Zamp RZ-70F vs RZ-70S Graphic: Do You Need the FIA 8859-2024 Rating?

The main difference between the Zamp RZ-70F Graphic and the Zamp RZ-70S Graphic is certification. The RZ-70F carries both Snell SA2025 and FIA 8859-2024, with a spring-loaded FIA shield lock and an FIA-rated shield. The RZ-70S carries Snell SA2025 only. Choose the RZ-70F if your series requires FIA or you may race FIA-sanctioned events. Choose the RZ-70S if your series only requires Snell SA2025 and you want to spend $20 less. Fast Racer sells both.

The Zamp RZ-70F Graphic and the Zamp RZ-70S Graphic both come from Zamp's RZ-70 line, part of our Zamp racing helmets lineup. They share the same five factory graphics, the same sizes and the same race-day features. This comparison covers only what is different, what is the same, and which one fits your rulebook. For the full feature rundown on each helmet, see our RZ-70F Graphic guide and our RZ-70S Graphic guide.

RZ-70F vs RZ-70S: The 7 Key Differences 

Which certification do you need: FIA 8859-2024 or Snell SA2025 only?

Your rulebook decides this, not the helmet. Both helmets meet Snell SA2025, the current Snell standard. Only the RZ-70F also meets FIA 8859-2024. According to Fast Racer's guide to FIA and Snell dual certification, Snell SA2025 is the standard most U.S. sanctioning bodies require, while FIA 8859-2024 governs most international competition. If your series requires an FIA-approved helmet, the RZ-70S does not qualify. If your series only asks for Snell, both helmets do. This difference favors the RZ-70F for drivers who race, or may race, FIA-sanctioned events.

What does the RZ-70F's FIA shield lock change?

The RZ-70F adds a spring-loaded shield lock button at the bottom of the shield, and the RZ-70S does not. Zamp added this button so the RZ-70F could pass FIA testing. It keeps the shield in the down position during an impact. To open the shield, you push the button down and then lift the shield. The RZ-70S uses Zamp's standard shield lock. For an FIA driver, the button is part of what makes the helmet legal. For a Snell-only driver, it adds nothing your rulebook requires.

Is the shield in the box different?

Yes, slightly. Both helmets ship with a factory-installed Z-20 clear anti-fog shield. The RZ-70F's shield is rated to FIA specification and carries an FIA sticker in the lower-left corner. Both shields use Zamp's tensioning tear-off posts, which adjust wider or narrower so tear-offs go on and come off more easily. Both take standard 12.125" banana-style tear-offs, and Zamp recommends P208Z Z Optics tear-offs for each. Colored, anti-fog and photochromatic shields are sold separately for both.

What is the price difference between the RZ-70F and RZ-70S?

Compared with the RZ-70S Graphic, the RZ-70F Graphic costs more. Every color and size of each helmet is priced the same, so the gap comes down to certification. The extra cost pays for the FIA 8859-2024 rating, the FIA shield lock and the FIA-rated shield. If you only race Snell series, the RZ-70S is the better value. Check current prices on the RZ-70F Graphic and RZ-70S Graphic product pages.

RZ-70F vs RZ-70S weight: which helmet is lighter?

The RZ-70S is slightly lighter, and the gap depends on your size. In X-Small to Medium, the RZ-70F weighs 1,625 g (3 lb 9 oz) and the RZ-70S weighs 1,600 g (3 lb 8 oz). That 25 g gap sits inside the ±50 g tolerance, so treat these sizes as about the same. In Large to 2X-Large, the RZ-70F weighs 1,725 g (3 lb 13 oz) and the RZ-70S weighs 1,650 g (3 lb 10 oz), about 75 g (2.6 oz) lighter. Neither helmet has a published 3X-Large weight. A lighter helmet puts less load on your neck over a long race, so this favors the RZ-70S for larger-size drivers who don't need FIA.

Are the RZ-70S and RZ-70F the same in fit, sizes and colors?

Yes. This one is a tie. Both helmets come in the same five graphics: Grey, Red, Blue, Orange and Green. Both run X-Small to 2X-Large in every graphic, and both offer 3X-Large in Grey Graphic only. Both use a composite aramid mix shell. If you need a 3XL, you will be choosing Grey whichever helmet you buy.

Do top air, radio and HANS work the same way on both?

Yes. This is also a tie. Both helmets have four threaded mounts on top for a low-profile or round top-air system. Both have ear cups pre-installed in the cheek pads for one-way or two-way radio. Both have M6 inserts on both sides for HANS and other head and neck restraints. One caution for both: install top air or comms only after you confirm fit, because modified helmets can't be returned.

Pros and Cons

Zamp RZ-70F Graphic

Pros

• Dual Snell SA2025 and FIA 8859-2024 certification covers series that specify either standard.
• Spring-loaded FIA shield lock keeps the shield down during an impact.
• Ships with an FIA-rated Z-20 clear anti-fog shield.
• Same five graphics and sizes as the RZ-70S, so you give up no color or size choices.
• Top-air ready, radio-ready and fitted with M6 inserts for head and neck restraints.

Cons

• Costs more than the RZ-70S Graphic.
• About 75 g heavier than the RZ-70S in Large to 2X-Large.
• Comes with a shield lock step (push the button, then lift) every time you open the shield.
• 3X-Large comes in Grey Graphic only.
• No customer reviews published yet.

Zamp RZ-70S Graphic

Pros

• Lower price than the RZ-70F Graphic.
• About 75 g lighter than the RZ-70F in Large to 2X-Large.
• Snell SA2025 certification, the current Snell standard.
• Ships with a factory-installed Z-20 clear anti-fog shield.
• Same five graphics, sizes, top-air mounts, ear cups and M6 inserts as the RZ-70F.

Cons

• Not FIA rated, so it does not qualify for series that require FIA 8859-2024.
• No FIA shield lock or FIA-rated shield.
• Fast Racer does not recommend it for dirt racing because of its high-airflow design.
• 3X-Large comes in Grey Graphic only, and no customer reviews are published yet.

Which Should You Buy?

Deciding RZ-70S vs RZ-70F comes down to your rulebook and your race plans.

Choose the RZ-70F Graphic if:

• Your series requires FIA 8859-2024 head protection.
• You may race FIA-sanctioned events in the future and want one helmet for both.
• You want the FIA shield lock and FIA-rated shield for the extra shield retention.
• You race asphalt and want factory graphics with both rulebooks covered.

Choose the RZ-70S Graphic if:

• Your series only requires Snell SA2025.
• You have no plans to race FIA-sanctioned events.
• You want the lower-priced option.
• You race asphalt and want the same graphics and features without the FIA rating.

Consider neither if:

• Dirt is your main discipline. Fast Racer recommends a dirt-specific helmet, such as the Zamp RZ-38 Dirt Track, over either RZ-70.
• You are buying for a junior racer. Both are adult helmets. See the youth models in our Zamp racing helmets collection.

Buy with less risk. Orders over $50 ship free in the continental US. Fast Racer accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of receiving your order. The helmet must be unused and new, in its original packaging with labels, tags and literature. Drilled or otherwise modified items can't be returned. Both helmets are covered by Zamp's manufacturer's warranty for defects in materials and workmanship, and Fast Racer can act on your behalf with Zamp on claims.

by Emerson Bersaghi

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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