Snell SA2025 Helmets: The Differences Between SA2020 vs SA2025

By Matt Lambert at Right Motorsport

Introduction

Every five years, the Snell Foundation updates its safety standards for motorsport helmets. These standards are designated by the “SA” for Special Application and are the benchmark for competitive automotive sports. With the release of the SA2025 homologation, drivers, officials, and retailers alike are asking: What’s actually different compared to SA2020? When do SA2025 helmets come out? And do I need to switch before the 2026 season?

In this article, we’ll break down the key changes in the SA2025 standard, look at the official change dates, and answer the most common questions drivers and motorsport fans are asking right now.

Snell SA2025 Homologation Label

What’s Changing in SA2025 Helmets?

Snell has been clear: the SA2025 update is evolutionary, not revolutionary. Unlike the motorcycle M2025 standard, which introduces rotational force requirements, the SA2025 helmets do not add rotational impact testing.

Instead, the only significant change is in impact severity requirements, which have been slightly increased compared to SA2020.

·         Higher Impact Forces: SA2025 helmets must withstand slightly higher speeds and lower maximum “peak G” thresholds across all head-form sizes.

·         FIA Alignment: These new impact values align with the FIA 8859-2024 standard, ensuring consistency across international motorsport requirements.

·         No Rotational Testing: Despite speculation, rotational force testing remains absent from SA2025 (it is present in M2025).

Put simply, SA2025 helmets are designed to offer slightly stronger impact protection, making them the safest Snell-rated auto racing helmets to date.

The SA2025 Timeline

The Snell Foundation has published a clear transition schedule for manufacturers and racers:

·         April 1, 2025 – Snell began shipping SA2025 certification labels to helmet manufacturers.

·         October 1, 2025 – The SA2025 standard officially takes effect. This is the first day SA2025 helmets may be advertised, displayed, or sold.

·         October 30, 2026 – Shipments of SA2020 certification labels will cease. Manufacturers may continue building SA2020 helmets until the end of 2026.

·         December 31, 2026 – All production and shipping of SA2020 helmets must stop.

For racers, this means both SA2020 and SA2025 helmets will be accepted side by side for several more years, with most sanctioning bodies allowing SA2020 helmets until at least the end of 2030.

FAQs

What’s the difference between SA2020 and SA2025 helmets?

The only change is that SA2025 helmets must pass slightly more severe impact tests, bringing them in line with FIA 8859-2024 requirements. SA2020 helmets remain extremely safe and valid for competition until their certification expiry (2030 in most cases).

What are the benefits of SA2025 helmets?

The primary benefit is improved energy management under higher impact speeds. If you’re investing in a new helmet for long-term use, SA2025 ensures compliance through 2035.

Do I need an SA2025 helmet for the 2026 season?

Not necessarily. SA2020 helmets remain valid and will continue to be accepted in most series until the end of 2030. You only need an SA2025 helmet if your current helmet is aging out, damaged, or if your racing series requires the newest homologation.

When are SA2025 helmets available?

The first SA2025 helmets can be legally sold starting October 1, 2025. Expect early availability from major brands like Bell, Stilo, Arai, and Zamp late in 2025, with widespread retail stock arriving in early 2026.

Conclusions

The Snell SA2025 update may not be groundbreaking, but it continues the steady evolution of motorsport safety. The slightly tougher impact requirements ensure helmets keep pace with FIA standards, while their current committed timeline gives racers greater forewarning to plan their next purchase.

If you’re in the market for a new helmet this year, SA2020 models remain an excellent option, and you may find some attractive deals before SA2025 stock arrives. But if you’re looking for a helmet to last the next decade, waiting for SA2025 could be the smarter move.

At Fast-Racer.com, we’ll be stocking the latest SA2025 helmets from leading brands as soon as they’re released. Keep an eye on our store for availability this October.

Drive safe and see you on the grid.