Choosing the Correct Stilo Helmet — Australia & New Zealand

Written by Aaron Harris — Barcelona 24 Hour class winner, Bathurst competitor, MSNZ licence examiner for helmets and racewear. Rex Harris — RSM certified radio engineer. Harris Race Radios has supplied motorsport helmets and communications equipment to NZ and AU competitors since 1975.

This is a step-by-step buying guide focused on Australian and New Zealand race series requirements. For the full Stilo model range overview, FIA standards deep-dive, and MSNZ/Motorsport Australia regulations, see the Stilo Motorsport Helmet Guide — NZ & AU →

📖 Part of the Harris Race Radios Helmet Knowledge Centre

Step 1 — What Does Your Race Series Require?

Always check the current regulations for your specific series before purchasing. Requirements change between seasons.

FIA 8859-2024 — Most NZ & AU Club and National Events

Accepted across the majority of circuit racing, rally, and club-level events in Australia and New Zealand, including Motorsport Australia club and state championships, MSNZ club and national championships, ARC, NZRC, TCR Australia, S5000, and Australian GT (most categories).

Recommended Stilo helmets: ST6 FN Composite, ST6 FN Carbon, ST6 GT Carbon, Venti4 WRC Composite, WRX Venti Dirt/Raid Carbon

FIA 8860-2018 — Professional & Premium Series

Required for Supercars Championship, WEC, WRC, IMSA, and Australian GT Pro class.

Recommended Stilo helmets: Stilo Venti WRC 8860 Carbon, Stilo ST6 GT Carbon 8860, Stilo ST6 FN Carbon 8860

FIA 8860-2018 ABP — Open Wheel Formula

Required for Formula Ford Australia, Formula 4 Australia, Formula 3 and above, and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ.

Recommended helmet: Stilo ST6 FN Carbon ABP

FIA CMR / KRT — Karting

Recommended helmets: Stilo ST6 KRT Composite, Stilo ST6 CMR Lite Carbon

Step 2 — What Type of Racing Do You Do?

Circuit Racing — Closed Cockpit (GT, Touring Car, Saloon)

Best options: ST6 GT Carbon, ST6 FN Carbon, ST6 FN Composite

Circuit Racing — Open Wheel / Formula

Best options: ST6 FN Carbon, ST6 FN Carbon ABP

Rally (ARC, NZRC, Club Level)

Best options: Stilo Venti WRC 8860 Carbon (ARC / professional), Stilo Venti4 WRC Composite (club and state level)

Off-Road / Rallycross / Drift

Best options: Stilo WRX Venti Dirt Carbon (full visor), Stilo WRX Venti Raid Carbon (goggle-compatible)

Karting

Best option: Stilo ST6 KRT Composite or ST6 CMR Lite Carbon

Offshore / Powerboat

Best option: Stilo ST6 F Offshore

Step 3 — Carbon or Composite?

Carbon Composite
Weight Lighter (200–300g less) Heavier
Price Higher More affordable
Best for Endurance, long stints, professional racing Club racing, occasional use

For endurance racing or any event over 2 hours, carbon is strongly recommended. See our full ST6 Composite vs Carbon comparison →

Step 4 — Does Your Helmet Need to Work with a Radio or Intercom?

Stilo helmets come in two configurations: with electronics (built-in microphone, speakers, and wiring) or without electronics (shell only). Harris Race Radios — with over 50 years of motorsport radio experience — specialises in matching Stilo helmets to the correct radio and intercom system for NZ and AU setups. This is a capability no other Stilo retailer in NZ or AU can match.

Learn more about our Stilo communications integration service →

Step 5 — Getting the Right Fit

Measure your head circumference at the widest point (just above the eyebrows) and contact us if you're between sizes.

  • XXS — 54cm
  • XS — 55cm
  • S — 57cm
  • M — 58–59cm
  • L — 59–60cm
  • XL — 61cm
  • XXL — 63cm
  • XXXL — 64cm

Full Stilo FAQ and Helmet Fit guide →

Still Not Sure? Ask Us.

Tell us your series, cockpit type, comms setup and budget — we'll give you a straight answer. No upselling, no pressure.

  • 📞 Rex Harris: +64 21 682 912 — RSM Certified Radio Communications Engineer
  • 📞 Aaron Harris: +64 27 449 9654 — Race & Data Engineer, MSNZ Licence Examiner
  • 📧 Contact us online — free advice, fast response

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This guide is maintained by Harris Race Radios — New Zealand and Australia's specialist motorsport communications and safety equipment supplier since 1975. Written by Aaron Harris (Barcelona 24 Hour class winner, Bathurst competitor, MSNZ licence examiner, helmets and racewear) and Rex Harris (RSM certified radio engineer), reviewed and updated June 2026. Always verify current series regulations with your series organiser, Motorsport Australia, or MSNZ before purchasing. Contact us if your situation isn't covered.