Like Arai, Shoei is a Japanese helmet manufacturer with an impressive reputation for quality and high-tech construction. The X-Spirit is its premium model, and features a shell made from multi-layered fibreglass and carbon-fibre composite materials. That construction means the X-Spirit is a very light helmet – Shoei claims a mass of 1,330 grams for the medium size. The shell has a special aerodynamic shape to reduce drag and a rear spoiler to cut lift at high track speeds. The spoiler also integrates the X-Spirit’s ventilation and air exhaust system. There’s a fully detachable washable inner liner for easy maintenance, and a removable breath guard and air curtain.
Shoei uses four different outer shell sizes to ensure a perfect fit and compact external dimensions. Using smaller shells for small head sizes (rather than using thicker linings on a large shell) reduces weight, and makes a more compact design.
Shoei is the sponsor of choice for many top-class racers, including Australian MotoGP rider Chris Vermeulen, WSB contender Yukio Kagayama, and BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari.
