The RW-7 is Sparco’s mid-range FIA racing balaclava, made from two layers of Nomex with 2% Elastane added for stretch. FIA 8856-2018 approved. Open-face design, available in black or white.
Two-layer Nomex gives FIA-level fire protection at a weight and bulk that is still comfortable for long-duration use. The Elastane content means the balaclava pulls on and seats around the face without feeling rigid or tight after an hour in the car.
The RW-7 features revised eyehole seaming compared with earlier Sparco balaclavas. It is a small detail but it reduces the irritation that cheaper balaclavas cause over longer stints, particularly when you are also wearing safety glasses or a visor inside an open-face helmet.
Open-face means the nose and lower face are exposed. That is correct for almost all full-face helmet applications. If you race with an open-face helmet, a full-face balaclava gives additional skin coverage and is worth considering.
For club racers choosing between the Sparco balaclava ranges: the RW-4 balaclava (included in the RW-4 bundle) is the step below, with a softer interlock construction. The RW-7 adds the Elastane stretch and improved seaming. If you spend significant time in the car or run a series with longer stints, the RW-7 is worth the extra.
Part number SPA001410.
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.
