Here’s a sneak peek at the brand-new Shoei GT Air motorcycle helmet!
We only had time to take some quick photos and about 20 minutes of handling of this pre-production sample before it went back.
But a final production version is on the way from Shoei and we’ll have a full webBikeWorld review as soon as possible.
[UPDATE:Shoei GT Air review now posted!]In the meantime, I can tell you that the new GT Air is beautifully made.
It has a new top venting system that appears to be an evolution of the system found on the award-winning, SHARP 5-Star rated Shoei Qwest (review), our webBikeWorld Motorcycle Helmet of the Year for 2010.
Also, the internal sun visor seems to have excellent coverage and rotates all the way down to the top of the chin bar, a good sign!
In the Shoei hierarchy, the GT Air slots below the Shoei Neotec (review) and above the Shoei RF-1100 (review), with the Shoei X-12 (review) holding down the top spot in the lineup.
This GT Air is a size large.
The helmet is made in three shell sizes and this size large is marked as a 59-60 cm but it apparently runs very small, because this one fits more like an M than and L.
I could barely fit it on my 60.5 cm head and it was painful to remove it, so keep that in mind when ordering. The GT Air coming from Shoei is a size XL and I’ll report on that when it arrives.
Also, the helmet feels light but weighed in at 1727 grams, currently placing it at number 143 of 201 helmets weighed for webBikeWorld reviews and previews on the webBikeWorld Motorcycle Helmet Weights page.
That’s not too bad actually and it puts the GT Air around the same weight as the Nolan N-104 flip-up (review).
Here’s a quick slide show of the Shoei GT Air, then some basic information from Shoei. That will have to do for now; we’ll have a full review as soon as possible.
Shoei GT Air Specifications
(Note: Adapted and edited from Shoei GT Air press information)
Internal Sun Visor
The GT Air has a convenient flip-down internal sun shield, free-flowing yet easily adjustable ventilation system, superior aerodynamics, and a Pinlock Anti-Fog System included.
The GT-Air comes equipped with a built-in QSV-1 sun shield, giving riders instant relief from sun glare in one quick motion. A large, easily located switch activates the 3D injection-molded inner shield, and the distortion-free view blocks 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays just like the CNS-1 external shield that lies ahead.
Unique to Shoei, the forehead area of the outer shell is raised slightly to accommodate the internal sun shield, allowing for the integrity of the helmet’s inner EPS liner to remain intact.
The QSV-1 Sun Shield Exceeds the ANSI Z80.3-2010 Standard for Non-Prescription Eyewear.
Face Shield
The larger CNS-1 face shield on the GT Air provides a wider and taller field of vision than its predecessor.
Additionally, the CNS-1 protects against 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, and Shoei’s 3D injection-molding process ensures a distortion-free view throughout the entire field of vision.
Coupled with the QR-N base plate system, shield changes and base plate function have never been smoother. The spring-loaded base plates pull the shield back against the dual-lip window beading to ensure a wind and waterproof seal with each and every closure.
Shell Sizes and Head Size Range
The shell comes in three sizes across the head size range of XS to XXL. It is the Shoei AIM shell construction, combining fiberglass with organic fibers.
Ventilation
Utilizing the Shoei wind tunnel to help reveal the optimal balance between airflow and silence, Shoei engineers equipped the new GT-Air with a large lower vent shutter.
This allows ease of use with riding gloves, a strategically-placed, three position upper vent for optimal air intake, and uniquely-positioned upper exhaust outlet vents to take better advantage of negative pressure suction.
All of this yields dramatically-improved cool-air intake and hot-air expulsion.
Helmet Liner
Fully Removable Interior System The GT-Air is equipped with a fully removable, washable, and replaceable 3D Max-Dry interior system.
The 3D center pad components are three-dimensionally shaped to match the contours of a rider’s head, allowing for an extremely comfortable fit while maintaining the firm hold necessary for distraction-free, high-speed riding.
Additionally, the GT-Air’s 3D-shaped cheek pads are available in different thicknesses for a customizable fit. As if that wasn’t enough, Shoei’s exclusive Max-Dry liner material absorbs and dissipates sweat and moisture twice as fast as traditional Nylon interiors.
Miscellaneous Details
The chin curtain can be inserted into the lower edge of the chin bar to reduce wind turbulence and noise.
The breath guard can be inserted into the upper edge of the chin bar to help reduce fogging by diverted exhausted breath down out the bottom of the helmet.
Warranty
The GT Air has a 5-Year Warranty from date of purchase and 7-Year Warranty from helmet manufacture date, whichever comes first.
UPDATE: Shoei GT Air review now posted!
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