Gear Review: The Best Helmets for Women in Motorsports 2024
The landscape of motorsports is rapidly evolving, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of women racers. From the high-speed tracks to daring off-road challenges, women in motorsports are pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes every day. At the heart of this revolution is GoFastGirls, a community that champions the cause of women and girls in action motorsports. Through their efforts, they’ve not only changed the face of racing but have also fostered a supportive network of badass women and strong young girls—collectively known as the Rippers League.
Safety is paramount in any motorsport, and choosing the right helmet is critical. A good helmet not only offers protection but also boosts the racer's confidence on the track. In this article, we review some of the best helmets for women in motorsports in 2024, focusing on features that cater to the unique needs and styles of female racers.
The Role of GoFastGirls in Motorsports
Before we dive into the helmet reviews, let’s talk about GoFastGirls. Established with the mission to support and empower female racers, GoFastGirls is not just a brand; it's a movement. By sponsoring events, providing resources, and celebrating the achievements of women in motorsports, GoFastGirls has created a vibrant community. Their support helps many up-and-coming racers get their start in this thrilling sport, ensuring that the legacy of women in racing continues to grow.
Top Helmets for Women in Motorsports 2024
When selecting a helmet, factors like safety ratings, weight, visibility, comfort, and design are paramount. Here’s a look at some of the best helmets for women in the industry this year.
1. Bell Star MIPS Equipped Street Helmet
Features:
- MIPS Technology: This helmet comes equipped with Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which adds an additional layer of safety by reducing rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.
- Panoramic Visibility: The Panovision viewport offers riders a wider and taller field of view than typical helmets, which is crucial during races.
- Lightweight Composite Shell: The use of a lightweight composite shell ensures that the helmet is both durable and comfortable for long races.
Why It’s Great for Women: The Bell Star MIPS helmet is designed with an adaptive fit system that accommodates different hair types and volumes, which is a thoughtful touch for female racers who might find standard helmets uncomfortable.
2. Arai Corsair-X
Features:
- PB SNC2 Shell: Crafted from a synthetic fiber, this shell is both lightweight and incredibly resilient, designed to disperse energy upon impact effectively.
- Eco-Pure Liner: The fully removable interior is antimicrobial, helping keep the helmet fresh and reducing skin irritation after extended wear.
Why It’s Great for Women: Arai has a reputation for its exceptional fit and comfort, with multiple interior and cheek pad configurations to suit various head shapes, ensuring that every female racer can find their perfect fit.
3. Shoei RF-SR Helmet
Features:
- Noise Reduction Design: Shoei’s helmets are known for their ability to reduce wind noise, which is critical during high-speed races.
- Ventilation System: The helmet includes several intake and exhaust vents that provide superior airflow, keeping the rider cool under pressure.
Why It’s Great for Women: The RF-SR model comes in various graphics and colors, allowing female racers to match their helmet with their racing gear and personal style, making a statement on the track.
4. HJC RPHA 11 Pro
Features:
- Advanced P.I.M. Plus Construction: The Premium Integrated Matrix Plus technology involves carbon fiber, aramid, fiberglass, and organic non-woven fabric that offer enhanced shock-resistant performance.
- Aerodynamic Shell Structure: Designed for extreme performance at high speeds, the aerodynamic shell structure promotes stability in high-speed racing conditions.
Why It’s Great for Women: The helmet’s lightweight and compact design ensure that it feels less cumbersome, which is particularly beneficial for female racers who may prefer a lighter helmet.
5. 6D Helmets ATR-1
Features:
- Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) Technology: 6D’s ODS technology uses a two-part system that allows the outer shell to move independently of the inner liner. This unique setup provides enhanced protection against angular impacts and helps manage energy transfer from any direction.
- Progressive Damping Towers: These towers, along with the isolation dampers, work in conjunction to modulate the energy transfer from the impact to the brain, reducing the risk of injury.
- Shell Design and Materials: Constructed from a composite fiberglass shell, the ATR-1 combines durability with lightweight properties, making it easier to wear without compromising on safety.
Why It’s Great for Women: The 6D ATR-1 helmet is particularly beneficial for women in motorsports due to its advanced brain protection technologies. Understanding that women may have different physiological needs and head shapes, 6D Helmets has designed the ATR-1 to offer superior comfort and adjustability, ensuring that it can accommodate various head sizes and hair types comfortably.
Selecting the right helmet is a crucial decision for any racer, but especially for women in the fast-paced world of motorsports. Each of the helmets reviewed here offers unique features that cater to the needs of female racers, ensuring safety, comfort, and style. As the community of women racers continues to grow, thanks to initiatives like GoFastGirls and the Rippers League, the importance of equipping these talented women with the best gear cannot be overstated. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, picking a helmet that fits well, protects you adequately, and makes you feel confident is key to your success on the track.
Stay safe and keep pushing the limits. Here’s to all the incredible women.