Shoei RF-1200 vs. Shoei GT Air 2 (Which Is Better?)

Shoei RF-1200 vs. Shoei GT Air 2 (Which Is Better?)

by

Jeffrey
June 4, 2021
499 Views

Unable to decide between the Shoei RF-1200 vs Shoei GT Air 2?

I’m here to help!

I’ll help you make a clear decision of which one of these two motorcycle helmets is the better choice for you, and why.

Let’s take a look!

Shoei RF-1200 vs. Shoei GT Air 2

image 8

Shoei RF-1200 Wins!

  • It’s Lighter in Weight.
  • More Comfortable.
  • Reduces Wind Noise.

Wait…

image

If you don’t feel these two helmets match your needs, check out these best-selling motorcycle helmets on Amazon! They’re selling like hotcakes! 🍰 Have a look at least, maybe you’ll like what you see. 😉

Bestseller No. 1
GLX GX11 Compact Lightweight Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Extra Tinted Visor DOT Approved (Matte Black, Large)
  • Boasting a compact, aerodynamic DOT shell design with sharp and aggressive styling for impeccable impact protection to excel whether short-distance street performance or long-distance touring comfort.
  • Multiple conscientiously designed ventilation panels effective in streamlining the cooling process to assist with freshening the rider's experience. Large lower vent shutters for ease of use with riding gloves.
  • Trendsetting springs for precise functionality ensuring a superior wind and water sealant layer. Unique 3D molded shield designed to ensure a distortion-free view throughout the entire field of vision.
  • Removable Breath Guard rerouting the rider’s breath to reduce shield fogging. Inserted Chin Curtain designed to reduce wind turbulence and noise. Quick-Release Chin Strap for effortless usage.
  • Fully removable, washable, and replaceable microfiber inner material that absorbs sweat without compromising comfort or security. Plus the GLX One-Year Limited Manufacturer.
Bestseller No. 2
Bell Qualifier DLX Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet (Blackout Matte Black, X-Large)
  • Communications port no longer built in to helmet. Picture incorrect
  • Lightweight polycarbonate/ABS shell construction with removable interior, padded wind collar drastically reduces wind and road noise
  • Velocity Flow Ventilation system with FlowAdjust
  • This colorway comes with 2 shields, the clear (on the helmet) and dark smoke is included in the box.
  • DOT approved. Meets the FMVSS 218 Standard
Bestseller No. 3
Bell Qualifier Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet (Solid Matte Black, Large) (7049224)
  • Helmet shown with optional tinted shield. (Ships with clear shield only)
  • Lightweight construction with a strong, durable outer shell to provide maximum protection
  • NutraFog II shield which is a ClickRelease shield for fast, easy and tool-free shield replacement
  • Velocity Flow Ventilation system designed to provide optimal airflow for comfortable wear
  • DOT approved. Meets the FMVSS 218 Standard
Bestseller No. 4
ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf + 2 Visors DOT Model-JK313 (XL, Matte Black)
  • 2 Visors Included: Clear + Smoked and 1 Neck Scarf for Winter Use
  • Streamlined Aerodynamic Design Reduces Wind Noise and Drag
  • Advanced and Lightweight Durable ABS Shell
  • Quick Release Clasp and Strap and Removable Inner Lining Pads
  • Meets or Exceeds FMVSS-218 and DOT Safety Standards
Bestseller No. 5
ILM Bluetooth Integrated Modular Flip up Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Sun Shield Mp3 Intercom Model 953 (L, Matte Black)
  • Bluetooth technology 3.0 version, 8 hours of talk time and 110 hours of standby. Fully washable microfiber lining and adjustable vents. This Helmet Runs 1 Size Smaller Due to Built-in Bluetooth Module. The size of this helmet: S:55-56,M:57-58CM,L:59-60CM,XL:61-62CM,XXL:63-64CM.
  • One Touch Control for Calling, Answering, Rejecting Incoming Calls and Redialing. Incoming Phone Call Overrides Intercom, Music, FM Radio and GPS Navigation Audio.
  • Supports a Maximum distance of 1680 Feet Between Two Riders While Using the Intercom Function. Two High Quality Built-in Speakers with Full Stereo Sound to Enjoy Communication or Music.
  • Meets or Exceeds FMVSS-218 and DOT Safety Standards. DSP Echo Cancellation and Noise Suppression Technology Delivers High-quality Voice at High Speeds.
  • Note: When the Bluetooth System has not been used for a long time, the battery will enter into deep sleep mode and Bluetooth device may not available. Charge the battery for about half an hour to wake it up. The Bluetooth function will be restored after charging. If there is any missing small parts of the item received, welcome to contact ILM customer service for help.

Shoei RF-1200

71QhGJ5y8dL. AC UL320

“The price is amazing. Very lightweight and extremely comfortable. It is DOT and SNELL rated which is a big plus.”

Having met the minimum safety testing requirements, DOT/ECE 22-05 has approved the Shoei RF-1200 for sale. At the time of writing, it has not been reviewed by SHARP – but it has been Snell certified.

For a while now, Shoei has been wind tunnel testing their helmets, and the design of the RF-1200 is a good example of that. An RF-1200 that is uncluttered will be quiet due to its low wind noise caused by no clutter.

Under the rear spoiler, a cleverly hidden exhaust vent is located underneath the RF-1200’s rear chin vent and three forehead vents. The vents can all be closed/opened with gloved hands and aren’t particularly fiddly to operate – with the exception of the rear exhaust, though you don’t want to tinker with that when riding.

I would describe the Shoei RF-1200 crash helmet as pretty understated, although looks are very subjective

No doubt, the Shoei RF-1200 is an excellent helmet. Shoei helmets are legendary for their quality, well-built, and high-end materials that feel like they are expensive and premium. 

Also, it performs well by ensuring your safety and being comfortable and quiet with all the parts you need to work correctly such as shields, vents, and the inside. 

In addition to the quick release system and the quality visor, this helmet is equipped with a few nice features. Value for money is an area where it does fall short. 

A lid of this quality costs a lot of money. However, we are fairly certain you’ll enjoy your new Shoei RF-1200 if this isn’t a problem for you.

Shoei GT Air 2

61fWSO TSHL. AC UL320

“The BILT was incredibly noisy at any speed above “crawl”, never felt like it fit right, and fogged no matter what I did unless I opened the face shield completely. It also had a habit of making my head whip back and forth in the wind at highway speeds.”

Shoei developed a sports/tourist helmet that builds on and improves something that was already exceptional.

If you look at our review of the original GT Air, you’ll see that few changes have been made – but the improved aerodynamics, deeper sun visor that extends further, and more air vents make this helmet more comfortable.

A SHARP independent test of the old helmet (ECE helmet) gave it a few points less than it did in the old helmet’s safety rating, and neither that helmet nor the GT Air 2 has been Snell-tested. It scored four out of five stars since the similar AIM-shelled Neotec II and RF-SR (called RYD in Europe) both scored four out of five stars when tested by Singlepoint Research).

There’s no doubt about that, however: it’s highly rated by owners who tend to universally praise the GT Air II’s comfort, shield system (with Pinlock anti-fog included), and noise suppression.

All in all, the Shoei GT Air II is a highly versatile sports-touring helmet that is often ranked among the best on the market for performance.

Jeffrey

Jeffrey Bryce is an experienced motorcycle rider with years of experience caring for motorcycles. His natural fondness for motorcycles have made him come up with LetsGoForARide.com, which is dedicated to answering and teaching you how to care for your bike with the care it requires. LetsGoForARide is the one of his important lifework in reaching out to communities of motorcycle enthusiasts on how to take care of their bike and choosing the correct spare part.