You need a new motorcycle helmet, but you want something from the top of the range. Which should you get?
It all depends on what you want to do.
The all new Shoei X-Fifteen is my new favorite track helmet for 2023. Visually, it looks similar to the X-14 but with enough changes. I like how they went to the new visor design, with the closure in the middle. It feels more secure. Overall, the new visor locking system is amazing and a great safety feature at the track.
The new Shoei X-15 has improved line of sight and ventilation. These are actually two marked improvements that really transform this helmet. The field of view in the tuck is so much better compared to the the X-14. It vents much more air, to where I now prefer it over the Corsair-X at the track.
To me, the Arai Corsair-X is the ultimate road/track helmet. It vents the most air and it’s the most comfortable. The Corsair-X is not as stable at high speed as the Shoei or AGV out of the box. You need to purchase the additional spoiler if your plan on doing track days. I’m not saying that you can’t do a track do without the spoiler with that helmet. I had done plenty with a Corsair-X before the spoiler came to market. But the stability isn’t the same without the spoiler, hence why the MotoGP/WSBK guys have been wearing the spoiler for a bit now (even before it came to public). So, once you have tasted that stability, you can’t not have it. On the road it is not needed, you can adjust the wing in th back for downforce.
But the Arai shines in all-day comfort, field of view, and the amount of air it lets through. The Corsair-X has the most versatility of the three helmets. This is the one I’ll usually pick for the road.
The AGV Pista GP RR is an Italian beauty. Fickle, annoying to live with at times, but freaking gorgeous.
The Pista GP RR is a track helmet, period. The vents are fixed, they only have removable rubber/silicone pieces to close them. The visor is either open or closed, it doesn’t stay slightly ajar to let in more air.
This helmet is all about comprising for the pursuit of speed. It’s very lightweight and extremely stable at high speeds. If you don’t need the creature comforts afforded on the other helmets, and just want the best-looking helmet, the AGV is for you.
Always measure your head and then use the manufacturer’s size guide when buying. Try on multiple helmets from multiple brands. Find your fit, then you find the style.
As always, stay fresh.
