SPORTS HELMETS
5 OF THE BEST
AGV Pista GP Expect to pay £800 (pattern) £900 (Rossi rep) agv.co.uk A truly track-focused helmet, developed in part by a certain Valentino Rossi. Vents are huge, vision is great and it’s utterly stable at speed. It’s a bit noisy though so definitely more at home on trackdays than highways.
Arai RX-7V Expect to pay £600 (plain) £700 (pattern) whyarai.co.uk A relatively heavy helmet but you’d never know once it’s on. Has excellent, easily adjusted venting and is superbly comfortable. The visor-change mechanism takes some getting used to, but works well when you’ve mastered it. Shark Race-r Pro Carbon Expect to pay £540 (pattern) nevis.uk.com Lightweight with excellent vents but needs the supplied breath guard to prevent misting on track. Visor is thick, sturdy and adjustable, while the wicking liner is beautifully plush and comfortable. Works well with glasses.
X-lite X802RR Expect to pay £340 (plain) £440 (pattern) motogear.co.uk The ace in this helmet’s hand is its weight - it’s superbly light. The field of vision is good, with a Pinlock visor and a mechanism that props the visor ajar to really prevent misting. Vents work well but are a bit noisy. Very comfortable, stable and well priced. Shoei X-spirit III Expect to pay £600 (plain) £700 (pattern) shoeiassured.com Vents make it noisy, especially on upright bikes, but it’s absolutely faultless on track and for sporty riding. Those loud vents are easily adjusted and really work. The visor is good, comes with a Pinlock, and offers a great field of vision.