SHOEI GT-AIR 3

Overview

Shoei helmets are highly regarded in the motorcycle community for their performance, and the GT-Air 3 is no exception. It’s engineered for long-distance touring, commuting, and even sporty rides, with a focus on minimising wind noise, maximising ventilation, and providing excellent visibility.

Design and Construction

The GT-Air 3 features a sleek, modern, and aerodynamically optimised design. Shoei has refined the shape of the helmet’s shell to improve airflow and reduce drag. It’s made from Shoei’s proprietary Multi-Ply Matrix AIM shell, a highly durable and lightweight material composed of fiberglass and organic fibers. This material enhances the overall strength of the helmet while keeping the weight to a minimum, which is crucial for comfort on long rides.

The helmet is available in a variety of colours and graphics, allowing riders to choose a style that matches their personal aesthetic. The fit and finish are top-notch, with smooth lines, consistent paintwork, and a precise, tight build that is typical of Shoei helmets. The GT-Air 3 features a modular visor system that allows riders to easily replace or swap out the visor when needed. The visor mechanism is smooth and stable, with a secure locking system to ensure the visor remains in place during high-speed riding or sudden maneuvers.

Ventilation and Aerodynamics

One of the standout features of the GT-Air 3 is its improved ventilation system. Shoei has equipped the helmet with multiple intake and exhaust vents that work in conjunction to create an effective airflow through the helmet. The system includes a chin bar vent, top vents, and exhaust vents on the rear of the helmet, all of which can be easily adjusted even while wearing gloves. This airflow helps regulate temperature, ensuring riders stay comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.

The GT-Air 3 also has an aerodynamic spoiler integrated into the rear of the shell. This spoiler reduces turbulence and minimises wind resistance at high speeds, contributing to the helmet’s stability and reducing neck strain. The helmet’s design effectively minimises lift and noise, which is crucial for riders who spend long hours on the road.

Safety Features

Safety is at the heart of Shoei’s design philosophy, and the GT-Air 3 is equipped with a range of cutting-edge safety features. It meets the DOT (Department of Transportation) and ECE 22.06 safety standards, ensuring that it provides a high level of impact protection. The outer shell is designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing the force transmitted to the rider’s head in the event of an accident.

Inside the helmet, Shoei uses a dual-layer EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner, which is designed to enhance the absorption of impact energy. This multilayer system allows for better progressive impact absorption, effectively reducing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The GT-Air 3 also features Shoei’s M.E.D.S. (Motion Energy Distribution System), a technology designed to improve rotational impact protection. M.E.D.S. helps reduce the forces transferred to the rider’s head and neck in case of a rotational impact. This system is an important addition that improves the helmet’s overall protective capabilities.

Another notable safety feature is the Pinlock® EVO lens system, which is included as standard with the GT-Air 3. The Pinlock® system prevents visor fogging, which is a common issue, especially in cold or humid conditions. It creates an airtight seal that keeps the inside of the visor fog-free, ensuring clear visibility throughout the ride. The anti-fog insert is easily removable and replaceable, and it offers a significant safety advantage in all weather conditions.

Comfort and Fit

Shoei’s focus on rider comfort is evident in the GT-Air 3, which features a plush, moisture-wicking interior lining that is designed to keep the rider cool and dry. The lining is also hypoallergenic, preventing discomfort for those with sensitive skin. The interior padding is designed for an ergonomic fit, offering a snug yet comfortable feeling around the head and neck. The helmet also comes with a 3D center pad that provides a secure fit while reducing pressure points that can cause discomfort during long rides.

The cheek pads in the GT-Air 3 are also customisable, with different thickness options available to provide the best fit for individual riders. These pads are designed to enhance comfort while also improving sound isolation. Shoei’s attention to detail ensures that the GT-Air 3 fits snugly on a wide range of head shapes.

The adjustable chin strap with a double D-ring fastener adds to the overall fit and security, ensuring the helmet stays in place no matter the conditions. The fastener is easy to adjust, even with gloves on, providing a reliable and secure closure.

Visor System and Visibility

The GT-Air 3 features an optically superior CWR-1 shield that provides excellent clarity. Shoei has worked to minimise optical distortion, ensuring that riders have an unobstructed, clear view of the road. This is particularly important for riders who spend long hours on the road, as any distortion or fogging can lead to discomfort or even safety issues. The visor can be quickly and easily removed or replaced without the need for tools.

The integrated sun visor is another notable feature of the GT-Air 3. Riders can easily deploy or retract the sun visor with a simple slider located on the side of the helmet. This visor provides excellent protection against the sun’s glare, reducing eye strain on bright days without the need for additional sunglasses.

Noise Reduction

Wind noise is often a concern for long-distance riders, and Shoei has addressed this with the GT-Air 3 by incorporating a quiet interior. The helmet’s design includes strategically placed acoustic pads and a tight seal around the neck to reduce wind noise and vibrations. This creates a quieter, more comfortable riding experience, even at higher speeds.

Additional Features

The Shoei GT-Air 3 also includes a range of other thoughtful features that enhance the overall riding experience:

1. Communication System Compatibility: The GT-Air 3 is designed to accommodate a variety of communication systems, such as the Shoei SENA SRL2, making it easy to integrate Bluetooth technology for music, phone calls, or navigation.

2. Quick Release Chin Strap: The chin strap features a quick-release mechanism, which allows for easy removal of the helmet in emergencies, a valuable safety feature.

3. Lightweight Design: The GT-Air 3 weighs around 1.63kg, making it a relatively lightweight full-face helmet compared to others in its class.

4. Shield Locking Mechanism: The visor locking system ensures that the shield stays securely in place during high-speed rides.

Conclusion

The Shoei GT-Air 3 represents a significant step forward in the world of premium touring helmets. It combines cutting-edge technology, superior safety features, enhanced comfort, and refined aerodynamics to create a helmet that’s ideal for long-distance touring and commuting, while still being versatile enough for more spirited riding. With its quiet operation, excellent ventilation, and thoughtful features like the integrated sun visor and Pinlock® anti-fog lens, the GT-Air 3 is a helmet that provides exceptional value for the serious rider who demands the best in terms of both protection and comfort.