What Motorsport Helmet is Best For You?
Tegan HarrisStilo, Roux, and Schuberth — all great motorsport helmet brands made to cater for the different needs of racers across New Zealand and Australia. This guide will tell you which brand and type of helmet you should be purchasing to tick all your boxes.
For a full comparison across all brands we stock, see our Helmet Brand & Model Comparisons guide. For sizing help, see our Helmet Fit & Sizing Guide.
Stilo Motorsport Helmets
Why Stilo?
Harris Race Radios is NZ and AU's most experienced Stilo specialist. We stock genuine Stilo helmets sourced directly through Stilo's supply chain — held in NZ for fast local dispatch, with shipping to Australia.
We stock a range of Stilo helmets for all different kinds of motorsport racing including rallies, circuits, karting, drifting, speedway, and speedboats across NZ and AU. All Stilo helmets we supply meet FIA 8859-2015 and/or SNELL SA2020 standards as applicable, and are accepted under MSNZ and Motorsport Australia regulations.
Stilo helmets are made to be used with their communication systems and intercoms. This makes installing and using comms with the Stilo helmets super easy and convenient. The helmets already have great earmuffs installed in them with great isolation from external noises. The helmets with a microphone have a magnetic-dynamic noise-cancelling microphone, supplied with spacers to move the microphone position closer to the driver's mouth. There is also optional drinks integration for drivers racing in longer endurance events.
If you are after a speedboat helmet, Stilo is the range for you. We have a bright orange helmet already up to regulation — no need for further paintwork, keeping your costs down.
How Stilo Helmet Naming Works: ST5R is the same as ST5F R. The “R” stands for Rally, which designates that the helmet is fitted with an ear cup and speakers — this is how 90% of Stilo helmets sold in New Zealand are configured. For true FIA-sanctioned circuit racing, you are not allowed speakers in the helmet. MSNZ allow the use of “R” helmets for both Rally and Circuit. If you are racing internationally you cannot use a Rally helmet for circuit racing. The “F” designation means electronics are fitted; “FN” means no electronics and no bump on the side of the helmet.
Comparing Stilo to other brands? See our Helmet Brand & Model Comparisons guide or browse Schuberth helmets and Roux helmets.
Roux Motorsport Helmets
Why Roux Helmets?
Roux helmets are a very versatile option and can be configured in whatever way suits your needs. They can come fully loaded with drink, radio, and water systems, or they can come with nothing — the perfect option if you want to customise the inside of your helmet. They are also super stylish helmets with great shapes and colour options.
These helmets have some of the most advanced safety options on the market. The Release Equipped System has been specifically designed by racers, for racers, keeping your safety the number one priority. In the event of an emergency, this feature enables safety crews to remove your helmet quickly and easily, without putting any stress on the neck, which could cause serious injuries.
Comparing Roux to other brands? See our Helmet Brand & Model Comparisons guide or browse Stilo helmets and Schuberth helmets.
Schuberth Motorsport Helmets
Why Schuberth? One of the Best Motorsport Helmets in the World.
Schuberth develops and produces world-class helmets in Magdeburg, Germany, trusted at the very highest levels of motorsport. Current F1 World Champion Max Verstappen (4x Champion) wears Schuberth — as have legends Michael Schumacher (7x Champion), Sebastian Vettel (4x Champion), and Nico Rosberg (2016 Champion). Between them, these four drivers hold 16 Formula 1 World Championships, all wearing Schuberth helmets. Current F1 drivers including Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, and Valtteri Bottas continue that tradition. When the world’s best drivers choose Schuberth, you know the quality is uncompromising.
Harris Race Radios is an authorised Schuberth dealer for NZ and AU. We stock genuine Schuberth helmets sourced directly through Schuberth's supply chain — held in NZ for fast local dispatch, with shipping to Australia. Schuberth helmets we supply meet FIA 8860-2018 ABP and/or FIA 8859-2015 standards as applicable, and are accepted under MSNZ and Motorsport Australia regulations.
We stock the top-of-the-line Schuberth Motorsport helmets. Schuberth helmets are some of the lightest helmets in the FIA market. Both helmets we stock have amazing ventilation — a key feature in a hot cockpit — feeding 14 litres of fresh air into the helmet per second. Their visors have ultimate fog resistance built in, and there are up to 12 different visors that can be purchased and swapped out. They come radio-ready with easy-fit communications, and also offer a plug-and-play option ready to be installed at purchase. Both Schuberth helmets we stock are made for car racing. If you are looking for a lightweight helmet with uncompromising quality and endless possibilities, Schuberth is the helmet for you.
Comparing Schuberth to other brands? See our Helmet Brand & Model Comparisons guide or browse Stilo helmets and Roux helmets.
Why Buy From Harris Race Radios?
Harris Race Radios is NZ and AU's most experienced motorsport helmet specialist. Our team brings unmatched depth of knowledge across every brand we stock:
- Rex Harris — Qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and Approved Radio Certifier for both NZ RSM and AU ACMA, with motorsport radio experience dating back to 1975 at the Marlboro Series Grand Prix. Rex has decades of hands-on experience fitting and certifying motorsport communications equipment across NZ and AU.
- Aaron Harris — Active racing driver and race engineer. Barcelona 24 Hour 1st in class (2013), Bathurst 1000 and 12 Hour competitor, BMW Race Driver Series Champion (2011). Race engineer for Earl Bamber Motorsport, TekworkX, Matt Stone Racing, and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Asia-Pacific, and NZ. MSNZ Licence Examiner for helmets, racewear, FHR, and HANS. Aaron fits and recommends helmets from direct, current racing experience — not theory. Contact Aaron: +64 27 449 9654 or aaron@harriscomms.co.nz.
We hold NZ stock for fast local dispatch and ship to Australia. When you buy a helmet from Harris Race Radios, you're getting genuine factory stock, expert fitting advice, and the confidence that comes from a team that races in the same helmets they sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which motorsport helmet brand is best for NZ and AU racing?
It depends on your discipline and budget. Stilo is ideal for drivers who want integrated comms and a proven rally or circuit helmet. Schuberth is the choice for those wanting the lightest, most advanced FIA-rated helmet used at the highest levels of motorsport. Roux suits drivers who want maximum configurability. Our team can recommend the right helmet for your specific series — contact us for a free recommendation.
Are these helmets approved for MSNZ and Motorsport Australia events?
Yes. All helmets we stock meet the relevant FIA standards (FIA 8859-2015, FIA 8860-2018 ABP, or SNELL SA2020 as applicable) and are accepted under both MSNZ and Motorsport Australia regulations. If you're unsure which standard your series requires, Aaron Harris is an MSNZ Licence Examiner and can advise directly.
Do you hold stock in NZ?
Yes — we hold genuine stock locally in NZ for fast dispatch. We also ship to Australia. No waiting on international freight for most models.
Can I get help choosing the right helmet size?
Absolutely. See our Helmet Fit & Sizing Guide, or call Aaron on +64 27 449 9654 for a personal recommendation.
What is the difference between Stilo ST5 F and ST5 FN?
The “F” designation means the helmet has electronics fitted (ear cups, speakers, microphone). “FN” means no electronics — a bare shell with no bump on the side. FN helmets are preferred for FIA-sanctioned international circuit racing where speakers are not permitted.
Need Help Choosing?
Call Aaron on +64 27 449 9654 or Rex on +64 21 682 912, or contact us online for a free helmet recommendation.