Shoei GT Air 2 vs GT Air - Review + Road Test - ChampionHelmets.com

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Shoei GT-AIR 2 Review
The new Shoei GT-Air 2 helmet is the long anticipated successor to the very successful original GT-AIR. The GT Air II is a sports touring helmet. Meaning it is an all-round full face helmet that has the comfort of a touring helmet. It has the looks of a sports helmet. Where the Shoei X-Spirit 3 is a real race helmet and the Shoei Neotec 2 is a real touring helmet, the GT-Air 2 kind of sits in between those two. It does both the jobs very well, but if you are looking for a full face to fly around the track with, the Shoei X-Spirit 3 is probably a better choice. And if you are regularly taking weekend trips on your touring bike, the Neotec 2 might be the better choice. The GT Air 2 will perfectly cover you for everything in between. The original GT-Air was one of the best fullface sport touring helmet, so it was quite a task to improve this. But we at Champion Helmets believe that Shoei has done a great job in making several improvements to this stable and comfortable helmet.
Shoei GT-AIR vs GT-AIR 2
One of the most visible differences between the old and new GT AIR 2 helmet is the design of the outer shell. The GT-AIR II has a more aerodynamic design than its predecessor. The spoiler is bigger. They tested it in Shoei's windtunnel and made the spoiler in a way that it contributes to even more stability and silence. It produces less drag and make the airflow go around the shell smoothly. Another difference compared to the original gt air is that the integrated sun visor has become slightly longer for even better protection against the sun. This was one of the few things that came back as feedback from riders across the world on the old GT Air. Shoei took this feedback and translated it into a slightly longer internal sun visor. Especially on those shorter days at the end of the summer when the sun is very low, it is a great feature. It is perhaps good to mention that Shoei has left the number of layers in the inner shell complete and everywhere equally thick when installing the sun visor, the same as with the original GT-Air. With other brands, often a layer is left out to be able to build in the sun visor. Shoei has not compromised on safety here. The outer shell of the Shoei GT-AIR 2 comes in 3 different sizes, resulting in a compact helmet with an optimal fit.
Features Shoei GT-AIR 2
Helmet type: Full-face helmet
Shell material: Fiberglass composite
Outer visor: Thermoplastic aerodynamically shaped and anti scratch CWR-1 clear visor with standard supplied Pinlock anti-fog lens
Communication: Integrated preparation for SENA SRL-2
Closure: Micro ratchet closure made of stainless steel
Inner lining: Removable, washable, absorbs moisture quickly and dries quickly
Helmet shell: Comes in 3 sizes
Ventilation: Renewed ventilation at the top and rear

[@NathanaelNaused]

I really appreciate your scientific approach. It really helps me get a handle on the differences between helmets instead of just listening to anecdotal evidence

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback, we appreciate it! Did any of our road test results surprise you?

[@achr6522]

Really like this new way of comparing helmets on with the road tests. Keep going!

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks Achraf and we will for sure! Is there anything that you would like to see next?

[@MrSntgbernal]

Probably, no, "ACTUALLY" one of the best comparisons by far on youtube. Keep it up gentlemen! happy/safe riding....

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks! That's great to hear because we put a lot of effort into eventually settling on this style of testing. What did you think of our results? And of course, safe and happy riding!

[@frankward8003]

Ive been wearing a GT Air for the last 5 years riding Gold Wings...love this helmet for touring..great fit and the most comfortable helmet Ive ever had..its quiet, and flows air very well...love the drop down visor...great helmet. Now Im looking for a replacement since my GT Air is 6 years old now. Ive tried the new GT Air 2 on my head and the fit feels even better..trouble is this GT Air 2 is now made for its own dedicated BT com...I dont want to buy another 300 dollar BT com...I want to move my existing BT com to my new helmet....Shoei making helmets that are made for a dedicated BT com is a mistake...not sure what my replacement helmet will be now..I really like the Shoei..maybe a Shoei R 1200..but I really like the drop down visor.

[@Championhelmets]

Hey there! You're definitely not the only one to feel this way about Shoei and the GT Air 2. If you previously had a BT system that fit the GT Air, it should still fit in the GT Air 2. The only downside in this case is that since the GT Air 2 is now built for the SRL 2, it's more challenging to find the different spaces to mount the system because of the SRL's compartments. What was the system you were using in your GT Air?

[@frankward8003]

@@Championhelmets currently using Sena S20 Evo

[@Championhelmets]

The 20S Evo should fit the GT Air 2. The main challenge in doing so would be fitting it since the 20S' speakers are slightly larger and deeper than the SRL2's, and the positioning will be more difficult due to the GT Air 2's two compartments on either side. But with some playing around it should squeeze in

[@joshualuijks7051]

Nice that you started testing it on the road!

[@mmm4638]

I love my gt air. Today in cold rain performed so well it was so cozy.

[@whittlad]

Love my GT Air bike helmet and it’s very quiet and fits like a glove. It’s only let down by its Sharp safety rating of 3/5

[@Championhelmets]

Great to hear! That rating is really the helmet's main let down, which is a shame. Are you thinking of going for the GT Air 2?

[@whittlad]

No. I don’t like the ratchet system it now has so I have just moved onto the X-lite X903

[@Championhelmets]

That's a fair decision, sometimes those ratchet systems can be a bit tight. How do you find the X-lite compares?

[@whittlad]

So far the X-lite is better in a few areas. It feels lighter (ultra carbon version), the internal visor comes down lower, the mechanism for taking visors off is much easier and you don’t have to use your left hand for moving the main visor up or down as the lip is central (at the front). However, it’s a little bit more fiddly in refitting the cheek pads and skull liner but that’s just practice. Overall I’m very pleased with it. I would have probably stayed with Shoei if they had employed double D ring and used the Sharp rating but each to their own✌️

[@Championhelmets]

All good points for the X-lite and that downside with the Shoei makes sense. Thanks for sharing your experience we always appreciate it!

[@alexasigno]

Great work guys, excellent review. It'd be great if you could also highlight the db at 100kmph, as the lower wind speed noise might get blocked differently. Will you be doing a road test of the Neotec 2?

[@Championhelmets]

Thank you for the suggestion, we will keep it in mind for our future videos. If you are hoping for a road test of the Neotec 2 I think you'll be a big fan of our video coming out later today.

[@damienford3587]

This is a great review., thank you Chris. . Too many here on YT are not reviews at all, merely presentations. Thanks. Can I get a visor sticker please if I email you? Will be buying a GT Air 2 in a few weeks..

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback, Damien, we appreciate it! As far as the sticker, that should be no problem, and you can always feel free to email us at [e-mail]. What did you think of the GT Air 2's performance out on the road?

[@damienford3587]

@@Championhelmets I think this type of genuine, real world, review is of great value. I think the performance is great. It will be my next helmet. I was considering a 6D ATS 1R but it would seem they are quite noisy.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks again! If you have any further questions, we're always happy to help

[@hiddendragon415]

The Downside of a Shoei GT, price, the stiff face shield, a bit on the heavy side, that Shoei logo. The benefits, overall it has more higher quality features than any other brand with a lower noise than modular helmets hence the high cost. Arguably the best helmet for commuting, touring in the world.

[@Championhelmets]

Most helmets will come with their own sets of pros and cons, and though the GT Air 2 can also tend towards the heavier end of the spectrum, it is still one of the quietest helmets that we've tested to date. Thanks for letting us know how you found the GT, we appreciate it! How have you found the helmet for ventilation?

[@hiddendragon415]

@@Championhelmets Ventilation is great and I live in a country which can get hot in Summer. I recently purchased a C4 Pro and for a helmet reputed to be quiet it has wind buffeting noise.. I never had that on a Shoei GT. Will be buying another one. The strongest point of the C4 is the windshield nice and light to actuate and it seals as well as a Shoei.

[@Championhelmets]

Unfortunately, wind noise is always a tough one since it is often affected by positioning, fit, bike fairings, and more, which is why we always make sure to use the same test bike. Nonetheless, we did still find the Schuberth to be a fantastic helmet out on the road, particularly in terms of its comfort. Thanks for the reply! If you find you have any questions, we're always happy to help

[@morley3810]

Awesome! Actual data based helmet review! Thank you very much.

[@Panzerlang]

Excellent review, thanks guys. :)

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback! What do you think of the GT Air 2?

[@Panzerlang]

@@Championhelmets I'm still in the research phase for a new helmet but this one is on the list because it ticks all the boxes so far re cam and mic placement/performance.

[@Championhelmets]

@Panzerlang That's fair enough, especially if it ticks all the boxes. If you have any questions while searching around, we're more than happy to help!

[@MissMan666]

the integrated coms thing is awesome, there is just one problem with it. It's a Sena only, and Sena is inferior to Cardo in key aspects such as voice control.

[@mandycowey7635]

Thats me sorted. Original GT air for my next helmet

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the comment! What led to deciding for the original GT Air?

[@mandycowey7635]

@@ChampionhelmetsI wouldn't benefit by the new features as I use autocom and couldn't justify paying £50 more . Plus my wife has the GT air1 which I think is still a great helmet

[@Championhelmets]

That's fair enough, especially since the SRL 2 mounting points do make it a bit more difficult to mount non-Sena systems. Thanks for the reply!

[@joris4507]

Nice to know Thanks !

[@kengaskins1]

I bought the GT AIR 2 and really like the helmet. The only problem is that I think the airflow is poor. There just doesn't seem to be any airflow through the helmet and me having a bald head, I would certainly feel any air coming through. And yes, I have the vents open.

[@sorenjunkers3834]

Are you behind a barndoor style windshield?

[@leroyjones769]

Well timed video for me . Thank you👍

[@Championhelmets]

No problem. What do you think about the GT Air 2 after our test?

[@leroyjones769]

Liked it. I already have the neotec 2 and wanted another helmet that wasn’t a modular, so bought the shoei air bounce tc because I liked the graphics and I can put a different com system on. Subscribed

[@leroyjones769]

Plus it was $300.00 cheaper

[@Championhelmets]

Fair enough. Thanks and enjoy your new helmet!

[@Onetty1]

Awesome comparison. Can we replace the GT air sun visor with the one on the GT Air 2?

[@STRB909]

3dB + - of sound is double or half the sound power. Looked at your previous review where the GT II soundproofing didn't close out so much in the studio ... it's a good thing, because then you will get to hear your surroundings better. If the noise when driving still is lower, that makes a big difference. 3dB dosent seam to be alot but it is.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the comment and the info! It's correct that 3dB would definitely be noticeable in a helmet, and it marks an improvement for the better. Besides noise, what did you think of the GT Air 2's performance on the road?

[@STRB909]

​@@Championhelmets Now I have used it for a while. Before GT Air 2, I used an Arai Chaser IV. First notice is that i experiencing a greater vision. It wasn't bad in the Chaser, it just feels bigger. Wind noise is mutch lower, now I can here the sound from the engine at higher speed = less watching rpm, in the Chaser it was only wind and a need of earpluggs. Also feels like there is less turbulence in high speed and behind cars/trucks, less wobbling. The only downside is a little cold wind in the neck at about 50 mph (80km/h), disappears at higher speed. But that's what you get to cruising around on a naked bike in a cold Sweden.

[@Championhelmets]

@@STRB909 Good to hear that you've found the GT Air 2 better in some areas, especially since Shoei have focused on improving the helmet's aerodynamics. Thanks for letting us know your experience with the helmet, it's always appreciated!

[@MRR7]

@@STRB909 Hi , how's the helmet in even colder weather? Can you close the rear vents? Thanks!

[@STRB909]

@@MRR7 Hi, no they are always open. The helmet is mutch cooler in summer comparde to the Arai i used before. Even if it feels like it´s moving less air in the helmet. Notice that i keep the vents closed moore even on hot days. Pull up the buff in the neck and it´s al good. I realy like the helmet.

[@paineys3341]

You cannot fit the Cardo communication system as the Air 2 is designed for the Sena units! Thats a major issue and forcing you down the road using an inferior system!

[@Championhelmets]

Though some do enjoy the SRL 2 integration, it does come with its drawbacks, particularly when it comes to using a Cardo system. Considering how popular both the Shoei GT Air 2 and the Cardo Packtalk are for touring, it does complicate matters. Thanks for the comment! How did you find the Shoei helmet's performance out on the road?

[@Banditmanuk]

Completely agree, wife and I were going to go for the GT Air 2 a while back but in the end found the last of the original GT1s so we could fit our Cardo Packtalk Bolds. The GT Air 2 is a big backwards step by forcing you to buy a particular Sena coms (or have a very ugly fit of another unit)

[@jeweetzelftoch]

Good comparison video

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks! What would you want to see tested now?

[@jeweetzelftoch]

@@Championhelmets the best modular helmets: neotec 2 and schuberth c4 included.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

I love these videos. Very happy that gear sales companies are offering something more than just marketing wank. Thank you for these and the whole channel

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback, we appreciate it! Interestingly enough, it is also the same pronunciation in Dutch. What are your thoughts on the Shoei helmet we tested out?

[@gm16v149]

Hi, I’m seriously considering the GT Air 2 as noise is my concern. Do you think this is one of the quietist helmets around? Apparently the Schuberth C3 is the quietest.

[@Championhelmets]

Unfortunately, we have not been able to test out the C3 yet, but we have completed our testing of the C4 Pro which came in at 99dB. Though noise can be affected by numerous factors, as we've tested more helmets, only three have come out to about the 97 dB mark (which is the quietest we've recorded so far). These helmets were the Shoei GT Air 2, HJC RPHA 70 (Carbon), and the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon. Thanks for the question! What are your thoughts on the Shoei helmet?

[@gm16v149]

@@Championhelmets Yes I’m definitely looking at one. I’ve got a AGV K5S which is almost due for replacement, and it’s too noisy for me. I’ve done quite a bit of googling and asking around and everyone seems to like the Shoei. My AGV is a size L which fits ok. The Shoei GT Air 2 is just under $AU 1,000 here in Oz. That’s £530.

[@Championhelmets]

@@gm16v149 The Shoei should definitely be quieter than the K5S. Though if you're curious, you can also check out how it compares to its fellow sport tourers on the road here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5uUqIKLfqdgmZo Thanks for the reply! If you have any further questions, we're always happy to help

[@stuartboyd6340]

Think I will go for the first one so can put my own coms on

[@Championhelmets]

That has been the main route for a lot of riders looking to avoid the Sena integration issue, and it seems to be working so far. Thanks for the comment! Besides the comms, what did you think of the Shoei GT Airs?

[@hoojamaflicks]

3db difference is massive. decibel measurement is not linear.

[@Championhelmets]

That's definitely an important point, and our rider frequently mentions this as well. Certainly another reason why using ear plugs is crucial. Thanks for the comment! What are your thoughts on the Shoei helmet?

[@hoojamaflicks]

@@Championhelmets I have the nxr. I watched your comparison video and saw that the noise difference there is even greater, so tempted by gt air 2, depending on comfort. I tried the original gt air and there was a weird balance thing going on, it was ever so slightly front heavy and was too annoying. maybe version 2 will balance better for me.

[@liryco8795]

Hi, great comparison! I'm on a market for a replacement of my GT-air "1", which I found a bit noisy. This new version sounds promising. Just a question though, is the GT-air 2 compatible with other intercoms than the SRL2? I've got a Sena SMH5 that clips on the outer edge of the helmet, I'm afraid this won't fit anymore, am I right? For a 5-600€ helmet, I won't have enough to buy another intercom. Thanks very much and keep on the good work!

[@Championhelmets]

Hey there! You should have no problem with clipping your SMH5 to the outside of the GT Air 2, but since the interior cavities were designed for the SRL 2, it may not fit as well in terms of the speakers or other parts. You can also always take a look at our bundle deals, which include the SRL 2, if that can help too. Did any of the results from the road test surprise you?

[@liryco8795]

@@Championhelmets not much surprised by the road tests of the GT Air 2, but still surprised when I read that the GT Air 1 is quiet. . As I consider mine quite noisy at 130km/h.. Considering the price of the GT Air 2, I won't have enough to buy another intercom. Nice comment from you considering the size of the cavities for the speakers.. I'll try to find them on Shoei's website and compare them to the one I have, especially important for the headsets, as they might touch/harm the ears. Good point there! Thanks very much!!

[@Championhelmets]

@@liryco8795 Thanks for sharing your experience, it's always great to hear how you find your helmet! Best of luck and if we can help with anything else, just let us know

[@Steven-sx4nc]

Hey, I just tried this helmet today. I used it on my naked bike. I am so disappointed with the noise it makes. From 50 kms/h already a lot of noise. My old helmet is a 15 years old 150 € Vemar. It is much more quiet. Might this be because the old helmet has less ventilation, the interior is solid and fixed (can not be removed) , no wings or flaps or spoilers, no empty room for speakers....... . Am I the only person that suffers from to much noise in new helmets ? I have also tried a hjc rpha 70...... same problem.

[@Championhelmets]

Hi Steven, sorry to hear you found the GT Air 2 helmet noisy. This is often a tough factor to pin down since it can be affected by riding position, the fit, and the interior. Most likely, the factors that you mentioned, fewer vents, solid interior, and an aerodynamically simple shell did play a large role in making your old helmet quiet. Nonetheless, we still found both the GT Air 2 and the RPHA 70 to be among the two quietest helmets that we've tested each with 97 dB inside. Some possible solutions may be double checking the fit of the helmet, making sure the chin curtain is in place, and potentially swapping out the cheek pads. Thanks for the question! Besides the noise issue, how have you found the GT Air 2?

[@Steven-sx4nc]

@@Championhelmets I tried the helmet for 15 minutes on my bike and send it back. It had good comfort and size was perfect but from 70 kms/h .... I almost could not here my bike engine anymore. I was thinking about buying the Nexx g100r retro helmet because it is more comparable with my old helmet.....just basic. Do you have experience with that helmet ?

[@Championhelmets]

@@Steven-sx4nc That's fair enough, especially if it was causing discomfort above 70 km/h. Unfortunately, we don't currently stock Nexx helmets, so we don't have very much experience with them. However, given the G100R's simpler retro design with few fairings and vents, it would be reasonable to assume that it would be a fairly quiet helmet. If you have any further questions, we're always happy to help

[@philgowan6298]

Just get good earplugs.

[@rajindarsingh1417]

Gr888 work guys... truly helpful. My friend is getting rid of his GT air for half e price. Hardly used. The price is swaying me away from the GTair 2 . I would prefer e GT air 2. In a predicament 😳 He is buying the GT air 2 😜

[@Championhelmets]

Hey there! In this case it may probably depend on what you're looking for in your helmet. There were some changes between the GT Air and GT Air 2 including some changes in the noise isolation and aerodynamics so it would really depend on whether you were looking at the helmet for it's price/quality or for it's performance. If you are looking for better noise isolation, then the GT Air 2 would be the one to go for. If you have any further questions, please let us know!

[@KoalaKrunk]

But the bike you're testing on has some pretty good wind buffering, so was this really a proper test for the helmet on its own respectively...?

[@Championhelmets]

While it is inevitable that different bikes will give you greater or smaller levels of wind buffeting, we test out all our helmets on the same bike to get comparable results. And in this case we still found the GT Air 2 to be a very quiet helmet. What drew you to the GT Air 2?

[@Nitu_S.C.]

Given the fact that the presence of the neck curtain (for noise reduction) is statistically responsible for trapping CO2 thus decreasing the brain function by 50%, I wonder how many decibels would the helmets have after taking them out. If so then what's the alternative...ear plugs?

[@sorenjunkers3834]

you notice how the noise in the video inside the helmet is always in a range that will permanently damage your hearing right? I have very bad tinnitus and bad hearing from spending too much time on the bike without ear plugs. ALWAYS wear them. I do not know any older rider without hearing damage.

[@ginoasci2876]

i have a new gut air 2 and it fits perfectly BUT it crushes my ears and they burn and hurt. got a remedy for this ?

[@or0678]

Nice review 👍

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks, how do you like our new tests?

[@motogiorgio]

Is that the CW 1 dark smoke visor? I have the dark smoke visor and you can see my face through the visor??!!!

[@Championhelmets]

Hey there! This is a CNS - 1 dark smoke visor for the GT Air 2. You may be able to see your face through the visor due to differences in lighting and the angle of the light source. When we did our road test, there was a large difference in lighting inside and outside the helmet so it looked very dark. These visors also have to transmit a certain amount of light to be CE rated so there will be a chance that you can see through the visor. How have you found the GT Air 2 so far?

[@motogiorgio]

@@Championhelmets OK thank you. I have the GT Air and I think it's fantastic

[@Championhelmets]

We thought so too, great to hear you're enjoying your GT Air!

[@WHITEHEADTJ71]

is that air2 the black or matte black? thanks

[@TwinTurboPigeon]

Does all GT Air II come with dark shield?

[@Championhelmets]

While the GT Air 2 itself does not come with a dark smoke face shield it does have an integrated drop down sun visor. Thanks for the comment! What's your opinion of the helmet?

[@kevinneal117]

Can you road test a scorpion st1400?

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the suggestion! We'll add the helmet to our list for future road tests. What do you think of the helmet?

[@kevinneal117]

Champion Helmets all the bench reviews declare it a match for the shoei gt air 2. Would love to know how air glow and noise match up when actually measured

[@JuanCheeto]

Best street helmet without visor next?

[@Championhelmets]

Hmm interesting, we have something else planned for the moment but that could definfately make it onto our schedule. Which helmet do you think would be best?

[@JuanCheeto]

@@Championhelmets rpha 11? I think the question is which would YOU predict to win? Lol

[@Championhelmets]

@@JuanCheeto Sorry but I think I misunderstood. Do you mean without a faceshield like the Shoei Ex Zero for example, or without a drop down sunvisor like the RPHA 11? Or something else?

[@JuanCheeto]

@@Championhelmets ohhh! I meant best sportbike helmet for street use without drop down internal sunvisor

[@Championhelmets]

@@JuanCheeto I thought so when you mentioned the RPHA 11! Well, the RPHA 11 is very strong. So is the Shoei NXR though. Those would probably be my 2 top picks though there are some good options from Arai, X Lite, Nolan, AGV...

[@deddyadrian]

Suddenly stop at “dedicated for sena”.

[@dv2045]

NOise isolation is better in GT2... thats it. THis helmet is what is all about: LESS NOISY!

[@MrBurrrG]

And the difference isn't even worth it since you will have a hard time putting an universal com unit on it.

[@dv2045]

@@MrBurrrG Inhabe also that complain. I have a Cardo Talkpack Slim and seems it will have to be attached to the spaces between the Sena compartments

[@Championhelmets]

That's what our road test showed and also, what our rider felt. So its best to see this helmet as an improved version of the GT Air rather than the next leap forward. There has definately been a lot of people unhappy with that Sena system too. It is still possible to get another system on there, but it is less convenient for sure. Are you still looking at the GT Air 2 or will you try for something different?

[@okie-rider]

Shoooee! Lol

[@Championhelmets]

We've definitely received more than one comment on our (let's say) unique approach to pronouncing the brand name. Thanks for the comment! What did you think of how the two helmets compared?

[@okie-rider]

@@Championhelmets I have a GT Air 1...it’s about 5 years old, so will be looking for a new brain bucket soon..Don’t think I’ll stay wit the GT Air 2, will probably go with an Arai. Can’t wait to hear your pronunciation on that one! LOL

[@Championhelmets]

@@okie-rider Though we found the GT Air 2 performed very well out on the road, there are still understandable reasons why riders my not continue with the GT Air line. Nonetheless, if you're curious we have also road tested the GT Air 2 alongside its competitors (including Arai) in our sport-touring test here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fISne2OJh6msitU If you find you have any questions, we're always happy to help!

[@arthurdennis3063]

If this was a 2 minute video I’d watch it. Nearly 9 stupid minutes to label a few changes and upgrades make it boring. Doesn’t need to be this dragged out Jesus !

[@JohnDoe_777]

Shoei GT-Air completely sucks in hot weather!!! If temperature more then 25 celsius your head will be overcooked. It's a very good helmet, comfort and quality is perfect! But ventilation in this helmet is not enough. I need to ride with opened visor in really hot days because if not I can take sunstroke.

[@onemanhisdub1969]

There is no R in data. Data... not Darta.