Every year there are new developments in racing safety, and 2025 is no exception. Whether you are just getting started or a multi-time champion, there is likely some gear in here for you. Each season the major safety manufacturers strive to push boundaries in creating lighter, stronger, more effective, and even more stylish apparel for you. Here is a quick outline of my top five picks for 2025.
Helmets — New Year, New Certification
Without a doubt, the biggest conversation at the shop right now is centered on helmet certification dates, and for good reason. 2025 is a certification year for the Snell Foundation. The last SA2020 certification label will be issued in June, and the new certification will take effect in October. What does that mean for you? Well, that depends on what you are using your helmet for. For the sake of argument, we are leaving lawn mower racing out of this.
In the United States, most sanctioning bodies mandate that participants use either the current Snell-rated helmet or the one previous to it. So, if you purchase a brand new helmet late in 2025, you could potentially use it for 10 years. If you are, however, racing a lot, don’t be nasty. You should swap every five years in my opinion — and not just because I sell helmets. So, for all of you SA2015 helmet users, it is the season to say goodbye because more than likely next season you will be required to upgrade.
So, do new ratings mean all-new helmets? Nope, not necessarily. All major manufacturers do a great job of exceeding most certification tests, so for the most part you will see a lot of your favorite helmets with some subtle changes. However, some manufacturers also have taken this opportunity to build brand-new helmets. For example, Stilo just launched the new ST6 line, but more on that in a bit. The updates to the SA2025 Snell rating are primarily to the testing standards, bringing them closer to the FIA 8859-2024 standard. The most notable differences are designed around impact testing enhancements through increased impact velocities and reduced peak acceleration limits.
What about the FIA? The newest helmet standard in the FIA is 8859-2024. This certification brought about several changes to helmets. Visually, the biggest thing you will notice is that all FIA 8859-2024 helmets are now required to have locking shields. This means that several manufacturers have some new looks. Bell’s SmartLock stands out as being the first manufacturer through FIA testing and for being one of only two manufacturers to adopt a side-mounted mechanism. For you Bell lovers, keep reading for more on the SmartLock.
The newest FIA standard also brought about an increase in energy management. Setting the tone for the new global standard, limits were adjusted in increased impact velocities and reduced peak acceleration limits, like the SA2025, but also in additional penetration resistance to shields and ABP ballistic standard with the introduction of the 8859-2024 ABP Standard certification. These are just a couple of reasons why FIA helmets continue to set the pace for industry testing.
The Totally Redesigned Stilo ST6
The new Stilo ST6 has all of the features that Stilo users love, just packaged in a slimmed-down shell. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the new ST6 line for the first time this week, and it is nothing short of amazing. I wear a 59 cm, and without any additional equipment, the carbon GT came in at 3.4 pounds. What is not to love about that?
You will notice a new chin bar design that looks like it is fresh from the Schuberth design books. This adds a ton of visibility and really enhances the new slimmer lines. The shield is still retained by the same great Stilo clip. Stilo was one of the few manufacturers unaffected by the new FIA standards, having no redesigns required for shield retention. If you want a helmet with built-in communication and top-tier construction, make sure to test out the new ST6 line available in carbon and composite construction and both FN or GT models. For the ultimate in lightness grab a Zero model. I don’t have the exact weight but they are light!
Bell SmartLock
The Bell SmartLock was an ingenious solution to what could have been a major headache for Bell. The R&D department in Sakhir got busy coming up with a solution to the new FIA standard. Bell’s commitment to keeping the aerodynamics on the front of the helmet clean led to the creation of the SmartLock. Mounted in the same location as the original detent, the SmartLock couldn’t be easier to operate. I was worried when I saw the first press release, but having used it, I was pleasantly surprised. This was a great solution, Honestly, it makes the Bell helmet shield easier to use than ever. You won’t find the SmartLock on all Bell helmets, however. That right has been reserved for only the FIA 8859-2024 models. Time will tell if they are added to the SA2025 line, but as of right now it looks like the SA2025’s might miss out on this upgrade.
Sparco Prime RF-10W 8860 Helmet
The new Sparco Prime RF-10W is a cool looking helmet. Sure it’s packed full of tech, but as far as helmets are concerned, it is one of the best looking, in my opinion. To my knowledge, this is the first time that Sparco has stepped into the ranks of 8860 helmets. With competition from companies like Schuberth, Stilo and Bell, Sparco had its work cut out from it.
But literally from the same carbon factory that produces Bugatti body panels, the RF-10W was born and you can tell. The carbon weave is perfect, and the red interior gives it a touch of color. If all that isn’t good enough, it comes in at just under $3,000, making it one of the most affordable FIA 8860 offerings out there. My only concern after spending some time reviewing it was the lack of airflow into and out of the helmet, with others in its class offering upward of 14 ventilation holes, the Sparco Prime might just get as hot as it looks, but only time will tell.
NEW HANS Device – HANS IV
The new HANS IV is not available yet, but it is definitely worthy of mention. I will say I have not seen one of these in person, so everything I am saying is based on what I have been told. The biggest updates are weight reduction and expanded size offerings. The HANS IV will be available in three different sizes, ideally giving a better fit to a broader audience. The device also lost 10 percent of its weight, which came partially from integration of the shoulder pads, as well as shaving weight off every edge they could. Lastly, you will notice that the harness retention wings have been drinking Red Bull and are ready to hold on to even the most unruly harness set. Pricing is yet to be released, but my fingers are crossed for a sub $500 launch!
FK 5-1-12 Firefighting Gas
FK 5-1-12 is the newest firefighting gas on the market. FK 5-1-12 will be replacing Novec 1230 in all of the Lifeline fire suppression systems. I am no expert on firefighting foams or gases, so here is some information stolen right from the brains at Lifeline. “The latest range of Lifeline range of Zero 360 car fire extinguishers is the result of extensive research and development. FK 5-1-12 Zero 360 represents a significant step forward in motorsport safety, convincingly passing the FIA tests conducted by the British Standards Institute and observed by the MSA. FK 5-1-12 Zero 360 has moved the boundaries of motorsport car fire extinguishers. Using only the finest materials in its construction and installation kit, this system performed extremely well in the FIA tests for plumbed-in fire systems, which were witnessed by the British Standard Institute.”
All I know is that I am a big fan of the Lifeline products, and if they say it’s better, then I will go with it. As for the parts I do know, I highlighted my personal favorite and that is the Zero 360 FIA 2.25kg FK 5-1-12 Fire Marshal System. It is almost comical how small the bottle is. This is the kit that we use in our company racecar, and several employee cars. For me, this kit is everything that I want, a budget-friendly gas system at just $750 with the smallest, lightest bottle that I have seen. You really can’t go wrong with it!
