didn’t
sweat in
this helmet
nearly as
much as I
expected to
when at Sepang.
Normally on
hot days on a
race track I get the
occasional sweat drip
onto my visor under
hard braking, but there
was hardly any sweat to
speak of, which which really
knocked my socks off. It was
only when I’d stopped in the
pits and taken my helmet off
that I started to sweat!It really is damn light! My Large size
weighs in at only 1400grams. It features
an adjustable rotating liner to increase
upper vision in a racer’s crouch. I also
found that useful because I don’t like
a helmet that sits low down near the
eyebrows. Add the EQRS (Emergency
Quick Release system) and a host
of other updates which have been
developed in conjunction with Marc
Marquez and Bradley Smith, both of
MotoGP fame.
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improved over the outgoing X-Spirit
II. The X-Spirit III is designed for
exceptional stability at speeds well over
300km/h! I can attest to the stability as
I wore this helmet while at the Pirelli
launch at Sepang where I got to around
270km/h and it felt like I was only
doing 200! It’s the most stable helmet
I’ve worn on a race track, I could stick
my head up from behind the screen
at the end of the straights and not get
blown all over the place. That’s just
what you want, and on the road this is
the most aerodynamically stable helmet
I’ve ever worn, too.
The removable and washable 3D Max
Dry liner is supremely comfortable,
but also very supportive, which is
needed if you’re riding at high speeds.
The liner can be switched from “road”
to “race” within a minute. This sees
the helmet sit up a little higher on
your forehead, for more vision when
crouched down. Have a look at Marc
Marquez when he’s on the start line
for a race and you’ll see near his entire
forehead. No, he doesn’t have a massive
forehead, it’s the race position of the
X-Spirit III that makes it sit like that
for better vision. I also like that there
are a number of different sized liners
and cheekpads available so that you can
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helmet available to the general riding
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custom made racers helmet.
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a motorcycle helmet, you now also get
cheek ventilation. Yes, you read it right- cheek ventilation! And not only that,
all of the multiple vents on
this helmet are designed
to work at high
speeds (and low). I
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X-Spirit III is Pinlock ready, and this
is included with the helmet and made
for extra vision by sitting higher up on
the visor. It is also tear-off ready, and
you can get those in multiple packs.
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normally do for short circuit racing,
and it worked really well. The visor
also features a double-lock. So, when
you close the visor there is a secondary
“slide” that you can move up to give
extra security for high speed work.
I am quite particular about helmets,
I guess they’ve saved my life the few
times I’ve crashed and a lot of that
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of the materials used. That’s why I trust
Shoei and especially the new X-Spirit
III for my racing, and sometimes I’ll
wear it on the road, but only on special
occasions. It’s my pride and joy and you
should make it yours too.
The X-Spirit III is available in a range
of solid colours ($999), graphics ($1149
as you see here) and Replicas ($1199).
Sizes range from XS to XXL and you
can get clear, yellow hi-viz, dark smoke
and transition visors, along with the
tear-offs. See your local bike shop or
visit http://www.mcleodaccessories.com.au
SWGLOVE TACTS
Tacky, but in a good way
Price - $14.99
Have you ever hated that your
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