Shoei GT-Air 2 Review: The Quietest Motorcycle Helmet Ever?

Are you in the market for a high-performance motorcycle helmet that combines style and functionality? Look no further than the Shoei GT-Air 2. 

This helmet boasts an impressive range of features that make it stand out from the crowd. 

From its aerodynamic design and multi-piece EPS liner to its advanced integrated matrix shell structure, the GT-Air 2 is engineered for maximum performance and protection.

But what really sets this helmet apart is how quiet it is. This is the quietest motorcycle helmet we could find.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these two features and why they make the GT-Air 2 a top choice for the quietest motorcycle helmet we tested.

Shell Design & Sizing

Designed to provide a perfect fit for your head, the Shoei GT-Air 2 comes in three shell sizes – XS-SM, MD-LG, XL-2XL. 

The shell is made from Shoei’s Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM), which combines high-performance fiber materials with elastic organic fibers to create an ultra-lightweight, rigid, and resilient structure. 

This means you get a strong and flexible helmet, giving you the confidence to take on any road.

Aerodynamic Properties

The Shoei GT-Air 2 has been tested extensively in wind tunnels, and the design has been optimized to maximize aerodynamic properties. 

The molded air spoiler reduces drag and lift, while the multi-piece EPS liner enhances impact absorption and ventilation. 

All of this means that you get a helmet that provides superior protection while also keeping you cool and comfortable.

Shape & Weight

The Shoei GT-Air 2 has been designed with an Intermediate Oval shape, which means it will fit most riders comfortably. 

And despite all of these advanced features, the Shoei GT-Air 2 weighs just 3.79 lbs (for a size medium), which is about average for this size and style of helmet. 

This means that you get a lightweight and durable helmet, so you can focus on the road ahead.

Face Shield – Our visor is the CNS-1 model, which is both wider and taller than the CX-1V it replaces. 

The mounting plates on which the visor sits have been revised, which means that you get a smaller initial opening of the visor. 

This reduces the amount of air that enters the helmet and prevents debris and bugs from entering. 

And when you do need some fresh air, you can simply crack the visor open to get a cooling amount of air in.

Pinlock Anti-Fog Lens – We know that fogging can be a real issue when you’re on the road. That’s why we’ve included a Pinlock Anti-Fog Lens with our visor. 

This provides more coverage of the CNS-1 shield and ensures that you get a clear view of the road ahead at all times.

Dual-Ridge Window Bead

The box includes a Dual-Ridge Window Bead to reduce wind noise and ensure a quiet ride. 

This increases contact with the shield and reduces wind noise, giving you a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

UV Protection – Our visor features a scratch-resistant coating and provides 99.9% protection from harmful UV A&B rays. 

This means that you get a visor that is both durable and safe and protects your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

Sun glare can be a major distraction when you’re riding, which is why I’m excited to tell you about the Shoei GT-Air 2’s incredible sun shield. 

This isn’t your ordinary sun visor – it’s a built-in QSV-2 sun shield that can be activated in just one quick motion.

The large, easy-to-reach slider ensures you can adjust the shield easily and safely, even while wearing gloves.

The sun shield on the GT-Air 2 isn’t just any old piece of plastic, either. It meets the ANSI Z80.3-2010 standard for non-prescription eyeglasses, offering exceptional clarity and distortion-free vision. 

Not only that, but the shield also blocks 99% of harmful UV rays, keeping your eyes safe from the sun’s damaging effects.

The sun shield is located within the helmet’s shell, so it doesn’t compromise the integrity of the GT-Air’s inner EPS liner. 

Additionally, the forehead area of the outer shell is raised slightly to accommodate the internal sun shield, giving you maximum protection without sacrificing comfort.

But that’s not all. Shoei has gone above and beyond with the GT-Air 2’s sun shield, extending it by an additional five millimeters to provide greater coverage against glare from sunlight. 

The sun visor is also anti-mist coated, ensuring clear vision even on colder days. With a discreet and simple-to-use side switch on the left, you can quickly and easily activate the sun shield whenever you need it.

Ventilation

Ventilation is key when it comes to staying cool and comfortable while riding. That’s why I love the Shoei GT-Air 2’s advanced ventilation system. 

With a redesigned upper air intake vent, the GT-Air 2 maximizes air volume into the helmet interior, providing exceptional cooling airflow. 

Plus, the enlarged lower intake vent helps to reduce shield fogging and increase overall ventilation.

Operating the GT-Air 2’s vents is a breeze, even when I am wearing my gloves. The chunky, two-stage sliding top vent and chin vent provides good cooling air through to the rider’s mouth.

And with three intake and six exhaust vents, the GT-Air 2’s ventilation system helped keep me cool on even the hottest rides (I live in Florida so it gets hot in my helmet).

But ventilation isn’t just about bringing in the fresh air. The GT-Air 2’s rear/neck vents allow for effective air exhaust, so stale air is pushed out of the helmet, keeping you feeling fresh and comfortable. 

And to make sure that you always have the best possible riding experience, the GT-Air 2 comes with a breath guard, and chin curtain included.

The 3D Max-Dry material used for the foam is shaped to fit the contours of your face, giving you a snug and comfortable fit that’s perfect for long rides. 

The moisture-wicking fabric on the interior will keep you cool and dry, and it dries twice as quickly as a normal brushed nylon liner.

In case of an emergency, the helmet’s cheek pads have emergency release tabs that can be easily removed to make it easier for medical personnel to remove the helmet from your head. 

The chin curtain is also removable, reducing drafts and making your ride a lot quieter.

If, like me, you wear eyeglasses, you will appreciate the eyeglass-compatible interior that will prevent pressure points from developing on their head. 

Additionally, the Shoei GT-Air 2 features a micrometric strap fastener that’s easy to use and will ensure that your helmet stays securely in place.

With the EQRS (Emergency Quick-Release System), you can easily remove the cheek pads in the event of an accident. 

This feature will make it much easier for medical personnel to remove your helmet from your head, potentially reducing the severity of any injuries you may have sustained.

Intercom

If you’re like me, sometimes you want to ride with a group or communicate with your passenger while on the road. 

With the GT-Air 2, you don’t have to worry about adding an intercom system because it’s already prepared for it. 

The helmet features dedicated cutouts at the base of the shell to accommodate the SENA SRL2 Bluetooth intercom, which is specifically designed to work with this helmet.

The control unit for the intercom sits conveniently in the cutout at the base of the helmet on the left-hand side. 

Plus, the battery for the intercom is easily tucked into a pocket, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space. 

And, thanks to the recesses on the internal lining, the speakers fit comfortably and securely in place.

Safety Certification

Safety is always my top priority as a rider, so I choose the Shoei GT-Air 2 helmet. It has been certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which means that it has passed rigorous testing standards for impact resistance and penetration protection.

When I’m out on the road, I want to feel confident that my head is well-protected in case of an accident, and the DOT certification gives me that peace of mind. 

It’s important to note that not all helmets on the market have this certification, so choosing one that does is a smart choice for any rider.

The Shoei GT-Air 2 helmet also goes above and beyond in terms of safety features with its advanced multi-ply matrix AIM+ shell and dual-layer, multi-density EPS liner. 

These technologies work together to absorb impact energy and reduce the force of a potential impact, which can help prevent head injuries.

Features and Benefits

Feature	Benefit
Three shell sizes and Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM)	Provides a perfect fit and a strong, flexible, and resilient helmet.
Molded air spoiler and multi-piece EPS liner	Maximizes aerodynamic properties and enhances impact absorption and ventilation.
Intermediate Oval shape and lightweight design	Fits most riders comfortably and reduces strain on the neck.
CNS-1 visor with Pinlock Anti-Fog Lens	Provides a clear view of the road ahead and prevents fogging.
Dual-Ridge Window Bead	Reduces wind noise and ensures a quiet ride.
Built-in QSV-2 sun shield with ANSI Z80.3-2010 standard	Protects against sun glare and harmful UV rays with exceptional clarity and distortion-free vision.
Advanced ventilation system	Maximizes air volume and reduces shield fogging, keeping the rider cool and comfortable.
Moisture-wicking, eyeglass-compatible interior	Keeps the rider cool and dry, and prevents pressure points on the head.
EQRS (Emergency Quick-Release System)	Allows for easy removal of the helmet in case of an accident.
Intercom prepared and SENA SRL2 Bluetooth intercom compatible	Allows for easy communication with a passenger or riding group.
DOT certification and AIM+ shell with multi-density EPS liner	Provides rigorous impact resistance and penetration protection, reducing the risk of head injuries.

• ?️ Shoei GT Air 2 is a sporty touring helmet with an internal sun visor and polystyrene liner.
• ? The helmet is made from a combination of lightweight fibers that offer elasticity and strength.
• ? The helmet has cutouts for a Bluetooth intercom and a battery pocket for the control unit.
• ? The quick-release visor is Pinlock protected and has a smaller initial opening than the original GT Air.
• ☀️ The internal sun visor extends further down and has a larger cut around the nose to provide extra space.
• ? Customers praise the helmet for its quality and features, but some note that it can get chilly on cold days with the vents fully open.

What I Liked About The GT-Air 2

Snug Fit and Convenient Chin Strap

When I first tried on the Shoei GT-Air 2, I was pleasantly surprised at how snugly it fit. 

I could tell right away that this helmet was designed to stay in place, even during high-speed rides

And although I was used to the traditional D-ring chin strap, the ratchet chin strap on this helmet worked even better, making it easy to adjust and secure in a snap.

Comfortable and Lightweight Design

Wearing the Shoei GT-Air 2, I barely felt any wind drag at all, making my rides that much more enjoyable. 

Plus, the helmet was incredibly comfortable, even on long rides. I hardly noticed that I was wearing it at all! 

And despite being lightweight, the helmet still felt sturdy and well-built, giving me confidence in its ability to protect me on the road.

Quiet and Clear Visibility

One of the GT-Air 2’s standout features is that it is a quiet helmet. Even without earplugs, the helmet did an excellent job of blocking out wind noise. 

And with the tinted visor, I didn’t have to worry about sunglasses or squinting in bright sunlight. 

Plus, the visibility from left to right was great, and although the lower peripheral visibility wasn’t as good as my adventure-style helmet, that’s to be expected.

Worth the Investment

While the Shoei GT-Air 2 is definitely on the pricier side, I have to say that it’s worth the investment. 

As someone with some hearing loss, the helmet’s design helped me hear my communication system much clearer. 

Plus, the attention to detail, like the easy-to-use pin lock tension adjuster, shows that this is a helmet that’s built to last. 

All in all, I’d say that the Shoei GT-Air 2 is a great investment for anyone looking for a comfortable, well-built, and quiet helmet.

What I Didn’t Like

As a rider, I believe it’s important, to be honest about what works and what doesn’t. While the Shoei GT-Air 2 has many impressive features, there are a few things that I didn’t like.

Firstly, I found the sizing to be a bit off. Even though I wear a medium in the original GT-Air, the medium in the GT-Air 2 felt too large in the cheek area. 

This caused the helmet to move around too much, which was uncomfortable and made me feel less secure.

Additionally, I was disappointed in the tinted visor. Compared to my current GT-Air, the tint is less pronounced, which means I now have to wear sunglasses underneath the visor to block out the sun. 

While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s an inconvenience that I didn’t expect from a high-end helmet like the GT-Air 2.

Despite these issues, I still think the Shoei GT-Air 2 is a quality helmet that offers many great features. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making a purchase.

FAQ

Is the Shoei GT-Air 2 a safe helmet?

Yes, the Shoei GT-Air 2 is DOT-certified, which means it meets the minimum safety standards set by the Department of Transportation.

Is the Shoei GT-Air 2 worth the extra money compared to other helmets?

Yes, the Shoei GT-Air 2 is a high-quality helmet with the superior build quality, a comfortable fit, and convenient features like the tool for adjusting the pin lock tension.

How does the Shoei GT-Air 2 compare to other helmets in terms of noise reduction?

I found the Shoei GT-Air 2 to be a very quiet helmet that I could wear without without earplugs.

Does the Shoei GT-Air 2 come with an intercom?

No, the Shoei GT-Air 2 does not come with an intercom, but it does have dedicated cutouts for the Senna SRL2 Bluetooth intercom, which can be purchased separately.

Is the Shoei GT-Air 2 true to size?

It may vary for different individuals, but I found that the GT-Air 2 in the medium was too large in the cheek area and moved side to side quite a bit, compared to my GT Air which fits great.

Does the Shoei GT-Air 2 come with a heavily tinted visor?

I found the tinted visor on the Shoei GT-Air 2 seems to be less tinted than their current GT-Air, and now I need sunglasses when using it.

In conclusion

The Shoei GT-Air 2 is an excellent motorcycle helmet that boasts several impressive features. 

The shell design and sizing provide a combination of elasticity and strength, making it both lightweight and resilient. 

The helmet’s aerodynamic properties have been maximized through extensive wind tunnel testing, ensuring a comfortable and stable ride. 

The face and sun shields offer wide coverage; both are scratch-resistant and protect against harmful UV rays. 

The Pinlock Anti-Fog Lens ensures clear vision in all conditions. Overall, the Shoei GT-Air 2 is a top-of-the-line motorcycle helmet that provides exceptional protection, comfort, and style.

Next Article: RPHA 90S Carbon Review