After years of being utilised overseas, Shoei’s Personal Fitting System has landed down under, in what is set to be a game changing experience when it comes to buying a new helmet. The setup will be rolled out across AMX Superstore outlets first.
We were given the opportunity to participate in a live trial and toddled off to our local AMX Superstore at Tuggerah with our trusty GT-AIR 3 in hand. This helmet has been everywhere with me over the last few years.
That includes to the Himalayas and Barcelona, and has also been the victim of many track days, in addition to its everyday use. One of the main reasons for my fondness of this particular helmet is its comfort.
So when the opportunity arose to have it custom fitted, I wasn’t expecting too much of an improvement. Before we get into just how different the outcome was, let’s start with what the Shoei Personal Fitting System (PFS) is, and how it works.
Put simply, PFS is a bespoke service designed to provide custom fitting for a range of designated Shoei helmets, including the X-SPR Pro, GT-AIR 3, NXR2, Neotec 3, Glamster 06, J-Cruise 3, J.O2, Hornet ADV 06, and VFX-WR 06.
It accomplishes this by utilising measurement tools and proprietary software to individualise the fit of the helmet to the customer. Personalised custom fitting is achieved in four steps: head measurement, data analysis, test fitting and adjustment, and final installation.
The process starts with a certified PFS technician, which in our case was Shoei brand manager Damien Irwin, measuring our melon in three key dimensions. Head measurements are taken front-to-back, side-to-side and depth of your noggin.
This was particularly interesting for yours truly as he generally wears a medium-size helmet. Some of the measurements indicated that I needed to try a small. After trying it on, it didn’t fit as well as expected.
Further analysis of the data showed the ideal recommended adjustments for internal padding, and we set about refining the fit of my GT-AIR 3. A trial with adjusted crown padding and length adjustment had my Shoei fitting even better than before.
I was genuinely shocked. It felt that each part of my head was touched, with the helmet padding completely fitting my average looking head perfectly. The final installation of additional padding was made and off I waddled to begin road testing.
On the road, the helmet is perfect. The process is game changing, and as a result, I can’t say I’d wear another Shoei lid without PFS being part of the process. You also get a print out of your fitting record, should you need to transfer to a new one.
Apart from enhanced comfort, the PFS process offers improved stability, better sound insulation, custom fit and safety benefits. Considering you are spending upwards of $1K on a premium Shoei helmet, an additional $50 for custom fitting is really nothing.
Don’t stress if you’ve bought your Shoei recently either, as you can head to your local certified PFS provider and have your helmet setup for $100. The Shoei PFS experience generally takes 30–60 minutes.
It may be wise to ring ahead and make sure the certified staff member will be there when you’re intending to head in-store. To find out more you can visit the McLeod Accessories/Shoei Australia website.
