Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon Helmet Review — Worth It for Sim Racing?
TL;DR
The Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon is a full-face FIA and Snell-approved carbon fibre racing helmet priced at £1,408 from SimTorque. It is lighter than most helmets at its price point, exceptionally well-finished and carries dual homologation covering both circuit and GT racing. For sim racers who want a serious motorsport helmet that is used in real professional racing, the ST5 GTN is a compelling alternative to the Bell RS7 Carbon — slightly less expensive, with a distinct Italian character and a refined fit that many users prefer. Verdict: 9/10
What is the Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon?
The Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon is part of Stilo's flagship ST5 range — a family of full-face helmets designed for circuit and GT racing, used by professional drivers across European championships, endurance racing and touring car series. The GTN designation refers to the Grand Touring Nurburgring specification — a helmet optimised for GT car cockpits, with a chin bar geometry and visor opening designed for the driving position and sightlines specific to GT racing.
For sim racers, the GT racing connection is directly relevant. The driving position in a full-motion sim rig — particularly those using proper FIA racing seats — closely mirrors a GT car cockpit, with a more reclined seating angle and a lower driving position than single-seater cars. The ST5 GTN's design is therefore well-suited to sim racing use in a way that some open-wheel focused helmets are not.
Stilo was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Their helmets are used extensively in the World Rally Championship, FIA GT Championship and across European touring car and GT series. The quality of engineering reflects that professional motorsport background at every level of the product.
Specifications
FIA Certification — FIA 8859-2015 Snell Certification — SA2020 Shell material — Carbon fibre Weight — Approximately 1,200g (size medium) Interior — Removable and washable comfort liner Visor — Anti-scratch polycarbonate, quick-release mechanism HANS device — Compatible UK price — £1,408 from SimTorque
Build Quality and First Impressions
The ST5 GTN Carbon arrives in a quality carry bag. The carbon fibre shell finish is clean and consistent — a clear weave pattern with a lacquered surface that looks genuinely premium rather than functional. Picking it up for the first time, the weight is immediately noticeable. At approximately 1,200g in size medium, the ST5 GTN Carbon is among the lighter helmets in its class.
The chin strap mechanism uses a double D-ring system — the standard for FIA-certified motorsport helmets — and is straightforward to use once familiar with it. The quick-release visor mechanism operates smoothly and the visor sits flush with no optical distortion in the centre of the field of view.
The interior comfort liner is dense and well-shaped. Stilo uses a specific foam density in the cheek pads that provides close lateral support without creating pressure points during extended wear — important for sim racing use where sessions can run for several hours.
Fit and Comfort for Sim Racing
Stilo helmets are built on an intermediate oval shell form — slightly rounder than Bell's standard oval. This suits a wide range of head shapes but sim racers with particularly narrow heads may find the fit slightly less snug at the crown than they prefer. If possible, compare sizing against Stilo's fitting guide before ordering.
The GT-specific chin bar geometry means the ST5 GTN sits well in a reclined sim racing seat position. Looking down at pedals does not require an uncomfortable chin-to-chest movement. The visor bottom sits at a natural eyeline for a reclined driving position — a detail that makes a practical difference in long sessions.
Ventilation is managed through channels in the carbon shell and a forehead vent above the visor. In a stationary sim racing cockpit without active airflow, the ST5 GTN runs warm over extended sessions. This is not unique to Stilo — all closed-face racing helmets face the same challenge in static use. A small desk fan directed at the helmet opening resolves the issue for most sim racers.
Stilo ST5 GTN vs Bell RS7 Carbon — Which Should You Choose?
These two helmets are the natural comparison at this price level — both FIA-certified carbon fibre circuit racing helmets, priced within £40 of each other on the SimTorque range.
The Bell RS7 Carbon (£1,369) holds dual FIA certification including FIA 8860-2018 — the Formula 1 standard — in addition to FIA 8859-2015. The Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon (£1,408) is certified to FIA 8859-2015 and Snell SA2020, but does not carry the 8860 certification.
For sim racing purposes, this certification difference is not a practical concern — neither standard is required by any sim racing regulation. Both represent the same high build quality commitment.
The practical differences that do matter for sim racers are fit and character. Stilo's intermediate oval shell suits many head shapes extremely well and the ST5 GTN's GT-specific geometry is genuinely better suited to a reclined sim cockpit than some other helmets. Bell's RS7 Carbon uses a standard oval form and its dual 8860 certification represents the more demanding engineering standard.
If you have tried both and the Stilo fits better, buy the Stilo. If fit is equal, the Bell's higher certification level gives it a marginal technical edge.
View the Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon at SimTorque — https://simtorque.co.uk/products/stilo-st5-gtn-carbon-helmet-fiasnell-approved
View all Stilo helmets at SimTorque — https://simtorque.co.uk/collections/stilo
Is It Worth £1,408 for Sim Racing?
Yes — at £1,408 the Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon is correctly priced for a dual-certified professional carbon racing helmet with the quality of construction and motorsport pedigree it offers. It is an exceptional piece of equipment that will last for years and is suitable for both sim racing and real track day use.
View the Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon at SimTorque — https://simtorque.co.uk/products/stilo-st5-gtn-carbon-helmet-fiasnell-approved
FAQ
Is the Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon suitable for track days as well as sim racing? Yes. FIA 8859-2015 certification is accepted at circuit motorsport venues and most UK track day operators. The ST5 GTN is a dual-purpose purchase that works for both sim racing and real-car use.
How does the Stilo ST5 GTN fit compared to Bell helmets? Stilo builds on an intermediate oval shell, Bell on a standard oval. Sim racers whose head shape fits an intermediate oval typically find Stilo's comfort and lateral support superior. Both brands recommend trying before buying where possible — use each manufacturer's head measurement guide if ordering online.
Does the Stilo ST5 GTN work with a HANS device? Yes — the ST5 GTN Carbon is HANS-compatible with standard FIA-approved HANS devices. The chin bar geometry accommodates HANS clips correctly.
Is free UK delivery available on the Stilo ST5 GTN from SimTorque? Yes — all Stilo helmets at SimTorque include free UK mainland delivery.
What sizes are available for the Stilo ST5 GTN Carbon? Multiple sizes are available. Measure the circumference of your head at the widest point and compare against Stilo's size guide. Stilo sizing runs slightly different from Bell — consult the size chart carefully before ordering.