Shoei X Spirit Review

by Toby
(England)

Kagayama colours

Safety first

You can read into the safety blurb all you like, the Shoei X Spirit helmet is used in MotoGP and that really says it all. If it's good enough for the top sports riders its good enough for me, Joe Bloggs on the street.

The second most important thing is the DD chin strap. Secure fit every time you use it. I can't stand seat belt types.

General construction is of a very good quality, so should last until you get tempted by a new colour scheme.

Helmet fit is always dependant on your own head shape of course and you should always try before you buy. For me it fits like a glove.

I would say it suits people with a rounder head shape.

Lots of room for your ears to sit nicely in, and although i don't like to admit it, I've got big ears.

I had to return my previous helmet because it was crushing my ears (AGV ROSSI GOTHIC WHITE TI-TECH 06 MODEL). The helmet interior is broken in now and still retains good hold of my head. Helmet sizing is accurate. The helmet lining is removable for cleaning.

Wind noise on a scale of 1-10, 1 being quiet, I would say 6. I always use ear plugs anyway.

Optional extras available are neck wind noise reducer.

Standard kit with the Shoei X Spirit are breath guard, chin wind guard. I use the chin guard in winter as the helmet chin area is quite small compared to an AGV for example.

Ventilation via the chin area is poor in my opinion and although the vents on the brow work well, they are no match for the cheaper XR1000 lid. That said I haven't had a problem with a sweaty head in the summer months.

Good stable helmet when high speed riding, neither lifting or wanting to rip your head off when doing a life saver.

The visor changing mechanism is THE best i have ever used. My lid came with a pin lock insert to combat fogging, and it works exceptionally well.

I would recommend the Shoei X Spirit helmet no end, but if price is important factor to you i would also recommend the SHOEI XR1000 which i also have owned ,which has better vents and is cheaper, but does not have a removable interior.