The position of the eyeport is optimized for use on standard upright motorcycle designs. Each helmet is built and fastidiously finished in Japan, and comes with a high-quality fiberglass shell, a multi-density EPS liner, a flip-down sun shield and of course a Pinlock anti-fog insert—included with every helmet.

The internal sunshield in the GT-Air II has been lengthened by half a centimeter, addressing a minor quibble with its predecessor (2015-2018). The shield mechanism now features a “first position” that just barely cracks the shield open, allowing for just the right amount of fresh air to circulate quickly through the helmet, defogging and freshening as it goes. 

And Bluetooth nerds can rejoice, because the GT-Air II (along with its modular cousin, the Neotec II) comes ready to accept a factory-flush SENA SRL2 communications unit, which installs clandestinely into the helmet’s trim for a full-featured integrated comm system that you can’t even tell is there.

Fit-wise, we find the GT-Air II is still mostly in the Intermediate Oval zone (aka, most heads in the North American market), however it also seems to fit folks with a  slightly elongated long-oval head shape.

While it only carries a DOT standard—not the SNELL rating of the RF-1200, that’s likely mostly a technicality. Any helmet with a drop-down sun visor is disqualified from the SNELL standard. Fear not though, this is an incredibly well-made and safe helmet. It uses the same advanced fiberglass recipe as Shoei’s other top-line helmets, making it light, stiff and strong.

Inside, it uses a multi-density EPS liner, and of course Shoei’s best-in-the-business 3D Max Dry liner, which is sculpted and contoured and made from a medley of different materials to provide comfort, fast-wicking and funk-free performance. 

The GT-Air II became a fast favorite in its first year in the shop and we recommend it for anyone looking for a full-featured full-face with plenty of airflow, great visibility and a slew of smart features.