Having had it since May 2013, I think it is time I give out my reasons why I only choose the Shoei GT-Air, one of the most outstanding touring helmets in the market. I’m going to state down the factors that make this the all-time number one helmet.
Balance
Before, I never used to pay much attention on how balanced a helmet should be until I felt the difference with the Shoei GT Air helmet. Before you buy a helmet, it is important to understand that your head is the heaviest part of your body and your neck is what holds it in place.
When you put a lid on top of that, you will notice how balance is very important.
When I went to shop, I tried on a number of helmets and I realized what balance is all about. I was curious to know more about the balance each helmet had and the salesmen explained, using words I can’t really remember. But the point is I noticed a big difference when I tried on the Shoei GT Air helmet.
If you live in Melbourne then you must have realized how unpredictable the weather can be. I went out for a scoot one day to the gold fields and the weather was all great. But suddenly the crosswinds became stronger each moment and that’s when I realized how important a good balanced lid is when riding.
If you try a DS lid then chances of your head getting ripped up and off backward in a very fast headwind are high. However, the Shoei GT Air helmet has enough groovy padding to give you maximum protection and balance. Drag is almost non-existent since the airflow up and over through the helmet is just well coordinated. The best way to have a comfortable long term touring is having a helmet that makes it easy to maneuver through the winds.
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Helmet Noise
Riding from east coast to west is a long trip – but everything was quiet in the Shoei GT Air. It was so quiet I couldn’t even hear myself breath.
I must say the inner finishes are just outrageous. When you have it on, it holds your head in position. This is a whisper quiet helmet thanks to the chin curtain that ensures the fit is snug all around.
Have you ever ridden a Ducati for 10 hours a single day? If you have, then you will know the necessity of having ear plugs if you care much about your hearing. I have tried doing so without earplugs and trust me, when you go back home you will wish you had your earplugs on. I was tired of shouting in the house and telling people to repeat what they said each time they spoke. The good thing about this helmet is that you don’t really need any earplugs.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
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The heavy screen on this lid is one factor that makes this helmet have an improved sound dampening. The oval lip around the outer edges has been perfectly positioned making you feel like you are peering through a video game.
The Pinlock visor that comes with the helmet is important to all helmets. You will not see a single fog even with the lid closed, frozen snorters roaming the streets outside and warm breathing inside the lid. What makes this Pinlock different from the rest in the market is the fact that it is a bit of fiddly thing to fit but only takes ten minutes to get it right.
Internal sun shield
ProsHaving internal sun shield might seem a weird thing in a helmet but when you get used to it you will realize what a clever idea it is. I no longer wear my sunglasses when am riding. This is just the best feature for those people with sensitive eyes. You can now ride for longer hours under the sun without having to carry your sunglasses around.
ConsYou will notice that when your full face is closed, the glasses fog up pretty fast. Since the Pinlock is on the clear main screen, the sun shield screen can fog up any time in colder months or under normal breathing. However, the shield screen works just fine during summer.
Chin strap
A chin strap is an important feature in any helmet. The problem comes in when you get one that is too short or poorly padded. This can be painful and uncomfortable. Shoei GT Air helmet has long enough chin straps and well-padded as compared to other helmets.
One sole annoyance you will notice with this lid is the fact that the press stud has been put really high and I don’t know for what reasons. This makes it hard to click it in position especially if you have your gloves on.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
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They don’t call it the GT Air for noting. It feels like air to wear it. I must say this is one of the lightest helmets in the market today. They get lighter but the price also goes up, however, I think the balance and design outweighs the cost.
Design
If you are looking for a helmet with dragons, racing boards, flames or other crazy graphic designs then this may not be the helmet for you. However, you will get a strong set of colors with good looking racing stripe variations. This one to the right is a white design called the Wanderer TC-6 from Peter Stevens.
Sum it up for me.
If you have been riding for a greater part of your life then you will notice that this is an excellent top of the line touring helmet. Although the “best motorcycle helmet” is relative to your own preferences – I wouldn’t mind having another one of these.