Product review: Airoh Aviator 2.2 Six Days

I've always erred towards the big Japanese brands when it comes to putting my trust in a helmet, because that's exactly what it is – trust. Trust that, should your world start spinning end over end, that helmet is going to do its level best to keep your goey, brainy bits in place.

So when I needed a new off-road helmet and the name Airoh came my way, I was a little sceptical – at first, anyway. However, a bit of research reveals this Italian company has been around since the mid-'80s and has in fact been a figure on the international stage since 1997.

The company develops its products – both road and off-road – in the red-hot cauldron of international competition, and sponsors athletes like MXGP star Antonio Cairoli, plus many more.

ISDE tribute
Judging by the Aviator 2.2 Six Days, Airoh has learned an awful lot along the way. While the lairy paint scheme and the $950 ticket price might give cause for a sharp intake of breath, the technology and manufacturing behind this lid has produced a first-class product I trust wholeheartedly.

The flagship of Airoh's off-road line-up, the Aviator 2.2 has a 100 per cent carbon-Kevlar construction that is incredibly strong yet incredibly light. Just 950 grams light, in fact, which has led me to develop a rather odd habit around friends, family and colleagues.

"Hold my helmet – you won't believe how light is" is a phrase I've trotted out time and again since taking delivery of this lid.

Fact is, it's the lightest lid I've ever owned and that includes open-face jobs. That translates to less wear and tear on your neck, and less fatigue.

The fit, meanwhile, is spot on. It felt firm on its first outing as any new helmet should, but with a few hours under my belt it's now perfect – snug enough not to slide around on my head with any sharp movements, yet not so tight as to cause any discomfort.

Feature packed
The liner is washable and removable and there are tags to help medical staff remove the cheek pads quickly in an emergency, allowing them to remove the helmet safely.

The ventilation system works a treat and the field of vision is wide – limited more by your choice of goggles than anything else.

And then we come to colour scheme, that homage to last year's ISDE, which was held in Navarro, Spain. It's certainly distinctive and it even comes with its own airbrushed mud (spray-on cred?), plus a little numbered plaque.

Should it not be to your liking, the Aviator 2.2 comes in a massive range of colours and graphics – check out the Airoh website to view the full range.

While I've only had the helmet in my care for a few months, it's showing every sign of lasting for a long time to come. The craftsmanship and care that has gone into the manufacture of this helmet is clearly evident; throw in its features and minimal weight, and that hefty price tag doesn't actually seem so outlandish compared to what is out there.

Certainly it performed well over the recent 2017 Bikesales Big-Bore Adventure Bike Comparo, as I'm sure it will for many off-road tests to come.

Light, classy, well made – if you're hunting for a top-shelf off-road lid, don't rush to the mainstream offerings without first checking out Airoh's equivalent. You'll be pleasantly surprised.