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The Shoei Company is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of high-tech motorcycle helmets which compete internationally at the high end of the market. Shoei helmets are famous for their aesthetic qualities, their toughness and durability and, in recent years, for their versatility as well. As an example of the latter, the Shoei helmet product line now includes the Hornet-DS, a rider-configurable helmet which makes this single helmet suitable for both on-road and off-road riding.

Shoei Helmets are not only functional, they are outstanding examples of industrial design. Good looking, even elegant, they protect the rider’s head, provide proper ventilation and still manage to look strikingly beautiful. The aerodynamically optimized design of the Hornet-DS is a great example. The nose piece stands out in a futuristic way that sets this helmet apart from other, less visually remarkable competitors. As with all Shoei Helmets there is a purpose to the design, however. The curves on the nose piece provide outstanding skull protection and air flow in addition to making a visual impression.

Furthermore, beyond design and function Shoei Helmets are also extremely durable. This is not surprising since their ancestry lies in helmets manufactured for the Japanese construction industry. When Shoei began producing helmets specifically for motorcycle use in 1960 they immediately met the industry standards in Japan for durability and ability to withstand an impact. To this day that remains the foremost concern of the manufacturer. The first use of carbon fiber and Kevlar in a motorcycle helmet was the GRV, a Shoei product. Now many Shoei Helmets even meet the guidelines of the Snell Memorial Foundations M2005 rating. The Snell Memorial Foundation has sometimes been criticized for how stringent it’s safety standards are and the helmets that meet these standards are therefore easily the safest helmets available for motorcycle riding.

Various versions of the Shoei helmet have won numerous industrial design awards as well as safety awards. The Honda Motor Company linked the Shoei helmet to its motorcycle product line in 1965 and this helped to stimulate sales.

Despite being a well-known and sought after brand internationally, Shoei Helmets are all still manufactured in Japan. The Shoei company takes great pride in keeping their entire manufacturing operation under close supervision in their Iwate, Japan plant, where all products are make. It is no wonder that Shoei Helmets are prized not only in Japan but in the United States and other countries as high quality and desirable helmets for all kinds of motorcycle riding.

Tags: Sport

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