11 Best Rally Racing Pace Note Holders (June 2026 Guide)

When you are sitting in the co-driver seat of a rally car screaming through a forest stage at 80 mph, the last thing you need is your pace notes flying across the cockpit. That is exactly why finding the best rally racing pace note holders matters so much to competitive co-drivers and navigators at every level of the sport.

I have spent time researching and comparing clipboards, kneeboards, route sheet holders, and dedicated pacenote books to find which ones actually hold up under real rally conditions. From muddy stage rallies in Wales to dusty desert events in the American Southwest, the right pace note holder keeps your notes legible, secure, and easy to flip through when every second counts.

In this guide, our team covers 11 products that work as rally racing pace note holders, ranging from purpose-built rally notebooks to heavy-duty clipboards and kneeboards adapted for co-driver use. Whether you are a beginner prepping for your first club rally or a seasoned navigator looking for an upgrade, there is something here for you.

Top 3 Picks for Best Rally Racing Pace Note Holders

Best Rally Racing Pace Note Holders in 2026

1. Saunders Cruiser-Mate Heavy Duty Aluminum Clipboard – Best Overall Durability

I have used the Saunders Cruiser-Mate in enough scenarios to know why it has nearly 12,000 reviews. The dual storage system gives you a shallow top tray (7/16 inch) for the pace notes you are actively reading, plus a deeper bottom compartment (1.5 inches) for spare pages, pens, and supplies. That kind of organization is a lifesaver when you need to swap between stage notes quickly during service breaks.

The recycled aluminum body feels solid in the hand and does not flex when you write on it in a moving car. Co-drivers I have spoken with appreciate that the high-capacity clip grips up to 150 sheets without slipping, even on rough terrain where vibration would shake papers loose from cheaper clips. It is also weatherproof, which matters when you are standing in the rain at a stage start waiting for your time.

One thing to keep in mind is that the aluminum on the current production run is thinner than the original versions some long-time users remember. A few reviewers mentioned it can dent if dropped onto concrete, so it is worth adding a bit of padding inside your rally bag. The metal-on-metal contact can also be noisy on hard surfaces, though that rarely matters inside a rally car.

At just under a pound and measuring 14 by 9 inches, it fits letter-size pace notes perfectly and slides easily into most co-driver bags. The Made in USA badge is a nice bonus for those who care about domestic manufacturing.

Who Should Buy This

This is the clipboard I would recommend to any co-driver who wants a tried-and-true workhorse that has been battle-tested across every industry from law enforcement to construction to motorsport. If you want something that will survive years of abuse and still keep your notes secure, the Saunders Cruiser-Mate is it.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need something that straps to your leg for hands-free use during recce, a kneeboard-style holder would be a better fit. Also, if you want something truly lightweight, this aluminum board is heavier than plastic alternatives.

2. Sooez Toughest Clipboard with Storage – Best Value Pick

The Sooez Toughest Clipboard earned its name honestly. I was impressed by the rubber corner bumpers that absorb shock when the board gets knocked around in a rally car or dropped during a frantic stage transition. With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it is one of the highest-rated clipboards available anywhere.

What makes this such a strong rally racing pace note holder is the thoughtful internal design. The real hinge with a tight snap closure keeps your pace notes and spare pages protected from dust and moisture. Inside, there is a nylon pen pouch with three separate compartments, which is perfect for holding different colored pens, a pen clip for your pacenote book, and a backup writing instrument.

The water-resistant construction means rain at a stage start or water splashing through a ford crossing will not ruin your notes. Sooez designed it without a back hole, which prevents water from seeping through. That is a small detail that makes a big difference when you are standing in a downpour waiting for your turn at the start line.

The high-impact plastic construction weighs about 1.9 pounds, which is a bit heftier than some options but the trade-off is genuine durability. It holds up to 50 sheets in the clip and accepts standard letter and A4 paper sizes.

Who Should Buy This

The Sooez is the ideal pick for co-drivers who want maximum durability and storage at a reasonable mid-range price. It hits the sweet spot between budget and premium, and the shockproof design is perfect for rough rally environments.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you prefer the rigidity and premium feel of aluminum, the Saunders Cruiser-Mate might suit you better. And if you need a board that straps to your leg for recce work, look at the kneeboard options instead.

3. Rite in The Rain Monsoon Command Desk – Best Weatherproof Option

Rally events in the rain are where the Rite in The Rain Monsoon Command Desk truly shines. This is not just water-resistant; it is fully waterproof thanks to the TPU material and welded seams that keep every drop out. If you have ever watched your pace notes turn into soggy pulp during a rainy stage, you understand why this matters.

With 600 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this command desk has proven itself in environments far harsher than rally stages. Military users, marine researchers, and outdoor professionals all rely on it. The 200-sheet capacity means you can carry notes for an entire multi-day rally without running out of room. Two waterproof zippers and two exterior pen holders keep everything organized and accessible.

The elastic sheet-retention strip holds your active pace notes flat against the writing surface even when the car is bouncing over jumps. There is also a rear hang loop so you can clip it to the roll cage or door panel in the rally car for quick access. At about 2 pounds, it has some heft but the trade-off is genuine all-weather protection.

My only real complaint is that the document retention strap can interfere with writing when you are flipping through pages quickly. A few users also mentioned that the interior storage could use dedicated pockets instead of one open compartment.

Who Should Buy This

If you rally in the UK, Pacific Northwest, or anywhere that rain is a regular part of the experience, this is the pace note holder you want. The waterproof construction is genuinely the best in class.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If your events are primarily dry and dusty, a simpler aluminum clipboard like the Saunders will save you money and weight. The premium construction is overkill for fair-weather rallying.

4. FlyBoys Reversible Kneeboard – Best for Co-Driver Leg Mount

The FlyBoys Reversible Kneeboard is the gold standard for anyone who needs a pace note holder that straps to their leg. Military pilots have been using this exact design for years, and it translates beautifully to rally co-driving during recce runs and stage note writing. The 5 by 8 inch clipboard flexes to match the curve of your leg, giving you a stable writing surface even when you are bouncing along a stage road.

What sets this apart is the fully reversible design. Whether you are left-handed or right-handed, you can reconfigure the entire layout so the pen holder, eyelet strip, and accessories sit exactly where you want them. The seven-eyelet strip is perfect for securing pace note refills or stage maps with binder clips.

The 600D nylon construction is tough enough to survive being stuffed in a rally bag between stages. The stretchable elastic leg strap uses Velcro closures and adjusts to fit most leg sizes. However, several reviewers with smaller legs mentioned the strap can feel loose, so you may need to add some extra Velcro or wear it over thicker clothing.

At about 0.5 pounds, it is one of the lighter options in this roundup. The phone pouch is a nice idea in theory, but it does not fit modern larger phones, so you will need to use it for smaller items like a stopwatch or timer instead.

Who Should Buy This

This is the best rally racing pace note holder for co-drivers who write notes during recce with the board strapped to their leg. If you need hands-free note-taking while navigating a stage road, nothing else compares to the FlyBoys.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you prefer a rigid clipboard that sits on your lap or the dash, and do not need the leg strap, the Saunders or Sooez options offer better value. Also, the 5 by 8 inch size is smaller than letter size, which may not work for everyone.

5. VFR Pilot Kneeboard by Destination Departure – Best Budget Kneeboard

The VFR Pilot Kneeboard by Destination Departure brings aviation-grade aluminum construction to a surprisingly affordable price point. With nearly 700 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it is one of the most popular kneeboard options available. While it was designed for pilots, it works well as a rally pace note holder during recce and stage note preparation.

The 5.5 by 8 inch aluminum writing surface gives you a firm, unbending platform for writing pace notes even in a moving vehicle. The wide elastic strap with hook-and-loop closure wraps around your leg and stays put. I found the integrated pen holder particularly useful for keeping a pen within reach at all times, which is critical when you are writing notes as fast as the driver calls them.

The VFR reference data printed on the faceplate (light gun signals, transponder codes) is obviously designed for pilots and will not be useful for rally co-drivers. That said, it does not interfere with writing, and you can always cover it with a blank sheet if it bothers you. The aluminum body weighs just 0.13 kilograms, making it one of the lightest options here.

The main limitation is the smaller 5.5 by 8 inch paper size. If your team uses full letter-size pace note pages, this will not accommodate them. But for co-drivers who write in smaller notebooks or half-letter format, the size is actually perfect for leg-mounted use.

Who Should Buy This

This is the best entry-level kneeboard for rally co-drriers on a tight budget who need a rigid writing surface that straps to their leg. It is ideal for recce and note-writing sessions.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need full letter-size support or want more storage and customizability, the FlyBoys kneeboard is the step-up option. The smaller paper size is the main limitation here.

6. Enduro Engineering Side Load Route Sheet Holder – Best Handlebar Mount

The Enduro Engineering Side Load Route Sheet Holder is the only product in this roundup designed specifically for handlebar mounting. If you are navigating on a motorcycle or dual-sport in an enduro or road rally, this is the tool built for the job. The polycarbonate casing keeps your route sheets visible while protecting them from mud, rain, and roost.

The side-load design means you can feed route sheets through without removing the holder from the handlebars. Billet aluminum knobs let you tension the clear cover so your notes stay readable even at speed through whoops and rough terrain. The holder accommodates paper up to 2.25 inches wide, which covers standard enduro roll charts.

With 132 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it is a proven piece of equipment in the off-road community. The main complaint across reviews is the included mounting hardware. The hose clamp and rubber sleeve that come in the box are low quality, and many users end up fabricating their own mounting brackets or upgrading the hardware. The knobs can also be stiff when cold or muddy.

If you compete in TSD rallies, enduro events, or any motorcycle-based rally that uses paper route sheets, this is a must-have piece of co-driver navigation equipment. It is not relevant for car-based co-drivers, but for bike navigators it fills a role that nothing else does.

Who Should Buy This

Motorcycle rally navigators and enduro riders who need a way to read route sheets while riding should buy this. It is the best handlebar-mounted option available for paper-based navigation.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Car co-drivers will get no use from this handlebar mount. If you navigate from the passenger seat, any of the clipboard or kneeboard options in this guide will serve you better.

7. Aihontai Waterproof PVC Clipboard – Best Rain Protection on a Budget

The Aihontai Waterproof Clipboard delivers genuine weather protection at a price that is hard to beat. With 378 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it has earned its place as a reliable wet-weather option. The PVC construction is completely waterproof, and users in Seattle and other rainy climates report that it keeps papers bone-dry even in heavy downpours.

The metal spring fastener is rated for over 10,000 uses, which translates to years of rally events without the clip wearing out. It holds up to 100 sheets, which is enough for most single-day rallies. The retractable hanging loop is handy for clipping it to a hook in the service area or hanging it from the roll cage during transit sections.

What I like about this board for rally use is the combination of full letter-size support and lightweight construction. At just 14.4 ounces, it is lighter than the aluminum Saunders while still offering weather protection that aluminum alone cannot match. The Velcro front closure and back clip give you two ways to secure papers.

The main gripe is the clip lever design. Several reviewers noted that opening the clip can be awkward, and you sometimes need to reach inside the cover to release it. That can be frustrating when you are trying to swap pace note pages quickly between stages. It is a minor annoyance but worth knowing about.

Who Should Buy This

Co-drivers who rally in wet conditions and want weather protection without paying for the premium Rite in The Rain Monsoon desk should strongly consider this. It covers the basics well at a reasonable price.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want internal storage for spare pens and supplies, the Sooez or Saunders offer that. This is a straightforward clipboard without extra compartments, which keeps it light but limits organization.

8. Fullhawl Reversible Kneeboard – Best Budget Reversible Option

The Fullhawl Reversible Kneeboard gives you most of the features of the FlyBoys at roughly half the price. It uses the same reversible concept so left-handed and right-handed co-drivers can both use it comfortably. The seven-eyelet strip lets you secure pace note pages or stage maps with binder clips, and the strip is removable if you prefer a cleaner layout.

With 56 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it is a newer product that is still building its reputation. Reviewers consistently mention that it feels comparable to premium alternatives at a fraction of the cost. The stainless steel spring clips hold notes securely, and the quality nylon fabric construction should hold up to regular rally use.

The biggest complaint is the leg strap sizing. Multiple reviewers noted that the strap runs large and may not fit snugly on average or smaller legs without some DIY modification. Adding extra Velcro or wearing the board over a thicker driving suit can help. Some users also noted that the plastic clipboard insert does not flex as smoothly as the FlyBoys version.

Despite those issues, the Fullhawl is a solid choice for co-drriers who want the kneeboard form factor without spending premium money. The 5 by 8 inch clipboard size matches the FlyBoys and works well with half-letter pace note formats.

Who Should Buy This

Co-drivers on a budget who want a reversible kneeboard for recce and note-writing should consider the Fullhawl. It covers the essential features without the premium price tag.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want the most durable and proven kneeboard, the FlyBoys is worth the extra cost. The Fullhawl is good for the price but makes some compromises in strap quality and clipboard flexibility.

9. QuickCar Racing Products Aluminum Clipboard – Best for Timing

The QuickCar Racing Products clipboard is the only product in this roundup designed specifically for motorsport timing. The sloped top section has integrated stopwatch mounts, which makes it the best rally racing pace note holder for co-drriers who still use mechanical or traditional timing equipment alongside their pace notes.

The aluminum construction is sturdy and provides a stiff writing surface. The sloped design angles the board toward you, which makes reading pace notes easier when the board is sitting flat on your lap. At letter size, it accommodates full-size pace note pages without any trimming. The metal clip holds paper securely, and the overall stiffness of the aluminum means you can write on it confidently even in a vibrating rally car.

The main drawback is the small review count. Only 2 reviews means there is limited community feedback to draw from. However, those 2 reviews both give it 5 stars, and QuickCar is a well-known name in racing supplies. The large branded emblem on the front is a minor annoyance that can be covered with a sticker or tape if it bothers you.

Who Should Buy This

Co-drriers who use stopwatches alongside pace notes will appreciate the integrated mounting. It is also a good pick for anyone who wants a motorsport-specific clipboard with a proven brand name behind it.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you do not need stopwatch mounting, the Saunders Cruiser-Mate gives you similar aluminum quality with dual storage for less money. The QuickCar is really designed for the timing-specific use case.

10. Rite in The Rain Weatherproof Field Desk – Best Portable Writing Station

The Rite in The Rain Field Desk is a compact writing station that folds flat and includes a built-in storage drawer. At 16 by 9.75 inches, it holds full letter-size pace notes and gives you a solid writing surface. The Polydura plastic construction is weatherproof and holds up well in wet conditions, though it is not as rigid as the aluminum Saunders board.

What makes this useful for rally co-drivers is the storage drawer. You can keep spare pens, a pen clip, erasers, and backup pace note pages in the drawer so everything is in one place. When you are packing for a rally weekend, having your entire note-taking setup consolidated into a single unit saves space and prevents you from forgetting essentials.

The NSN (National Stock Number) approval tells you this product meets military durability standards. While it was designed for field operations rather than motorsport, the requirements are surprisingly similar: it needs to survive rough handling, wet conditions, and constant use in demanding environments.

Stock can be limited, so if you see it available it is worth grabbing. The 600 combined reviews and 4.7-star rating reflect the broader Rite in The Rain product line, which is consistently excellent for outdoor writing needs.

Who Should Buy This

Co-drriers who want a portable writing station with built-in storage and all-weather durability should consider this. It is especially good for rally school instructors and co-drivers who travel to events and need a compact, self-contained note setup.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need maximum rigidity for writing in a moving vehicle, aluminum boards like the Saunders or QuickCar will serve you better. The Polydura plastic has some flex, which can be noticeable on rough roads.

11. Rally Pacenotes Notebook by Jani Tulonen – Best Dedicated Pacenotes Book

The Rally Pacenotes Notebook by Jani Tulonen is the only product in this roundup that is specifically designed as a rally pacenote book rather than an adapted clipboard or kneeboard. Published in February 2025, it is a 120-page notebook in a 6 by 9 inch format that is sized for co-driver use during recce and competition.

At just 8.3 ounces, it is the lightest option here. The compact size means it fits easily into a co-driver bag, a door pocket, or even a jacket pocket during recce walks. The format is straightforward: pages designed for writing pace notes for every special stage, which eliminates the need to set up your own page layout.

The main caveat is that the one existing review mentions the pages are essentially blank sheets rather than having a structured grid or column layout for organized note-taking. For some co-drivers, that freedom is actually a plus since they can use their own shorthand system without being constrained by a pre-printed layout. For others who want more structure, you might prefer pairing this with a clipboard holder like the Saunders or Sooez.

As the most affordable option in this guide, it is a low-risk way to try out a dedicated rally notebook format. If it works for your note-taking style, great. If not, you can always use it as a backup practice book and invest in one of the more feature-rich holders above.

Who Should Buy This

Beginner co-drivers and rally drivers who want an inexpensive, purpose-built notebook for writing pace notes. It is also a good backup book to keep in your rally kit for extra stages or emergencies.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need a hard writing surface, weather protection, or storage for supplies, you need a clipboard or kneeboard instead. This is a softcover notebook, not a holder, so it works best combined with a separate writing surface.

How to Choose the Right Rally Pace Note Holder

Picking the right pace note holder comes down to how you work as a co-driver and what kind of events you compete in. Here are the key factors that our team recommends considering before making your choice.

Mounting Style: Clipboard, Kneeboard, or Handlebar

The biggest decision is how you want to interact with your notes. Clipboards like the Saunders and Sooez sit on your lap or the dashboard and give you a large, flat writing surface. Kneeboards like the FlyBoys and VFR Pilot strap to your leg, which frees your hands during recce when you need to write while the car is moving. Handlebar mounts like the Enduro Engineering are only for motorcycle-based rally and enduro competition.

Many experienced co-drivers actually use both: a kneeboard for recce and a clipboard for the actual rally stages. The kneeboard lets you write notes hands-free during the recce pass, and the clipboard gives you a bigger, more stable platform for reading notes during competition stages.

Size and Paper Compatibility

Most rally teams use either letter-size (8.5 by 11 inches) or half-letter (5.5 by 8.5 inches) pace notes. Make sure your holder matches your preferred paper size. The Saunders, Sooez, Aihontai, QuickCar, and Rite in The Rain options all support full letter size. The FlyBoys, Fullhawl, and VFR Pilot kneeboards work with 5 by 8 or 5.5 by 8 inch formats. The Rally Pacenotes Notebook is 6 by 9 inches.

Community discussions on Reddit and SpecialStage consistently recommend notes written about 1 inch tall and well-spaced for readability at speed. Larger paper gives you more room per page, but smaller formats are easier to handle in tight rally car cockpits.

Weather Resistance

If you rally in wet climates, weather protection is not optional. The Rite in The Rain Monsoon Command Desk offers the highest level of waterproofing with welded TPU seams. The Aihontai PVC clipboard is a solid budget alternative for rain protection. The Saunders aluminum clipboard is weather-resistant but not waterproof; water can seep in through the edges.

For dry climate events, weather resistance matters less and you can prioritize other features like storage capacity or weight.

Durability and Build Quality

Rally cars vibrate, bounce, and occasionally roll. Your pace note holder needs to survive all of that. Aluminum construction (Saunders, QuickCar, VFR Pilot kneeboard) provides maximum rigidity and durability. High-impact plastic (Sooez) with shock-absorbing bumpers is also excellent. Nylon fabric kneeboards (FlyBoys, Fullhawl) are durable in a different way: they flex rather than denting or cracking.

The Reddit rally community strongly recommends spiral-bound pacenote books with hard covers for stability when writing in the car. If you use a clipboard-style holder, pair it with a spiral-bound pacenote book for the best combination of stability and easy page turns.

Storage and Organization

Multi-day rallies require a lot of notes. Holders with built-in storage like the Saunders (dual compartments), Sooez (internal pen pouch), and Rite in The Rain Field Desk (storage drawer) keep everything organized in one place. Kneeboards with eyelet strips (FlyBoys, Fullhawl) let you clip spare pages directly to the board so they are always within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

After reviewing all 11 options, our top pick for the best rally racing pace note holders remains the Saunders Cruiser-Mate for its unmatched durability and nearly 12,000 positive reviews. The Sooez Toughest Clipboard offers the best value with shockproof construction and storage at a mid-range price. For wet-weather rallying, the Rite in The Rain Monsoon Command Desk is the gold standard.

Co-drivers who need a hands-free leg-mounted option should look at the FlyBoys Reversible Kneeboard for premium quality or the Fullhawl for a budget-friendly alternative. And motorcycle rally navigators will find the Enduro Engineering Route Sheet Holder is the only handlebar-mounted option worth considering. Whatever your rally discipline and budget, there is a pace note holder in this guide that will keep your notes secure and legible when it matters most.