FIA Motorsport Helmets

What the standards mean

• 8859 is the entry level, used in competitions where a head restraint system is mandatory. The FIA describes it as giving around 80% of the protection of a top helmet, at roughly 10% of its price.
• 8860 is the highest level. The 2018 version absorbs more energy than 2010 and brings ABP, protection in the forehead area against projectiles, built to military ballistic specifications.
• The M6 anchors on the shell are for attaching the head restraint system. The FIA states they are not required in karting or where the driver does not wear such a system.

What you choose on

• First, the standard required in the regulations of the event you are going to.
• Then the type. Full face covers the face, the chin and the jaw, and is usually mandatory in open cockpit cars. Open face ventilates better and is lighter.
• Then the fit. The helmet has to sit tight on the head.
• The chin strap keeps the helmet from rolling off the head, and it is made to be released quickly by the extraction crew.