Which Stilo Helmet Do I Need?
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.
Use this quick guide to find the right Stilo helmet for your discipline. For the full model range, 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
Quick Answer by Discipline
| Discipline | Recommended Stilo Helmet | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Club circuit, endurance, MEGA & GT events (NZ & AU) — with built-in comms | ST6 F Carbon or ST6 F Composite | FIA 8859-2024 |
| Club circuit, endurance, MEGA & GT events (NZ & AU) — aftermarket comms | ST6 FN Carbon or ST6 FN Composite | FIA 8859-2024 |
| Open wheel / formula | ST6 FN Carbon ABP | FIA 8859-2024 ABP or 8860-2018 ABP |
| Supercars / Australian GT Pro | ST6 GT Carbon 8860 or ST6 FN Carbon 8860 | FIA 8860-2018 |
| Rally — club & state (ARC, NZRC) | Venti4 WRC Composite | FIA 8859-2024 |
| Rally — professional / WRC | Venti WRC 8860 Carbon | FIA 8860-2018 |
| Off-road / rallycross / drift | WRX Venti Dirt Carbon (visor) or WRX Venti Raid Carbon (goggle) | FIA 8859-2024 |
| Karting — junior | ST6 CMR Lite Carbon | Snell CMR2016 |
| Karting — adult | ST6 KRT Composite | Snell K2020 / FIA 8878-2024 |
| Offshore / powerboat | ST6 F Offshore | FIA 8859-2024 |
ST6 F vs ST6 FN — key difference: The ST6 F has built-in speaker and microphone electronics ready to connect directly to a radio or intercom system. The ST6 FN uses aftermarket comms kits fitted by Harris Race Radios, giving more flexibility for custom radio setups. Both are equally valid for circuit, endurance, MEGA, and club events.
Common Questions
- Can I use my Stilo helmet for both rally and circuit?
- The ST6 FN Carbon is the most versatile option — accepted for both circuit and rally in most NZ and AU series. The Venti4 WRC is rally-specific. Check your series regulations before purchasing.
- Do I need a carbon helmet?
- Not necessarily. Carbon is lighter (200–300g less) and recommended for endurance events or long stints. For club racing, composite is a strong, more affordable choice. See our ST6 Composite vs Carbon comparison →
- What's the difference between ST5 and ST6?
- The ST5 is no longer manufactured. If you're buying new, the ST6 is the current Stilo flagship. See our ST5 vs ST6 comparison →
- ST6 F or ST6 FN — which should I choose?
- If you want a plug-and-play helmet with built-in electronics ready for a standard radio or intercom, choose the ST6 F. If you want maximum flexibility for a custom or complex radio setup, choose the ST6 FN and let Harris Race Radios fit the correct comms kit. Read our communications guide →
- Is my Stilo helmet from Harris Race Radios genuine?
- Yes — every helmet we supply is genuine, FIA certified, and sourced through official channels. Full details here →
Not Sure? Ask Us.
Tell us your series, cockpit type, 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
Related Guides
- Stilo Motorsport Helmet Guide — Full NZ & AU Overview →
- Choosing the Correct Stilo Helmet — Step by Step →
- Stilo ST5 vs ST6 →
- Stilo ST6 Composite vs Carbon →
- FIA & Snell Standards Explained →
- Motorsport Australia Approved Helmets →
- Helmet Knowledge Centre →
Shop Stilo Helmets
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.