The implementation of a new motorcycle helmet test and the certification that goes with that forced the manufacturers of motorcycle helmets to dive into their test centre or lab once again. This Glamster 06 is the result of that: practically the same motorbike helmet as the ‘regular’ Glamster but one that effortlessly passed the ECE 22.06-certification.
The Glamster 06 by SHOEI is still a minimalistic helmet. Tight. Light. Vintage – take a look at the chin guard – and yet, perfect for daily use. Because, in contradiction to an actual retro helmet from the sixties, the design is a camouflage for lots of modern-day comfort. And this includes the latest safety standards.
SHOEI calls this series the ‘Neo-classic’. We understand why. There’s a clear nostalgia for the full-face helmets of the fifties and sixties. Even the Dunlop brothers wore a similar model in the eighties: compact, straight-lined, slender chin piece. Not too many frills. Functional and effective. So, new-classic. With especially a very secure interpretation of the word ‘new’.
The SHOEI Glamster is a conscious style choice, that’s for sure. One that isn’t at the expense of modern assets.
There are three helmet shells to contain all helmet sizes (from XS to XLL). The technology is called AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) and is exclusive to SHOEI: lightweight, rigid and still elastic where needed. Underneath, there are EPS elements with a variety of shock-absorbing levels. Like a modern helmet should be, actually. The scales tip at 1300 grams. Light!
The visor is one that tends to go both ways: the shape – look at the recess on the side – as well as the slide-click-pull-lip feel very retro. Visually but also when you’re opening and closing the transparent (CPB-1V) visor. Regardless, there’s a very contemporary Pinlock®-lens supplied in the box. The visor closes neatly around the edge of the facial recess, minimising turbulence and unwanted rain drops or ventilation. Finally, you can’t hear an orchestra of loose metal studs rattling inside the Glamster 06, an ailment sometimes suffered by other retro motorcycle helmets.
So going both ways is not a bad thing. It mainly illustrates the successful pairing between ‘now’ and ‘then’. Also minimalistic, tight, literally straightforward and yet functional is the ventilation SHOEI put in the Glamster 06.
The chin ventilation consists of four open, ‘meshed’ stripes and on top of the helmet, you can choose whether to let wind in or not.
The interior of the Glamster 06 is washable and the (different sizes of) cheek pads can be disassembled/changed for just about every possible combination. Easy to maintain and neatly finished into the leather neck rim. It contributes – once again – to the retro style. Just like the double D-closure that’s there for that reason (too).
The chin curtain found in the box is another more recent invention. It fits the EQRS (Emergency Quick release-system), which allows the helmet to be removed more easily in case of emergency.
To clean the outside of your helmet we can recommend S100the helmet cleaner . The helmet interior can also be cleaned, without removing it, with S100 interior cleaner. A treatment on the outside of the visor with Rain-X anti-rain spray improves visibility during rain showers.
Safety above all! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches cause blinding reflections from street lights and oncoming headlights. This effect is even more pronounced in rainy weather. It is best to replace a scratched or dull visor as soon as possible. Planning a long trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
