Is it time to replace your race suit? Let’s get you track-ready. Bell’s New 2026 Carbon Fibre Helmet Range
Four carbon helmets, and the cheapest is £954 while the dearest is £2,171. People see that spread and assume the expensive one is simply a better helmet. The thing setting the price is not the carbon.
All four shells are carbon, so carbon is not what you are paying for. What separates them is the approval. The XR7 Ultra and the XD7 Ultra are FIA 8859-2024 and Snell SA2025. The HP6 Evo-II and the HP6 Evo-II RD are FIA 8860-2018, the standard a lot of professional closed cockpit racing is written around, and that is where the second thousand pounds goes.
So the first thing to settle is which standard your regulations ask for, because that decides which half of this range you can buy from at all. Once that is settled the rest comes down to fit, ventilation, and whether you want the radio built into the helmet.
What the two approvals actually mean
Carbon comes up first in every conversation about these four, and it is the least useful thing to talk about, because all four are carbon. What matters is the approval the shell carries, and there are two of them in this range.
FIA 8859-2024 is what the XR7 Ultra and the XD7 Ultra carry, alongside Snell SA2025. If your regulations point at the FIA technical list without naming 8860, that is the tier you are shopping in.
FIA 8860-2018 is the higher tier, and it is what the HP6 Evo-II and the HP6 Evo-II RD hold. It is a harder standard to build to, and that is most of the gap between a £998 helmet and a £1,998 one. Where a championship writes 8860 into its regulations, the XR7 and XD7 will not do the job whatever else they have going for them.
The second split is the discipline. The XR7 Ultra is the circuit helmet and replaces the GP3. The XD7 Ultra is the dirt and off-road one and replaces the GTX3, which is why it has protected rear facing vents to keep dust out. They are £44 apart and they are not alternatives to each other.
I had this wrong myself when the range first landed. I had the HP6 filed as the same helmet with a nicer finish, and it took reading the approval line properly to see it is a different class of thing.
Bell XR7 Ultra Carbon Helmet
The Bell XR7 Ultra Carbon helmet is engineered for drivers who demand lightweight strength, aerodynamic stability, and excellent ventilation in open-cockpit racing. Developed as the successor to Bell’s popular GP3 model, the XR7 Ultra Carbon features a newly sculpted carbon composite shell that keeps weight to a minimum without compromising structural integrity. This ultra-light shell helps reduce driver fatigue and gives a very stable feel at speed. A moulded duckbill chin spoiler is integrated into the shell; this swept aerodynamic lip reduces aerodynamic lift and buffeting, keeping your head steadier in high-speed airflow.
The helmet’s ventilation system is versatile and driver-adjustable: it combines lower chin bar air intakes with adjustable upper vents on the crown, allowing you to regulate airflow and stay cool during hot laps. Inside, Bell uses a multi-density, multi-piece liner that manages impacts effectively while providing a comfortable, secure fit around your head.
The visor is an optical-grade Double Screen Anti-Fog (DSAF) shield with Bell’s advanced SmartLock mechanism to keep it tightly closed when needed (preventing unexpected opening at speed) yet easy to open one-handed in the pits. As expected, the XR7 comes ready for modern racing gear: it has factory-installed FHR (HANS) anchors for head-and-neck restraints and integrated channels to route drinking tube or radio cables neatly without pressure points. The Bell XR7 Ultra Carbon suits formula cars, track-day enthusiasts, and drifters who run in open-air cockpits. Its aerodynamic duckbill design and efficient cooling shine in fast, turbulent conditions, giving the driver confidence with a clear view and steady, quiet ride.
Key Features of the Bell XR7 Ultra Carbon:
- Ultra-light Carbon Shell: Premium carbon fibre composite construction for maximum strength-to-weight benefit, reducing neck strain over long sessions.
- Aerodynamic Chin Spoiler: Integrated duckbill spoiler reduces helmet lift and buffeting in open cockpit airflow, helping you maintain a steady head position.
- Advanced Ventilation: Combination of chin bar vents and adjustable top vents to channel cooling air through the helmet, with a DSAF visor to prevent fogging in damp conditions.
- Race-Ready Hardware: Equipped with SmartLock visor latch for secure closure, built-in channels for hydration tubes and comms, plus pre-fitted HANS anchors so it’s ready for your racing harness device.
- Custom Fit Options: Standard fire-resistant grey interior lining (friction-grip fabric for stability) with optional lining colours available (white, red, blue, green, yellow, pink, orange, purple, etc.) as a special-order personalization.
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From £954.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Bell XD7 Ultra Carbon Helmet
The Bell XD7 Ultra Carbon is Bell’s new 2026 helmet designed for high-speed off-road and dirt racing, replacing the older GTX3 model. It’s aimed at rally, buggy, and dirt oval drivers who need lightweight protection and stability in rough, dusty conditions.
Built with an ultra-light carbon shell and multi-density liner, the XD7 stays comfortable over long sessions. Integrated front and rear spoilers help reduce helmet lift and buffeting at speed, keeping things stable through bumps and turbulence.
Its ventilation is cleverly designed to cool you down while limiting dust entry, using rear-facing chin bar vents and protected exhaust ports. The 3mm anti-fog visor keeps your view clear even in muddy or wet conditions.
Inside, the removable liner is easy to clean and customise for fit. The helmet includes channels for comms and hydration tubing, which are ideal for long rally stages. It’s fully FIA 8859-2024 and Snell SA2025 approved, and available in sizes 57cm to 61+cm, with optional interior colour choices. The XD7 is perfect for serious off-road racers who want comfort, clarity, and control in extreme environments.
Key Features of the Bell XD7 Ultra Carbon:
- Off-Road Optimised Design: Replaces the outgoing GTX3 model with a rugged new design tuned for dirt and off-road racing. Features protected rear-facing vents that keep dust out while cooling you down.
- Integrated Aero Spoilers: Built-in duckbill chin spoiler and rear spoiler work together to stabilize the helmet at high speeds, reducing lift in open vehicles and turbulent air.
- Venturi Ventilation System: Multi-channel airflow pulls fresh air in and extracts hot air out through rear vents. The vent layout is engineered to prevent debris ingress, so your visor stays clear and your face stays clean even in dusty conditions.
- Ultra-Light and Strong: Premium carbon fibre shell with advanced multi-density liner for outstanding impact protection with minimal weight. Less weight means less neck fatigue during long rally stages or endurance events.
- Equipment-Ready: Compatible with hydration tubes and communications, pre-formed channels make it easy to install your intercom headset or drink tube without compromising comfort. HANS device anchors come pre-installed for safety in rollovers and hard impacts.
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From £998.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Bell HP6 Evo-II Carbon Helmet
The Bell HP6 Evo-II Carbon is a high-spec racing helmet designed for serious drivers in closed-cockpit cars like GTs, touring cars, and prototypes. It’s fully FIA 8860-2018 approved, offering the highest level of motorsport safety with a lightweight carbon shell that reduces neck strain during long sessions.
One standout feature is the wide eyeport (SE06 visor), giving excellent peripheral vision that’s especially useful when tracking other cars or checking mirrors. The helmet also supports external cooling systems, with built-in vents that help hot air escape and optional top or side intakes available separately.
Inside, you get a multi-density impact liner and fire-retardant fabric for comfort and protection. It comes ready with HANS anchors and includes a helmet bag. While this version doesn’t include built-in electronics, it has channels for fitting hydration tubes or radio wiring if needed.
Sizes range from 54cm to 61+cm, with optional custom interior colours available to order. If your regulations call for FIA 8860-2018, the HP6 Evo-II Carbon is the one to order.
Key Features of the Bell HP6 Evo-II Carbon:
- FIA 8860 “Super Helmet” Safety: The HP6 Evo-II meets FIA 8860-2018 standards – offering an even higher level of impact protection and shell penetration resistance than standard 8859 helmets. This is the kind of helmet required in Formula One, WEC, and other elite series.
- Ultra-Light Advanced Carbon Shell: Constructed from Bell’s advanced carbon, it provides maximum safety while keeping weight very low. Drivers report less neck fatigue and improved concentration during long runs thanks to the lighter weight.
- Wide Eyeport Visibility: The large SE06 eye opening gives a much broader field of vision. You can more easily spot cars at your 3/9 o’clock or see the track through peripheral vision, which is a huge benefit in multi-class racing and closed cockpits.
- Cooling and Ventilation Options: Built-in extraction vents help pull hot air out of the helmet. For hot climates or endurance events, the HP6 can be fitted with optional top or side forced-air ducts that connect to driver cooling systems, directing cooled air into the helmet.
- Race-Ready Features: Factory-installed HANS anchors for head-and-neck restraint, and internal channels prepared for drink tube or radio wiring. Each helmet comes with a padded helmet bag to protect your investment when traveling to the track.
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From £1,998.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Bell HP6 Evo-II RD Carbon Helmet
The Bell HP6 Evo-II RD Carbon is a premium variant of the HP6, built for drivers who need integrated communication and hydration systems. It uses the same FIA 8860-2018 ultra-light carbon shell and wide eyeport as the standard HP6 Evo-II, but adds built-in features that make it ideal for rally, endurance, or instructor use.
The RD version comes pre-fitted with Bell’s ZeroNoise comms system, including a noise-cancelling mic on the chin bar, an internal wiring harness for earbuds, and an external Nexus plug for your radio. It also has a built-in drink tube with a quick-release connector, so you can hydrate hands-free during long stints.
Despite these additions, the helmet stays light and well-balanced. It supports forced-air cooling setups, and optional earcup inserts are available for better noise isolation. Like other HP6 models, it’s available in sizes 54–61+, with a standard grey interior and custom lining colours available on request.
Because of the electronics and customization, the RD version is made to order. GSM Performance will guide you through the process to ensure the right spec and fit. If you need a helmet that’s ready for radio and hydration out of the box, this is a professional-level option built to make life easier on track.
Key Features of the Bell HP6 Evo-II RD Carbon:
- Integrated Radio Communication: Equipped from the factory with Bell’s ZeroNoise comm kit, includes a noise-cancel mic on the chin bar, internal speaker jack, and heavy-duty connector cable, for clear in-helmet communications with your team. No aftermarket install needed.
- Built-in Hydration System: Contains an integrated drink tube that routes inside the helmet and out through a quick-release connector. You can easily hook this to a hydration pack and sip fluids during long rallies or enduros, staying hydrated without removing your helmet.
- Advanced Carbon Shell & Safety: Same ultralight FIA 8860 spec carbon shell as the standard HP6 Evo-II, giving top-level impact protection and minimal weight. The wide eyeport and aerodynamic design carry over as well, ensuring great visibility and stability for closed-car racing.
- Comfort & Cooling: Compatible with optional padded earcups for noise reduction during stages. Features ventilation extraction vents and accepts forced-air attachments like the base model, so you can keep cool and comfortable. Supplied with a protective helmet bag for transit and storage.
- Sizes and Custom Interiors: Available in sizes 54 through 61+ cm. Standard fire-retardant interior is dark grey; other colours (Blue, Red, Green, Purple, etc.) can be ordered to personalize your helmet. Remember that all RD helmets are made to order, ensure you’ve tried on an equivalent model for sizing, as these special-order helmets are non-returnable once built.
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From £2,171.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
How a helmet should actually fit
Even the safest helmet won’t protect you properly if it doesn’t fit right. It should feel snug around your head and cheeks without any sharp pressure points. The padding needs to make firm contact all the way around, crown, sides, and cheeks. New helmets often feel tight at first, but they’ll settle in slightly with use.
Your cheeks should feel pressed in slightly (think chipmunk-style), but it shouldn’t hurt or stop you from speaking. There shouldn’t be any gaps at your temples either. If you move the helmet side to side or back and forth, your skin should move with it. If the helmet shifts on its own, it’s too loose.
Always fasten the chin strap properly and check that the helmet stays firmly in place. If you can roll it off your head, it’s too big. Watch out for pressure hotspots too, discomfort around the forehead or ears could mean the shape isn’t right for you.
At GSM Performance, we recommend coming in to try helmets on in person. We’ll help with sizing, cheek pad swaps, and make sure you leave with a helmet that’s safe and comfortable on track.
These are made to order, so the size has to be right first time
The new Bell carbon helmets are special order items, built to your specifications. That means they aren’t kept in stock and have a short lead time for production and delivery. Since returns on custom gear aren’t possible, getting the right size before ordering is essential.
At GSM Performance, you can try on standard Bell helmets like the GP3 Sport or GT6 Sport in-store, which match the fit and shape of the carbon models. This lets you confirm your size and comfort before we place your order.
Once you’re happy with the fit, we’ll process the order and handle everything from there. Most helmets take around 7 to 8 weeks to arrive. All helmets over £100 qualify for free UK shipping, and we’ll make sure your helmet arrives safely and ready to use.
Common questions
Which of these can I use in my championship?
What is the difference between the XR7 and the XD7?
Is the RD worth the extra over the standard HP6 Evo-II?
What sizes do they come in?
Can I try one on before I order?
Do they come with HANS posts?
What I would actually buy
Start with the regulations, because they may decide it for you. If your championship names FIA 8860-2018 then it is the HP6 Evo-II at £1,998, and the XR7 and XD7 are not on the table.
If 8859-2024 is enough, pick on the discipline rather than the money. Circuit and open cockpit is the XR7 Ultra at £954. Dirt, rally raid and buggy work is the XD7 Ultra at £998, and the £44 buys vents built to keep dust out rather than a better helmet.
Take the HP6 Evo-II RD at £2,171 only if you want the ZeroNoise system built into the shell. That £173 over the standard HP6 is the comms. If the car already has an intercom you get on with, put the money somewhere else.
One thing worth knowing before you measure up. The HP6 Evo-II and the RD start at 54cm, while the XR7 and XD7 start at 57cm. If you are at the smaller end of the range, the HP6 pair may be the only two here that fit you at all.