The new MRC Stage One EVO Mid-Air Pumper Helmet builds on the original Stage One with a redesigned shell, a stronger forced-air manifold, improved interior fitment and greater flexibility for communications equipment.
MRC introduced the original Stage One only three years ago. After collecting feedback from recreational UTV riders, the company worked with Rugged Radios to develop the Stage One EVO as a more refined helmet for dusty trail rides, desert trips and family adventures.
Chris from MRC walked us through the changes, including the new Flowhawk 2.0 Mid-Air manifold, threaded MagLock 2.0 connection, revised cheek pads and compatibility with Rugged Pro PODS.
A Redesigned Stage One Helmet
The Stage One EVO receives an updated polycarbonate/ABS shell designed to provide additional chin coverage while giving the helmet a more aggressive appearance.
MRC also eliminated the front vent used on the previous design. Closing that opening helps the helmet seal more effectively against dust, particularly when the helmet is connected to a forced-air system that maintains positive pressure inside the shell.
The helmet remains relatively light for a full-face UTV pumper helmet, with a listed weight of approximately 3.25 to 3.5 pounds depending on its size and configuration. It is DOT certified for recreational use but is not intended to be used as a racing helmet.
Flowhawk 2.0 Mid-Air Pumper Manifold
One of the most significant upgrades is the injection-molded Flowhawk 2.0 Mid-Air pumper manifold. According to MRC, the new manifold is four times more rugged and impact resistant than the previous design.
Instead of positioning the air connection directly on top of the helmet, the Mid-Air configuration moves the inlet lower on the shell. This provides more clearance between the helmet and the roof of a UTV, reducing the chance of the air fitting or hose contacting the roof while riding over rough terrain.
When connected to an onboard helmet-air system, filtered air is delivered into the helmet to help keep the rider cooler. The airflow also creates positive pressure inside the helmet, helping prevent fine dust from entering around the shield and dust skirt.
For more on how communications, full-face helmets and filtered helmet air work together, see our guide to the modern UTV communication and helmet-air system.
Riders who want a faster connection can remove the standard nozzle and thread the new MagLock 2.0 fitting directly into the helmet.
Threaded MagLock 2.0 Compatibility
The Flowhawk 2.0 manifold uses a threaded air inlet that accepts a conventional pumper-hose fitting. Riders who want a faster connection can remove the standard nozzle and thread the new MagLock 2.0 fitting directly into the helmet.
This creates an integrated magnetic hose connection rather than requiring an adapter to be installed over the standard nozzle. It allows the air hose to be connected or disconnected quickly while preserving the Stage One EVO’s low-profile Mid-Air configuration.
MRC says the Stage One EVO is currently the only pumper helmet designed for direct compatibility with the threaded MagLock 2.0 system.
New Cheek Pads and Adjustable Speaker Placement
The interior has also been redesigned with a new cheek-pad shape and fastening system. Cheek and crown pads can be removed or exchanged to adjust the fit, while the simplified attachment points make it easier to remove the padding for cleaning.
The plush comfort liner uses breathable, antimicrobial material and is completely removable and washable. That is an important feature for a helmet used during hot, dusty UTV rides, when the interior can quickly collect sweat and fine dirt.
MRC’s revised cheek architecture also gives riders more freedom to position the helmet speakers. Instead of forcing the speakers into a single location, their placement can be adjusted to better align with the rider’s ears.
Compatible with Rugged Pro PODS
Sections of the interior padding can be removed to create space for Rugged Pro PODS. These enclosed speaker pods fit around the rider’s ears to increase passive noise reduction and improve communication clarity in loud UTV cabins.
This should be particularly useful in open-cab sport UTVs where engine, wind, drivetrain and tire noise can make conversations difficult. Reducing the amount of ambient noise reaching the rider’s ears allows the intercom audio to be heard more clearly without relying entirely on additional volume.
Wired for OFFROAD and STX STEREO Intercoms
Each Stage One EVO includes a preinstalled Rugged Radios helmet kit with speakers and a microphone. The helmet wiring works with Rugged Radios OFFROAD intercom systems as well as its high-fidelity STX STEREO system when used with the appropriate cables.
The helmet can also work with other compatible stereo intercom systems, including PCI Trax, with the correct connection cable.
Pairing the integrated communications with a helmet-air system allows riders to talk with their passengers, communicate with other vehicles and receive filtered air through one helmet. Rugged Radios offers several pumper configurations, including the newer MAC4 helmet-air system.
Tool-Free Shield Changes
The Stage One EVO retains MRC’s Pop Lock shield attachment system. The shield can be removed and replaced without tools, making it easier to change between clear, tinted and specialty shields as conditions change.
The standard FogOff shield includes anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV-protective coatings. Optional photochromic shields are also available in clear-to-dark and amber-to-dark configurations.
A photochromic shield automatically darkens in sunlight and returns to its lighter state in lower light. The amber version can be particularly helpful during night rides or in flat-light conditions because the tint can improve terrain definition while still adapting to brighter daytime conditions.
Multi-Fit Sizing
Rather than requiring a unique shell and interior for every individual size, the Stage One EVO uses MRC’s Multi-Fit system. Each size range includes interchangeable cheek and crown pads that allow the interior fit to be adjusted.
| Helmet Size Range | Included Fitment Pads |
|---|---|
| Extra Small–Medium | Cheek and crown pads for XS, Small and Medium |
| Large–XXL | Cheek and crown pads for Large, XL and XXL |
| 3XL–4XL | Cheek and crown pads for 3XL and 4XL |
The interchangeable pads can help families accommodate growing riders, and they provide another way to fine-tune the helmet when the initial fit is slightly too tight or too loose. As with any helmet, riders should confirm that the shell and padding provide a secure fit before use.
MRC Stage One EVO Features
- Updated shell with increased chin coverage
- Lightweight polycarbonate/ABS construction
- Approximate weight of 3.25 to 3.5 pounds
- Injection-molded Flowhawk 2.0 Mid-Air manifold
- Threaded air inlet for MagLock 2.0 compatibility
- Forced-air ventilation system
- Improved sealing to help reduce dust intrusion
- Removable and washable antimicrobial liner
- Interchangeable cheek and crown pads
- Adjustable speaker positioning
- Rugged Pro PODS compatibility
- Rugged Radios OFFROAD and STX STEREO wiring
- FogOff anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV-protected shield
- Pop Lock tool-free shield attachment
- Optional photochromic shields
- Breathable removable dust skirt
- DOT certified for recreational use
What Comes with the Stage One EVO?
- MRC Stage One EVO Mid-Air Pumper Helmet
- Installed Rugged Radios helmet communications kit
- Removable dust skirt
- Interchangeable fitment pads for the selected size range
A More Complete Recreational UTV Helmet
The original Stage One combined a full-face recreational helmet, integrated communications and forced-air capability at an approachable price. The new Stage One EVO retains that concept while addressing many of the details that become apparent after riders spend full days using a helmet in real UTV conditions.
The stronger manifold and increased roof clearance should make the helmet better suited to tight UTV cabins. The removable interior simplifies cleaning, while adjustable speakers and Pro PODS compatibility give riders more control over communication clarity and noise reduction.
The threaded MagLock 2.0 connection may be the most convenient upgrade for riders who regularly connect and disconnect their helmet-air hose throughout the day.
The MRC Stage One EVO Mid-Air Pumper Helmet is available through Rugged Radios.
Note: The MRC Stage One EVO is a DOT-certified recreational helmet. It is not intended for racing. Riders should select safety equipment appropriate for their vehicle, riding conditions and applicable event requirements.
