Shoei RF1400 vs GT Air 2: Get The best Shoei

So, you are finally planning to buy a Shoei full-face helmet. But which one to go for; there are two good options out there, right?

Either way, everyone wants to make sure that getting a premium helmet like this is worth every penny. To be honest, both helmets are pretty good with decent quality and performance. However, there are a few differences between them that sets these helmets apart. It actually depends on your preference for what feature you want over another. If you can find that out, the rest is quite easy. Let’s find out, Shoei RF 1400 vs GT Air 2, which one is the best for you!

Shoei RF1400

Shoei GT Air 2

Shoei RF-1400 vs Shoei GT Air 2

If you want a helmet that you can take to the racing track and also can use as a daily driver, the RF-1400 is for you. On the other hand, if you want the convenience of a built-in sun visor and built-in intercom design, go for the GT Air 2. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you want out of a helmet and you should go for the one that meets your requirements.

I made a list and chart for how these helmets perform as well as a detailed chart for side-by-side comparison for you. Make sure you check it out below to get the full idea about which one is the best Shoei helmet.

Features and performance comparison

Here is a simple chart of which one of these Shoei helmets wins at what features-

Features	Shoei GT Air 2	Shoei RF-1400	Winner
Aerodynamics	Good	Better	RF-1400
Vision	Good	Better	RF-1400
Weight	Light	Lighter	RF-1400
Noise Level	Low	Lower	RF-1400
Safety	Good	Better	RF-1400
Comfort	Good	Good	Both
Ventilation	Good	Good (slightly better)	Both
Connectivity	Better	Good	GT Air 2
Sun Visor	Yes	No	GT Air 2
Convenience	Better	Good	GT Air 2
Good for	Tour, Commuting	Track, Tour, Commuting
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Shoei RF-1400 Helmet

The Shoei RF-1400 is a premium helmet with really good features and performance. It’s the updated version of the RF1200, which was also a great helmet of its own. And Shoei thought Nah, we’re gonna make it better!

The RF1400 produces 6% less lift and 4% less drag compared to the previous version, and that’s cool! This helmet is good for track/race, commuting, and even touring.
However, from the convenience perspective, the GT Air 2 kinda gets ahead. Because the RF1400 lacks an inner sun shield and built-in intercom structure.

Reasons to buy RF1400 over GT Air 2

Aerodynamic structure
Less wind noise
Wider field of view
Got Snell M2020D and DOT certifications
Great ventilation
Five shell sizes
Quick face shield replacement

Reasons to avoid RF1400 for GT Air 2

No built-in sun visor
Smaller speaker outlet
Not an intercom-friendly design (you can use intercom though)

Suitable for: Racing, Commuting, Day-to-day ride, Touring

Shoei GT Air 2 helmet

The GT Air 2 is an interesting helmet. It’s one of the very few motorcycle helmets available that has a built-in intercom structure within the design. This helmet is designed to fit in the Sena SRL and SRL 2 intercom sets.

This helmet and the intercom are designed in a way that the intercom becomes part of the helmet. You won’t even see the intercom from outside, it goes at the bottom of the helmet. The speaker pockets are bigger in this helmet when compared to the RF1400. The helmet comes with a built-in sun visor and this is also a huge plus point. What makes this Shoei helmet worth buying is the convenience of commuting and touring. Also, there’s a modular version of this helmet, the Shoei Neotec 2. You can also check out that one.

Reasons to buy GT Air 2 over RF1400

Built-in intercom structure
Built-in sun visor
Model-specific Bluetooth intercom available
Great for touring
Great for commuting
Innovative ratchet chin strap

Reasons to avoid GT Air 2 for RF1400

Some SRL intercom units have issues
You also have to buy the intercom set (not so budget-friendly helmet and intercom combined)
Chin strap can be hard to operate

Suitable for: Commuting, Touring, Day-to-day use

Detailed Specification Side by Side

Specs	Shoei RF-1400	Shoei GT Air 2
Shell	AIM+ shell	AIM shell
Shell Materials	Layers of Fiberglass with organic and high-performance fibers	Layers of Fiberglass and organic fibers and resin
Shell Sizes	5 shell sizes	3 shell sizes
Safety Standards	Snell M2020D, DOT	DOT
Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S)	Available	Available
Helmet Weight	3.62 lbs. / 1642 grams	3.79 lbs. / 1720 grams
Head Shape	Intermediate Oval	Intermediate Oval
Face Shield	CWR-F2 Shield (flat)	CNS-1 Shield (Slightly curved)
Fog resistance	Pinlock EVO (included)	Pinlock EVO (included)
Sun visor	No	Built-in QSV-2 internal sun visor
EPS liner	Multi-density EPS liner	Multi-density EPS liner
Interior	Removable, washable Max Dry materials	Removable, washable Max Dry materials
Glasses-friendly	Yes	Yes
Intake Vents	6 (with shutters)	3 (with shutters)
Exhaust Vents	4	5
Chin Strap	Double-D ring	Rachet Chin Strap
Chin Curtain	Included	Included
	Check Price	Check Price

A Few Real User Exprience

We checked a social media and got a few real user exprience on reddit. Take a look:

jugggersnott says, “Great helmets! I have the rf-1400 and love it. BUT I bought it because it was a snell approved helmet. Learned afterwards ece is a MUCH better standard. Reasearch that and you’ll pick the gt-air. Fortnine has an excellent yt vid on it.”

thx-6947 says, “Can’t comment on the GT Air. I’m starting my 3rd season in a RF1400. It’s snug at first but not uncomfortable and will adapt to your head. Even when it was new I never felt a hot spot and could ride all day. Upgrading to the Transitions visor was worth the money and found it works well. The helmet is more quiet than others but I’d still recommend ear plugs.

On a hot day with all the vents open you will wish it moved more air around your head. On bikes without a front windscreen it moves through the air well without a lot of buffeting. On my 2018 Goldwing, buffeting is a thing? Didn’t have a problem fitting my Cardo speakers or clipping the unit on the outside. For the speakers to fit flush as possible and stay put get Velcro and trim both sides to fit the smaller area of the speaker pocket, three years on and they haven’t moved. I’ll try other helmets when it’s time but will be looking at Shoei’s first.”

PixelKnife-3000 says, “I miss my GT-Air, fave helmet of all time.”

Conclusion

Shoei RF-1400 and GT Air 2 are both amazing full-face helmets. These have a few differences in performance and design. One is good for noise reduction and aerodynamics. On the other hand one comes with additional features such as a built-in sun visor and intercom-ready design. Which one you should pick depends on what features and outcomes you want out of your Shoei helmet. Find that out from our detailed specs and features list, and it’ll be a whole lot easier for you.