The new and improved Shoei GT-AIR 3 has landed in Australia. Check out all the tech and safety packed into this lid, as well as Australian pricing and all the colour schemes below...
With reduced wind noise, exceptional ventilation and a design that exceeds the latest ECE22.06 safety certifications, the long awaited Shoei GT-AIR 3 is now available in Australia. Check out all of the epic tech packed into this new era of Shoei lids below…
With reduced wind noise, exceptional ventilation and a design that exceeds the latest ECE22.06 safety certifications, the long awaited Shoei GT-AIR 3 is now available in Australia.
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 at home on a commute, through busy city streets or hitting the apex on a track day.
Shoei Australia Brand Manager, Damien Irwin, could barely contain his excitement when the first helmet came across his desk. “The GT-AIR name has been a benchmark for premium performance for years, and somehow the GT-AIR 3 improves on its iconic predecessor”, said Damien.
“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. 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”, he said.
Shoei’s improvements were driven by two factors; ensuring the premium aerodynamics and styling remained while incorporating requirements of the new ECE22.06 certifications and to fulfill customer feedback.
Shoei’s improvements were driven by two factors; ensuring the premium aerodynamics and styling remained while incorporating requirements of the new ECE22.06 certifications and to fulfill customer feedback.
The recent ECE22.06 certification update is a welcome improvement to the previous 20-year-old industry standard, with helmets now having to pass additional tests 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.
As you’d expect from a premium level helmet brand, safety is paramount. The GT-AIR3’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 shell, utilising fibreglass and organic fibres to create a lightweight and strong external layer.
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 carving out channels to direct and deflect wind. With every new concept, each design was tested in their inhouse wind tunnel, refined, tested, refined, tested…
Improved helmet aerodynamics led to a change in visors, with the GT-AIR 3 sporting a larger field of view, centre locking mechanism, new idents allowing a ‘slightly open’ setting to prevent fogging and new wind noise reducing vortex generators behind the visor to deflect wind around your ears to reduce the noise.
Damien was quick to point out that many riders don’t realise the wind going past the helmet exterior isn’t where you’ll hear the most wind 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,” he said.
Aerodynamics also played a major role in the integration of the Shoei Comlink communications systems. Like its predecessor, the GT-AIR 3 features the ability to install an integrated comms system, in this case the SENA SRL-3 (sold separately), with no external units or distraction to the helmet design and aerodynamics. Utilising a combination of Mesh and Bluetooth technologies, the SRL-3 can connect into a group ride, stream music and make following GPS directions a breeze. The simple interface is seamlessly designed into the side of the helmet with dedicated space internally for wiring, speakers, antenna and the battery.
Aerodynamics also played a major role in the integration of the Shoei Comlink communications systems.
No matter where you’re riding or the distance you’re covering, ventilation is key, and the GT-AIR 3 is drawing through air like you wouldn’t believe; 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.
Rider feedback brought on the inclusion of insect mesh within the chin vents for those early morning and late afternoon rides on country roads, which will be greatly appreciated. Another fan request was to reduce the size of the stainless-steel micro-ratcheting chinstrap, which is now smaller and easy to operate, even with gloves.
Sized from XS-2XL utilising three shell sizes for the perfect fit, internal sun visor, six tint options of the external visor, five solid colours and two graphics with many more to come, the GT-AIR 3 is priced from $1,249.95 and is available now from your local motorcycle dealer and accessories retailers.
Shoei GT-AIR 3 Graphics
For further information about the GT-AIR 3 and to check out the full range, head here.
Shoei GT-AIR 3 Solid Colours
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