Loaded with graphical options that have been or are currently being worn by arguably the greatest MotoGP racer of all time, the AGV GP Tech Helmet is a serious pro-level race helmet that will compete head-to-head with the premium offerings of any top-level race helmet manufacturers. Extraordinarily lightweight, stable and speed, and with some of the best ventilation we see of any helmet within this range, it is no wonder that the GP Tech has been the choice of Valentino Rossi for a very long time. AGV Helmets still designs and manufactures this helmet exclusively in Italy.
Starting with the shell, AGV uses a dual-density Carbon Fiber and Kevlar weave that provides excellent resiliency and strength but is also very lightweight. A medium helmet comes in right around the 3.2-pound mark which is about as light as you can get for a full face helmet. Rather than using Snell, AGV has been going with DOT and ECE certifications. ECE22.05 is completely track-legal and provides comparable safety to Snell, but allows the helmet to be lighter than the Snell lids. For the shape of this helmet, AGV conducted a 3D study of thousands of head shapes and found that the most common headform is a true neutral oval. All of their helmets moving forward feature this ergonomic fitment that will fit a wide range of riders.
Ventilation is monumental in the GP Tech. Using what they call the IVS, or Integrated Ventilation System, there are a total of three intake vents that feed ten total exhaust vents, with the vent holes hollowed straight through the EPS, traveling along channels at the top of the head. Every rider that gives feedback about this helmet seems to mention that the ventilation is superior to any helmet they've worn, which is ever so important on the racetrack. Inside, the Cool Max liner and cheek pads are fully removable and washable, antimicrobial, antibacterial and moisture-wicking. The finishing materials are very plush against the skin, and the stitched-in "AGV Helmets" logo is a nice touch that speaks to the attention to detail they put into this helmet.
The faceshield is an anti-scratch and anti-fog polycarbonate shield that comes equipped with the tear-off system, so you can attach plastic strips to the visor, and rip them off as they get filled with bugs for an instant clear shield. The shield change mechanism is simple, and there are other shield tints available, all of which are equipped with the tear-off system. There are three shell sizes for the GP Tech: Size 1 is XXS, XS, S, M; Size 2 is L, XL; Size 3 is XXL, XXXL. So instant of simply bulking up cheekpads and having it look like you're a bobble head, AGV actually adjusts the shell size to keep the helmet streamlined and maintain its aerodynamics.
Also worn by Marco Simoncelli in MotoGP, the GP Tech features Italian quality and design that is undeniable. And with all the Rossi replica graphics, there is really something for everyone out there. To see comparable choices, visit our Sportbike Helmets section.
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