New Shoei GT Air II - Full Road Test & Review

[@mack22x]

I went from the GT air 1 to the 2. Recently had a rear tire blowout and needless to say it wasn't pretty but this helmet 100% saved my life. Took a nasty hit to the back left of my head. Helmets gone but i'm alive. I also rode from California to Alabama on an Indian with no wind screen. This is helmet works great in the city and the highway. Very little fogging and great sound. I got mine a bit smaller than normal to get a tighter fit for highways speeds. Lastly, I literally get stopped daily by people shopping asking to look at my helmet. Weird but I love it. I was using the GT Air 2 Redux, the matte black with the red stripe. Cost is worth it but most insurance companies won't cover anything over 500$ for those type of guys.

[@mancavemoto]

I still wear mine regularly and really enjoy it. Interestingly on my Tiger, its the most noisy of my Shoei's. not horribly, but still the noisiest....

[@tonymontana897]

I think the integration of the tinted visor within the shell is a stroke of genius !!

[@BruskiMcBuddyShow]

Excellent review! I’ve watched dozens of reviews in this segment of helmets and your review really stood out with the most useful information. Thank you!

[@mancavemoto]

Much appreciated!

[@alanhassall]

Living in the US, I’m kind of jealous of your authorized dealers. Here, the places where I find helmets don’t know the first thing about them and they will charge me for any replacement pads that I need. Nice review.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, we have our fair share of those types of retailers too though!

[@sleepyheadfpv1507]

I already commented on this video offering my take on this helmet. However this one is to shout out this channel! I’m a new commuter rider and have been following other moto channels. However I just found my new go to! Thanks for being awesome! How you said it at the end of the video. Buy the best helmet you can afford and the one you feel comfortable in! Screw “style standards”!!!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the shout out, I'm glad my videos can be of use.

[@purushful]

I have owned a shoei nxr, hjc rpha previously. I bought this a month ago and am very happy with it. Very light, very silent, no misting. Feels real quality. Its expensive but will not dissapoint you. I would still recommend wearing ear plugs with any helmet if you have loud pipes. I go for rides just for the look and feel of this helmet as much as i like my bike, believe me its that good.

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you are enjoying it, its a great helmet

[@DoubleH1906]

Great review. I had seen others on the Shoei GT Air 2 and was the main reason I had bought it. However, i did not realize that the cheek pads could have been changed there on the spot. I've only had it a week and I would suspect they will pack down over time as it is mostly a comfortable fit, but that would have been good to know upfront. Overall, great review.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes the cheek pads do pack down, mine were a little tight initially but I was advised to stick with them and see how they bed in. It was good advice

[@andrewshore262]

I tried a few helmets on today and eventually I was offered this model, just standing in the shop I can vouch for the comfort and because I also just purchased a bike from this dealer they’re prepared to sell it to me at cost price. So unless I find a better helmet I’ll be parting with some hard earned, great review and a great colour thanks👍

[@mancavemoto]

That sounds like a great deal...

[@rajindarsingh1417]

Andrew Shore - you’re one lucky 🍀 ... I’m trying not to swear 😂

[@vriendelijkegroet]

Your reviews are one of the best on youtube, great work. I like Shoei and Arai helmets, I have the old gt air and X4. Unfortunately, Shoei helmets have these integrated com units. I like my Cardo freecom unit (small and affordable) in various helmets and do not want to spend more money on changing com units just because of a different helmet. So, no more new Shoei for me.

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you. The GT-air II and the Neotec are the only helmets that take integrated comms units, but Ibhave also seen people fit Cardo systems to them too.

[@sleepyheadfpv1507]

So I recently just made the investment into gear. I went with the GT-air2. Also music was important to me so I went with the Cardo Packtalk. I am very pleased to report I had no issues installing. Used the glue plate it comes with and bam. Best thing ever! Use the spacers though to make the speakers closer.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the info, its a question thats been asked a lot, so this is a very handy response. Cheers!

[@Peter57808]

does the inner sun glass lense close over prescription glasses?

[@mancavemoto]

Yes it does

[@madogblue]

watched many reviews of this helmet and not one mentioned that Shoei with change out the pads at the dealer for free, good job

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yep I don’t think many dealers make a point of telling people this

[@scottwilliamsakacowboy4691]

Great reveiw i also Have a GT Air 2 with the sl comms system and its great i also ride a sports bike and it does work really well with it

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the info!

[@DoubleH1906]

Btw, if you are military or a veteran, Shoei is now allowing discounts, where this has only been within the last 3 months. Over many years of using a Shoei helmet, there has never been a military discount of any sort for there premium helmets. just fyi

[@mancavemoto]

Thats good to hear

[@adrianwatkins9629]

Excellent review just purchased Crossbar TC1... First ride tomorrow for the Classic and Manx TT

[@mancavemoto]

Nice, I almost went for that colourway. Enjoy the TT!

[@fahadalzahrani9989]

Concern between the gt air2 and Profile-V?!!

[@gm16v149]

I bought one a few weeks ago, definitely better than my old AGV K5S. I particularly like the ratchet buckle, much better than D rings in my opinion. The helmet reeks of quality too. A big improvement on the pudding basin helmet from when I started riding in 1966 haha.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@whysogrim_]

at 3:50 what jacket is that? a possible link?

[@restolad]

VERY good review thanks for helping me decide which shoei to buy

[@mancavemoto]

No problem

[@ApriliaRSA250]

He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy. Nice review. Thanks

[@mancavemoto]

;) cheers

[@jakekibble484]

Good informative video mate, I work for Get Geared in Leatherhead and watch your videos to help me sell my products to customers 😁🤘🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Cool thanks Jake, looking forward to the commission payment ;)

[@jakekibble484]

I’ll send a cheque in the post 😉

[@mancavemoto]

@@jakekibble484 All joking aside, do you run an affiliate programme?

[@jakekibble484]

I dont work there unfortunately man. I don’t think they did but it’s worth speaking to them over there 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rezapahala6129]

Very nice helmet, comfortable, has sun visor and looks good

[@kruskoliner9677]

Thanks for your great content, have you ever tested, if the t100 or t120 seat fits on the street twin, or anyone else tested it?

[@mancavemoto]

I understand they will fit, but with a slight modification

[@JesusIsLord7773]

are the aerodynamic pieces on top of helmet removable? Thanks!

[@mancavemoto]

Not as far as I’m aware

[@citizenpmd565]

I have the original GT Air, a great helmet which has served me well. New one looks good however disappointing to see that you can pay £500 plus for the helmet and 250 for the dedicated bluetooth, then you have to start pulling the helmet apart to install speakers, microphone etc with sticky velcro pads and hide the wiring yourself under the neck roll. ALL of this should be pre installed at the factory, you should just be able to buy the Sena and pop it in the mounting for true plug and play functionality like Schuberth do. Not fair to expect purchasers to pay 7 or 800 quid for the package then having to pull the guts out of the helmet to install it themselves with sticky velcro pads. Rant over, helmet looks great, ride safe

[@mancavemoto]

Fair Point, but I think the Schuberth is the only helmet that is ready to run. Its all channelled out ready for the comms, so a real easy fit, not much more work tbh. Thanks for the view...

[@AudriusN]

I find that integrated mount as big minus. Will make it more difficult to install something better than that sena crap.

[@mancavemoto]

@@AudriusN Yep I agree, apart from the SENA crap part, i've never had an issue with any Sena unit i've tried tbh

[@manjunathprasad2585]

@motocavemoto Amazing review thanks… What’s the size of Helmet you are wearing?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, its a size Large

[@manjunathprasad2585]

@@mancavemoto thanks a lot for responding 🤗❤️ is it fitting fine or have u every felt you need a size up ?

[@mancavemoto]

Any helmet in the Shoei range I’ve tried is a large and has fitted perfectly

[@manjunathprasad2585]

Great… Thanks for the info… wish you all the very very best & takecare 🤗❤️

[@barryroberts2474]

Thanks mate will have a look at this one. Have the GT Air.

[@mancavemoto]

no worries, if its up for replacement then i don't think this will disappoint

[@kevinlewis3200]

Good review, plenty of useful information. Just one thing, how does it fit with glasses. Thanks.

[@bibertkirk]

Mine works well with glasses.

[@kevinlewis3200]

@@bibertkirk Thanks Kirk, Kev

[@stephenwilliams7056]

How does everyone compare the noise levels compared to an Arai? Always found my Arai pretty loud.

[@tonymontana897]

Is the free padding change service available worldwide or just where you are ? I'm considering the GT Air II and would love to have mine tailored to suit my melon. I live in Sydney, Australia, Cheers mate

[@mancavemoto]

I only know of it being in the UK, but worth checking with your local distributor

[@DerpEye]

The question is , why should one choose this over the noetec2 ? The difference in price is negligible. I've seen em in the flesh, and the finish is nice (even though i still prefer Schuberth in that price range). The modular neotec is obviously a better choice since it's much more silent, because of the neck insulation made possible by the modular factor. They are equally safe.

[@mancavemoto]

I guess the answer is some people don't like flip lids. Plus this helmet is lighter and if you fit the comms it doesnt need a boom mic like the Neotec II. Horses for courses

[@jeffm8882]

Old post I know but a modular helmet isn’t as safe as a full helmet. Most crashes involve the chin area, hit your chin on a modular and there goes your face.

[@a124as]

@@jeffm8882 agreed. Neither is snell rated, which keeps me away from purchasing them. However the flip down visor seems to be really helpful since the transition lens take too long to transition if sun blasts when you get over a hill and can’t see.

[@habibsspirit]

"I got a Shoei-shaped head" lol yeah, that's true, I found that out the hard way, I bought two AGV helmets online and then tested a couple others in person, and my skull shape does not match their internal design, but it matches Shoei perfectly. And yes, I've tried a myriad of different sizes and models. As much as I wanted to wear AGV, my skull is not AGV-shaped, it's Shoei-shaped.

[@antoniorussell9893]

Looks very nice. I am looking for good full face summer helmet for a naked bike. What would you say moves the most air/is the lightest to wear: the RYD or the GT Air II.

[@mancavemoto]

Good question, I do love my RYD and it’s probably been my most worn helmet. But I did have to get a transitions visor as I don’t like wearing sunglasses with a full face. The GT Air 2 is definitely better vented, add the drop down visor and integrated comms and it’s a decent proposition

[@antoniorussell9893]

Thanks. @@mancavemoto RYD + Transitions is about 50€ cheaper here than the GT-AIR 2... choices, choices...

[@comcastjohn]

I see they are still using the same material for the neck roll/cheek pad underneath. Kinda looks like fake leather. When you have the helmet on and thump the bottom with your fingers, it sounds like a stethoscope. So when you have air hit it, that is the stethoscope effect. I wish that they would use a sound deadening fabric to cover the bottom layer instead. Nice video and thank you for sharing.

[@mancavemoto]

No problem, and an interesting point, as you say maybe a softer, less 'shiny' fabric could reduce that effect?

[@13apostate]

Given that the area where a Sena comm system is intended to integrate with the helmet appears to prevent mounting anything other than Sena's dedicated system, if you wanted to mount your 10C Pro camera to this helmet, could you?

[@mancavemoto]

A good question, and something I was intending to try out, leave it with me

[@1CaptainMoose1]

Tony, I have a Sena 10C - Do you think I can still mount the Sena on the side of the helmet when that integrated section is where I would normally mount the camera??

[@mancavemoto]

It might be possible, I’ll take a look and see it it would work

[@kidluk]

Just bought one but it hasn’t arrived yet. I do have experience with the Neotec 2 but the colour I wanted wasn’t available so I’ll give this a go

[@mancavemoto]

It’s a nice lid, I think you’ll enjoy it

[@Allenroth1980]

Can you hook up the Cena 10 C pro video recorder to the helmet

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, I can't see why it wouldnty fit, it just might be a tiny bit further back. I would definitely check before hand though

[@ginoasci]

what ear plugs do you use? awesome helmet. incredibly comfortable and light weight. don’t know how they can improve on perfection.

[@mancavemoto]

I use Ultimate Ear custom moulded plugs

[@knightshadow1894]

Man Cave Moto: Cheers from across the pond, thank you for your review. I'm a new rider and ready to purchase my first helmet. I've watched reviews on both of these (Neotech II /GT AIR) and I'm having a hard time choosing. Can you give me some advice on choosing between these two exceptional helmets. Or are there other items you think I should review. Once again thank you for your review. Cheers!

[@mancavemoto]

Best advice I can give is to try both helmets on and buy the one that fits you best...

[@knightshadow1894]

@@mancavemoto Thank you for taking the time to respond! I will do just that. Cheers

[@motardmike6383]

What is the Shoei head shape. I know they’ve tended to be more round than oval. Still the case? Some of the adverts mention eye glass compatibility. Is there enough space for glasses and the drop down visor?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Motard Mike, I think the technical description is ‘intermediate oval’ I’ll check with a pair of glasses and come back, good question

[@motardmike6383]

Great news. It is such a pain having to rule out helmets due to fit with glasses. I’ve got to try one on to see if it fits properly.

[@OctavYce]

Hi! I just bought a GT Air 2 Deviation - absolutely superb design and feelings. The only concern is about the whoosh I feel/hear around my temple/ears. Is there anything I could do, a fine tuning to visor or something? Thank you

[@mancavemoto]

There are some micro adjustments you can make to the visor to make sure its fitting snugly. There are details in the manual that came with the helmet. Are you wearing ear plugs?

[@Dazmpower]

Great review and just subscribed.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the sub!

[@MS_249]

Amazing Review which includes everything you need to know! Very friendly and objective. Thank you.

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you

[@michaelbrogan6412]

Great review mate. I have the awesome Neotech and wont be changing it BUT if I was in the market I would get one of these

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@nikoscosmos]

hi Tony, my usual question, chin room compared to a Ryd? Thanks, Nick.

[@mancavemoto]

I would say more chin room than the RYD, not a massive amount, but noticeable

[@leMitchC]

I was thinking of getting either this one or the RYD, which one was quieter and which one do you prefer? I'm also thinking the photochromatic shield.

[@mancavemoto]

Tough question, but i do really love my RYD and with the chromatic shield its even better. The GT flows more Air, but there’s not that much in it. The RYD has a much simpler aesthetic

[@leMitchC]

Is there one quieter than the other or pretty much the same? @@mancavemoto

[@mancavemoto]

Depends on the bike, I would say in my Tiger the RYD is marginally quieter tbh

[@leMitchC]

I have a t-120 @@mancavemoto

[@corvair140]

hahaha Great intro. Looked at one, but a bit pricey for me. I will wait 12 months then it will be on sale. Great review.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Buddy, yep it’s a bit of an investment

[@rebellucy5610]

That matte blue color is sharp!

[@mancavemoto]

It sure is!

[@MrFosj]

The personal fitting is not free in all countries. In the Netherlands you have to pay €60,- for the personal fitting

[@mancavemoto]

No the personal fitting I referred to was just with Motolegends

[@MrJustiy]

Hi mate, love the vids, I'm ride mostly freeways to and from work (I'm in Austraila) I'm looking for a quite helmet in terms of wind noise, i can't decide to go with the gt air 2 or noetec 2, iv been to a few shops to try them on, i like the neotec 2 better how ever the guys at the shop say there noisier due to the flip front. i wish i could ride each to test before i brought but I'm not allowed. which one in your opinion is the quitest at say 100kms. cheers for your help mate

[@mancavemoto]

For me the Neotec II was the quieter helmet, certainly on my Tiger. I wouldn’t listen to the guys at the shop too much, I’ve heard that said a lot but it think it’s just one of the par things that gets trotted out without thought. It’s all down to the individual helmet

[@MrJustiy]

@@mancavemoto thanks for the repley mate, great advise and help. cheers

[@stevenhill6214]

The first thing i look at when buying a helmet is how it looks, and i think that helmet, particularly in the blue, looks excellent! ....it's just a shame that i can't afford one right now.

[@stevenhill6214]

@Michael Moretti Absolutely!

[@markfosseth8047]

I own a gt1. What’s the difference between the 2 different clip hook systems ? Thx

[@mancavemoto]

I don't think there is actually much difference in the clip itself

[@c-claudel]

Pls try this helmet without earplugs, do you get also wind draft to your ears? The glasses tunnel is way to big on some shoei helmets!

[@mancavemoto]

I do all the reviews with the same earplugs fitted, so I get a consitent result. No wind draft on my ears at all

[@iancurtis5397]

I get the ear draft, it's not irritating but kind of annoying. Also the chin strap ratchet digs into my Adams apple a little. I just got it so hopefully everything will fit a bit better soon. Very comfy though.

[@benwee73]

Great review. Thank you!

[@mancavemoto]

No problem

[@stuartgray7614]

Never had a supplier offer pad change free of charge always you can buy the replacement size to suit you

[@assortedpov]

Considering buying one of these. I'm pretty well sold but my one question is: is the built in sun visor sufficiently good that you don't still need to wear sunglasses too?

[@assortedpov]

@AG Coarseman Great, thanks for the reply. I'm going to assume that if the sun visor in the previous model wasn't broken, they won't have fixed it.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes for sure, no sunnies required

[@IremiaGreece]

Wish it wasn’t just dot approved here in the states but I guess the internal visor has to do with that not getting the snell rating.

[@mancavemoto]

This might be an interesting video for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWfcpmRoac5meNE

[@IremiaGreece]

@@mancavemoto very interesting video. Thanks for sharing!

[@clintcarson7861]

Will the sun visor work with glasses

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, unless you're Elton John or Dame Edna Everidge! Plenty of space for standard glasses

[@fireoil]

8:48 i want to contest that, as a traveler with a bad noisy helemt. Even with earplug i had a small bliss sound into my ears, so the better the noise cancellation is, the better it’s for ears longevity even with ear plugs i guess ( especially in france where you can ride at 130kph in highway... but i prefer to be at 120 or 110 max without windshield because the 10kph more km are really bad gas efficient. Funny for a country with high price gas let you burn more... wait a second )

[@mancavemoto]

Indeed earplugs will never mask the sound of a very noisy helmet

[@tbuksuperfly]

Was all excited when I heard shoei were doing a new gt-air. Absolutely love mine. So disappointed when I found out it's not got a double d-ring strap. Just don't feel secure with those seatbelt thingys..

[@andyexup]

Your right much prefer double D ring they're easy to use and always properly adjusted not used anything better than double D yet . I also have a GT Air only issue I've had is Sun visor on frosty sunny mornings can fog up but generally a really good lid

[@twocrowsdown]

Close to $1500 for helmet and Sena in colonial dollars. Could buy a lot of beer and bbq a kangaroo for that ;)

[@mancavemoto]

Option 2 sounds good!

[@wizrom3046]

Does it have a d-ring to lock it to your bike?

[@mancavemoto]

N it has a micrometrc chin strap, but with no other ring

[@wizrom3046]

@@mancavemoto thanks for the reply! 👍

[@rleon8339]

The rear vent does NOT close and even with the forward vent closed, it still sucks air in through the Venturi effect. The result in Winter is a constant cold spot on the top of your head. Very annoying.

[@mancavemoto]

Im not sure if i've misunderstood your comment, but I didn't say that the rear vent closes? I must say I havent experienced the problem you describe, but I have yet to wear the helmet in really cold weather

[@Cantabinexile]

Had my GT air for 5 years now and was due for a replacement so I have brought another GT Air as you can pick a decent one up for around £300 instead of £550, I was almost going to buy a NXR as always wanted to try them but already have an X Spirit and the drop down visor is just too useful

[@mancavemoto]

They have started to come down in price, you can pick up a plan one for around £429 now. But if you love the original then i don't blame you for going with that again!

[@magpiemale]

well hopefully this air 2 will be better than the original air... my inside visor was always misting up inside with the surface that is in direct contact with the breathing area ie; nose even with the pinlock but funnily enough only on one side of the visor strange.. I Loved the sun visor esp with the main visor open unless it's fly season then main visor closed.I NEVER FOUND THE FRONT VENT ANY GOOD ON THE ORGINAL hoping this one is improved as by the video.

[@mancavemoto]

So far so good

[@innovationgroupofsouthflor4744]

Thank you great video!

[@mancavemoto]

No problem and thanks for watching

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

They only get a three star rating on the sharp test though. Do you see this as a problem?

[@mancavemoto]

The GT Air II has yet to be tested. Personally, I don't, as there is some question as to how certain build techniques stack up in the SHARP test.

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

Views from the Man Cave indeed, I ask as my new Arai helmet only gets three stars too where a HJC gets five. I just find Arai and shoei helmets fit and feel better made. I was just a bit gutted to find out my helmet scoring quite low 🤔

[@mancavemoto]

I don’t worry about it. Many of the manufacturers are dismissive of the ratings.

[@rleon8339]

I "upgraded" from my old GT-Air to a GT-Air II and will be sending it back. The rear vents are passive not closable. Why, who knows. Even with the front vent closed, it still draws some air in and the top of my bald head was noticeably cold. I assumed it was defective, but now reading it may just be a crappy design. Come on Shoei!

[@mancavemoto]

Shame you were disappointed the GT Air II. Most of the helmets i've tried tend to have open vents or venturis to help draw out air and keep it circulating.

[@snowboardinpassout]

Great review.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@VikramSingh-iv1hv]

Hello sir.... HJC RPHA 70 ST or SHOEI GT AIR 2 which would u suggest for touring???

[@mancavemoto]

Being honest, which ever one fits you best. I really like my GT Air 2 it’s excellent for touring, but I haven’t tried the HJC so can’t do a direct comparison

[@SHYOO83]

GT AIR's helmet lift up when he was driving at high speed. air2 not lift?

[@mancavemoto]

I didn’t notice any no

[@hiddendragon415]

A lot of people state the GT Air is quieter than the Neo Tech

[@bikecommuter24]

hmm I just ordered a RF 1200 now I thinking of getting this one just the strap moved a bit forward and the ratchet system are nice, I lost count of how many times I forget to put my chin strap on and trying to loop the strap through d rings with gloves on, I used to be able to do years ago now days not so much. I've been off my bikes for three months due to hand nerve issues and now that is all sorted back to riding. I know my RF 1200 is about a third of the price but then can you put a price on the one thing you want to protect the most.

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Why on earth doesn't the SRL1 comms unit for the Neotec II fit in the GTair II? Bang out of order Shoei!! 🤬

[@rich-7421]

Bloody ell ordered mine december and still waiting!!!!

[@mancavemoto]

!

[@mattyw8159]

Can I fit my sens 50s to this helmet??

[@mancavemoto]

I have seen them fitted yes, they would maybe sit a bit further back than you would do normally.

[@noophe5747]

i dont know why but mine is loud AF and dont actually feel any wind getting into it at all

[@mancavemoto]

What bike do you ride?

[@noophe5747]

@@mancavemoto Daytona 675 and street triple 675

[@alejandroleguizamo7722]

Is it glasses-friendly? Especially with the sun visor down?

[@mancavemoto]

I don’t wear glasses, but have been reliably informed that there is no problem. So i tried it with sunglasses and yes plenty of clearance, but it guess it depends on the glasses!

[@alejandroleguizamo7722]

Thanks! The helmet in blue is awesome!

[@31Ramble]

@@alejandroleguizamo7722 I just bought one yesterday. It is glasses friendly if you have fog resistant glasses. If not you better keep your visor up or else you wont see shit. Anyways my first bought helmet, it is comfortable as can be.

[@splodge57]

How much? Ive always liked Shoei but hope they do something cheaper without all the unnecessary bits I don't need.

[@mancavemoto]

The new Arai Debut might be of interest, it’s a straight forward helmet, no drop down visor, but looks nice and simple and comes in at under £300

[@splodge57]

Cheers, I'll have a look at that.

[@vVachtern]

THX for your information about the air II. Did you plan to test the new x-lite x903 carbon? Should play in same calss... 😉

[@mancavemoto]

I can only test either what I buy, or whatever samples manufacturers are willing to loan me. I’d happily do more reviews, maybe I should send x-lite an e-mail? ;)

[@gplayer01]

Thanks for the review. Very helpful. Cheers

[@mancavemoto]

no problem

[@David_O]

I've worn the GT Air for a number of years but unfortunately Shoei had made me start looking for another brand. With the GT Air II, Shoei has basically forced you to use Sena BT communicators rather than - In my opinion - the superior Cardo units. That forced choice has lost Shoei at least one long-term owner.

[@mancavemoto]

Yuo can still fit a cardo unit onto the helmet

[@davidkralj4922]

Why you erased commentary

[@mancavemoto]

I haven’t erased the commentary?

[@Currrn]

​I only recently "upgraded" from the GT Air to the GT Air 2 after 6 years of riding in it. What an absolute disappointment. The top vent might as well not be there for the amount of air it flows - cannot feel anything. Using the vent on the GT Air and I can feel a noticable cooling effect along the top of my head. And I'm not sure what they've done to the aero, but they've managed to spend 6 years of R&D and make it worse. I get this unbearbable low-ish rumbling/rustling sound as the air passes underneath the helmet and makes its way past the chin strap and around my ears. Yes, it is fitted correctly. I've even bought the larger 39mm cheek pads to get the fit even more spot on. I'm trying to return it as defective, or else sell it. Absolutely gutted after spending more than $1400 AUD on it plus the Sena SRL2. Managed to find a last remaining original GT Air from Europe which I have ordered, and cannot wait to get it! Shoei better listen to it's customers for the GT Air 3!

[@mancavemoto]

Thats a real shame

[@hudsonrilke]

What’s it like with specs?

[@mancavemoto]

Not as easy as the Neotec II, but it works fine

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for this review, mate. I have been using the GT Air for almost two years. I have been contemplating to upgrade to the GT Air 2, but I am also craving something new. Have you ever tested the HJC RPHA 70? For me a dropdown visor is a must and these two seem to compete with each other. Thoughts?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Ben, unfortunately I've not laid hands on that model. I'll have to investigate

[@deviantrider9309]

hi i ride with a hjc rpha 70 and use custom fit ear guards brought it as it offered great spec for the money, find it incredibly noisy hate to think what it would be like without ear plugs. In the market for something quieter shame you can't try before you buy

[@thedevmachine]

With HJC you will be missing nicely integrated SENA system.

[@Youknowthebo]

@@thedevmachine True. But I have a cardo system, so thats not an issue for me

[@mancavemoto]

Theres the new Arai Debut coming soon too, looks like a nice plain helmet and at a cheaper price

[@eurotourcaddy]

I bought one of these a few days ago. The moment I took it above 50mph the drone within the helmet was unbearable. So noisy. Sent it back.

[@anthonybahrawy5183]

Nice review i Luke your mater of fact reviews I have the gt air 1. But I won't buy any helmet without double D I don't trust them and I'm not going to buy an other blue tooth device

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yep I appreciate that the micro ratchets are easy to do/undo, but I also personally like a Double D. Of course if you already have a comms unit, there may be better helmet choices out there

[@mcviegas2566]

Love your presentation this is the exact helmet and color I have. How do I get the custom fit at no additional cost? I bought mine from Contra Costa Power Sports 1150 Concord Ave. Concord, CA one week ago. There was no discussion for me being custom fitted. They did give a $150 discount! 🫡👍🏼 Why not I'm a USNavy Veteran.

[@OldManTony]

Thank you Tony, it looks like my next helmet, when I replace my GTAir which I love. Most of my noise comes from Triumph’s badly designed Tiger aerodynamics.

[@davewellscoffee]

Love this helmet, but it’s definitely not as quiet as it should be. That IS my only criticism of it

[@toby7504]

Looks great, but its quite similare to te old one. Some differense l do see. I dont know about britain helmets but my GT do not have dubble D ring lock. Extreme good helmets.

[@domster200]

The older model only got a 3 star sharp rating which is why I went for an HJC and now they've used a ratchet strap, shame really.

[@mancavemoto]

Sharp ratings can be a little contentious sometimes though. They do all the tests on the same helmet, so in some examples with a helmet that's designed to dissipate the force of the impact around the helmet, it may weaken the other side by design. Sharp however, flip the same helmet around and exert the same impact on the other side, which is why you often see different ratings for each side of the helmet. Thats enough to bring the rating down

[@domster200]

@@mancavemoto They;re all tested in the same way and the HJC has identical side impact results. It's not about the strengh or weakness but the forces transmitted to the brain. Never seen a more scientific or logical test.

[@mancavemoto]

@@domster200 True and i'm not completely disagreeing with you, but some helmets have a harder shell and some are designed to transfer the impact away from the impact point. The SHARP side impact test can often favour a specific construction. Its also hard to really ascertain the measurement of the forces transmitted to the brain as SHARP use solid headforms, rather than the arguably more telling biometric headforms. While you have to commend any system that tries to properly measure safety, i know there are many manufacturers who are dimmisive of this particular test. Its good to have a number of different ratings, personally I wouldn't put all of MY faith in this one

[@domster200]

@@mancavemoto Sorry to go on but I do think it's the most important subject to not misunderstand. The reference to a 'biometric' headform presumably comes from the Motolegends article on this subject. That is misquoted as coming from the COST report, they actually used 'Bimass' headforms, every other testing method also use solid headforms so results are comparable. Motolegends don't sell cheap novelty/toy helmets, just expensive ones! Sharp tests are very similar to all the others but use higher and lower velocities. I think they should ALL use even greater velocities and Bimass headforms to get the best results but overall Sharp is the most comprehensive.

[@mancavemoto]

Actually it didn’t, predictive text must have kicked in and I didn’t notice. I had been involved with a presentation at one of the distributors recently where this was discussed. I don’t think there is any misunderstanding, but I was led to believe that the SHARP test was not the be all and end all of testing. It’s certainly something to consider, but there are other considerations of course. Some people won’t consider a helmet unless it’s SNELL certified, some people think DOT is sufficient (it’s not).

[@kierenmoore3236]

Bobble-headed, even compared to the Neotec II (which I thought was even more comfy! 🥰); and I hate that they got into bed with Sena/integrated BT unit, which ruins both helmets for me ... 😞 Oh, and ratchet-strap ... 🙅🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mancavemoto]

They are virtually the same shell, apart from the obvious flip front. Physically the Noetec has a very slightly wider and 'fatter' chin bar. But it is a quiet helmet. The aperture is bigger on the GT-Air which I like as it feels less 'claustrophobic'. I wasn't sure about the ratchet strap, but its super quick to close and there have been no signs of it letting me down

[@purushful]

Has anyone used the sena srl with this helmet? If yes please comment on feedback..

[@mancavemoto]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXqop6OjYrSHY9k

[@buckymoto1784]

having integrated comms puts me off a helmet.. I rather choose my own comms. (Packtalk) All of my riding buddies perfer Packtalk modules as they have a superior Mesh system and are waterproof

[@mancavemoto]

You can still fit a cardo to the helmet, plenty of room

[@lukesducati950s2]

HATE that they made it so difficult to install a Cardo. Yes i know shoei is in bed with sena. I already had a cardo when I purchased the air2. Will go to a different helmet manufacturer next time

[@thevieweybrothers8960]

NXR2 or GT AIR 2. Harley rider. Thanks

[@mancavemoto]

I've not had a chance to try the NXR 2 yet, but it does look a little sleeker. If you want a drop down sun visor then of course it has to be the GT Air 2

[@victyper301]

i hate how this color is sold out so fast

[@mancavemoto]

I think its the best colour