We always enjoy surfing the internet just as much as anyone else, especially when we uncover a new Trade Mark application by Shoei for a "Shoei X-SPR Pro"
https://trademark.trademarkia.com/wipo/trademark-1590788.htm
This could mean a new X Shoei X Spirit 3 is well on the way and that should also mean approved to the latest ECE22.06......
ECE 22.06 is now here and means new helmets have to meet more stringent regulations. We already have two such examples, the Shoei NXR 2 and the Arai Quantic – both aimed at the premium end of the road-riding market. We would expect the changes to the X Spirit 3 to be similar to the changes made to the NXR when it became the NXR2.
UPDATE: There is now officially FIM certification: http://www.frhp.org/homologated-helmets-images/shoei/shoei_x-spr_pro_description
What we would like to see in the a new Shoei X-Spirit
A Shoei X-SPR Pro would be the natural replacment for the X-Spirit 3 but the new regulations should mean some significant changes, while maintaining what made the helmet so good especially at high speeds and the track.
We would expect even better ventilation, improved adjustable aerodynamics (always a particular strength of the X Spirit 3) and a new visor like the NXR2. A new visor could mark a departure from the design Shoei has used for a few years now, moving away from a small tab on the left side to a larger, more central tab that reduces the risk of visor warping and allows for a firmer, more reliable fit against the seal of the visor port. It’s worth saying Shoei helmets have some bombproof visor seals, so anything that can maintain this over a longer period of time is welcomed.
Interestingly the new NXR2 is actually slightly heavier than the NXR it replaced and we do hope this is not repeated with the new X-SPR Pro. However it could be possible to forgive Shoei as the X-Spirit is already light and for such key extra safety we believe most customers would tolerate a small amount of extra weight.
An Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) fibreglass shell remains the material of choice for Shoei helmets, costing more than polycarbonate rivals, but offering more flex in the event of an accident to improve impact absorption. Like the NXR2 we would expect another "flexible" shell, not only is this a key part of how it passes ECE22.06, but it also means that the entry "hole" for your head can be made tighter to reduce noise.
We would also want at least the same four different shell sizes, a surefire mark of a premium helmet – this allows for a snugger fitting helmet, as well as reducing the unwelcome ‘bobblehead syndrome’.
And of course it should be a double D-ring fastening and a standard Pinlock anti-fog in the box.
We would not want or expect any special space for comms integration like on the GT Air 2 or Neotec 2. Nor of course a drop-down visor!
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) 22.06 Regulations
ECE 22.06 takes over from 22.05 which is around 20 years old now, so it’s very long in the tooth. New helmets only need to conform with the new regulations from January 2024, although the new regulations were published in June last year. So what’s changed?
A major change is the introduction of new impact testing, with different speeds and an angled, or oblique, test that tests how a helmet dissipates energy. It is worth saying that the maximum impact speed is under 20mph, however it is also worth saying that impacts to the head directly are arguably unsurvivable if what you’re hitting isn’t forgiving. A car, for example, is designed to crumple so will allow for a higher impact speed that you could survive. The new testing also includes accessories that can affect a helmet, such as sun visors and intercoms.
The oblique test uses a bar anvil to strike the helmet at a 15 degrees angle, to allow for measurement of the rotational acceleration – as with all helmets tests the aim is to check how little the impact is transferred to the head or into a twisting motion.
A crush test is also present to check for deformation with about 10 stone loaded onto front, back and sides. In addition, a pellet is fired at the visor to make sure it doesn’t shatter or deform.
Overall, if you're looking for the very latest premium road and track motorcycle helmet that almost certainly achieves ECE22.06 then you can have the current model which is clearly a very good helmet and with a wide choice or wait wait for this one! If previous launches are anything to go by we would expect to have confirmed details in Q4 and stock Spring 2022. Make sure you stay in touch.
Meanwhile, if you need some expert advice, then you can have a chat online with us via web chat on our website. We’ve finally reopened with our café opening for takeaway at the weekends. If you’re a bit far from Stevenage, our online shop is alive and well, and taking orders for delivery. You can also check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365-day period – see our returns page for more details.
