Helmets, those items that protect the grey matter and all the important bits surrounding it. Probably the most important part any competitor will invest in when starting out in motorsport, or indeed when upgrading equipment.
As a rally navigator, communication is beyond being crucial. Flat out in 5
th gear at over 100mph over a high speed section of bumps and jumps, requires ultimate trust from the driver in the co-drivers notes and vice versa, but this is also where the equipment is put to the ultimate test. 100% trust in the equipment is key, as it is the one channel of communication in the car, with the last resort being crudely improvised hand signals (and/or shouting).
For many years I have been using a Peltor helmet, complete with Peltor’s own electronics, and this was fine. But, technology has since moved on, and not a rally weekend went by without someone or other passing the comment of “would you not go off and get a Stilo”. Eventually I gave in and purchased my very own
Stilo WRC DES helmet. Regardless of how many rallies you compete on during a season, you should really have your own helmet. A huge factor in my choice of the Stilo was the fact that International rallies now only allow helmets to be used that are made to the latest safety specifications, a small group to which the Stilo belongs to.
Following several experiences of using Stilo’s WRC DES products in tests and lends from trustworthy friends, the advances in technology in the new range of helmets became very apparent. The contrast even between the Peltor and the Stilo came all the way down to the design of the microphone boom. On my old helmet, it would be a regular occurrence in a high speed section over bumps to have to adjust the movable microphone, as if you don’t have enough to be doing! Whereas with the Stilo WRC the microphone is built into the shell and design of the helmet itself, no need for adjustment; just burn the ear off your driver to your heart’s content.
It’s the small details that set the best products apart. In the case of the Stilo DES WRC, the incorporation of the intercom connection into the helmet itself provides one less issue in the car; no more rooting or scrambling with cables to connect up. One cable from the intercom plugs directly into the helmet, with no stray cables falling around off the helmet to get caught or damaged.
Sound clarity in the Stilo is second to none, with communication being akin to talking to someone over a cup of tea in your kitchen, albeit a rather more fast moving 4 wheeled kitchen, where fluids are encouraged to be sealed up. The Stilo works at its very best with a
Stilo Intercom box, but surprisingly works just as well with the Peltor intercom boxes still fitted to many rally cars. This is achieved by using an
adaptor cable. We use this method in Fiesta R2 rally car, using 2 WRC DES helmets. The versatility of the helmet in its use on either intercom box speaks volumes, pardon the pun, for the quality.
Along with safety, comfort is paramount when buying a rally helmet. Having had the experience of using other peoples’ equipment before buying my own; you only will feel truly comfortable when it’s your own helmet. For me, personally, the major factor in buying my own helmet was down to the amount of rallying I am doing, economically if you are doing upwards of 8 events per year; it makes more sense to purchase your own helmet. The Stilo is firm and snug fitting without being tight or uncomfortable. A lot of people have asked if it feels weird with the microphone being fixed, almost like having half a full face effect. But no, it feels perfectly normal and comfortable, if anything, it is reassuring, almost like extra protection and knowing that the microphone is always there to capture everything you need to say to the driver/navigator.
To summarise, the Stilo WRC DES is the best helmet on the market for any rally crew to invest in. You only get one head, so put the best you can get on it. If it’s good enough for Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle, then it’s definitely marked my card. And if you need further verification of the importance of a good helmet and the quality of communications required in rallying; look no further than
here to see the Stilo WRC DES pushed to its limits.
Till next time!
Tommy Hayes
