Shoei have launched the long awaited GT-AIR 3 which is now available in Australia from this week. Exceeding the latest ECE22.06 safety certifications, it features reduced wind noise and exceptional ventilation.
Crafted with sleek lines and tested with an inhouse wind tunnel for supreme aerodynamics, the GT-AIR 3 is a sports touring helmet at heart, but is just as at home on a commute, through busy city streets, or hitting the apex on a track day.
“The GT-AIR name has been a benchmark for premium performance for years, and somehow the GT-AIR 3 improves on its iconic predecessor,” Shoei Australia brand manager Damien Irwin said.
“The chin strap is smaller, vision is wider, ventilation is stronger; they’re only small changes but make a significant difference that I think both Shoei fans and those looking to upgrade to the world’s finest will appreciate,” he added.
“I’ve personally had a GT-AIR 2 for years and loved the low noise and comfort; I cannot believe Shoei has managed to improve the fit, feel and comfort even further.”
Shoei’s improvements were driven by two factors; ensuring the premium aerodynamics and styling remained, and incorporating the requirements of the new ECE22.06 certifications. The latter now requires helmets to pass additional tests.
These include using random points of impact, with a mix of directional and rotational impacts. As a result, helmets across the industry are now safer but can also be significantly larger and heavier.
The Shoei GT-AIR II surpassed the previous ECE 22.05 by such a margin that the GT-AIR 3 has only gained a small increase in size along with a few grams in weight, and all while maintaining safety standards.
The GT-AIR 3’s internal liner is made with a multi-density EPS foam, providing excellent shock absorption. The outer shell is the first line of defence, reducing and absorbing shock with its AIM five-layer composite, utilising fibreglass and organic fibres.
For Shoei’s designers, this meant a new challenge to ensure the GT-AIR 3 sliced through the air like a warm knife through butter. This has been achieved with an integrated spoiler, shaping on the chin bar and base, and a fluid design.
Improved helmet aerodynamics led to a change in visors, with the GT-AIR 3 sporting a larger field of view, centre locking mechanism, new indents allowing a ‘slightly open’ setting to prevent fogging, and new wind noise reducing vortex generators.
In the case of the latter functionality, Damien was quick to point out many riders don’t realise the wind going past the helmet isn’t where you’ll hear the most noise.
“A lot of it comes from the base of the helmet between your neck and the padding. That’s where the 3D neck roll comes into play. Not only is it super soft, which adds to the overall comfort of the helmet, but it creates a better seal than previously, blocking the wind for a quieter ride.”
Aerodynamics also played a role in the integration of the Shoei Comlink communications system. Like its predecessor, the GT-AIR 3 features the ability to install a SENA SRL-3 (sold separately), with no external units or distraction to the helmet design or aero.
Utilising a combination of Mesh and Bluetooth technologies, it can connect into a group ride, stream music and make following GPS directions a breeze. A dedicated internal space hides the wiring, speakers, antenna and the battery.
The GT-AIR 3 also maximises ventilation. From the massive scoop on top to the chin and brow vents, you can feel the plumes of air burrowing over your head and out the rear exhaust vents. There’s even insect mesh to keep the bugs out.
Sized from XS to 2XL, and utilising three shell sizes, the GT-AIR 3 features an internal sun visor, six tint options of the external visor, five solid colours and two graphics, with more to come. Available now, it’s priced from $1,249.95 at your local motorcycle or gear retailer.
