This is my first Shoei helmet , although I ’ ve admired them for many years . I have been using Nolans for a decade or more , in carbon fibre , for weight considerations on a pretty battered neck and head - in particular the X-Lite X802RR at 1250 grams . It has been my go-to for road touring , and speed work on rare track days . I ’ ve had two 802 ’ s and recently one started leaking badly in heavy rain ; so , time was up . Looking around , I figured the brainbox is the most important consideration to protect and decided that the Shoei reputation was worth following up on . I tried a few brands , but the Shoei fit was snug , secure and left my ears pressurefree . Given that I am currently riding a more upright road bike , weight became less of an imperative on the neck as the weight is straight down and not pulling down on the back of my neck when forward . The Shoei GT Air 3 is slightly heavier than the carbon Nolan , and created out of heavier materials , but its only 400g more at 1650g . Time will tell if that ’ s a problem or not . First impressions are that this is a quality bit of kit , packaged up beautifully , smelling a bit like the surfboard shops of youth ; that fibreglass smell is so evocative of fun summer sun . Even the Shoei bag is lined with soft material which has a weighty qualitative heft to it . The finish is perfect , as expected . I opted for the Realm , which is navy and white with red accents , the perfect