Sparco Balaclavas Updated For 2023: The New RW-10 Shield Pro And RW-11 Evo
Racewear news, April 2023
We have been through our Sparco balaclava range for 2023. Every listing has fresh information, and each one now offers add-ons that go with it, so you can pick up the matching underwear in the same order.
There are two new arrivals too: the Sparco RW-10 Shield Pro and the RW-11 Evo, both on our site for the first time this year and both made to the FIA 8856-2018 standard.
- Our whole Sparco balaclava range has been updated for 2023
- New: the Sparco RW-10 Shield Pro and RW-11 Evo balaclavas
- Both new models are made to FIA 8856-2018
- Ultra-flat seams to cut down pressure points under a helmet
- Sparco's X-Cool treatment on the fabric for a cooling feel
- Add-ons on every listing to build a matching set
What is on this page
The two new Sparco balaclavas
The RW-10 Shield Pro and the RW-11 Evo are both light balaclavas made from a mix of technical fabrics, built to give heat and flame protection to FIA 8856-2018, the current standard for fire-resistant underwear.
Both use ultra-flat seams. Under a close-fitting helmet a raised seam turns into a pressure point, and over a long session that is what makes a balaclava uncomfortable. The logos are printed, not stitched on, which keeps the weight down.
The fabric also gets Sparco’s X-Cool treatment, which gives a cooling feel on the skin and has an anti-bacterial effect to help with odour. The treatment has no effect on the fire protection.
The rest of the Sparco range
The new pair sit at the top of a range that goes down to single-layer balaclavas for track days. In between is the Shield Tech, a two-layer open-face balaclava to FIA 8856-2018, with pressed flat seams and an eye port with no seam around it.
A balaclava is worn under the helmet and over the top of your other fireproof underwear, as an extra layer around the head and neck. If you race, check your championship’s regulations: most ask for FIA approved underwear, and the approval belongs to each item, so it is worth reading the label on every piece.
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Add-ons on every listing
The other change is the add-ons. Each Sparco balaclava listing now suggests the pieces that go with it, so you can add a matching top, long johns or socks without hunting for them.
Garreth’s advice is to buy underwear to the same standard as your suit, so the whole set is covered. Our guide to FIA fireproof underwear explains what you need under a race suit.
Which Sparco balaclavas are new for 2023?
The RW-10 Shield Pro and the RW-11 Evo, both on our site for the first time this year.
What approval do the new balaclavas carry?
Both are made to FIA 8856-2018, the current standard for fire-resistant underwear.
What is Sparco's X-Cool treatment?
A treatment on the fabric that gives a cooling feel on the skin and has an anti-bacterial effect.
Why do flat seams matter in a balaclava?
A raised seam becomes a pressure point under a tight helmet, so flat seams are more comfortable over a long session.
A light FIA 8856-2018 balaclava with flat seams and printed logos for long days in the car.
Tell us what you race and your sizes, and we will put a balaclava, top and long johns together for you.
