The Alpinestars ZX Evo V2 Balaclava, SKU 475-4320, is an FIA 8856-2018 certified open-face balaclava from the ZX Evo range, which sits above the entry Race V3 in Alpinestars’ fire protection underwear hierarchy. The ZX Evo family uses a moisture-management construction developed for drivers who run warm or compete in endurance formats where a basic fire-resistant fabric becomes uncomfortable over several hours.
The fire-resistant fibre blend is denser and more tightly woven than the Race V3 fabric, providing a marginally better thermal barrier at the cost of a slightly heavier garment. The moisture management built into the ZX Evo construction compensates for that: the fabric draws perspiration away from the scalp and routes it to ventilation zones positioned at the back of the head and behind the ears, where heat dissipates more quickly than at the top of the skull. The open-face design keeps the nose, mouth, and chin unobstructed, and the seam at the face opening is flat and rounded rather than sharp-edged.
The ZX Evo V2 Balaclava fits as a single size. The construction stretches across the skull and accommodates the range of head sizes that fall between the S/M and L/XL bands of the Race V3 without needing separate sizing. It comes in black or white.
The 2025 update of this model is the ZX Evo V2 Balaclava 2025 at £65, which adds fluorescent yellow to the colour options. The current ZX Evo V2 at £60 remains a practical choice for drivers who do not need the newer colour variant. We carry this in our Nottingham warehouse; the standard lead time is 2 to 3 working days.
Have you written anything about this exact product?
Yes, we have covered this exact product: Alpinestars Radar V2 Shoes And ZX Evo V3 Balaclava: Same Approval, Different Jobs. That is first-hand coverage from our own builds and showroom, not brochure copy.
Do I actually need FIA underwear?
If your championship requires it, this is the layer scrutineers ask about, and it is strongly recommended under any suit regardless. These balaclavas are homologated to FIA 8856-2018, the current FIA standard, so the label is there when scrutineers ask for it. Our guide on whether fireproof underwear is mandatory covers the rules championship by championship.
What size should I go for?
This is a one-size-fits-most piece, cut to sit close to the skin without pinching, so it stays smooth under the suit.
Will it fit under my helmet?
Yes, it is cut thin specifically so your helmet still fits as it should. This one is an open-face design, which leaves the face opening clear and works under any helmet, full face or open face. If your helmet is already a snug fit, a thin single-layer balaclava like this changes nothing about the sizing.
How do I wash it?
Underwear layers are the one bit of racewear you should wash after every use: cool and gentle, no bleach or fabric softener, air dry. That keeps the suit itself needing far fewer washes. Full routine in our racewear care guide.
At GSM Performance, our priority is to maintain the utmost hygiene and quality standards for the benefit of our customers. To that end, we have instituted a policy that all purchases of long johns, balaclavas, tops, and underwear are final and non-returnable. This policy is necessary due to the personal nature of these items, which are worn in close contact with the body. This protocol is intended to guarantee the health and safety of all our customers.
This policy adheres to the best industry practices and safeguards both our customers and our staff. It's important to clarify that this policy does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer. This policy does not apply if you receive damaged or defective products. In such cases, our customer service team is available to promptly address your concerns and arrange a replacement or refund. We greatly appreciate your understanding and adherence to our hygiene policy and thank you for your continued confidence in GSM Performance. For further information please see our terms and conditions which are agreed on checkout.
