Best Helmet I Have Owned: Shoei GT-Air 3

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I received my Shoei GT Air 3 helmet and placed it into service over the weekend. I am pleased to report that it is the best helmet I have ever owned. Here are a few details which you may find helpful as you consider possibilities.

The helmet ships with a

• Pinlock EVO Lens
• Breath Guard
• Chin Curtain

Helmet Specs follow:

• Shell Type: AIM
• Shield Type: CNS-1C Shield & QSV-2 Sun Shield
• Ventilation: Defogger Ventilation System
• Liner: EPS Liner
• Weight: 3.91 lbs
• Certifications: DOT Certified / ECE 22-06

The Faithful consider the GT Air to be the very best sport-touring helmet available. My 25-mile ride over the weekend reinforced that position or bias, depending on your point of view.

Because my prior helmet is over 5 years old, I had to upgrade. Relative to the GT Air 2, here are the following advantages I realized by upgrading to the GT Air 3:

• Stability at Speed: The enhanced rear spoiler makes the GT Air 3 a very stable helmet at speed. At 75 MPH, it felt more stable than the GT Air 2.

• Aerodynamics: The GT Air 3 has a more elongated shape which helps the air flow over and around the helmet. Although it is slightly heavier than the GT Air 2, it felt “lighter.”

• Noise: The GT Air 3 focused on noise reduction with this release. The chin profile is more round than the GT Air 2. The check pads are larger and provide more coverage to the back of the helmet. This design appears to prevent air from entering the helmet from the back of the neck. The venting is also different, which helps pull air through the helmet without it circulating it inside the helmet and making a lot of racket from air currents bouncing around. I do not have the means to take a DB rating while riding, but I believe the GT Air 3 has achieved a 10-15% noise reduction relative to a Gt Air 2.

• Neck Strap: The neck strap is thinner and slightly more comfortable without compromising strength.

• Comms System: The integrated Sena SRL-03 has a lower profile, sleeker design, and most importantly sounds better than the Sena SRL-02. It has more base and the speakers are well positioned. I could hear everything clearly even while wearing my fancy ear plugs.

• Visor: The drop down visor latch is easy to manipulate. It’s position has changed as has the shape of the latch. I found both to be an improvement over an already strong design.

The helmet is made of the finest materials available, as it should because of the expense.

Installing the Comms System required focus, time, patience, and some cursing. However, it is a manageable task. Of note, the Comms System uses a USB C connector, making charging more convenient. The Comms System ships with a charging cable and a wi-fi adapter but you must provide a charger. I used my iPad charger without any problems.

It is possible to push out firmware updates wirelessly after you configure the adapter to connect to your home network. I found it easier than connecting the helmet to my computer for updating firmware. The iPhone App is relatively easy to use and well organized.

I purchased the helmet and comms system from the local CycleGear Store in my neighborhood. The total cost was a staggering $1,195.16 USD:

Shoei GT Air 3 Helmet: $749.99
Sena Mesh Communication System: $359.00
Sales Tax: $113.67

When I began to weep at the counter, the Store Manager gave me a $27.50 coupon to help ease my pain.

I was told that Shoei is quite proud of the GT Air 3 and it is unlikely that a sale or special event will take place any time soon.

Here are a few pictures to help bring things into focus. I will gladly answer any questions, and I welcome your comments. Take care, David