Palms-On Evaluate: Shoei GT-Air 3 Helmet

Final up to date:December 5, 2024

The GT Air 3 Breakdown

• Quiet, Prime degree construct high quality, Strong feeling, Excessive security scores, Comfy, Aerodynamic shell design, Wonderful selection for Sport Touring.
• Chinbar air flow could possibly be higher,
• Heavy relative to some competitor helmets,
• Sizzling to put on in excessive temperatures,
• Chinstrap latch can irritate the throat,
• Costly to purchase,
• Adjustability of high consolation liner foam is inferior to the X-Fifteen.

Shoei’s GT-Air 3 Arrives With out Main Adjustments

Jim sporting the GT-Air 3 within the mountains of Alberta, Canada

In June 2019 I reviewed the Shoei GT-Air and GT-Air 2 scoring the GTA2 a 9 out of 10.  The Sena SRL2 built-in communication system was additionally reviewed and on the time I gave it what I might in hindsight describe as a very beneficiant 9 out of 10.  Generally I get it flawed and that was a type of instances.

The GTA2 is a superb sport touring helmet, however the inner form didn’t match my head regardless of attempting completely different consolation liners.  For that cause, after the assessment, I gave it to somebody whose head is extra “GT-Air 2-shaped”.

Now, 5 years later, Shoei has launched a 3rd rendition of the GT-Air and supplied it to me for the standard wBW remedy.  I want I nonetheless had that GTA2 round for a side-by-side comparability, however solely photographs and reminiscences of it stay.

How has the GTA3 modified vs the GTA2?  In truth, not radically.

The GT-Air 2 (blue) and the unique GT-Air (black).  Photograph by Curly

With each helmets sitting beside one another, a look can’t simply pick the refined exterior modifications.  If it ain’t damaged the logical factor for Shoei to do is to offer a lightweight therapeutic massage and polish to a design that’s already working as an alternative of overhauling it.

GT-Air 3 Adjustments

Shoei says the GTA3 comprises the next upgrades from the GTA2;

• Higher and decrease air vent intakes have been altered for improved air flow.  The decrease vent consumption will get a detachable, washable insect filter/display.
• Shell aerodynamic modifications yielding 6% much less wind resistance than the GTA2 and 11% much less carry
• New spoiler edges on either side of the shell under the windscreen hinges to make the helmet quieter and cut back drag/rider fatigue
• Improved visor seal and smoother opening/closing visor
• QSV-2 drop-down solar lens provides 5mm extra protection
• Chinstrap is now 4mm narrower with a redesigned stainless-steel ratcheting latch
• Centrally positioned locking tab for the visor and quieter/smoother visor hinge detents

Helmet Home, the North American Shoei distributor despatched me a GT-Air 3 helmet at their expense to put in writing this assessment.  Thanks a lot!  I’m thrilled to do it.

That is what comes within the field with the Shoei GT-Air 3

Design, Fitment, & Construct High quality of the Shoei GT-Air 3 Helmet

The again finish of the Shoei GT-Air 3

Design Impressions

The Shoei GT-Air 3 slots between the touring-styled Neotec 3 modular helmet and the race-biased X-Fifteen full-face.

The outer shell has tapered grooves and contours working from the rounded face to an prolonged fin on the again.  All the things screams “wind tunnel examined” in regards to the exterior form as a result of it was created primarily based on intensive aerodynamic testing.

The GTA3 is a superb instance of how Shoei emphasizes getting much less wind resistance every time they replace their helmets.

The New Facet Spoilers

The raised bumps or spoiler edges on both aspect of the GTA3 chin bar most likely account for a lot of the claimed 6% much less wind resistance over the GTA2 and 11% much less carry.

The brand new aspect spoilers discovered on the GT-Air 3 from Shoei.

The GTA2 had a single, much less pronounced spoiler on the left aspect solely to easy air dashing over the sliding swap used to manage the inner drop-down solar lens.  I don’t recall seeing this design facet on another helmet I’ve examined.  Very ingenious.

Pretty Matte Blue Colorway

The check helmet I obtained has a good-looking matte blue metallic paint scheme.  It’s enchanting the best way the refined metallic fleck paint pops on elevated factors and fades into darker blue hues within the valleys and trailing edges of the helmet.  It’s the identical coloration because the GTA2 I reviewed and is definitely my favourite of the six solid-colored GTA3 helmet choices.

The six matte-colored Shoei GT-Air 3 helmets accessible

There are 13 multicolored graphics variations of the GTA3 to select from together with a Marc Marquez MM93 Grip TC-1 mannequin to purchase if you wish to stand out, however you’ll pay $100 to $150 extra {dollars} to personal.

Construct High quality

If the GTA3 was a automotive I believe it will be much like a complicated Volvo XC60.  Each have refined physique strains, stable builds, luxurious interiors, ergonomic hand controls, and above-average security reputations.

The Shoei GT-Air 3 with the visor locked open.

The switches on the GTA3 actuate easily with noticeable suggestions, the visor opens and closes with muted clicks, and the outside paint and end are flawless.  Even when the paint will get scratched or dented the inside layer of white undercoating doesn’t present by means of in an obnoxious solution to spoil the aesthetic because it did with the unique GT-Air.

As a substitute of the semi-aniline leather-based inside of an XC60, the GTA3 consolation liner is roofed in a moisture-wicking, washable, gentle microsuede and the froth inside firmly conforms to offer a fascinating comfortable match to the wearer’s cheeks and head throughout.

Oooh That Odor

Every time I attempt on a model new Shoei helmet there’s a definite “new helmet” aroma that greets my olfactory senses in a great way.  It’s most definitely the EPS foam liner adhesive off-gassing I’m noticing as a result of it at all times disappears after the primary journey.

That scent indicators a clear sheet of proverbial paper for writing a ravishing bike story.

Fitment Points

My 23” circumference (58.42cm) spherical oval-shaped head has gotten tough remedy from a couple of Medium-sized Shoei, and the GT-Air sequence has traditionally given me essentially the most bother as a result of its barely narrower Intermediate Oval shell form.

The medium-sized GTA3 continued this custom and pinched the perimeters of my head so mercilessly that after using for half-hour I needed to take it off.  I tapped out quicker than if I have been caught in a Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submission maintain.

The Mistaken Measurement?

To be honest, my head measures 0.42 cm (0.165 inches) bigger than the utmost vary prescribed in Shoei’s sizing chart (under).  It’s been the identical story with most different helmet producers’ sizing charts too, however normally, I can comfortably put on a Medium regardless of having a “large-sized Medium” head.

I adjusted the highest consolation liner foam thickness of the Medium X-Fifteen, to make more room for my barely rounder (wider) than common skull. Sadly, the highest liner within the GTA3 lacks the diploma of adjustability of the X15 and I used to be compelled to maneuver as much as a Giant measurement.

Customizable Inside

The inside consolation liners of the Shoei GT-Air 3 are adjustable.

The Giant measurement GTA3 suits snugly on my head however because the miles ridden have piled up I now discover it feels only a tiny bit free on the perimeters and high of my head.  That is smart as a result of once more, my head measurement is a ¼” (6.35mm) underneath the minimal measurement of the Giant measurement vary within the Shoei sizing chart.

Most riders with heads formed like mine want a extra adjustable high consolation liner and Shoei even has one… simply not for the GTA3.

An exploded view (proper) of the X-Fifteen customizable consolation liner.

The photograph above reveals how the X-Fifteen consolation liner has a plethora of detachable foam to work with for measurement and form necessities.  I might suggest Shoei use this liner in all their helmets going ahead to permit larger adjustability and supply extra worth to prospects.

Once I requested my Shoei contact about this I used to be instructed racing helmets just like the X-Fifteen demand a extra exact match whereas the game touring GTA3 ought to fulfill wearers with a much less complicated high liner.  I respectfully disagree with that philosophy since it is a premium helmet.

Sure, I attempted unsuccessfully to put in the X-15 high liner within the GTA3 helmet.  No cube, it’s too broad on the entrance.

I additionally tried putting in a thinner M5-sized high liner within the Medium GTA3 which lastly relieved the stress round my head, however I nonetheless skilled discomfort from the chinstrap which I’ll clarify later.

Lengthy story brief, in case your head is even a smidgen bigger than 22 and seven/8” (58cm) you’ll most likely want a measurement Giant GTA3.

Private Becoming System

In the event you click on this hyperlink it reveals the places the place onsite Shoei PFS factory-trained technicians can customized match a helmet such because the GTA3 to the wearer’s head.  The closest location to me is 1443 kilometers away (900 miles) in Sandy, Utah so I don’t assume I’ll profit from the Shoei customized helmet fitment service, however you may.

There’s additionally the fee to consider, between $60 and $80 US relying on the place you bought your helmet.

The Security Issue

The life-saving EPS foam liner discovered within the Shoei GT-Air 3.

The GTA3’s Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ shell consists of a secret Shoei combination of fiberglass, natural fibers, and resin. This mixed with a multi-density Expanded PolyStyrene foam liner offers it and all different Shoei helmets wonderful affect power absorption and deflection qualities.

The within label of the Shoei GT-Air 3.

The European GTA3 is ECE 22.06 licensed and scored 5/5 stars in SHARP testing.  SHARP is a UK-based, publicly funded group that independently checks helmets and publishes its findings with a rating out of 5.  The closest now we have to SHARP right here in North America is the Snell Memorial Basis, however it’s not the identical since Snell received’t share their information publicly.

DOT Solely in America

The Shoei GT-Air 3 rear view.

The GTA3 accessible in North America is simply DOT FMVSS 218 licensed.  Regardless of that, I’m assured this helmet will carry out equally to the European design degree of affect safety.

Nonetheless, it will have been preferable to discover a twin DOT/ECE certification sticker on it.

Received Hello-Viz?

It’s odd that Shoei, an organization centered on security didn’t embrace any hi-visibility measures on the GTA3.  There might simply be some reflective patches on the neckroll or the decals on the entrance and rear of the helmet could possibly be created from 3M reflective supplies to extend rider visibility at night time.

Weight

With the Sena SRL3 put in the GTA3 weighs 4.05lbs (1.83kg).  That weight is carried low within the helmet so it doesn’t really feel as heavy as these numbers may sound.  Having some further mass within the helmet offers me a sensation of larger sturdiness and safety than sporting a lighter one.

That feeling is probably unfounded since many competitor helmets that weigh much less rating equally properly in SHARP and different testing.  Have a look at AGV helmet scores on the SHARP web site for those who’d prefer to see what I’m referring to.

SHARP testing isn’t the be-all-end-all, although.  It’s simply an easy-to-find useful resource I exploit to assist gauge the “crashworthiness” of a helmet.  Shoei has confirmed over a number of many years that its helmets supply above-average safety.

The Chinstrap Latch

The micrometric chinstrap closure of the Shoei GT-Air 3.

The micrometric, ratcheting-style closure on the GTA3 works superbly because of the quick-release motion of the lock mechanism.  I’m capable of function the latch even whereas sporting gloves.  As soon as, after stopping for gasoline I forgot to clip within the chinstrap latch earlier than using away.  After pulling over I efficiently linked it one-handed whereas holding the clutch lever in with my left hand.

Throat Irritation

My GT-Air 2 assessment mentions that I skilled throat irritation from the chinstrap.  I eradicated the discomfort by eradicating a rubber cowl from the strap.  Shoei will need to have heard that very same suggestions from sufficient prospects that they narrowed the width of the chinstrap by 4mm on the GTA3 hoping to get rid of this.

It didn’t work.  I discovered myself experiencing annoying contact with my “Adam’s apple” and the chinstrap throughout testing.

After sporting the GTA3 for a few hours I eliminated the identical rubber guard from the chinstrap which helped however didn’t totally rid me of the slight, however annoying stress.

Be Like The Neotec 3

A comparability photograph of the Shoei Neotec 3 and the GT-Air 3 chinstraps.

The photograph above reveals the chinstrap discovered on the Neotec 3 (which I’m additionally reviewing).  Discover the additional layer of padding surrounding the nylon strap versus the GTA3.  I consider this prevents the Neotec 3 chinstrap from urgent on my throat since I don’t expertise any discomfort whereas sporting it.

It’s unclear why Shoei has two several types of padding in these helmets.

GT-Air 3 Visor & Area of View

The Shoei GT-Air 3 eyeport is massive.

Shoei visor optics and eyeport discipline of view are traditionally high shelf.  Their visors are optically crystal clear and resist scratching higher than most.  I particularly recognize that there are auto-tinting choices accessible for all newer fashions.

That’s all that must be stated on the topic however I’ll go into extra element why the GTA3 CNS-1C windscreen follows that custom and is a factor of magnificence.

Visor Changes

The primary visor or windscreen has 7 positions or set factors from totally closed to completely open.  Shoei did some good work on the GTA3 hinge detents making them “clunk” aka, vocalize motion to a brand new place extra quietly than on the GTA2.

The hinges on the GT-Air 3 are well-made and function quietly.

Every locked-in spot holds completely even with wind at freeway speeds attempting to power it closed. That is the extent of high quality all of us ought to count on from a premium helmet.  Bravo, Shoei.

De-Fogging Place

One fascinating function I search for is a visor’s capacity to remain barely open in a de-fogging place to provide extra airflow in a small however vital approach.

The GTA3 visor didn’t snap closed at any velocity even when barely cracked open.  Good.

Visor Lock Launch Button

The discharge button for opening the visor has been moved to the middle of the chinbar on the GTA3 and is a fingertip-sized, wedge-shaped piece that’s simple to search out and actuate even with gloved fingers.  The GTA2 had a a lot completely different model of lock on the left-center space of the chinbar that was typically more durable for me to search out.

The visor lock launch button is within the heart of the chinbar on the GT-Air 3.

My solely gripe about this new locking equipment is that it takes greater than an sincere quantity of hand power to latch it.  Many different visors (as on the X-Fifteen) may be slammed shut to full lock with a flick of my left hand however with the GTA3 I’ve to hook my thumb beneath the chinbar whereas my index finger completes a pinching movement with sufficient power to drive the entrance of the visor down previous the locking tab.

I’ll reward how stable the lock is as soon as engaged.  It has a “that’s not going anyplace” degree of demise grip to it!

Decrease The BOOM

The echoing, low-pitched “click-boom!” produced contained in the headspace of the GTA3 as soon as the visor is moved down into the locked place is louder than anticipated when in comparison with what seems to be the identical latching mechanism on the Neotec 3.

The Neotec 3 latch emits a relatively well mannered, high-pitched “click on” to sign the wearer that full engagement has been achieved.

Drop Down Solar Lens

The black slider swap on the left aspect of the GT-Air 3 controls the built-in solar lenses.

A simple-to-locate slider swap on the left aspect of the helmet easily deploys or retracts the UVA/UVB blocking, tinted, QSV-2, built-in “sun shades” on the GTA3.  The swap smoothness is sweet however not as slippery as these on Schuberth helmets I’ve worn.  The C4 and C4 Professional each want virtually no stress from my fingers to glide forwards and backwards of their respective tracks.

The QSV-2 inner solar lens on the GT-Air 3 helmet.

The extent of tint on this solar protect is ample for my wants in typical sunshine however there’s slight discomfort on abnormally vibrant days.  My eyes are extra delicate than some peoples’ as a result of having laser eye surgical procedure 20 years in the past.

Shoei says they elevated the GTA3 solar protect measurement by 5mm to offer larger protection.  It really works for my eyes within the heart space, however on either side, gaps enable extra mild to enter than I would love.  Another helmets I’ve examined with built-in solar lenses have extra aspect protection than discovered within the GTA3 and Neotec 3.

The perimeters of the drop-down solar lens within the GT-Air 3 have massive gaps that enable mild inside.

Shoei GT-Air 3 Air flow

Airflow is subjective however I admit to demanding a LOT of air coming in whereas out using.  The journey helmets I sometimes put on excel at preserving me cool as a result of they’re constructed for using at sluggish speeds whereas off-road on technically difficult terrain.

The GTA3 air flow appears a bit higher than was the case with the GTA2, however I believe there’s nonetheless some room for enchancment.

The Higher Vents

The higher vent consumption form was modified to have a “nostril” that juts out and downwards on the entrance to direct extra air into the GTA3.  It’s a three-position swap however I by no means bothered with the center one and customarily left the highest vent broad open throughout my testing.

The higher vent on the Shoei GT-Air 3 may be positioned in three positions to manage movement.

The exhaust vents have modified from the GTA2 and mixed with the higher consumption vent it really works properly in cooling the highest of my head.  I might really feel my brief hair transferring typically as a result of airflow by means of the higher a part of this helmet.

One journey I took to the highest of the Highwood Cross within the close by Kananaskis Nation featured snow and temperatures as little as 35F or 2 Celsius.  I did shut all of the vents on that journey to keep away from freezing the highest of my head.

The Decrease Chin Bar Vent

The GTA3 has a detachable display within the chinbar vent to dam obliterated insect appendages and juices from coming into by means of the decrease 2-position vent.  I didn’t hit sufficient bugs to really check this new function since this time of 12 months in Canada is simply too chilly for them to be flying round.  Regardless I recognize how simple it’s to take away and set up with out tooling.

The decrease vent on the GT-Air 3 has a detachable filter.

Airflow coming into the decrease vent is cut up with about half being directed on the within the visor to maintain it away from fog even when the outer vent swap is totally closed.  Shoei did an important job making certain airflow isn’t pointed on the wearer’s eyes from the decrease vent, however I desire extra air flowing round my mouth and nostril space than with the GTA3.

It happens to me now that I’d be capable of improve the decrease vent airflow by eradicating the insect display.  I ought to have tried this earlier than writing my assessment, however now there’s 8” of snow outdoors and my tires aren’t studded on the bike.  It’s one thing to think about for those who additionally crave extra airflow in your GTA3.

Sizzling Stuff

The GTA3 has thick cheek pads, a big chin skirt (not proven within the photograph under), and the neckroll padding suits tight round my neck, making it sizzling to put on.

The neckroll of the GT-Air 3 is thick and plush.

As talked about it’s late fall/early winter right here in Alberta and temperatures have been hanging round freezing throughout most of my testing however one or two abnormally heat days reached 77F or 25 Celsius.  These temperatures are perfect for using with the visor closed and vents open however I discovered my face and head feeling a bit too heat.

I can think about what 100F or hotter days within the saddle could be like as a result of on the colder days across the freezing mark I famous how comfortably heat I felt with the vents closed.

I might most likely take away the chin skirt to remain cooler however I selected to check this helmet as delivered.

The Shoei GT-Air Highway Noise

As anticipated the modern form of the GTA3 reduces wind noise properly.  To my ears, it’s simply as quiet because the X-Fifteen and RF-1400, the highest two helmets I’ve examined up to now.

It sounds barely noisier within the tucked, leaned-forward race place versus sitting upright within the basic or customary using place, however not by a lot.  It’s a high-pitched hiss at its quietest and a barely lower-pitched hiss within the tucked place.  Neither state of affairs is annoying to endure even with out earplugs put in in my head.

Driving within the mountains with the Shoei GT-Air 3.

Testing Methodology

Once I check helmets for wind noise I stand on the pegs to get my head up into undisturbed oncoming air as an alternative of being seated.  This eliminates the turbulence brought on by the entrance of my bike from the experiment.

Many individuals who complain about having a loud helmet is perhaps shocked to search out the basis trigger is the form of their bike, not their helmet design.

Raise & Pull

Shoei says they reduce carry and wind resistance on the GTA3 (versus the GTA2) by 11% and 6% respectively.  Whereas I believe it’s realistically not possible to note these miniscule modifications it’s simple how in crosswinds the GTA3 resists the irritating affect of these sources of rider fatigue in a powerful approach.

My testing included a day with sturdy crosswinds and buffeting headwinds within the mountain passes that jostled my 550lb 1250GS round on the highway, so I contemplate this declare 100% confirmed.  Bravo once more, Shoei designers!

Rain Driving

That very same day of testing within the mountains unexpectedly allowed me to rain check the GTA3.  October in Alberta is dry and normally, the one precipitation we get comes within the type of snow… which I additionally encountered on the 7000 ft degree of elevation.

The eyeport seal on the GT-Air 3 didn’t leak throughout rain using.

The round-shaped rubber seal across the eyeport of the GTA2 will need to have referred to as for reinforcements as a result of the GTA3 eyeport seal will get a further lip seal under it.  This appears pointless as a result of not one of the Shoei helmets I’ve worn have had visor leaks, together with the GTA3.

The identical can’t be stated for another helmets I’ve examined just like the Simpson Ghost Bandit, GMax MD01, and Scorpion AT-960.  All of them channeled loads of rainwater previous their visors and into my face.

The vents have been closed on the GTA3 as soon as I encountered heavy rain however I used to be happy to search out even at average ranges of downpour no water handed by means of the visor seal or any of the consumption/exhaust vents.

Fogging Points?

A Pinlock EVO anti-fog lens comes with the GTA3 and carried out completely for me.

Even once I breathed closely in an exaggerated approach out of my mouth for 10 seconds no fog or mist appeared on the within viewing space of the windscreen.  An insignificantly small patch of fog did inhabit the highest left nook however outdoors the Pinlock-covered discipline of view.

Expertise tells me that after just a few years of heavy use, Pinlock lenses begin leaking permitting small quantities of mud contained in the viewing space.  I’ve tried washing them with out success so I’d suggest getting ready to spend $35 US on a brand new one each couple of seasons.

Sena SRL3 Shoei ComLink Bluetooth Communicator Integration

Contents of the field for the Shoei ComLink system aka Sena SRL3.

The Cardo Packtalk Edge has been my most well-liked in-helmet communicator for the final 2 years however as an externally mounted system, it’s troublesome to discover a appropriate spot to put in it on the GTA3.  The brand new spoilers and the slider swap for working the drop-down solar lens are positioned the place the Edge ideally could be mounted.  A cussed individual may be capable of discover a spot to connect the Edge to the GTA3, however it will be awkward at greatest and liable to fall off.

An Further $360?

So GTA3 homeowners are confronted with shopping for the brand new $359 US (at Revzilla), Sena SRL3 communicator (aka Shoei ComLink) even when they’ve beforehand invested in a special communicator.  Ouch.  The SRL3 is a totally built-in comms system that matches discreetly contained in the Neotec 3 and the GTA3.  The benefit of an built-in communicator design is enhanced helmet security as a result of there isn’t a cumbersome system hanging off one aspect of it.

This can be a helmet assessment, not a Sena SRL3 assessment so I’m solely going to the touch on the elements that stood out to me despite the fact that the SRL3 has many nice options I’ll by no means use.  For instance, the person can verbally management a GoPro digital camera utilizing the SRL3 which may be very helpful for those who’re a “vlogger” however that’s not me.

The SRL3 is a pleasant piece of expertise, however not notably superior to the Cardo Packtalk Edge besides in a single massive approach: the extra highly effective Harman Kardon audio system it comes with.

Harman Kardon 45mm Audio system

The Harman Kardon audio system on the SRL3 are excellent. Photograph from Sena.

The 45mm HK audio system within the SRL3 are splendidly clear and considerably louder in comparison with the 40mm JBL audio system that include the Cardo Edge.  Measurement issues loads in terms of audio system.

The SRL3 audio system are the primary ones I’ve tried that may sit within the helmet pockets with out sounding too quiet for my liking.  I’ve at all times needed to place shims behind the audio system on different Sena and Cardo methods to the purpose they calmly contact my ears to get the most effective sound high quality.  The Sena Harman Kardon audio system don’t must be turned up a lot previous 50% of their accessible quantity to be heard by my ears even at freeway speeds.  Bravo Sena and Shoei for selecting the best audio system for the ComLink!

The GT-Air 3 has built-in pockets for the SRL3 audio system, mic, and wiring.

You’ll be able to pay $50 extra to improve the Cardo Edge to JBL’s 45mm audio system, however it’s a lot better worth that Sena contains their top-level audio system within the value of the SRL3.

Microphone

The SRL3 microphone will get put in in a melancholy positioned within the heart of the chinbar just under the vent.  I made a number of cellphone calls whereas testing the GTA3 and there’s zero wind noise current which is tremendous spectacular.

Voice Instructions

The 2 greatest lacking options from the SRL2 have been Voice Controls and Mesh intercom, each of which have been current on the Cardo Edge.  Voice Command is a useful function I exploit with my Cardo and it really works so properly that I by no means want to the touch any buttons on the system aside from turning it on or off.

Sena discovered from that and the Voice Instructions on the SRL3 are simply as pure and correct as on the Edge however solely when the visor on the GTA3 is closed.  The SRL3 doesn’t react to my voice instructions if I journey at freeway speeds with the visor open midway.

The SRL3 allowed me to make use of the Siri voice command of my iPhone throughout testing simply by saying “Hey Siri”.  It’s as simply used because the Sena voice management assistant.  Each voice methods responded at about 95% accuracy when referred to as upon with the visor closed or principally closed.  I like with the ability to summon Siri verbally whereas sporting a motorbike helmet simply as I might with my cellphone held in my hand.

Button Instructions

In case your voice is drained the buttons on the SRL3 are pretty simple to find with gloved fingers though with thicker gloves I did fumble a few instances attempting to show the system on or off.  If Sena might separate the three buttons on the left aspect of the helmet slightly extra it will be simpler to search out and actuate them whereas sporting gloves.

These left aspect buttons are used to manage the Sena SRL3.  Photograph from Sena.

The button used to activate the Mesh intercom function resides alone on the proper aspect of the helmet so it’s the best to find and push efficiently.

Mic Settings

The Cardo Edge cellphone app has extra complicated mic setting changes that enable me to tweak the microphone sensitivity to work with the visor open.  Sena ought to revamp their cellphone app to do the identical.

Mesh 5.0 Intercom

I didn’t get to experiment with the Mesh function of the SRL3 as a result of I don’t have one other working Sena system with Mesh capabilities.  Regardless, I’m glad to see the most recent Mesh 5.0 intercom on the SRL3 as a result of I understand how properly it labored on the Sena 30K in comparison with the standard BlueTooth intercom system.

The largest benefit of Mesh over BlueTooth is creating a sequence of repeaters by means of linked riders that may successfully improve the vary from 1 mile to over 5.

The SRL3 has non-public Mesh and open Mesh choices providing an open invitation to anybody in vary with Sena Mesh-enabled communicators to hitch your group or hold issues non-public.  Mesh group individuals are nearly limitless though in my expertise any greater than 8 folks linked turns into principally unintelligible noise as everybody talks over one another.

Bluetooth Intercom

The BT intercom on the SRL3 works as marketed and has a couple of mile of vary.  As with each different system, the connection breaks up typically whereas using in twisties the place hills and even bigger autos get in the best way of the sign however it “heals” as quickly as it may possibly re-establish a pre-existing connection.

Battery Life

You probably have a steady Mesh intercom group working with the SRL3 it kills the battery by the 10hr mark, but when the gadgets are switched off throughout gasoline and feeding breaks that may stretch it to a powerful 12hrs.

Once I journey alone I exploit the SRL3 for navigation, music, and cellphone calls.  The battery lasts longer when no intercom utilization is in impact and my findings confirmed about 12 hours earlier than the low battery verbal warning started.  An hour after the warnings the SRL3 battery lastly went kaput and wanted recharging.

That is about the identical as my Cardo Edge battery life performs and the usual throughout comparable gadgets in the marketplace.

Over The Air Firmware Updates

Cordless Updates

Cardo has updates right down to an ideal science now that Over-The-Air updates can be found for his or her gadgets.  All you need to do is swap on the system and open the Cardo cellphone app to provoke a firmware change.  It’s really easy it hurts.

Sena has come near this by offering a WiFi adapter with the SRL3 however it’s not the identical.  The adapter needs to be plugged in to get energy and entry a working WiFi sign earlier than you possibly can swap on the SRL3 and provoke the replace utilizing the Sena cellphone app.

Updates Over USB-C Cables

Sena made me so blissful once they switched their charging cables from Micro USB connectors to the ambidirectional USB kind C on the SRL3.  There’s no fiddling round attempting to plug within the Micro USB cable accurately and risking injury to the system charging port.

The SRL3 firmware may be up to date utilizing the charging cable and a laptop computer for those who don’t wish to muck round with the WiFi adapter.

Maintain on to the Sena cable included with the SRL3 as a result of not all USB-C cables can be utilized to do the updates.  Some USB-C cables in my assortment might cost the SRL3 battery however didn’t have the proper internals to switch firmware information.

Closing Verdict

Generally a motorcyclist has to journey within the snow.

I’m genuinely shocked the GT-Air 3 hasn’t grow to be my favourite on-road helmet.  It needs to be since I’m not a observe rider and on paper, this helmet matches my wants and desires however I will likely be recommending the Neotec 3 and X-Fifteen first to potential patrons. Each appear barely nicer with better-executed designs than with the GTA3.

There’s an asterisk on my Neotec 3 advice to think about vis-a-vis the GTA3.

A full-face helmet just like the GTA3 provides higher safety than a modular one just like the Neotec 3 as a result of the chinbar won’t ever open in a crash.  SHARP testing tells me the Neotec 3 chinbar remained closed throughout their affect testing 93% of the time which isn’t all the time, however is dependable sufficient to swimsuit my degree of threat tolerance.  Your mileage might differ, because the saying goes.

After all that assumes the chinbar has been closed correctly by the wearer to start with.  Some folks journey round with modular helmet chinbars locked open leading to zero face safety 100% of the time.

{Dollars} & Sense

5 years in the past when the GTA2 debuted it value $599 US.  Right this moment, the brand new GTA3 lists for $749 US.  Inflation is a brutal, eh?

Potential patrons of the GTA3 may contemplate choosing the almost pretty much as good GTA2.  I see it at present listed for $499 US at Revzilla that means the worth distinction is $250 US.

There’s additionally the added value of shopping for the Sena SRL3 for in-helmet comms.  After all, for those who don’t need or don’t but have a comms system or yours is outdated/wants changing this level is much less vital.

Sadly, the SRL3 isn’t backward suitable as a result of it received’t slot in a GTA2.  That additionally means a present SRL2 proprietor can’t switch their previous comms system to a GTA3 in the event that they improve their helmet.

All that apart, for those who’re satisfied about shopping for a GTA3 what I stated originally of this assessment stays true.  Followers of the GT-Air 2 will get extra of what they love with the GT-Air 3 and it’s price shopping for along with your hard-earned cash.

The Shoei GT-Air 3 left aspect view.

Sena Is Again!

The largest studying from this assessment has been how good the Sena SRL3 is and that Sena has lastly caught up and matched Cardo’s latest Packtalk lineup of gadgets.  The Harman Kardon audio system, the addition of Mesh intercom, and the much-improved voice command system of the SRL3 have lastly put the “arms race” between these two rival firms on equal footing.

That’s excellent news for shoppers who need the most effective worth and efficiency from Sena, Cardo, et all.  We want them to push one another to greatness.

The one distinction I see now’s the Cardo-developed expertise permitting simple BlueTooth intercom pairing with Sena and different non-Cardo gadgets.  Nonetheless, it’s sort of a wash as a result of as a Sena person, you’ll profit from the flexibleness of Cardo pairing talents regardless of Sena persevering with to withstand collaborating with Cardo and different communicator manufacturers.

Professionals

• Handmade helmet with 3 Shell sizes, lovely end/colorways, and clever design elements.  Feels substantial, stable, and protecting when worn.
• Crystal clear optical high quality CNS-1C visor and inner drop-down solar visor
• Pinlock EVO anti-fog lens included
• DOT certification solely in North America, however ECE 22.06 certified in Europe the place it scored an ideal 5/5 stars from SHARP
• The Inside liner is simply partially adjustable utilizing Shoei’s Private Becoming System
• Very quiet, nice aerodynamic design, no perceptible carry or pull
• Constructed to just accept a totally built-in Sena SRL3 system which is VASTLY improved over the SRL2

Cons

• Costly helmet to purchase, so are alternative components, further visors, and so forth
• Drop down solar lens has gaps on either side that allow in an excessive amount of mild
• Chinbar air flow isn’t as spectacular because the higher vent.  Helmet feels heat to put on in sizzling climate
• Chinstrap irritates my throat and lacks the additional padding discovered on the Neotec 3 strap
• Comms gadgets aside from the Sena SRL3 are troublesome to put in
• No XXS or 3XL sizes can be found
• A heavier helmet at 4lbs and weight stability feels barely front-heavy
• No Hello-viz or reflective supplies
• The higher consolation liner isn’t totally adjustable (like on the X-Fifteen) and Private Becoming System help is simply accessible in choose US cities for $60-$80 US

Specs

• Producer: Shoei Co., Ltd
• Worth when examined: $749 US
• Made in: Japan
• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Colours: 13 choices
• Security Designations: DOT FMVSS 218
• Evaluate Date: September 2024