Our Top Track Day Helmets For 2025
At GSM Performance, we take pride in only displaying products we know deliver on quality, safety, and value. Helmets are one of the most important pieces of gear for anyone heading out on circuit, whether you’re enjoying your very first track day or you’re a seasoned driver chasing faster lap times. For 2025, we’ve updated our helmet line-up and handpicked six models that we think stand out as the best options for track day use.
We’ve chosen helmets from two of the most trusted brands in motorsport safety, Sparco and OMP. Both companies have decades of experience in designing helmets that balance protection, comfort, and style, and their products are trusted by drivers all over the world. Between them, they cover a wide range of designs and budgets, so no matter what type of track car you run, there’s something here that will fit your needs.
In this guide, we’ll highlight three closed-face helmets and three open-face helmets that we recommend for 2025. Closed-face helmets offer maximum protection and a more enclosed driving experience, while open-face helmets provide extra ventilation and visibility that many drivers prefer for casual driving or karting. By covering both, we aim to give you the full picture of what’s available so you can make the right choice for your style of driving.
Track Day Helmets Explained
Track day helmets are designed for casual track use and karting. They are not FIA-approved, so they can’t be used for full competitive motorsport where FIA homologation is required. For track day drivers, however, they offer all the essential protection you need without the higher costs that come with FIA-approved models.
Many drivers choose karting helmets or track day helmets because they are lighter, more affordable, and often available in more sizes and styles than full FIA models. For anyone enjoying non-competitive driving, they provide a perfect balance of safety and value.
Sparco X-Pro Helmet
The Sparco X-Pro is a closed-face helmet designed for drivers who want reliable protection at an accessible price. Its simple, modern shell design offers good aerodynamic shaping without adding unnecessary bulk. The inner lining is padded for comfort, which makes it suitable for long track sessions where a poorly fitting helmet could cause distraction.
- Design: Sleek closed-face design with clear ventilation channels.
- Colours: Available in black and white.
- Sizes: Multiple sizes from small to extra-large, ensuring a snug fit for all drivers.
- Best for: Track day drivers who prefer a straightforward, enclosed helmet without the premium price tag.
This is one of the most popular helmets for entry-level drivers who want solid performance and comfort without overcomplicating things.
Sparco Club X1 Carbon Helmet
For drivers who want something more refined, the Sparco Club X1 Carbon Helmet brings a high-end finish to the track day range. Its carbon shell doesn’t just look stylish – it also makes the helmet lighter while maintaining strong protection. The reduced weight is noticeable during long sessions, reducing neck strain and improving comfort when driving with higher G-forces.
- Design: Carbon fibre full-face helmet with a premium glossy finish.
- Colours: Supplied in exposed carbon weave.
- Sizes: Available in a wide range of sizes for precise fit.
- Best for: Drivers who want a lightweight helmet with a motorsport-inspired finish.
This helmet is aimed at enthusiasts who value both performance and style. The carbon finish pairs well with high-performance cars and gives drivers a premium feel at track day events.
OMP Circuit Evo 2 Helmet
The OMP Circuit Evo 2 Helmet is a closed-face design with a focus on ventilation and driver comfort. OMP has designed this model with airflow channels that help reduce heat build-up inside the helmet, which can be especially important during long track sessions or summer track days. The smooth outer shell also makes it easy to pair with visors or other accessories.
- Design: Full-face helmet with enhanced airflow and padded interior.
- Colours: Available in a clean white, black, or fluorescent yellow finish.
- Sizes: Multiple size options, allowing drivers to find a tailored fit.
- Best for: Track day and karting drivers who want a reliable helmet with good ventilation.
The Circuit Evo 2 has been a consistent performer in the OMP range and remains a strong choice for drivers who value comfort and usability above all else.
Sparco J-Pro Helmet
The Sparco J-Pro Helmet is an open-face helmet designed to maximise ventilation and visibility. Its design makes it particularly popular with karting drivers and those who prefer a less enclosed feel. The open-face style allows for excellent communication with instructors or passengers on track days, making it a strong choice for anyone learning or coaching.
- Design: Open-face helmet with padded lining for comfort.
- Colours: Available in both white and black.
- Sizes: Wide size range, giving flexibility for different head shapes.
- Best for: Drivers who prefer maximum visibility and comfort, particularly in karting.
The J-Pro is practical, versatile, and offers great usability for drivers who want freedom of movement and cooling airflow.
Sparco Gulf J-Pro Helmet
For drivers who want something more unique, the Sparco Gulf J-Pro Helmet combines the functionality of an open-face design with the iconic Gulf Oil racing colours. The instantly recognisable blue and orange livery makes this helmet a favourite for enthusiasts who want to stand out at track days or karting sessions.
- Design: Open-face helmet with Gulf racing livery.
- Colours: Gulf blue with orange detailing.
- Sizes: Available in multiple sizes for comfort and fit.
- Best for: Drivers who want a standout helmet with classic racing style.
The Gulf J-Pro offers all the same benefits as the standard J-Pro but with added personality. It’s a helmet that delivers protection and comfort while also celebrating one of motorsport’s most iconic colour schemes.
OMP Star Helmet
The OMP Star Helmet is a classic open-face design with simple, clean styling. It’s lightweight and easy to wear, making it perfect for drivers who want comfort without added complexity. The Star remains a popular option for casual track drivers and karting enthusiasts who don’t need a fully enclosed helmet.
- Design: Open-face helmet with smooth shell and soft inner lining.
- Colours: Available in white, black, or fluorescent yellow.
- Sizes: Range of sizes from small to large.
- Best for: Track day drivers who want a simple, affordable open-face helmet.
The OMP Star is proof that sometimes less is more. It’s reliable, comfortable, and a good option if you’re after a straightforward open-face helmet at a great price.
Explore Our Full In-Store Track Day Helmet Range
All the helmets we’ve covered in this guide are stocked and displayed at our GSM Performance showroom. That means you can see them in person, try on different sizes, and check out the full range of colour variations before making your choice. From the sleek closed-face Sparco X-Pro and Club X1 Carbon to the open-face classics like the OMP Star and Sparco J-Pro, we make sure every option is available to view.
We keep a wide size range on display, from smaller fits through to larger adult sizes, so every driver can find the right helmet for their head shape and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a premium carbon finish, a lightweight open-face design, or something distinctive like the Sparco Gulf J-Pro, you’ll find it here with us.
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From £105.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £74.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £74.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £74.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £82.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Open vs Closed-Face Helmets
When choosing a track day helmet, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go for an open-face or a closed-face design. Both have their advantages, but they’re suited to different situations.
Closed-face helmets
These are the most versatile option and can be used in every scenario, whether you’re in a closed cockpit car or an open-top vehicle.
They provide full coverage for the face and chin, which means better protection against debris, fire, and high-speed airflow.
They’re the safest choice if you want one helmet that will work across all types of driving and cars.
Open-face helmets
These are popular with drivers who want more ventilation and visibility, which can make them more comfortable during casual driving or karting sessions.
They are best suited to closed-cockpit cars, where the car itself provides protection against debris or projectiles.
They should not be used in open-top vehicles, as they leave the face exposed.
Ultimately, closed-face helmets give you the widest flexibility and protection, while open-face helmets are a good option if you know you’ll only be driving closed cars and want maximum airflow and comfort.
Quick Comparison
| Helmet Type | Pros | Cons |
| Closed-face | Works in all cars, full facial protection, safer in high-speed use | Less ventilation, slightly heavier, more enclosed feel |
| Open-face | Lightweight, great airflow, wide visibility, good for closed cockpits | Cannot be used in open-top cars, less protection against debris/fire |
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Choosing the Right Helmet for 2025
To wrap things up, your choice depends on what car you drive and how you use it. Closed-face helmets can be used in all situations, from closed cockpit track cars to open-top convertibles, making them the safest all-round choice. Open-face helmets work best for drivers in closed cockpits who want more airflow and visibility, but they are not safe for open-top use.
Our six top picks for 2025 cover both styles, so whether you’re after a versatile closed-face helmet like the Sparco Club X1 Carbon or the OMP Circuit Evo 2, or an open-face design like the Sparco J-Pro or the stylish Gulf J-Pro, you’ll find something that fits your driving needs. At GSM Performance, we stock and display all these helmets in their full range of colours and sizes, making it easy to try them out and choose the right one for your track days.