Yes, you read that right. A higher-priced FIA rated helmet like the one on the right (below) can actually end up saving you money while also being built to a more stringent safety standard when compared to a similar Snell SA2020-rated helmet like the one on the left. "But, Competition Motorsport!" you say. "However can this be?" Let us explain.
VERSUS
The savings stems from the very different way the two safety standards -- FIA 8860-2018 and Snell SA2020 -- are used to determine whether your helmet is "legal" for use in racing, time trials, and track days. A new Snell SA2020 rated helmet is considered legal for ten years from the year the standard was introduced -- in this case, 2020. So, a brand new SA2020 helmet you buy in 2024 is legal for six years, until 2030.
However, a new FIA 8860-2018 helmet is considered legal for ten years from the date of manufacture. So when you buy a new FIA 8860-2018 helmet in 2024, it's virtually always manufactured in 2024 and so is good for ten years, until 2034.
How Does That Work in the Real World?
Let's consider a real-world example to illustrate how the latter can actually end up costing you less. Consider the two very popular Stilo helmets above:
- First, the Stilo ST 5.1 GT Carbon helmet. This is an excellent, SA2020 rated helmet priced at $2,000.00. Given that it's good through 2030, it's cost comes out to $333.33 per year.
- Second, consider the Stilo ST5 GT 8860-2018 Carbon helmet. This is also an excellent helmet, built to the FIA 8860-2018 standard and priced at $3,000. As this helmet is good through 2034, its cost comes out to $300.00 per year.
Not only is the latter the less-costly helmet over the long run, it's also arguably constructed to a higher, more stringent standard. The FIA 8860-2018 helmet regulation (see the details here) is the gold standard in auto racing around the world. In Europe, it is the only standard accepted. That's not to say Snell SA2020 helmets aren't constructed to a high standard -- quite the opposite, they are excellent helmets, rigorously tested and safe to use. We're simply saying that you're getting an even higher standard with the FIA 8860 helmet at a lower cost per year.
It's Racing. So, Naturally, Nothing Is Simple.
As you might have already figured out, this equation changes when Snell updates their standard (typically every five years). For example, by mid-summer next year, the newest Snell-rated helmets will be SA2025, updated from SA2020. That means they'll be legal until 2035, which is the same as next year's FIA 8860-2018 helmets.
Going back to the example of the two Stilo helmets (assuming the prices don't change), that means a Stilo SA2025 helmet costs $200/year and the Stilo FIA 8860 helmet remains $300/year. Also, if you tend to replace your helmet more often regardless of its "legality", you may not save much if anything even if the FIA helmet is good for a longer period.
Knowledge Is Power.
Still, knowledge is power, and knowing how the two different helmet homologation standards are applied will help you make an informed decision when buying your next racing helmet. As with anything, it can really help to talk to an expert at (844) 438-7244 whenever you have questions or concerns about selecting the right helmet. That's why we're here: to get you what you need, when you need it!
