Shoei helmet fans have been impatiently awaiting the release of the new GT-Air 3 full-face helmet, knowing it would follow up on the heels of the May 2024 release of the Neotec 3 modular helmet—I know I have. The ECE-certified version has been on sale in Europe for some time, so there’s no surprise that this DOT version for the US market is here.
Shoei has taken the GT-Air line through many years of evolution to make it the superb helmet it is today. I prefer equipment that is refined over time, rather than simply hatching new models in the hope of satisfying some current trend.
With the Shoei GT-Air 3 in my hands, I am impressed by the subtle and impressive refinements to this top-of-the-line sport and sport touring helmet. Upon unboxing, I discovered that the helmet is exquisitely built. I immediately installed Shoei’s Comlink unit and headed to the garage to take a ride on the Ultimate Motorcycling BMW R 1250 RS Project Bike.
I rode straight to the nearest freeway to determine how the GT-Air 3 reacts to the wind. Shoei claims wind-tunnel-optimized aerodynamic performance, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Subjectively, with my head inside, the GT-Air 3 is the quietest GT-Air yet. With an SRL 3 intercom installed with its foam speaker covers, the noise level at highway speeds on a sport-touring bike is acceptable, even without earplugs.
The airflow is smooth no matter how I move and turn my head, and there is no buffeting, lift, or oscillation. There is also no whistling with the faceshield open to the first “city” detent, though it slightly increases the noise level. However, the aerodynamics remained excellent, and the faceshield didn’t slam shut until about 70 mph.
I enjoy being cosseted in the Shoei GT-Air 3’s ultra-plush interior. Its hybrid moisture-absorbing fabric is quick-drying, removable, and washable.
Fit is subjective, though the GT-Air 3 feels like it has the exact same head shape as the two previous GT-Airs, as well as all three versions of the Shoei Neotec. The GT-Air 3 fits perfectly around the circumference of my head, distributing the helmet’s weight evenly from the crown to the cheeks and around my jawline. The cheek pads extend further down, around the jawline, and make for an excellent seal against wind noise and cold drafts.
As is becoming an industry standard for premium helmets, Shoei incorporates an emergency quick-release system that allows emergency personnel to easily remove the cheek pads to facilitate helmet removeable under emergency conditions.
Even without installing the included chin curtain, as it’s still hot here in Southern California, noise is moderate. A test with the chin curtain proves to be even more effective at noise abatement.
I like that Shoei carried over the faceshield’s new center-locking latch from the Neotec 3. The latch provides a secure lockup when closed, yet it is quickly and easily opened with a one-finger press and lift. Some other helmets I’ve tested have fiddly center locks, rather than a simple detent. This configuration is a winner.
Should you need to remove the Shoei GT-Air 3’s faceshield for a good cleaning, replacement, or a change to one of the tinted faceshields offered, it’s a snap—literally. Simply open it all the way up, pull down on the trigger lever release, and then snap the visor out of its retaining socket. Do the same on the other side. To replace it, align the shield with the socket, and then push it in. No fiddling is required.
I’m a big fan of drop-down internal sunshields, and this one meets Europe’s current EN 1836:2005 standard for sunglasses, as does the Neotec 3. For the GT-Air 3, the sunshield has been enlarged. It now reaches my nose when fully extended. I like that it gives me as much sun mitigation as possible by filling most of the line of vision as it almost rests on my cheeks.
The outer shell construction is Shoei’s proprietary AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) shell-molding technology that weaves layers of fiberglass and organic fibers together. Each GT-Air 3 has a personal mark by the technician responsible for the helmet’s quality. Inside, there’s a traditional EPS liner with varying densities and absorption qualities.
The helmet’s shape is designed with many aerodynamic curves, edges, and spoilers for a more fluid shape with smoother arcs throughout for better airflow and appearance. Shoei claims 6 percent less wind resistance and 11 percent less lift than the GT-Air 2.
Top venting is accomplished through a bat-shaped, two-position intake with a slightly redesigned pair of exhausts that run front to back with output air directed toward the center portion of the helmet. These are surely not your grandad’s rear-facing exhausts. They are efficient, elegant, and just plain cool-looking. A redesign of the lower air intake on the chin now matches the Neotec 3’s intake and does a good job.
The micro stainless steel ratchet chinstrap has been redesigned and is 4mm narrower for comfort. I like the easier opening versus a double D-ring, not that the traditional system is much trouble. Use of the breath guard to seal off the area under the chin is highly recommended to lower the noise level and add warmth in winter.
As mentioned, the fit feels the same as its GT-Air and the Neotec predecessors. I’ve always been happy in a Large size Shoei, and the GT-Air 3 continues that tradition.
If the fit of the GT-Air 3 isn’t quite perfect—and everyone’s head is different—you can try Shoei’s Personal Fitting System (PFS), which uses adjustable and customizable liners to create a tailored fit. Although Shoei sells the new fitment pieces directly, the Japanese company recommends you make an appointment with a PFS-certified dealer. The expert will take measurements and input them into a computer program that determines the necessary adjustments. Any model Shoei helmet with a removable center pad in good condition is eligible for the PFS program.
Materials and workmanship on the Shoei GT-Air 3 are beyond critique. Removing the helmet from the shipping box and its storage/carrying sack is impressive. Included are a Pinlock lens, two extra Pinlock studs, a tiny bottle of silicon oil for the hinges, a breath guard, a chin curtain, a tool for removing the plastic covers to install the SRL 3 communications device, and the owner’s manual.
Shoei has outdone itself by offering six solid colorways, 11 graphics/color combinations, and 5 different face shield colors besides clear. If you can’t find one you like, then you are likely tough to please.
I tested the Shoei GT-Air 3 with the MM93 Grip TC-1 Red/Silver graphics. I’m an unashamed Marc Márquez fan and was happy to requisition this model, which sports his initials and number. Still, I was attracted to much more than his initials. The gloss finish is like fine nail polish, or the finest paint job you’ve ever seen. Shoei states there are five layers of paint. The orangey-red color mixed in with the black and the silver-gray micro-metallic colorway is stunning to my eye. The MM93 helmet is a $50 premium over the standard graphics helmets, which are $100 more than the $750 solids.
The GT-Air 3 utilizes the same Sena-derived SRL 3 helmet-to-helmet mesh intercom as with the Neotec 3 that I reviewed in May. The system is a top-of-the-line unit.
The Shoei GT-3 Air weighs 3 pounds 14.5 ounces (1770 grams) in size L, according to the official Ultimate Motorcycling scale. This weight does not include the SRL 3 communicator, which adds 3.5 ounces (100 grams). Some other helmets are lighter, and I do feel and appreciate that, yet this helmet does not feel especially heavy when in the wind, and I would not label this as a bad thing.
The new Shoei GT-Air 3 is everything one could ask for in a helmet. A rider can spend many hours and miles wearing it in comfort, safety, and good looks. It has the features riders want in a carefully thought-out and well-engineered helmet. If you are a sport touring rider who prefers a full-face helmet to the modular variety, the GT-Air 3 is one to strongly consider.
Location photography by Don Williams
Shoei GT-Air 3 Fast Facts
- Sizes: X-Small to XX-Large
- Outer shell sizes: XS-M/L/XL-XXL
- Outer shell material: Fiberglass
- Inner shell material: Multi-density EPS
- Certification: DOT
- Warranty: 5 years
- Colors: 6 solids; 11 graphics
Shoei GT-Air 3 Prices
- Solids: $750
- Graphics: $850
- MM93 Grip graphic: $900 (as tested)
