When a Stilo Helmet Is Not the Best Choice
When a Stilo Helmet Is Not the Best Choice
Written by Aaron Harris — Barcelona 24 Hour class winner, Bathurst competitor, and MSNZ licence examiner for helmets and racewear.
We stock Stilo helmets because we believe they're among the best motorsport helmets available. But we'd rather lose a sale than have you buy the wrong thing.
Here are the situations where we'd point you somewhere else.
You're Karting
Stilo helmets are homologated to CMR 2016 — the standard required for regulated racing kart use in New Zealand and internationally. If you're competing in any CMR-regulated karting series, a Stilo CMR or KRT helmet will not be accepted, for circuit racing homologation.
What we'd recommend instead: A Stilo CMR 2016 homologated helmet. We stock the Schuberth SK1 Hybrid and SK1 Carbon, both of which are CMR approved and built to the same engineering standards as Schuberth's professional circuit helmets. Or Bell Kart or Stilo KRT helmets.
Your Series Only Requires a Basic Homologation
In some NZ club-level categories — certain hill climb classes, historic racing, and non-competitive track events — the regulations accept helmets with Snell SA or AS/NZS ratings rather than FIA homologation. In these cases, a Stilo helmet offers features and a price point you may not need.
What we'd recommend instead: A quality helmet meeting the minimum required standard for your category. Contact us with your series and class — we'll tell you exactly what's required and suggest the most appropriate option at the right price.
You Need FIA 8860-2018 ABP and Budget Is a Constraint
If your series specifically requires FIA 8860-2018 homologation and you're working within a tight budget, contact us. We'll give you an honest comparison of what's available at your budget that meets your series requirements.
You're Buying for a Junior Driver Who Will Outgrow It
Junior drivers grow. A premium helmet purchased for a 12-year-old may not fit a 14-year-old. For junior competitors, we'd often suggest a mid-range helmet that meets the required standard rather than a top-tier model that will need replacing before it's worn out.
What we'd recommend instead: A correctly homologated helmet at a sensible price point for the driver's age and growth stage. We can advise on this — just tell us the driver's age, head size, and series.
You Want the Lightest Possible Helmet for Karting
Stilo's lightest helmets are their kart racing models — which, as noted above, are CMR approved for kart racing. The lightest CMR-approved option we stock is the Schuberth SK1 Carbon, which uses the same autoclave-cured carbon fibre construction as Schuberth's professional FIA 8860-2018 circuit helmets.
The Bottom Line
Stilo helmets are excellent. But the best helmet is the one that's correct for your series, fits properly, and doesn't cost more than your situation requires.
If you're not sure whether a Stilo is right for you, ask us. We'll give you a straight answer — even if that answer is "not this time."
Harris Race Radios — New Zealand's motorsport communications and safety equipment specialists.