We’ve said it once and we’ll repeat it for eternity—the combination of a pinlock-ready shield with an automatically tint-changing Transitions lens is the ultimate helmet upgrade.

Never worry about fogging, never worry about squinting, or trading out clear and dark shields as you go. With this one product, all that's included.

We've all seen Transitions before, most frequently in the form of some poor eyeglass wearer just just stepped in from outside and is stuck with temporary indoor, involuntary sunglasses. 

Sometimes a little awkward in social settings when incorporated into prescription eyewear, in a motorcycle helmet application, Transitions makes perfect sense.

How does it work? UV light activates silver halide particles suspended in this very expensive shield, darkening it progressively as conditions fluctuate. At night, it's clear, in the light of day, it darkens appreciably. It never appears, from the outside at least, to go quite as dark as the plain CWR-F2 Dark Shield, but it does seem to offer plenty enough useable tint.

So what's the catch? There is none, except maybe the price, which is justified by not having to lug another shield with you or stuff sunglasses into your helmet. Dark- or light-smoke shields, or a replacement clear shield, are $70/pop. And the mirrored options are $110. So if you need to justify it, this shield easily kills 3 birds with one magic stone.

The only technical glitch is the first minute after leaving the noonday sun and entering a tunnel, at which point you can either open the shield and activate your "safety squint," or just deal with it. Also, note that when it's cold, the "transitioning" takes longer. 

But for every other scenario, automatically adapting tint is the best upgrade shield money can buy.

These CWR-F2 Transitions Photochromic Pinlock Shield is designed to fit the SHOEI RF-1400, and the new X-15 helmet. For Shoe’s other popular street helmets including X-14, RF-1200, and RF-SR, use the CWR-1 Transitions Shield.

From the manufacturer: 

This shield offers 100% UVA & UVB Protection and a scratch resistant coating. Whether testing yourself on the track or out for a weekend cruise, motorcyclists know how important clear, crisp vision is.

LIGHT, DARK, AND EVERY SHADE IN BETWEEN
When Transitions shields are exposed to UV light, silver-halide photochromic molecules in the shield begin to change structure. This reaction is what causes the shields to darken. The superiority of Transitions brand technology lies in their exclusive, patented formulas. The molecules constantly and smoothly re-calibrate so the optimal amount of light reaches your eyes whether you’re in bright sunlight or under cloud cover.

DESIGNED TO MEET INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

• UV Protection: Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays
• Full activation in 2 minutes*
• Impact resistant
• Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and shield material.