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The main difference between the Bell GP2 Youth and the Bell KC7-CMR is where your kid will race. The GP2 is certified to SFI 24.1 and has M6 terminals for a head and neck restraint, so it works in karts and in cars. The KC7-CMR is a Snell/FIA CMR2016 karting helmet that weighed 11 oz less on our warehouse scale and comes in twice as many sizes. Choose the GP2 if cars are in the plan. Choose the KC7-CMR if your kid races karts only. FAST RACER carries both.
The Bell GP2 Youth and the Bell KC7-CMR are both Bell helmets built for young drivers, and both are part of our youth karting helmets lineup. This comparison covers what is different, what is the same, and which one fits the way your kid races. For the full rundown on the KC7-CMR, see our Bell KC7-CMR review, or compare every model in Bell KC7 helmets.
| Attribute | Bell GP2 Youth | Bell KC7-CMR |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | $: Lower | $$: Higher |
| Certification | SFI 24.1 (youth) | Snell/FIA CMR2016 |
| Use | Karting and auto racing | Karting only |
| Head and neck restraint anchors | M6 terminals built in | Not listed |
| Interior | Fire-retardant | Multi-density foam, moisture-wicking, removable cheek pads |
| Shell | Composite | Carbon/Kevlar/fiberglass composite |
| Weight, size 52 (our warehouse scale) | 3 lb 0 oz | 2 lb 5 oz |
| Sizes | 4 sizes, 51 to 56, each covers two head sizes | 8 single sizes, 52 to 59 |
| Smallest size | 4XS (51-52) | 52 |
| Shield | Bell 287 SRV 3mm, clear installed | Bell SE07 2mm Double Screen Anti-Fog |
| Shield options sold | 7 | 14 |
| Top air intake | Installed | Optional kits, sold separately |
| Best for | Kids who will race karts and cars | Kids who race karts only |
Shop Bell GP2 Youth Shop Bell KC7-CMR
This is the question that decides it. If cars are in the plan, choose the GP2. If your kid races karts only, the KC7-CMR is the better fit. The Bell GP2 Youth is certified to SFI 24.1, the youth standard recognized by groups like the Quarter Midget Association of America (QMA). It also has M6 terminals, the anchor points for a frontal head restraint. In karting, drivers wear neck braces, not head restraints. In a car, the restraint clips to these anchors. To see how those systems work, browse HANS devices and head and neck restraints.
The Bell KC7-CMR is certified to Snell/FIA CMR2016, a standard written for young kart racers. SKUSA, USPKS, WKA and AKRA accept CMR2016 helmets for youth karting. Its product page does not list head restraint anchors, so treat it as a karting helmet only. Age and class rules vary by series, so check your rulebook before you buy either helmet. This difference favors the GP2 for any kid who may race a car.
The KC7-CMR is lighter. On our warehouse scale, a size 52 KC7-CMR weighed 2 lb 5 oz. A GP2 in 4XS (51-52) weighed 3 lb 0 oz, and a GP2 in XS (55-56) weighed 3 lb 2 oz. That makes the KC7-CMR about 11 oz lighter at the same size. Weight matters more for kids than for adults, because a young neck carries the helmet through every corner. The KC7-CMR's lighter build comes from its carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass shell. The GP2 trades some weight for its car-racing features. This favors the KC7-CMR for karting-only drivers.
The KC7-CMR fits more kids more closely. The GP2 fits the smallest heads. The GP2 comes in 4 sizes: 4XS (51-52), 3XS (52-53), 2XS (54-55) and XS (55-56). Each size covers two head measurements, so the jumps between sizes are bigger. It is the only one of the two that starts at 51. The KC7-CMR comes in 8 single sizes, from 52 to 59. One size per centimeter means a closer fit, and the range goes 3 cm higher than the GP2. That extra room matters if your kid is growing fast, or already measures over 56.
The KC7-CMR has far more. It uses the Bell SE07 2mm shield, which we sell in 14 clear, tinted and mirror options. It also takes a rear spoiler, chin bar and top gurneys, and top air intake kits. The GP2 uses the Bell 287 SRV shield, which we sell in 7 options, plus tear-offs. Its top air intake comes installed, so there is less to add, and less to customize. The two helmets do not share shields.
Compared with the KC7-CMR, the GP2 costs less. The KC7-CMR sits in a higher price tier, with its carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass shell, Double Screen Anti-Fog shield and wider size range. Prices change with promotions, so check current prices on the Bell GP2 Youth and Bell KC7-CMR product pages.
These parts are listed for each helmet. Shields do not cross-fit.
See every part in Bell helmet accessories, or contact us and we will help you find the right part →
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The image shows the proper placement of a measuring tape to get the most accurate measurement.
Deciding GP2 vs KC7-CMR comes down to where your kid races now, and where they will race next.
Choose the Bell GP2 Youth if:
Choose the Bell KC7-CMR if:
Consider neither if:
Buy with less risk. US orders of $50 or more ship free, so either helmet ships free within the US. If the size isn't right, exchange it or return it within 30 days in as-new condition. See our Returns & Exchanges Policy. Both helmets are covered by the Bell manufacturer warranty, and FAST RACER handles the claim process the same way for both.
The KC7-CMR is usually the better pick for karting only. It weighed 11 oz less than the GP2 at size 52 on our warehouse scale, comes in 8 single sizes from 52 to 59, and is accepted by SKUSA, USPKS, WKA and AKRA for youth karting. Check your series rulebook to confirm.
Plan on the GP2 for cars. The KC7-CMR is certified to Snell/FIA CMR2016 for karting, and its product page lists no head restraint anchors. The GP2 is certified to SFI 24.1, is recognized by the QMA, and has M6 terminals for a head and neck restraint. Always confirm with your series rulebook.
The KC7-CMR sits in a higher price tier because of how it is built. It has a carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass shell, a 2mm Double Screen Anti-Fog shield, and 8 single sizes. The GP2 uses a composite shell and comes in 4 sizes. Prices change with promotions, so check each product page.
The GP2 fits the smallest heads, starting at 4XS (51-52). The KC7-CMR starts at 52 but goes up to 59, three sizes past the GP2's largest, XS (55-56). The KC7-CMR also has one size per centimeter, while each GP2 size covers two head measurements, so it fits more closely. Measure twice before you order.
No. The GP2 uses the Bell 287 SRV 3mm shield, which we sell in 7 options. The KC7-CMR uses the Bell SE07 2mm shield, which we sell in 14 options. The shields do not cross-fit, so buy the one made for your helmet. Contact us if you are not sure which one you need.
Yes. Both are covered by the Bell manufacturer warranty, and FAST RACER handles the claim process the same way for both. On top of that, US orders of $50 or more ship free, and you can exchange or return either helmet within 30 days in as-new condition. Contact us if you need help with a claim.
The main difference between the Bell GP2 Youth and the Bell KC7-CMR is where your kid will race. The GP2 adds SFI 24.1, M6 terminals for a head and neck restraint and a fire-retardant interior, so it works in karts and cars. The KC7-CMR is lighter, comes in 8 sizes and takes more accessories, but it is built for karting only. Choose the GP2 if cars are in the plan. Choose the KC7-CMR if your kid races karts only.
Shop Bell GP2 Youth Shop Bell KC7-CMR
Emerson Bersaghi is Co-Founder, COO, and CGO of Fast Racer, an e-commerce brand scaling motorsport apparel, parts, and performance gear worldwide. A lifelong kart racer, Emerson brings 29 years of executive leadership at Whirlpool Corporation to Fast Racer's growth strategy. He holds an Executive MBA from Purdue's Daniels School of Business, an MBA from FGV EAESP in Brazil, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UDESC. At Fast Racer, he drives growth strategy, brand positioning, and strategic partnerships behind the company's sustained double-digit YoY expansion.
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