Product review: Airoh ST 701 helmet

I've been wearing an Airoh ST 701 helmet for a few months now, and thus far I'm really impressed with every aspect of this lid.

I don't chop and change my motorcycle gear too often. If something works I'll stick with it – generally until it's completely worn out or falls below what I see as a minimum protective standard.

Where helmets are concerned, I don't let them go beyond five years. Any longer than that and the shock-absorbing qualities of the lid's foam liner starts to decline. Of course, if my helmet cops a significant hit that's cause for immediate replacement.

So with my old Bell helmet eyeing its fifth year of service, it was time for a changing of the guard.

Airoh alternative
This time around choosing a new lid was simple. I've been really impressed with my Airoh Aviator 2.2 Six Days dirt bike lid since that took over as my off-road helmet last year, and so I was keen to check out Airoh's road offerings.

Airoh's Australian distributor, Moto National, was happy to oblige, sending me an example its carbon ST 701 just in time for the world launch of Husqvarna's Vitpilen 701 road bike in Spain. I don't know if there's some corporate link between the two products or if the '701' is pure coincidence, but either way the Airoh's colour scheme was a perfect match for the bike.

Never heard of Airoh? It's actually an Italian brand that has been producing helmets since the 1980s and has been active on the international stage since 1997, sponsoring guns like ex-MotoGP rider Michael Laverty and a number of riders on the hotly contested Spanish racing scene, among others.

Wide range of sizes
The ST 701 was released in late 2016 and comes in two different shell sizes for an excellent fit, in either full carbon fibre, as shown, or a High-Performance Composite (HPC) construction.

Like with Airoh's Aviator 2.2 off-road helmet, I found that my bonce demanded a large (59-60) in sizing, which is a step up from the medium (58) I take is just about every other helmet I've worn. However, the ST 701 was a great fit from the off – firm, for sure, but without so much pressure that it caused any pain points.

I reckon it's a great-looking lid and the quality is there in spades, from the carbon weave to the fit and finish of all the various ventilation components to the operation of the quick-release visor. But above all else, the single biggest stand-out of this lid has to be its weight.

I'm pretty sure this is the lightest full-face road helmet I've ever worn, and over the years that has included a number of flagship models from the big-name brands…

Airoh claims it's one of the lightest in its category and says the carbon ST 701 weighs in at a paltry 1300 grams. The HPC variants are light too, weighing just 100 grams more.

It sure feels super light on my head and that translates to less fatigue on long rides. Throw in the quiet, aerodynamic shape and the minimal buffeting, and this helmet brings with it a high level of comfort for all-day riding.

Pinlock included
I haven't yet worn it through an Aussie summer but the ventilation system appears to work well.

The ST 701 comes with a clear visor and a Pinlock anti-fog shield. If you've never used a Pinlock before, do yourself a favour and grab one – they're easy to fit and they work a treat. Based in Melbourne as I am, I wouldn't ride through winter without one.

Accessory visors are available in a variety of tints including iridium. I also ordered a smoke visor too but there's no pressing need to do so, as the ST 701 also comes with a retractable, fully integrated sun visor.

The sun visor is easily operated via the sliding switch on the side of the lid, and it's a good strong tint able to tame our harsh Aussie glare.

A nose guard and a chin curtain also come in the box, along with a soft cover so you can transport the lid without fear of scratching it.

The removable, washable and hypoallergenic liner feels pleasant to the skin and the lid is secured by a traditional 'double D-ring' buckle arrangement.

On the protection side, I try and make a habit of leaving helmet manufacturers' safety claims untested. That's also the case here, but rest assured the ST 701 complies with all the relevant standards, and Airoh says it features foam of four different densities for optimal shock absorption.

Summing up
Three months in I'm giving this lid a big 'thumbs up'. Time will tell how it will fare over the long term but, with its obviously high standard of construction, I have no reason to think it won't serve me faithfully for years to come.

Airoh ST 701 pricing and specifications:
Shell size #1: XS (53-54), S (55-56), M (57-58)
Shell size #2: L (59-60), XL (61-62), XXXL (63)
Shell construction: Carbon fibre or High Performance Composite (HPC)
Colours: Various schemes, two in gloss and three in matte (Safety Full Carbon Yellow Glow pictured)
RRP: From $599 (HPC solid matte black. $699 for HPC graphics and $799 for full carbon)
Stockists or more information: www.motonational.com.au