therefore, in karting, there is less emphasis on material fire resistance and more on abrasion resistance and impact absorption.
Among all the karting helmet manufacturers, such as Sparco, Bell and Simpson, why do you recommend Stilo in particular?
All of the above-mentioned helmet brands are extremely high-quality helmet manufacturers in their own right.
At Nicky Grist Motorsports, we have built an excellent and long-standing working relationship with Stilo. This has meant our staff now have an intricate working knowledge of everything from Stilo intercom devices through to helmet design.
We can therefore listen to the driver's requirements, and our staff can confidently recommend different Stilo products that will meet their needs exactly.
Then there’s the product quality: Stilo’s products are hand-built and produced in Italy. Their racing exploits over the years have allowed to Stilo to gain vital experience, some of this in Formula 1, and so this knowledge and experience has been put into the ST6 helmet range.
The Stilo products are highly engineered and are beautifully manufactured to the very highest standard. No stone unturned is how you would describe the effort in not just the design of the helmet, but the quality of interiors, the fitting of the visors and its locking mechanism.
Absolutely everything is the carefully thought through, which over the years has meant the brand commands strong loyalty from drivers worldwide.
Can you recommend an affordable karting helmet option?
If you are looking for a more affordable karting helmet, why not consider the Stilo ST6 KRT Composite for adult racers.
The design is still very light, and with wider eye ports this also significantly improve visibility of the karting track.
This model also meets the latest FIA 8878-2024 and Snell K2025 product standards.
What's the best karting helmet that you can offer?
If you're looking for a premium karting helmet, why not consider the Stilo ST6 KRT Carbon?
An extremely popular option globally for its lightweight and aggressive styling.
If you compete professionally or practice for extended periods, we encourage you to consider the Stilo ST6 KRT Carbon model due to the levels of comfort it can provide.
Like the composite version, the carbon model also meets the latest FIA 8878-2024 and Snell K2025 product standards.
Which karting helmet would you recommend for junior drivers?
We would highly recommend the ST6 CMR Graphic Lite junior karting helmet.
This karting helmet has a fantastic, distinctive design and is specifically designed for junior drivers. Coming in a choice of either a Red, Blue or a green graphic option they really do stand out from the crowd
This ST6 CMR Lite helmet is made out of carbon, and is therefore lighter by design, placing much less strain on the driver's shoulders. Also has a very vibrant colour scheme and is available in multiple colour options.
The ultimate in CMR karting helmets is the ST6 CMR Zero, the new extra small shell and it attractive carbon weave makes this helmet extremely light, coming in at just under 1kg it is very strong and safe, but an incredible 20% under the maximum weight limit. Want a lightweight helmet this is the model.
Why you should choose Nicky Grist Motorsports for your karting
Whether it's Stilo, P1 Racewear, or Alpinestars, we stock a wide range of premium motorsport products for a variety of disciplines. We provide a one-stop shop for anything from karting rib protectors and gloves to a new helmet; we are the company to call.
