Escape the helmet hype: Shoei GT Air II long-term review
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 4. 09. 2021
- Shoei GT Air II Long Term Opinion
Stuck in lockdown so I thought it might be time to let you know my thoughts on the Shoei GT Air II and Sena SRL 2.
0:00 - Intro
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Thank you very much for your video. Iâll be buying this helmet here in about 72 hours. Looking forward to using it.
Glad you liked the video, yes you'll love this helmet, certainly a game changer for street riding!
Thanks for the review...Im on my second GT Air having recently purchased the Air II. The unit comes with silicon oil designed to help seal the lid as well as an advanced PINLOCK Evo insert. That lens includes two replacement pins. Moisture due to humidity is a given and especially with full face helmets and depending on the elements, the adventure helmets aren't any better. I do recommend wearing an athletic scully vs wearing the helmet "naked".. Nike and UA have great ones. Reduces heat,moisture and sweat big time...thanks again for the review!
Will certainly chase some down, I used to wear one with a flying helmet when I was flying choppers, need to get another one for sure!
hey man i love ur videos its a shame u dont get over 10k views u really deserve it. Im 15 in germany riding a scooter and i love watching ur videos i even bought that helmet! have a nice day sir keep going.
Hey Maik!! Thanks for the great comment!! Glad you like the videos, you've got some amazing riding around your country, hope to see you get out there and enjoy it!
@@ADVBrett thank you sir I hopefully will ride a 125ninja when Iâm 16 and with 18 also something supersport but I really enjoy ur adv videos too
Commenting for CZcams Algorithms
Nice feedback. All the reviews I've seen claim that it is one of the quietest helmets on the market, but i guess noise is subjective.
Only other concern would be how the ventilation deals with a North Queensland summer haha.
Ahhh yeah, if the Shoei is the one that suits, make sure you buy a white one!
You can just add an anti fog stick on strip on the flip down visor if needed
I've used the photochromatic visor for a few years now. That was a game changer for me.
I've been trying to find one for the Hornet ADV with no luck at all so far!
I just ordered one last nightâŠ. Iâve been wanting the shoei GT air 2, for quite some time and finally pulled the trigger. Hive had the shoei rf1200 phantasm and Iâm currently using the ruroc 2.0 and 3.0 and switch from time to time to the icon stealth with mipsâŠ.
You won't regret it mate, I found it a great helmet.
Very nice review. I have the same helmet for about the same time. I was hoping it would be quieter. Mine doesn't leak in the rain. If you are still having that problem (leaking). I would reach out to Shoei and see if they are will to provide a new visor. Thanks for the vid. Have a good day.
Thanks Recon! I ended up selling the Shoei and bought the Arai XD-4, bloody good helmet this one, I can see why it's so popular!
Thanks for your review. I bought one for my cross Canada adventure. It works great for me. Just wondering if you could please share two things: 1. The upgrades for speakers and; 2. The GoPro chin mount details of how to get it? Thanks again!
So I didn't end up getting the speaker upgrade, I'm actually looking at now upgrading the helmet for something more Adventure style! This will mean a new Sena system as well!
Now that mount is from MotoMounts, they're a great company who do a 3D printing mount with 3M sticky pad. I've had no issues with the mount at all and found it exceptional! So I'll be doing that again for sure!
Huge thanks for the comment too, hope you've had the chance to subscribe to the channel!
I have this helmet and I agree with your opinion. I believe it is very noisey and fogs a lot. I like the instegrated visor too. I ended up going with Arai helmet and that thing is amazing. Never looked back.
Super video. Shoei make great helmets, but not my head shape. So it is Arai for me but no internal sun visor or the Schuberth C4.with the visor . Cannot comment on leaks as in ten years I have not been caught in the rain in my part of sunny France. Look forward to your thoughts/ opinions on Adv. helmets.
Really keen to check out this Nexx series and I've also had an eye on the Airoh as well. We're in a lockdown so there's no bike shops open. Although I could always risk it and buy online, then hope there's a good returns policy with the online store!
Some guy did a CZcams video on the temperature difference between black and white helmets. The white helmet is 10 degrees cooler! Plus, you are a bit more visible to car drivers. I ride a BMW 1200RT--the standard police motorcycle here in San Diego. People think I'm a cop and move out of my. I like this helmet and I like it in white. It replaced a black RF-1200.
I recently sold the black Shoei and purchased a white Arai, I reckon I'll notice a big difference. Also moved away from the black adventure jacket and have just been delivered a new white one. I'd rather be cool on a hot day than looking clean!!
I like opinions đ
Absolutely!! And I'm certainly no expert!
You're right on, a '7" but call it Good to OK not great. I have the exact set up. My thoughts it's just OK-nice sun visor. The air flow is bad, top vent doesn't seem to work and the SRL is complex and hard to hear with ear plugs in at highway speed and no windshield. I call it over priced and hyped across the board. I would have went with the HJC or RF 1400 looking back.
i have that same helmet, large fits perfect when itâs on, light weight, and quiet, BUT itâs causing redness and pain from the friction and folding my ears when putting it on mostly, and a little when taking it off.
iâll have to give my ears some time to heal before attempting to wast this helmet again.
did you have this problem?
what did you do, and what can i do ?
Great honest review đ my question is your chin mount for your gopro where did you get it? Part number.
Thanks đ
Thanks mate, check out Ride Tech Moto
ridetechmoto.com/collections/helmet-chin-mounts/products/shoei-gt-air-2-camera-chin-mount
@@ADVBrett đ totally awesome thanks for the info.
Rain x is good for reducing fog
Great review. I have the Same helmet and trying to decide whether to buy the sena srl2. I wear foam earplugs rated to 30db and have seen lots of comment that the speakers arenât powerful enough to hear music at highway speeds and lacks any bass.
I've been wearing ear plugs since I bought it with the SRL2 but the volume has to be all the way up to max. I still struggle listening to a podcast but telephone calls and music are crystal clear
i find the sound to be pretty good.
abs included.
i have that same helmet, large fits perfect when itâs on, light weight, and quiet, BUT itâs causing redness and pain from the friction and folding my ears when putting it on mostly, and a little when taking it off.
iâll have to give my ears some time to heal before attempting to wast this helmet again.
did you have this problem?
what did you do, and what can i do ?
Brother if you read the booklet supplied you would use the little bottle of silicone oil to lightly rub around the seal of the external visor. Youâre trying to close it dry.
The silicone made the world of difference to the opening and closing of my Shoei GT Air II which I put on regularly
What did you think about the ratchet v double d ring? Can you live with it and do you feel secure with it? Cheers.
I love the ratchet connection, feels very secure and I would do another one in a flash. D-rings are always very reliable and if I go down the path of the Airoh Commander then that's what I'll deal with. I certainly prefer the ratchet though.
Thanks for the review. I should have watched this before I just ordered it 10 mins ago. Disappointed to know that it fogs up easily :-( . My 10 year old Scorpion Exo 500 was a budget, has the same internal visor and neither has fogged up! Ever! Also sad to hear that its noisy... was hoping to get away from that. My Exo 500 has the same issue.. Grrr.... might have to send the Shoei back :- (
There is a fix for it but it just depends on how good the pin lock screws are to keep it tight against the visor. I still give it a big thumbs up I think you'll be impressed with it
@@ADVBrett thanks. I sentnot back. Felt cheap to me and was a little loose. Not much padding in the crown either. Wasn't impressed overall. Went with a scorpion R1 air. Fit and felt perfect!! Thanks
@@mackyhowy8581 Nice work! It's got to feel right!
@@mackyhowy8581 gt air 2 is one of the best helmets on the market tho. Thing with the noise is sometimes you have to adjust the screws from the visor when you just bought it since the position is not good for some reason.
There is a adhesive for the visor so it doesnt fog up
Great video mate. Iâve had this exact helmet for about a year. Not impressed with the noise. Going to a white RF1400 next.
Good move indeed, I ended up going over to the Arai XD4, much quieter and more suited to my needs. Happy with that!
It's noisy ? Really ? I've always used ear plugs so the road/engine noise is drastically reduced, but I wonder how I'd go with the SENA system with ear plugs.
@@tonymontana897 The Sena SRL2 was good with earplugs with calls and music. I always wore earplugs as my hearing had never been the best.
@@ADVBrett OK cool. Thanks for that Brett. The bike tends to sound so much sweeter with ear plugs and it also cuts the wind noise too.
@@tonymontana897 So true! I've found the Arai XD4 a bit quieter so not using ear plugs as much
Use a little bit of dawn soap that's what I use for work. Just a little dawn on the inside of the visor .it won't fog up
I'm certainly going to give that a shot
Hi can you elaborate on that? Do you wipe the visor with soap? A dilution?
How do you like that chin mount? Looks like the ride tech. Any issues?
Thanks
Finding it pretty good although the 3M tape came apart on the last ride so I need to fix that. I have the same type on my Arai and it is perfect!
@@ADVBrett awesome man. Thanks so much for the reply
Super video, I cosider to buy. Have some questions how about black mat and screches and bugs ? Still smooth black mat surface? đ
Sure was, this is very easy to clean and always looked near new, the matt black does get very warm in summer though.
Thanks for share your experience đđ
I have one more question yuou mentioned thant you using ear plugs I have Phonak,but after 1h ride when I take of my helmet feeling strange, What about you?
@@ArtasDesign I certainly don't get that feeling but that can be caused by sinus blockage. Is the feeling like being dizzy or having vertigo?
Picked it up in white medium. SLR Mesh Sounds great, but yesâŠmore noise than my previous Shoei 1200
I reckon all helmets are getting noisy, earplugs are the way to go!
Have you tried the RAIN X Anti Fog solution?
Not yet but since we're in lockdown, I might hold out on giving it a shot. I was concerned about using more chemicals as all the helmet manufacturers recommend not to do it but I think that's just them covering their own ass.
Thanks for the honest opinion. I just ordered one because all reviews said it is one of the quietest helmets on the markets. I should have watched your review earlier :)))
Worst case scenario I'd still recommend ear plugs. I'm finding as I get older all that noise has had an effect on my hearing with serious tinnitus. Always better to be safe than sorry!
i just bought one and it is quiet, light weight, great venting, the flip down tinted shied is convenient, and itâs very comfortable.
i like thatâs itâs light weight the best.
BUT itâs causing redness and pain from the friction and folding my ears when putting it on mostly, and a little when taking it off.
iâll have to give my ears some time to heal before attempting to wast this helmet again.
did you have this problem?
what did you do, and what can i do ?
@@ADVBretthow is your hearing doing ?
Do you suggest a quiter helmet ?
I dont get it. Is the slr2 built in to this helmet when you buy it? On the shoei website it says the helmetâs made for the slr2. Im just getting into bikes so i dont get this stuff
Sorry bud, the SRL2 made by Sena is separate but it's designed to go with the GT Air 2 helmet. It gives the helmet a.slicker look. HOWEVER, I've just bought the Sena 50S for my new Arai and I would highly recommend you get something like that with the Mesh communication system. The 50S and 50R are a massive upgrade from the SRL2.
With the fogging on the internal tinted glasses, Iâm no engineer, but does it fog up because the vapour has nowhere to escape? If so, how about drilling a couple of small holes across the top of the glasses?
That could work, I've moved to the Arai XD4 now which has serious venting but still noisy. I would've tested a lot of different options on that visor. I see Schuberth have come out with a new ADV helmet with internal visor, might look at that too
I've been running the Shoei Neotec II with the SRL for just over 3 years. Shoei makes a great helmet, but Sena has lost my business because they've just been coasting for years. It's a shame they make such a terrible BT unit, because the SRL integrates so well. I hope Shoei partners with Cardo in the future. I just bought the Shoei GT Air II, and they are extremely similar. I was considering the RF-1400...but at the end of the day I like the features the GT Air II and Neotec II both share. The ratcheting strap and internal sun visor are hard to do without once you've had them. I don't do track riding, so the RF-1400 dumped a bunch of features I like to attain a SNELL rating.
The GT Air II is noticeably lighter than the Neotech II, 142 grams lighter. The GT Air II flows more air at slower speeds than the Neotec II, but they're pretty similar at highway speeds. I managed to fit the Cardo PackTalk Black into the GT Air II without too many issues...just took some planning on how to run and hide the wires. The placement was a little further back than I'd have liked.
Do u recommend gt air 2 for both highway and city ?
Certainly do, I reckon it's a great choice but make sure you try it on first as everyone has a different shaped head!
@@ADVBrett shape head in terma of correct size or general fit?
@@ChrisGreeceChris A bit of both, my head suits the Shoei and Arai but not that great with Bell or Airoh, even AGV helmets don't really fit my head.
@@ADVBrett understood thank you!
i have that same helmet, large fits perfect when itâs on, light weight, and quiet, BUT itâs causing redness and pain from the friction and folding my ears when putting it on mostly, and a little when taking it off.
iâll have to give my ears some time to heal before attempting to wast this helmet again.
did you have this problem?
what did you do, and what can i do ?
Mate that's horrible to hear, I can imagine what pain it would cause. I've had to really peel the chin straps open when I put it on or take it off. I suppose that's the advantage and disadvantage of having such a snug fit.
I've used a head scarf on occasion or a balaclava and that fixes the problem real quick. It's worth a shot for sure.
@@ADVBrett : thank you my friend, the balaclava is a good idea.
stay safe !
With the Sena, is it the basic SRL 2 or the Mesh version as there appears to be a difference in the speakers?
The SRL2 doesn't have the mesh, it's just Bluetooth but I did find it clear but a little low on the volume side of things. I'd recommend the 50S or 50R
@@ADVBrett I've only just found you site so a big thank you for your help. I've got a 1200GS so I'll look for more of your videos to see where you are at with your adventure riding.
@@johnpardon9986 Awesome, thanks for that!! Getting back into the journey and checking out what's out there! Hope you enjoy!
I suppose itâs hard to lock down because it has to seal to stop rain?
It's actually because it wasn't aligned properly, after a quick adjustment it was a lot easier but it's a known issue that just requires a quick touch up every now & then
Been looking to buy the GT AIR 2 at what speed do you really start to hear the wind noise me I do a lot of higher speed ridding
70kph and above, the noise level was quite noticable at higher speeds
@@ADVBrett thx
Have you tried anti fog coating
Sure have, also tried shaving cream and toothpaste. In the end I bought an Arai
Is there any similar helmet with the sun visor that is better that this ??
Hi K, very hard to say. There's a lot of helmets with the visor around these days, it'll all be trial and error.
What is the quality of srl speakers from 1 to 5?
The SRL standard speakers about 3 out of 5 but in my Shoei Hornet I upgraded to the Harman Kardon speakers and they are outstanding.
Can you hook up a Sena 10 S pro video recorder to this
Not with this unit because it's embedded into the helmet but I'm pretty sure you can with other units that attach to the side of the helmet. Sena just released a new camera / intercom which is also looking good, that might be worth a look.
Would this helmet be a good choice for a first helmet if i can get it for 225 USD?
Second hand or new? My biggest recommendation is to never buy a second hand helmet. If it's new, go to town!
excuse me could i ask your head size? im thinking of getting a medium but my head is 23 inches, exactly between M and L lol
To be honest, you need to physically try them on if possible. Heads are all shaped differently. I had the ability to try on the GT Air 2 before purchasing and chose the Medium for best fit. You're the same size as me and I went for a firm fit because the foam will soften up.
7 out of 10 rating in this price range is no dice for me!
Totally understand, she's certainly at the top of the price range!
âNoisyâ compared toâŠ? Iâve had enough of my X-Lite and Iâm going for the GT2. If itâs noisy, I really hope it will be less noisy than mine
Good comment, it's really just a personal preference. I rely on ear plugs these days, my ears are already damaged after aviation and riding.
Idk what it is about people who say "If you're new here, give the video a like and subscribe". It's like, yeah, I'll like the video and subscribe if it's worth my time once I've watched it, not before.
Thanks for watching!
I have this helmet and I love It but I have a big issue with opening the visor its always a struggle feels like something is stuck and I have to push up hard.. I took it to the showroom they said its normal but doesn't seem normal to me.. is it the same with yours?
Yep, exactly the same and I hated it. Sometimes it wouldn't lock down too. One of the guys who commented here down below recommended adjusting the screws to move the visor and that worked for me, maybe give that a shot
@@ADVBrett I actually took it back again to the showroom they replaced the mechanism completely and seems to be working better. apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed either thank goodness.. and turns out some mechanisms are bent from factory by accident so they just replaced that part
There's a snap... it's actually really nice if you know how to use it...
Mine was the same, but loosened up over time.
Good to know, you still using it at the moment?
Is the auto darkening shield available for this helmet?
I'm pretty sure it is with a PinLock but the tinted visor worked really well.
@@ADVBrett thanks!
I donât think that option exists. Iâve looked
Ear plugs it is then!
Does the inner visor allow room for prescription glasses ?
Hi Jason, I never got to try them with glasses. I would suggest try one for size and see if the inner visor comes close. I think it may be an issue as the visor comes down on the bridge of the nose
@@ADVBrett ahhhh I see, thanks mate. Yes I will try a few on at my local bike shop cheers đ
@@jasoncee666 Any time at all!! I have to admit, the visor was always a great addition. My eyes have deteriorated over time so I'm keen to know how you go with the helmet. I've recently purchased the Shoei Hornet, no visor but great quality.
@@ADVBrett haha just got my 1st pair of prescription glasses 2 days ago not too bad making it to 48 without any đ
@@jasoncee666 That's a solid effort! My first set was at 46, I'm still in denial!
Hi mate..i have been using this helmet for the last 2 years. Great helmet. How is the sena in terms of sound quality when you are riding in the freeway at 100kmph with ear plugs in your ear. Just curious because i have been hearing that sena is in audible at high speeds..so curious to get your feedback mate. Am not looking for a bose sound effect, atleast i prefer that its audible at high speeds..
Yeah freeway speeds are certainly a challenge but I'm pretty sure Sena is upgrading the speakers. I ended up moving on to an Arai XD4 with the Sena 50S and that's a totally different experience. If you haven't purchased the headset yet, I highly recommend getting something you can swap out onto other helmets like the 50S or 50R.
@@ADVBrett oh is it. How is the arai xd 4..is it as good a helmet as shoei gt air 2
@@purushful I'd say it's a much better helmet with regards to noise and visibility, I'm certainly more impressed with this helmet.
@@ADVBrett from size point of view i use a medium shoei 57 to 58 cm..fits well..how is arai compared to this.
@@purushful It really depends on the shape of your head but I'm about the same in both the helmet brands
Gt Air 2 or NXR 2 ?
Personal preference fella, I prefer the Arai XD4 now
I have the GT Air II also, great helmet in my opinion! I haven't set the SENA up yet, to be honest I'm not a fan of bluetooth because I'm paranoid about what it might be doing to my brain.
Having said that, I am aware that we are constantly surrounded by bluetooth anyway... I just can't get past that thought though. :)
That internal visor is great, although for me it still isn't dark enough, which is why I recently replaced the clear visor with a tinted one, so I now have two tinted layers. I also have the Ride Tech Moto chin mount, which I mentioned in our last video.
Great work mate!
Thanks fella, I hear what you're saying indeed! The next helmet I get will certainly go the tinted visor instead of just the sun visor internally. I think that's going to be more practical
i have that same helmet, large fits perfect when itâs on, light weight, and quiet, love this helmet BUT itâs causing redness and pain from the friction and folding my ears when putting it on mostly, and a little when taking it off.
iâll have to give my ears some time to heal before attempting to wast this helmet again.
did you have this problem?
what did you do, and what can i do ?
Do you know why it is noisy? Because it doesn't fit you and you need thicker liners/cheeck pads. It is a common problem and you can buy more sizes, but most people won't try.
I had the same problem. Helmet is comfortable so I didn't find suspicious that it went to put it on my head so easily (like in case of you in video). Noise was maybe worse than in my older AGV K-1 (which is quite loud helmet). I ordered 43mm cheeck pads (instead of default 35mm). OK, it's a struggle to put the helmet on now, but the noise is significantly reduced.
Of course it's not perfect and earplugs should always be used in every helmet(!)
Really good points Karel! I've recently purchased the Shoei Hornet and the cheek pads are THICK!! It's a struggle to put on but is significantly quieter! I've also found some brilliant earplugs in addition as well! These reviews will be coming up very soon!
@@ADVBrett what earplugs do you use please ?
@@riadalmakan4686 Hey mate! I'm using NoNoise earplugs, they've been the best so far to protect my hearing and right now, my hearing is ok but I've got some pretty severe Tinnitus from previous careers.
â@@ADVBrett Hey mate, you will get used to T and it will stop bothering you, it is just question of time..
i use alpine moto race pro protection, they are very nice !
What's better than shoei gt air 2
I've been looking at the Airoh Commander and Nexx Wed.X2 but if budget allows may e the Arai XD4
@@ADVBrett owned the xd4 a few times. If you ride in cooler weather itâs visor is a fog magnet. Easy to wear sunglasses with as there are gaps in the pads to accommodate. The other negative of that helmet is the visual distortion of the visor. Very comfortable and well vented though.
@@mojosdad68 Good points to pick up on! I still haven't had the chance to ride with it yet hopefully that will happen in the coming weeks!
Iâve got the same, but with the SRL Mesh intercom. The helmet claimed to be quiet, itâs not!
Frankly, too noisy. I even explored returning it, but failed
Iâve liked Shoei helmets in the past, but I canât say Iâll go their way again
Agree 7/10
I think all helmets have become more noisy because they are constructed to be lighter. Each helmet I've tried still rates around 105 decibel which is dangerous for anyone over a long period of time. I'm still yet to find a helmet that would rate below the 80dB range!
David Lovelock Had one for three and a half years. Don't like it. Noisy and the ratchet buckle digs in uncomfortably. The vents do flow air very well, though. For a helmet that cost about $1000, I have been very disappointed.
And now I'm confused ... I think I'm not going to buy it after this opinion :))
Now I've just come back to a Shoei helmet after having the Arai for about 18 months, tell me what your concern is!
Aussie slang đ
Straight up!
@@ADVBrett got the helmet đȘ, let's see)
@@martidavia477 Awesome mate, I thoroughly enjoyed mine, I reckon you'll love it!
Loud? I think my Sena SLR 2 is too quiet! Rubbish sound, will have to get louder speakers
Hey Tony! Sena have certainly dropped the ball with quality. I've heard some riders having issues with the speakers being too quiet and some being too loud. It makes you wonder where they get the speakers from!
I upgraded my Sena speakers in my Shoei Hornet to the JBL speakers and noticed a massive difference in sound quality and volume. It's worth a look.
Failing that, there's always Cardo. I'm tempted on trying Cardo if this Sena fails me.
Isnât this supposed to be one of the quietest helmets on the market?
That's what they say!
Do you think it could be due to the go pro in the front? Not trying to throw shade just curious Iâve had a long standing battle with helmet noise and I just bought this helmet hoping to find a quieter helmet
@@MKongesor1 My best suggestion is the use of earplugs. I've got the Shoei Hornet ADV and even though it's quieter, I still use foam earplugs. It'll be the best way to save your ears.
@@ADVBrettI picked up a set of molded earplugs last fall before I put the bike up but I currently use a agv sport modular so I hope anything is better than that lol
Anything that works right! Yeah I've always found the standard foam earplugs to work the best. I've tried so many and these basic ones do the trick!
Fuck Shoie!!! Only compatible with Senna Bluetooth. This would be like an automobile manufacturer making all of their model vehicles Bluetooth compatible only with apple or only utilizing apple carplay and not Android auto. Fuck this. Never buy another Shoei helmet
OK JS, I understand your frustration but look at it like this. Shoei and Sena went into a partnership for 2 specific helmets which is always going to be good for business to have two companies expand on a product.
Shoei did also ensure that if the user wanted to specifically use a Cardo or other headset, then they would ensure the side of the helmet and the speaker mouldings are appropriate for those products.
I'm sure that if Cardo was approached about the same deal, they would have agreed on that design too.
As for the Android issue, I use a Pixel 5 and have had no issues with the SRL 2 or the 50S. I find the Sena + Andriod + Africa Twin work very well together.
You might also be pleased to know that since this review I have sold the Shoei and now have the Arai XD4 with the Sena 50S. Bloody awesome set up without a doubt.
Thanks for watching!
Hi mate try shaving form rub it in leave it for a minute and then slowly rub it off.
I'll give it a go on the Arai!