Stilo Motorsport Helmet Guide — New Zealand

Stilo Motorsport Helmet Guide — New Zealand & Australia

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

This page exists to help you make the right decision — not to sell you the most expensive helmet we stock. Stilo makes some of the finest motorsport helmets available, but the right choice depends entirely on what you're doing, which series you're competing in, and what your regulations actually require.

Read this before you buy anything.

📖 Part of the Harris Race Radios Helmet Knowledge Centre

Contents

Current Stilo Helmet Range

Stilo ST6

The ST6 is Stilo's current flagship helmet, available in FIA 8859-2024 and FIA 8860-2018 homologations. Carbon fibre or composite shell, and the helmet of choice for professional and semi-professional circuit competitors worldwide including Formula 1 and WRC.

  • Homologation: FIA 8859-2024 / FIA 8860-2018 / FIA 8859-2024 ABP / FIA 8860-2018 ABP / Snell SA2025
  • Shell: Carbon fibre or composite (MSF Kevlar)
  • Best for: Circuit racing, GT, single-seaters, endurance, rally
  • Comms: Full Stilo intercom/radio integration

Stilo Venti WRC

Purpose-built for rally and off-road competition. Built-in intercoms, adjustable peaks, HANS posts, and advanced noise cancellation. The benchmark for ARC and NZRC competitors.

  • Homologation: FIA 8859-2024 / FIA 8860-2018 / Snell SA2025
  • Shell: Carbon fibre or composite
  • Best for: Rally, stage rally, off-road

Stilo WRX

Purpose-built for rallycross, off-road, and drift. Wider field of view, dust and debris protection.

  • Homologation: FIA 8859-2024 / FIA 8860-2018
  • Best for: Rallycross, off-road, drift

Stilo ST5 — Parts Only

The ST5 is no longer manufactured. Harris Race Radios still stocks genuine ST5 parts and accessories for existing helmet owners. If you are looking for a new helmet, the ST6 is the current Stilo flagship.

Rally vs Circuit vs Karting — Which Helmet Do You Need?

Circuit Racing — Closed Cockpit

Full-face helmet required. FIA 8859-2024 accepted in most NZ and AU club and national categories. FIA 8860-2018 required in some higher-level series.

Stilo options: ST6 GT Composite (8859), ST6 GT Carbon (8859/8860)

Circuit Racing — Open Wheel / Formula

ABP (Advanced Ballistic Protection) required or strongly recommended. FIA 8859-2024 ABP for most formula categories; FIA 8860-2018 ABP for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ, Formula 3 and above.

Stilo options: ST6 FN Carbon ABP (8859 ABP or 8860 ABP)

Rally (ARC, NZRC, Club Level)

Full-face helmet required. FIA 8859-2024 accepted across NZ and AU rally from club level through to NZRC and ARC. Helmet communications strongly recommended and required at national level.

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

Off-Road / Rallycross / Drift

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

Karting

Karting has its own dedicated standards. Kart helmets are not approved for car racing.

  • Junior (under 16): Snell CMR2016 — weight-limited (max 1250g for 54/55, 1300g for 57/59)
  • Adult: Snell K2020 or FIA 8878-2024
  • Note: Full-face helmets homologated to FIA 8859-2024 or FIA 8860-2018 are eligible for some karting events — confirm with your series organiser

Stilo options: ST6 KRT Composite, ST6 CMR Lite Carbon

Offshore / Powerboat

Stilo options: ST6 F Offshore

FIA 8859-2024 vs FIA 8860-2018 — When Does It Actually Matter?

FIA 8859-2024

The current premium standard accepted across the majority of NZ and AU club and national motorsport. Improves energy management by 14% and energy resistance by 5% over the previous standard. If you are competing at club or national level in NZ or AU, this is almost certainly the standard your series requires.

FIA 8859-2024 ABP

For single-seater, open-wheel, and formula car drivers. Mandatory for FIA F4 from 2026. Reduced visor aperture and increased shell strength above the visor zone.

FIA 8860-2018

The premium standard — mandatory carbon shell, stricter impact testing, significantly lower weight. Required in Supercars Championship, WEC, WRC, IMSA, and Australian GT Pro. In NZ and AU, very few club or national series mandate FIA 8860-2018.

FIA 8860-2018 ABP

Required for high-end open wheel racing: Formula 3 and above, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ. Mandatory in Formula 1. Features energy absorption increase of 12–22%, double and triple impact tests, improved chin strap for driver extrication.

For most NZ and AU competitors: FIA 8859-2024 is sufficient. Full FIA & Snell standards guide →

Carbon vs Composite

Carbon Composite (MSF Kevlar)
Weight Lighter (200–300g less) Heavier
Strength Higher strength-to-weight ratio Strong but heavier
Price Higher More affordable
Best for Professional & endurance racing, long stints Club racing, occasional use

For endurance racing or any event over 2 hours, carbon is strongly recommended — neck fatigue from a heavier helmet compounds significantly over a long stint. See our full ST6 Composite vs Carbon comparison →

Open-Face vs Full-Face — Licence Implications in NZ & AU

  • Full-face helmets are required for all circuit racing, rally, and most competitive categories under MSNZ and Motorsport Australia.
  • Open-face helmets may be permitted for some non-competitive track activities, hill climb categories, and certain historic classes — varies by event and category.
  • If you hold an MSNZ or Motorsport Australia competition licence and are competing in any circuit or rally event, assume a full-face helmet is required unless your specific category regulations state otherwise.

Helmet Communications — What You Need to Know

Stilo helmets are designed from the ground up for integrated communications — one of their key advantages over competing brands.

Rally (NZ & AU)

Driver-to-co-driver intercom is standard in NZ and AU rally and required at national level (NZRC, ARC). Stilo helmets integrate directly with Stilo's intercom systems and are compatible with most NZ and AU rally radio setups used by Harris Race Radios.

Circuit Racing (NZ & AU)

Pit-to-car radio is used across NZ and AU circuit racing from club level upward. Stilo helmets accept integrated speaker and microphone kits that connect to standard radio systems.

Read our full Stilo Communications guide →

Getting the Right Fit

Measure your head circumference at the widest point (just above the eyebrows). 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 →

MSNZ & Motorsport Australia Regulations

Helmet requirements are set by your series organiser and governed by Motorsport New Zealand (MSNZ) and Motorsport Australia. Requirements are updated each season — always check the current Schedule J (Motorsport Australia) or MSNZ Technical Regulations for your specific category.

Key NZ series and accepted standards (2025/26)

  • NZRC (NZ Rally Championship): FIA 8859-2024 minimum
  • NZ Endurance Championship: FIA 8859-2024 minimum
  • TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ: FIA 8860-2018 ABP required
  • Club circuit and hill climb: FIA 8859-2024 or Snell SA2025 minimum

Key AU series and accepted standards (2025/26)

  • Supercars Championship: FIA 8860-2018 required
  • Australian GT Pro: FIA 8860-2018 required
  • TCR Australia / S5000: FIA 8859-2024 minimum
  • ARC (Australian Rally Championship): FIA 8859-2024 minimum
  • Motorsport Australia club events: FIA 8859-2024 or Snell SA2025 minimum

Full CAMS / Motorsport Australia Approved Helmets guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Stilo helmet do I need for NZ or Australian motorsport?
For circuit racing, the Stilo ST6 F or ST6 GT with FIA 8859-2024 is accepted across most club and national categories. For rally (NZRC, ARC), the Stilo Venti4 WRC is the benchmark. For off-road and rallycross, the Stilo WRX Venti Dirt or Raid is purpose-built. Always verify your specific series regulations with MSNZ or Motorsport Australia before purchasing.
What is the difference between FIA 8859-2024 and FIA 8860-2018?
FIA 8859-2024 is accepted across the majority of NZ and AU club and national motorsport. FIA 8860-2018 is the premium standard required in Supercars Championship, WEC, WRC, and Australian GT Pro. For most NZ and AU competitors, FIA 8859-2024 is sufficient.
What is the difference between Stilo carbon and composite helmets?
Carbon shells are 200–300g lighter with a higher strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon is strongly recommended for endurance racing or events over 2 hours. Composite shells are more affordable and excellent for club racing. See our full comparison guide →
Is the Stilo ST6 legal for MSNZ competition?
Yes. The Stilo ST6 with FIA 8859-2024 is accepted by MSNZ for circuit racing, rally, and most competitive categories. Always verify current regulations with your series organiser or MSNZ.
What size Stilo helmet do I need?
Measure your head circumference at the widest point above the eyebrows. Stilo sizing: XXS=54cm, XS=55cm, S=57cm, M=58–59cm, L=59–60cm, XL=61cm, XXL=63cm, XXXL=64cm. When in doubt, size down. We offer bespoke in-store fitting at our Paraparaumu location.
Can I use a Stilo helmet with my existing radio or intercom system?
Yes, in most cases. Stilo helmets are compatible with most NZ and AU rally radio setups and circuit intercom systems via adapter cables. Contact us and we'll confirm compatibility with your specific system.
Do I need ABP certification for my helmet in NZ?
ABP is required for open-wheel and formula car drivers. FIA 8859-2024 ABP is required for most formula categories; FIA 8860-2018 ABP for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ and Formula 3 and above. ABP is not required for closed cockpit circuit racing or rally.
Where can I buy a Stilo helmet in New Zealand?
Harris Race Radios stocks the full Stilo range for NZ and AU. We are based in Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast with bespoke in-store fitting, expert communications advice, and fast nationwide delivery. All helmets are genuine and FIA certified. Contact us →

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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 anything here is unclear or your situation isn't covered.