Shoei’s GT-Air 3 SMART is a touring motorcycle helmet designed for an optional EyeLights visor head-up display (HUD). It can show navigation and other information in the rider’s sightline. Shoei calls it “The world’s first helmet with Visor Head Up Display”—a claim specifically about a visor HUD, not Shoei’s first HUD helmet or proof that no other motorcycle helmet has ever used one.
What is the Shoei GT-Air 3 SMART?
The GT-Air 3 SMART is a touring helmet designed to work with EyeLights’ visor HUD. The system projects information into the rider’s field of sight; Shoei says it appears about three meters ahead. The product is marketed as augmented reality, but its practical function is a head-up display viewed through the visor.
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Shoei GT-Air 3 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | $779.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Shoei GT-Air 3 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | $779.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Shoei GT-Air 3 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | $765.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Shoei GT-Air 3 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | $779.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Shoei GT-Air 3 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | $779.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Shoei Europe lists an AIM shell, multi-density EPS liner, ECE 22/06 homologation, Pinlock-compatible CNS-1C visor, Emergency Quick Release System, interchangeable pads, and ventilation features. Those specifications describe the helmet; they do not establish that the HUD makes riding safer. Confirm fit, compatibility, and market-specific certification with Shoei or an authorized local dealer.
What does the visor HUD show?
Shoei’s feature description includes turn-by-turn navigation, mini maps, speed, calls, music, notifications, and radar-related information. It also describes Google and Siri voice-assistant compatibility on Android and iOS. EICMA’s announcement describes speed, GPS navigation, calls, and radar alerts projected in front of the rider’s line of sight, using a nano-OLED visor.
#1 Best Overall
- Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is wind tunnel tested for optimized airflow, reducing wind noise and drag, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride for touring enthusiasts
- Advanced Safety Features: Featuring an AIM shock-absorbent shell, multi-density EPS liner, and the Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.), this helmet delivers superior impact protection in any situation. DOT FMVSS 218 approved
- Pinlock Equipped Shield: The CNS-1C Pinlock visor with included Pinlock lens prevents fogging, ensuring clear vision in all weather conditions
- Enhanced Ventilation and Comfort: Multiple intake and exhaust vents with an insect filter provide superior airflow, while a 3D center pad and cheek pads in various thicknesses offer a personalized, comfortable fit
- Integrated Connectivity: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the optional SENA SRL 3 communication system, making installation and connectivity easier than ever
EICMA said the system “promises a reduction in reaction times of over 32%.” That is a product-announcement claim, not an independently demonstrated result: the announcement does not provide a test method or study establishing the figure.
Does the Shoei GT-Air 3 SMART include the HUD?
No—not according to Shoei Europe and Shoei Italy. They say the GT-Air 3 SMART helmet and EyeLights HUD system are sold separately. Check the exact package in your country before ordering, since included components and availability can vary by market.
Rank #2
- Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is wind tunnel tested for optimized airflow, reducing wind noise and drag, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride for touring enthusiasts
- Advanced Safety Features: Featuring an AIM shock-absorbent shell, multi-density EPS liner, and the Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.), this helmet delivers superior impact protection in any situation. DOT FMVSS 218 approved
- Pinlock Equipped Shield: The CNS-1C Pinlock visor with included Pinlock lens prevents fogging, ensuring clear vision in all weather conditions
- Enhanced Ventilation and Comfort: Multiple intake and exhaust vents with an insect filter provide superior airflow, while a 3D center pad and cheek pads in various thicknesses offer a personalized, comfortable fit
- Integrated Connectivity: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the optional SENA SRL 3 communication system, making installation and connectivity easier than ever
When will the GT-Air 3 SMART be available?
Shoei Italy’s 2026 catalog announcement, dated January 11, 2026, said dealer availability in its market was expected at the end of 2026. This is a regional forecast, not confirmation of a global launch date, and the timing may change. Ask a local authorized Shoei dealer for current availability and fitting support.
Is it Shoei’s first HUD helmet?
No. Shoei previously sold the OPTICSON in Japan, an earlier helmet with an integrated HUD that connected to a smartphone over Bluetooth to display route guidance and phone information. Shoei Japan says sales ended with remaining retail stock as of December 31, 2025. Shoei’s 2025 sustainability report describes OPTICSON as the first phase of its HUD development and says the company was collaborating with EyeLights on an app-paired HUD for Android and iOS as a second phase.
Rank #3
- Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is wind tunnel tested for optimized airflow, reducing wind noise and drag, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride for touring enthusiasts
- Advanced Safety Features: Featuring an AIM shock-absorbent shell, multi-density EPS liner, and the Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.), this helmet delivers superior impact protection in any situation. DOT FMVSS 218 approved
- Pinlock Equipped Shield: The CNS-1C Pinlock visor with included Pinlock lens prevents fogging, ensuring clear vision in all weather conditions
- Enhanced Ventilation and Comfort: Multiple intake and exhaust vents with an insect filter provide superior airflow, while a 3D center pad and cheek pads in various thicknesses offer a personalized, comfortable fit
- Integrated Connectivity: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the optional SENA SRL 3 communication system, making installation and connectivity easier than ever
That history makes the wording important: Shoei’s current “world’s first” phrasing refers to a helmet with a visor head-up display. It should not be broadened into a claim that this is Shoei’s first HUD helmet.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying
- Package: Verify whether the helmet, EyeLights HUD, or both are included in the offer.
- Fit and compatibility: Confirm the helmet fit, HUD compatibility, and any required phone or app support with Shoei or a local authorized dealer.
- Local certification and support: Shoei Europe lists ECE 22/06 homologation; check the relevant certification, service, and support details for your market.
- Performance claims: Treat the reaction-time figure as a promotional claim unless independent test evidence is provided.
Sources: Shoei Europe GT-Air 3 SMART; Shoei Italia 2026 catalog announcement; EICMA product announcement; Shoei Japan OPTICSON; Shoei Sustainability Report 2025.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is wind tunnel tested for optimized airflow, reducing wind noise and drag, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride for touring enthusiasts
- Advanced Safety Features: Featuring an AIM shock-absorbent shell, multi-density EPS liner, and the Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.), this helmet delivers superior impact protection in any situation. DOT FMVSS 218 approved
- Pinlock Equipped Shield: The CNS-1C Pinlock visor with included Pinlock lens prevents fogging, ensuring clear vision in all weather conditions
- Enhanced Ventilation and Comfort: Multiple intake and exhaust vents with an insect filter provide superior airflow, while a 3D center pad and cheek pads in various thicknesses offer a personalized, comfortable fit
- Integrated Connectivity: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the optional SENA SRL 3 communication system, making installation and connectivity easier than ever
Rank #4
- Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is wind tunnel tested for optimized airflow, reducing wind noise and drag, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride for touring enthusiasts
- Advanced Safety Features: Featuring an AIM shock-absorbent shell, multi-density EPS liner, and the Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.), this helmet delivers superior impact protection in any situation. DOT FMVSS 218 approved
- Pinlock Equipped Shield: The CNS-1C Pinlock visor with included Pinlock lens prevents fogging, ensuring clear vision in all weather conditions
- Enhanced Ventilation and Comfort: Multiple intake and exhaust vents with an insect filter provide superior airflow, while a 3D center pad and cheek pads in various thicknesses offer a personalized, comfortable fit
- Integrated Connectivity: The SHOEI GT-Air 3 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the optional SENA SRL 3 communication system, making installation and connectivity easier than ever
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
