The best auto racing helmets you can buy

Simple to pull on and take off, the Bell Mag Sport is the go-to lid for those who need an unobtrusive open-faced helmet.

Protecting your noggin isn't an area you should skimp out on, but those looking to satisfy the mere requirement of having a helmet on a budget need to look no further than the Bell Sport Mag.

That's not to mean the Sport Mag is bad — quite the contrary, in fact. The Sport Mag is built to stringent standards by a quality manufacturer and its $300 price tag sweetens the deal. That's not an insubstantial chunk of change, but it's going to be the best deal you'll get on a helmet that you can count on.

That price-to-quality ratio is why there's a good bet that you're already familiar with the Sport Mag. Chances are, if you've been to a track or event without a helmet of your own and needed a "loaner lid," this was what was on hand.

The Sport Mag is a lightweight open-faced helmet that meets Snell certification requirements. Easy to slip on and off, the helmet has a thick padded interior that will feel snug around the cheek-pads but will rarely be overwhelming. That and the easy-to-use chin-strap will make sure the Sport Mag stays put while you're in the thick of it. An extra $50 will make this helmet ready-to-go for HANS (Head And Neck Support) device compatibility.

Pros: Simple, no-frills helmet that doesn't get in the way of driving fun

Cons: Open-face design might not be sufficient for events with higher safety requirements

If there's a Ferrari of helmets, the Stilo ST5 is it.

If you've reached the point where you've got the skills and the cash to field your own car in some serious racing, the Stilo ST5 is the helmet you bring to show everyone you mean business. Worn by those from NASCAR to Formula 1, the ST5 range of helmets is a no-compromise piece of equipment that the professionals swear by.

The ST5 features superb visibility and comfort, thanks to a widened eye-port. Its lightness and contoured cheek-pads mean that any helmet in the ST5 range will be comfortable, regardless of the materials used. Airflow into the helmet is optimized with a series of vents, but air systems can be attached to keep you cool during some endurance-challenging races.

Along with breathing easily, a drinking system with easy quick-coupling is available so you can hydrate during your stint. The ST5 also comes wired with the electronics needed for radio communication and has integrated earmuffs that block out external noise, so chatter can be heard clearly.

Suiting up like the professionals don't come cheap, though, so even the most bare-bones ST5 is going to be upward of $1,000. But if you're buying the helmet version of a purpose-built Italian super-car, it's nothing you can't afford.

Pros: Everything you could ever want in a professional racing helmet

Cons: Priced for those who either have a sponsor or enough money to buy a racing team

Protects your fledgling racers while they learn to love motorsport with the Zamp Youth Karting Helmet.

Whether it's by your insistence or theirs, children can get involved in motorsport, too. Karting at a young age is where most professional drivers begin their careers. Even if it's just for fun, your young one needs to be properly equipped.

We like the Zamp RZ-42Y Youth CMR2016 Karting Helmet for a few reasons. One, it's rated by Snell just like adult helmets, but it has a specific certification required for competitive children's motorsports. Second is the price.

Zamp is known as a budget brand, even if they are owned by Bell Europe, but many people have been pleased by the products. The trade-off in quality is made up for on the bottom-line. Like a pair of children's shoes, your young racer will grow out of their lid before you realize it, so it's not as long term of an investment as an adult helmet. Heck, they might not even like karting when they grow older.

With that said, the RZ-42Y satisfies Snell's safety tests and it also comes in a multitude of graphics. Chin-bar vents let air push in while on the go to keep the child's dome from overheating, and it has a removable liner that's washable for easy post-race clean-up. A mix of visors are available as customization options, so your kid can mix-and-match the look.

Pros: Affordable and rated to protect youths

Cons: Will likely be outgrown in a matter of a few years

If you want to be rally race-ready, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars, the Conquer Open Face Rally helmet has you covered.

While communication is key in most forms of professional motorsport, it's critical at any level of rallying, as a co-driver joins the car's main operator to provide important navigational notes. Those looking to occupy either seat should consider equipping themselves with the Conquer Open Face Rally Helmet. First off, it's Snell rated, so it meets safety regulations. Second, it's incredibly affordable. The trade-off is that its fiberglass shell might not be as light as similar carbon fiber lids, but it checks all the other boxes needed for a good rally helmet.

Adding a comms system is easy thanks to removable cheek-pads, and the fixed microphone shield blocks wind while it keeps your mouthpiece in the optimum position. Wearers praise the airflow, so the helmet will keep you cool and comfortable throughout your session.

Pros: Affordable, fully-rated helmet ready for rally racing

Cons: A bit heavier than the pricier options