FIA 8856-2018 approved open-face balaclava. Part number 001487. For use under a helmet in competition or track day driving.
Open-face style means the balaclava covers the head, neck and throat while leaving the face area uncovered. It works under full-face and open-face helmets. The FIA 8856-2018 approval covers the material’s performance against heat and combustion, which is what series regulations typically check for when listing balaclava requirements alongside suit and glove specs.
The RW-4 is the base level in Sparco’s FIA underwear range. It passes the 8856-2018 test in a single layer, which keeps the fit slim under a race suit and the price accessible for club racers who need to meet the standard without adding significant cost to their racewear list.
Whether you need one depends on your series and personal preference. If your helmet does not seal well to your collar, a balaclava closes that gap for both heat protection and comfort. Most club series that mandate FIA racewear list balaclava requirements in the same section as suit and gloves.
Available in black and white. If you need multi-layer fireproof underwear, the RW series steps up from this level. Pair with FIA-rated gloves and footwear to complete the required kit for most national competition classes.
Have you written anything about this exact product?
Yes, we have covered this exact product: Open Face Or Full Face? What The Rules Say For Open And Closed Cars, and Open-face FIA motorsport helmet guide. 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.
