About Shoei Safety Helmets
How and where does SHOEI quality originate
Are motorcycle helmets still just crash helmets or
are they the upper part of a racers outer skin which is smothered by publicity
badges? F.J. Schermer visited the SHOEI factory in Japan and now knows that they are real
works of art, manufactured by hand in an intricate and caring process.
The primordial basis for quality is
precision. Everything is clean, it would be easier to imagine being in a pharmaceutical
factory than in helmet production. The pre-formed, accurately weighed fiber mats and the
resin are ready to be placed into the steel "baking form".
A slack rubber balloon is then pushed
into the form and 120&Mac176;C hot steam is blown into the balloon blowing it up to
five bars. The mats are thus pressed exactly into the form and actually "baked"
for 15 minutes.
" At this point in my career, I only want
the best, and that is why I only trust SHOEI. " - Miguel Duhamel.
SHOEI produces three completely different helmet shells: for the domestic, American and
European markets. This is one of the secrets of the excellent fit of the helmets.
After the helmet shells have been cut
with water jets and laser beams, the rest of the production is done by hand. The factory
staff check the outer shells again and again looking for rough spots. The decals are
applied in a bath of water, absolutely no air bubbles should remain.
The helmet then goes to the Test and
Homologation Department where it undergoes extensive tests according to all worldwide
homologation procedures. Helmets are taken out of production at irregular intervals and
tested, tested, tested. Wind turbulence is simulated in the wind tunnel. The slightest
bulges or changes at the edges have an influence as to how smooth the helmet lies in the
wind or how noisy or silent it is.
After a days visit it was
established: typical Japanese quality is produced here by hand. This is why SHOEI helmets
can be classified among the best if not the best in the world.
Shoei
helmets are the best engineered, most comfortable helmets in the world. They offer
unsurpassed quality, unparalleled safety features and the coolest graphics available.
Shoei helmets are distributed in the
United States... and Canada. Shoei's United States operations are located in Tustin, CA.
Shoei Safety Helmet Corporation
3002 Dow Ave Suite 128
Tustin, CA 92780
Tel: 714-730-0941 Fax: 714-730-0942
Product Line
Shoei has been perfecting helmets for more than 40 years. Our innovative designs have
unlocked the potential of protection and have become the standard bearer for the entire
industry. Fusing old school craftsmanship with state of the art technology, our entire
line features our Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) shell construction technology,
revolutionary ventilation systems, perfect aerodynamic designs, and exclusive 3D comfort
liners.
When you're riding the last thing that
you want to worry about is your helmet. With a Shoei on your heard, you probably wont'
even know tat it's there. Check into Shoei and get it on!
(Left Image) - Manufacturing of the 1st motorcycle helmets
approved per JIS.
Fact Sheet
Shoei is more than just a brand. It is an unmatched, unyielding commitment to safety and
comfort that is race born and rider tested. For more than 40 years, Shoei has pioneered
new technologies that have revolutionized the industry. When combined with our exacting
standards and craftsmanship, these innovations have led to the creation of the world's
most advanced helmets.
World Headquarters
Shoei Col, Ltd.
CP10 Bldgl, 7th Floor
5-8-5 Ueno Taiot-Ku
Tokyo 110-0005
Japan
(Left Image) - GRV is Awarded.
The SHOEI Quality
SHOEI stands for over 40 years of pioneering spirit, perfectionism and uncompromising
concentration on safety and quality. No idea is too good, no safety standard too high and
no processing is too precious to make us think that we have already reached the optimum.
SHOEI Helmets are subject to continuous improvement.
Whatever you experience with your bike
SHOEI´s best wishes for your Safety will accompany you when you ride.
SHOEI has been dedicated to the
development of superior helmet technology since 1958.
(Left Image) - The
Iwate Japan Factory.
Our company was started by the immense spirit and determination of its founder Eitaro
Kamata, who designed and used his first products exclusively for the racing sector.
What is amazing even by todays
standards is the pace at which SHOEI became popular all over the world: starting in the
late sixties, SHOEIs reputation as a top quality brand spread first over the U.S.,
then later all over the motor markets of Europe.
What is also amazing is that everybody
who was ever involved in the motor field can spell the name SHOEI, in spite of the fact
that we are a team of less than 500 people worldwide.
(Left Image) - Introduction of the first and still
only true dual liner ventilation system - Shoei Helmets.
But what is most amazing, especially to a Western observer, is the dedication of our
factory staff. SHOEI manufactures all helmets (and all helmet parts) in Japan, even though
manufacturing costs there have long since exceeded the level in many European countries.
Why?
Because the men and women in our
factories take every single helmet as a personal challenge. Faulty products are
practically unheard of, as every single piece reflects the spirit, ambition and attention
to detail that is so typical of SHOEI.
To you as a motorcycle rider and
customer, we emphasize that you will feel and enjoy this quality every time you put on
your Shoei helmet.
Do not miss that pleasure.
(Left Image) - Introduction of the detachable
interior system for Shoei Helmets.
Technical Information
Shoei is committed to producing products that provide top-notch protection and extreme
comfort so that you can enjoy your ride. Our design and technical teams have spent
thousands of hours studying everything from aerodynamics to human physiology in order to
achieve this goal.
Manufacturing Process:
Shoei helmets are constructed using AIM or Advanced Integrated Matrix, technology. AIM is
a process whereby organic fibers are combined with fiberglass and hyper performance fibers
to form the helmet's outer shell. This results in an outer shell that provides an ideal
level of impact absorption, sufficient elasticity, light weight and a high degree of
rigidity.
Snell:
We have spent 40 years studying riders and testing different helmet designs to create our
award winning line of helmets. By combining different shapes and shell sizes with our
patented liner cooling systems, Shoei has created the most comfortable helmets on the road
today.
SNELL Certified
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