The GT-Air 2 was already capable of showing proper credentials but that didn’t stop Shoei to pull out all the stops once again for this improved successor – the GT-Air 3 – delivering once again a brand-new top-quality motorcycle helmet with ECE 22.06 certification and a couple of clever (extra) innovations.
The relatively low weight of this full-face helmet with recognisable sporty genes is due to the outer shell. The multi-layer AIM glass fibre composite (in no less than three helmet sizes for the most compact fit) has been further refined in a wind tunnel for optimal aerodynamic properties design-wise, and provided with a variety of (small) spoilers for an improved air flow. Also new – and linked to the aerodynamics – are the recesses for Sena’s SRL3 Bluetooth module, perfectly integrating it into the helmet shell. It also helps that Sena made their most recent intercom more discreet visually.
The ventilation system of the GT-Air 3 is still easy to operate, even with motorcycle gloves on. Three inlets in the front (chin, top and an additional visor setting) and no less than five exits provide a bigger and better air flow. More air, more oxygen, more aerodynamics is the main principle. And no, this does not automatically equal ‘more noise’. The GT-Air 3 is a silent helmet. More silent than its predecessor, we hear whispering. The optimal balance between airflow and silence, is what Shoei calls it.
The visor and better sealing have a lot to do with that as well. These are probably (compared to the GT-Air 2) the most striking visual changes. The (new) CNS-1C Pinlock® visor can be equipped with the provided Pinlock® right away. The closure was moved and is now in the centre. If you ride with the transparent visor in the open setting, the integrated QSV-2 sun visor will bring tranquillity and stability. It is 5 mm longer than what used to be the standard and provided with a quick closure to simplify changing visors or cleaning them. You can find the slider on the left, just below the hinge point. You’ll need to look for it the first time but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy-peasy.
The interior has been updated as well. It seems – removable, washable and almost completely customisable – to be striving for a double goal: fit well and hence, be soundproof. 3D, different materials, individual pieces that can be chosen to be thicker or thinner; Shoei seems to have spared neither cost nor effort for the interior. A wind curtain chin and the widely finished neck rim demonstrate that the details have been thought out as well. The adjustable and soft chin strap – a Micro Ratchet closure – can be brought forward for less pressure on the throat. Ow, and ‘Micro Ratchet’, that is the stainless steel ratchet closure developed and patented by Shoei themselves, which is quick and easy to use – also in case of emergency.
In one expression, we could simply call this – again – a top-quality motorcycle helmet. While adding that this really isn’t enough credit.
For maintenance of this helmet, we recommend S100 helmet and visor cleaner for the outside. To clean the interior, without removing it, you can use S100 helmet interior cleaner. New visors have received a water-repellent treatment. This treatment is less effective after some time. Restore the water-repellent effect with Rain-X anti-rain spray.
The reflective stickers that are mandatory in France to stick on the helmet are included.
Safety above all! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches or dullness cause blinding reflections of street lights and headlights of oncoming vehicles. 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 longer trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
