Shoei has long been known for blending craftsmanship with subtle yet meaningful innovation, often pushing helmet design forward without relying on gimmicks. That legacy has included advancements in aerodynamics, visor clarity, and long-distance comfort – traits that touring riders have come to trust. EyeLights, on the other hand, has built a reputation for compact augmented-reality systems designed to keep information within a rider’s natural field of view.
Their paths converging was almost inevitable, and the result is a smart accessory for riders that shifts helmet technology into an entirely new category. The Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart takes the familiar touring shell and transforms it into the first full-face helmet with a fully integrated AR heads-up display, created to deliver essential riding data without ever diverting attention from the road.
Developed jointly by Shoei and EyeLights, the GT-Air 3 Smart embeds a nano-OLED microdisplay directly into the visor structure. The projection appears about three meters ahead of the rider’s line of sight, presenting speed, navigation cues, call notifications, radar alerts, and even a compact map overlay. The Full HD display uses a 3,000-nit output so the information stays visible in strong daylight, and EyeLights claims the system can reduce reaction time by more than 32 percent compared to glancing down at external screens. Beneath the new visual technology, the helmet maintains Shoei’s established safety foundation. Its shell is constructed from the brand’s Advanced Integrated Matrix composite, which is an engineered blend of fiberglass and organic fibers used across the GT-Air 3 lineup. Apparently, it carries both DOT and ECE 22.06 certifications. Ventilation comes from a wide lower intake and upper intake with internal channels cut into the EPS liner, along with exhaust ports that release heat and moisture. A quick-release CNS-1C face shield with Pinlock support and an integrated QSV-2 sun visor maintains clarity across changing weather and lighting.
Communication features are built in through EyeLights’ Bluetooth system, supporting unlimited users and effectively unlimited range through cellular connectivity, with an offline mesh fallback when service drops. The audio kit includes speakers positioned within dedicated ear pockets and a microphone with active noise cancellation for clear conversations at speed. Voice control works with both Siri and Google Assistant to reduce rider input and keep focus ahead. The HUD, intercom, and audio system are powered by an internal battery designed to last more than ten hours under mixed use.
Charging is handled through a compact USB-C port positioned discreetly along the lower edge. The smart helmet retains the comfort and protection expected from the GT-Air line while introducing a fluid way to see essential data without shifting attention downward. For long-distance riders and daily commuters alike, the integration feels like a natural evolution rather than an add-on, offering a clearer, safer way to stay informed while riding. Shoei offers the helmet in White, Matte Black, Matte Metallic Blue, Matte Metallic Gray, and Realm TC10, with sizes ranging from S to XXL. Pricing starts at US$1,199, with a limited EICMA edition for those who like to ride differently.
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