Tested: Airoh Aviator 2.2 helmet review

Date reviewed: March 2018 | Tested by: Kane Dalton  | Price: £499.99 | www.airoh.com

Tested here in the ‘Grim Yellow’ colour scheme, the Aviator 2.2 costs from £379.99 in plain colours. I’ve used in the extreme cold and snow at Snowquake while riding a custom flat-track Harley-Davidson, in the mud on my own KTM SXF350, and Quarzate Morocco in desert heat riding a range of adventure bikes.

Outer shell

The Aviator is made in two outer shell sizes – one for XS, S and M, and the other for L and XL, which stops the helmet looking overly big in the smaller sizes. It’s ade of a carbon/Kevlar composite, with a thick lacquer of the bright graphics of this design

Weight

My medium lid weighs just 1031g, which is lighter than my Bell Flex, and means I quickly forget I’m wearing it.

Ventilation

A vent with an inner dust filter in front of your mouth lets in air in while preventing mud and stones from landing in your mouth. There are also three vents at the brow, and a pair on the top, along with exhausts on the rear.

None of the vents can be closed, but the brow ones can be completely sealed using supplied rubber plugs, which the top two can be covered with louvered plastic guards that screw into place (an Allen key tool is supplied), though I don’t imagine anyone would use them.

I always work up a sweat when riding off-road, so really appreciate the excellent ventilation offered by the Aviator 2.2.

Aperture

The goggle aperture is wide, so MX or ski goggles fit easily. Channels on either side help grip your google strap, while the sculpted rear makes it easier to keep it in place when pulled tight around the shell.

The peak is easily removed without tools, and comes with a short extension fitted. This can be removed with the supplied Allen key, or replaced with a longer tinted one that’s also in the box.

Lining

When you get as sweaty as I do you need a fully removable and washable inner lining. Fortunately, this hypoallergenic one takes seconds to remove and just a couple of minutes to clip back in place. I just throw everything into the washing machine on a cold wash, then drip dry.

The cheeks pads have quick-release tags on them – in the event of an accident, first responders can pull the cheek pads out, making it much easier to remove the helmet without disturbing your neck. A great feature that’s sadly missing on too many MX lids.

Fastening

The strap has a double-D fastener, which I prefer, and features a small popper to keep the end of the strap from flapping against your neck. I thought the strap was a little short, only just reaching to the popper when fitted.

Fit

Like any helmet, you really do need to try one for yourself. I found it very comfortable straight of the box, and the light weight instantly made me feel like I didn’t have a helmet on at all.

The cheek pads are well placed and the fabric inside is very comfortable.

Noise

Because it’s a motocross lid there is of course a lot of wind blowing through it, so it’s as noisy as most other helmets of this style.

Conclusion

This all-action helmet is extremely light, comfortable and has fantastic ventilation. It is at the top end of MX lids in terms of price, but you’re paying for the composite shell and brilliant safety features.