Your helmet is the one piece of kit you never want to test. In drift, it's also your window on the track, your ventilation system and the difference between a hot lap and a headache. Choosing well comes down to three things: rules, fit and vision.
What UK Drift Events Actually Require
Requirements depend on the event. A casual track day at a UK circuit might accept any road-legal helmet with an ECE 22.05 or 22.06 sticker. A Motorsport UK-governed competition will almost certainly demand a helmet to FIA 8859-2015 or Snell SA2020. Some club-level drift days sit in between, so the only safe move is to read the supplementary regulations before you enter.
If the regs say "FIA approved", that means a helmet homologated to the current FIA standard. Snell SA2020 is the other common motorsport benchmark. Older Snell SA2015 helmets may still be allowed in some series, but check the expiry rules. Road standards like ECE 22.06 are not automatically accepted for competition. When in doubt, email the organiser and get it in writing.
Certification Marks That Matter
Look inside the helmet for a label. The important marks are:
- FIA 8859-2015 – the current FIA standard for racing helmets. Often required for circuit and drift competition.
- Snell SA2020 – a motorsport-specific standard, widely accepted in the UK and globally.
- ECE 22.06 – the latest road helmet standard. Fine for track days and road use, but not always for competition.
- BS 6658-85 Type A – an older British Standard. Some clubs still accept it, but it is dated.
A helmet can carry more than one mark. Buy from a reputable dealer and avoid second-hand lids with unknown history. A crash can leave invisible damage, and a helmet that has taken a hit should be replaced.
Fit: The Difference Between Safe and Unbearable
A helmet only works if it stays put. Measure your head circumference just above your eyebrows and ears, then try on several sizes. Head shape matters as much as size: some people are round, some intermediate oval, some long oval. A helmet that fits your mate may torture you.
When you put it on, it should feel snug all over, with even pressure. No hot spots on your forehead or crown. Cheek pads should press gently against your cheeks – you might bite your cheeks slightly, but it should not be painful. Fasten the chin strap and try to roll the helmet forward off your head. It should not budge. Wear it for fifteen minutes in the shop. If you get a headache, try another model.
For drift, you will be wearing a balaclava and possibly a HANS device. Check that the helmet works with both. If you wear glasses, bring them. If you have a neck injury or medical condition, speak to a professional before choosing a helmet.
Visor Choices for Drift
Vision is everything in drift. You need to see the track ahead, the clipping points and the car next to you. A clear visor is the default for good reason: it works in all light. Tinted visors look good and cut glare on sunny days, but they are dangerous at night or in heavy rain. Iridium coatings can scratch and are often not legal for road use.
Most competition helmets come with a clear visor and a Pinlock insert to stop fogging. Tear-offs are thin clear films you peel off when they get dirty – useful for track debris. Some drivers fit a sun strip to the top of the visor. If you use an open-face helmet, you will need goggles or sunglasses, but check the rules: many competitions require a full-face helmet with the visor down.
Open Face or Full Face?
Full-face helmets offer more protection from fire, debris and impacts to the jaw. They are the standard for drift competition. Open-face helmets are lighter, cooler and easier to talk through, but they leave your face exposed. Some track days allow them, but competition usually does not. If you choose open face, use good eye protection and accept the trade-off.
Practical Buying Tips
- Set a budget, but don't skimp on safety. A good helmet costs money, but it is cheaper than a hospital visit.
- Try before you buy. Fit is personal. Online deals are tempting, but returns can be a hassle.
- Check the date. Helmets have a lifespan. Motorsport UK and FIA standards often require a helmet to be within a certain age. Look for the manufacture date inside.
- Consider ventilation. Drift cars get hot. More vents mean more airflow, but also more noise.
- Think about comms. If you use a radio or intercom, check the helmet has space for speakers or a compatible fitting.
- Replace after a drop or crash. Even a small impact can compromise the shell or liner.
The Right Helmet for Your Drift
Start with the regulations for the events you actually plan to enter. That narrows the field. Then focus on fit – spend time trying helmets on, and don't settle for "close enough". Finally, choose a visor setup that suits the conditions you drive in. A clear visor with a Pinlock and a set of tear-offs is a sensible starting point. If you are unsure about certification, ask the organiser before you buy. Your helmet is not the place to guess.
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay
