BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92) - View Single Post - Arai GP-6 or Stilo ST4 GT Carbon?

disapr · 12-08-2011, 09:34 AM

Follow up on the helmet purchase

This is my personal opinion and I don’t mean to offend anyone that bought/uses helmet X.

I ordered the Stilo ST4 GT Carbon with Rally Communication and the Hydration adapter. The carbon fiber looks great, the helmet is super light and in theory the accessories really add value to the helmet.

I chose this helmet over the Arai because of the weight, appearance and accessories in that order.

After receiving the helmet having it for a few days I ordered the Arai GP-6 and sent the Stilo back. Before I sent the Stilo back I had both helmets side by side and below is my comparison of the two helmets.

Stilo ST4 GT Carbon

Pros

Super light, half pound lighter than the Arai
The carbon fiber looks great
It’s not white

Cons

The fit was lose for me all around even though I am exactly within the range for the Large size that I ordered based on measurements.
Peripheral visibility was greatly reduced compared to the GP-6.
The tinted visor had slight horizontal optical distortion that was pretty noticeable in bright sun when looking up and down.
The chin strap is made of a rough nylon type material that is difficult to secure with gloves on and isn’t very comfortable against your chin.
The liner/padding inside the helmet is very stiff and has more of an exacting fit vs. a surrounding fit.
The rally electronics speakers are built into noise attenuating earmuffs that press firmly and practically seal around your ears. This would probably be great for racing an open wheels racecar but in my M3 with the windows down I couldn’t hear enough to feel comfortable driving on the track. I need all of my senses. The helmet always comes with the noise attenuating earmuffs but when you don’t buy the electronics you can just remove them. However, with the electronics installed you are forced to use the earmuffs even if you aren’t using com.
The hydration adapter isn’t designed to be easily removed from the helmet and when it’s not being used it’s massively in the way.
The helmet had lose/frayed threads and overall poor build quality internally.
Only available in SA2010 (not SAH2010)
Smells like a new chevy (some may put this in the pros column but not me)

Arai GP-6

Pros

The fit is perfect, secure and matches Arai’s sizing chart
The liner/padding and strap materials are soft and comfortably conform to your face
The visor is huge, clear and provides plenty of visibility
Overall quality inside and out is very high with no visible defects
5 year warranty
SAH2010 Cert

Cons

Only available in white
Smells like glue the first couple of times you wear it

Overall I am very happy with the Arai GP-6 and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high end motorsport helmet.

I have also custom installed radio gear from Chatterbox that fits cleanly into a little pocket in the liner and doesn't otherwise impact my hearing. Plus mine is installed with velcro and is easily removable.

12-08-2011, 09:34 AM	#29
disapr drop a gear and... 79 Rep 967 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (4)	Follow up on the helmet purchase This is my personal opinion and I don’t mean to offend anyone that bought/uses helmet X. I ordered the Stilo ST4 GT Carbon with Rally Communication and the Hydration adapter. The carbon fiber looks great, the helmet is super light and in theory the accessories really add value to the helmet. I chose this helmet over the Arai because of the weight, appearance and accessories in that order. After receiving the helmet having it for a few days I ordered the Arai GP-6 and sent the Stilo back. Before I sent the Stilo back I had both helmets side by side and below is my comparison of the two helmets. Stilo ST4 GT Carbon Pros Super light, half pound lighter than the Arai The carbon fiber looks great It’s not white Cons The fit was lose for me all around even though I am exactly within the range for the Large size that I ordered based on measurements. Peripheral visibility was greatly reduced compared to the GP-6. The tinted visor had slight horizontal optical distortion that was pretty noticeable in bright sun when looking up and down. The chin strap is made of a rough nylon type material that is difficult to secure with gloves on and isn’t very comfortable against your chin. The liner/padding inside the helmet is very stiff and has more of an exacting fit vs. a surrounding fit. The rally electronics speakers are built into noise attenuating earmuffs that press firmly and practically seal around your ears. This would probably be great for racing an open wheels racecar but in my M3 with the windows down I couldn’t hear enough to feel comfortable driving on the track. I need all of my senses. The helmet always comes with the noise attenuating earmuffs but when you don’t buy the electronics you can just remove them. However, with the electronics installed you are forced to use the earmuffs even if you aren’t using com. The hydration adapter isn’t designed to be easily removed from the helmet and when it’s not being used it’s massively in the way. The helmet had lose/frayed threads and overall poor build quality internally. Only available in SA2010 (not SAH2010) Smells like a new chevy (some may put this in the pros column but not me) Arai GP-6 Pros The fit is perfect, secure and matches Arai’s sizing chart The liner/padding and strap materials are soft and comfortably conform to your face The visor is huge, clear and provides plenty of visibility Overall quality inside and out is very high with no visible defects 5 year warranty SAH2010 Cert Cons Only available in white Smells like glue the first couple of times you wear it Overall I am very happy with the Arai GP-6 and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high end motorsport helmet. I have also custom installed radio gear from Chatterbox that fits cleanly into a little pocket in the liner and doesn't otherwise impact my hearing. Plus mine is installed with velcro and is easily removable. __________________ WTB - 2006/05 ZCP 6MT M3 w/ under 85k (Link to WTB)
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