GEAR REVIEW: AIROH AVIATOR 2.2
When you start off with names such as Antonio Cairoli, Graham Jarvis, Jorge Parado just to name a few, It’s clear that the Airoh helmet brand have put their money where their mouth is when it comes to marketing and promotion. And as a helmet only company, you can see the design really stand and the fore for airoh.
The Aviator 2.2 was Airoh’s top of the line model for the past few years. It is now surpassed with the all new Aviator 2.3, which we hope to review in the coming months. Nevertheless, the 2.2 is what a lot of pro riders in Europe use, even though it isn’t as popular here in NZ. But with Darbi Accessories the New Zealand importer, chances are we'll start seeing them around the traps more and more as the seasons progress.
With a set of ProGrip Menace goggles, the set up looks pretty good.
It’s pretty easy to tell straight away that the Aviator is about as ventilated as it could possibly be. Vents on the top, bottom, front and rear give the 2.2 superb air flow, helping keep the head cool when the struggling begins. The upside is the airflow, but the downside is the mud that gets into the top vents and makes it a pain to clean. Luckily the 2.2 comes with a kit that includes vent covers for just that problem when the terrain ahead is going to be muddy and vent-filling. However, 9 times out of 10 I forget to install them pre-ride and had to just deal with it during the cleaning process. Though on the plus side, being a bit of a head sweater myself, the Aviator seemed to have me perspiring less over the course of the days riding.
The fit is snug at first but you get used to that pretty quick as the pads seem to mold to the face. Don’t try and eat any food while in the helmet though as you will chew up the insides of your cheeks.
The field of view is very wide, which is good for the eyes and accommodating to most new-age goggles out there on the market. The height is snug for goggles but again I haven't found any that didn’t fit in so no real issues there. I’d just prefer a little more vertical room for my own preference though.
Inner lining removable and breathable
The peak extender comes standard
Aggressive look and slim profile
It is sold in two different shell sizes with a 100% carbon/Kevlar composite fibre making it one of the lightest helmets on the market. This is a real bonus to your neck as wearing the helmet all day doesn't put strain on you whatsoever. But then you get the naysayers that claim lightness in a helmet is not always safe. I have no scientific answers here but all helmets must meet the requirements and safety standards every other helmet does so only you know if you like the feel of a light or heavy helmet.
These vents can get filled in easily
The cheek pads have an emergency release system and the helmet liner comes out to chuck it in the washing machine and get it nice and fresh again. The Aviator 2.2 also comes with two different peak extensions, a GoPro support, spare screws, and a helmet bag. Ours came with a sweet Airoh lanyard too and some stickers. Bonus!
Limited edition ISDE colour-way is stamped and numbered to give that exclusive feeling.
The Dirt
At $999 it is an investment for sure - up with the likes of the Shoei an Aria helmets. It is lighter and smaller than both, though doesn’t come with a MIPS type system (rotational force dampening system) installed that a lot of the new helmets are sporting. We used the SIX DAYS colour way for the entire enduro season and had no issues. If you want to know more flick me an email and I’ll answer all your questions - chris@thedirt.co.nz.
Or CLICK HERE to get more specs and info on the Airoh Aviator 2.2 range.