BELL RS7-K Carbon: the F1 helmet for karting

HELMET

SHELL AND SPOILER

VISOR

INTERIORS

OPINION

TECH SHEET

RS-7 K Carbon is Bell's new top-of-the-range helmet. Produced since 2019, with Snell K 2020 approval, it is the "evolved" version of the RS7-K, and is a variant aimed at kart drivers who pay attention to the smallest details to achieve maximum performance. As for the aesthetics, these two models are almost identical and, like all the "7 series" helmets, are derived from the HP7 model (used until a few years ago by Formula 1 drivers) from which they take the shape and ventilation system. The two RS7-K versions differ only in the material their respective caps are made of. The Carbon version, as the name implies, has an outer layer made of carbon fiber and kevlar, while the "White" version has a fiberglass shell. This leads to a weight difference between the two models of around 100 grams.
A very important innovation, introduced by Bell in all karting helmets, including RS7-K Carbon, and single-seater drivers, is the DSAF (Double Screen Anti-Misting) technology, which basically consists of a system that ensures the anti-misting of the visor, ensuring the driver has optimal vision even in environmental conditions of high humidity and temperature.
The package you receive when you purchase it (price: 850 Euros) contains the [1] full helmet, and [2] visor with DSAF technology, a [3] scratch-resistant fleece helmet bag, instructions and maintenance manual, a [4] key to eventually change the visor, and the [5] standard air intakes. Furthermore, separately, you can purchase aerodynamic appendages to attach to the shell, in addition to replacement visors, available in different styles and colours, and protective tear-offs. The interiors of the Carbon versions can be customised by choosing the [6] colour of the pads (+150 Euros), and the thickness of the padding can be changed to better adapt the helmet to the driver's face.

HELMET

SHELL AND SPOILER

VISOR

INTERIORS

OPINION

TECH SHEET

The RS7-K Carbon shell is made entirely of carbon, with Kevlar inserts in the key areas, such as the impact points (located at the front, side, chin guard, back and top of the helmet), the anchor points of the helmet strap, and in correspondence with the holes of the visor. In the housing area of the latter, there are ribs, which in addition to having an aerodynamic function, make the helmet more resistant, strengthening it, and protecting the driver more from any blows. The internal ventilation system is derived from the HP7 model used by Formula 1 drivers. The shell has 14 holes: [1] 10 positioned on the upper part, [2] 2 at the front, under the visor, and [3] 2 holes for rear extraction. The air enters from the front and upper intakes, and then exits at the rear.
Also as regards the aesthetic aspect, the RS7-K Carbon takes great inspiration from HP7, so much so that it has the same shape, designed to have excellent aerodynamic efficiency even at very high speeds, such as those achieved by Formula 1 or Indycar cars. The shell has appendages made of thermoformed plastic, which Bell has designed to make the helmet as stable and aerodynamic as possible. There are 3 spoilers available: one at the front (8 mm, 13 mm or 17 mm), one at the rear (38 mm, 43.5 mm and 49 mm) and one defined as a "stabilizer" (4 mm, 5.25 mm and 6.55 mm) to be fitted to the top, just behind the air intakes. They are very easy to attach given the presence of a pre-installed double-sided tape that follows the internal perimeter of the spoiler and ensures a solid anchorage to the carbon shell. Massimiliano Portioli, the top man of Bell's racing service stated, regarding these wings "In karting there are no speeds that can benefit from the effect of these appendages, but helmets can accommodate them for purely aesthetic reasons" .
The prices of these products vary according to the type chosen: the cost of the chin rest or stabilizer, whatever the size selected, is 35 Euros, while that of the rear appendage is 75 euros for each of the sizes.

BELL RS7-K CARBON: THE F1 HELMET FOR KARTING