QUALITY MADE IN JAPAN. The name SHOEI has long been synonymous with “premium” in the motorcycle helmet market-a credential that hundreds of loyal men and women in our Japanese factories wear with great pride. The evolution and production of our world-class helmet line is a meticulous process that combines the very latest in technology with consumer feedback, modern testing practices, advanced materials, and nearly 60 years of helmet building experience. Just like the very first SHOEI helmet built by our founder back in 1959, every SHOEI today is still handmade in Japan utilizing a sophisticated process that involves over 50 people for each and every helmet.
SHELL MOLDING
SHOEI's proprietary AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) and AIM+ shell molding technology integrates a multi-ply matrix of hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass with organic fibers and resin. Together, these materials combine to maximize strength and elasticity in a strong yet lightweight shell, and each is personally marked by the technician responsible for it to further endorse the quality of every helmet.
SHELL MOLDING
SHOEI's proprietary AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) and AIM+ shell molding technology integrates a multi-ply matrix of hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass with organic fibers and resin. Together, these materials combine to maximize strength and elasticity in a strong yet lightweight shell, and each is personally marked by the technician responsible for it to further endorse the quality of every helmet.
LASER CUTTING
Robotically controlled lasers give each helmet its final shape by cutting off protrusions created during the shell molding process, as well as creating the openings for eye and ventilation ports. Once this process is complete, all helmets are thoroughly inspected to ensure proper material thickness and weight before moving on to the next phase of manufacturing.
LASER CUTTING
Robotically controlled lasers give each helmet its final shape by cutting off protrusions created during the shell molding process, as well as creating the openings for eye and ventilation ports. Once this process is complete, all helmets are thoroughly inspected to ensure proper material thickness and weight before moving on to the next phase of manufacturing.
PAINTING & GRAPHICS
APPLICATION
SHOEI's intricate painting and graphics application procedures are second to none. Combining handwork with state-of-the-art automation processes to ensure optimal quality, each helmet boasts a premium painted finish and hand-applied decals before being sealed and protected with several quality layers of clearcoat. Each and every SHOEI helmet receives up to five layers of paint before final assembly.
PAINTING & GRAPHICS APPLICATION
SHOEI's intricate painting and graphics application procedures are second to none. Combining handwork with state-of-the-art automation processes to ensure optimal quality, each helmet boasts a premium painted finish and hand-applied decals before being sealed and protected with several quality layers of clearcoat. Each and every SHOEI helmet receives up to five layers of paint before final assembly.
FIT & COMFORT
SHOEI knows that one size does not fit all, which is why we offer an industry-leading number of shell sizes, as well as various liner sizes and cheek pad thicknesses to ensure a customizable fit for each and every rider. Along with extensive research on head shapes and sizes, SHOEI incorporates a mix of exclusive comfort and performance features into the construction of every helmet. Groundbreaking components like our 3D Max-Dry Interior Systems, 3D-shaped center pads to match the contours of a rider's head, fully removable, washable and replaceable liner systems, multi-layer cheek pads, eyeglass channels, and integrated neck pads accentuate the impeccable comfort packages exclusive only to SHOEI helmets.
FIT & COMFORT
SHOEI knows that one size does not fit all, which is why we offer an industry-leading number of shell sizes, as well as various liner sizes and cheek pad thicknesses to ensure a customizable fit for each and every rider. Along with extensive research on head shapes and sizes, SHOEI incorporates a mix of exclusive comfort and performance features into the construction of every helmet. Groundbreaking components like our 3D Max-Dry Interior Systems, 3D-shaped center pads to match the contours of a rider's head, fully removable, washable and replaceable liner systems, multi-layer cheek pads, eyeglass channels, and integrated neck pads accentuate the impeccable comfort packages exclusive only to SHOEI helmets.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
A critical step in the manufacturing process, final helmet assembly is done with care and precision, including the installation of ventilation sliders, shield seals, impact absorbing EPS liners, and comfort interiors. Each helmet passes a detailed final inspection before being passed on to the consumer. This strict compliance with the production processes and associated quality control standards guarantee the consistently high quality of a SHOEI hzelmet.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
A critical step in the manufacturing process, final helmet assembly is done with care and precision, including the installation of ventilation sliders, shield seals, impact absorbing EPS liners, and comfort interiors. Each helmet passes a detailed final inspection before being passed on to the consumer. This strict compliance with the production processes and associated quality control standards guarantee the consistently high quality of a SHOEI hzelmet.
CRAFTSMANSHIP MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Craftsmanship plays a significant role in the manufacturing of every SHOEI helmet, and that's made especially clear during the painting process.
PRIMING
1. After the helmet has been taken from the mold and all protruding parts and openings have been removed by laser, the helmet is given its first priming. Next, each helmet is cleaned, sanded and polished by hand and machine, producing a flawless surface for the subsequent painting operations. Working on the various helmet shells with their own peculiarities requires a high degree of experience and expertise.
PRIMING
1. After the helmet has been taken from the mold and all protruding parts and openings have been removed by laser, the helmet is given its first priming. Next, each helmet is cleaned, sanded and polished by hand and machine, producing a flawless surface for the subsequent painting operations. Working on the various helmet shells with their own peculiarities requires a high degree of experience and expertise.
CHECKING THE PRIMING
2. The helmet priming is carefully checked by multiple technicians for any small blemishes and then passed on for further painting - but only if the surface is absolutely perfect.
CHECKING THE PRIMING
2. The helmet priming is carefully checked by multiple technicians for any small blemishes and then passed on for further painting - but only if the surface is absolutely perfect.
PAINTING
3. The quality of a painting operation depends on the quality of its individual painters. It is virtually impossible to apply a high-quality coat of paint by machine, even with the very latest technology and polyurethane paints. For that reason, only specially qualified technicians are used in this process.
PAINTING
3. The quality of a painting operation depends on the quality of its individual painters. It is virtually impossible to apply a high-quality coat of paint by machine, even with the very latest technology and polyurethane paints. For that reason, only specially qualified technicians are used in this process.
CHECKING THE PAINTING
4. The paintwork is subjected to close inspection for drips, inclusions, and unevenness before a helmet shell proceeds in the production process.
CHECKING THE PAINTING
4. The paintwork is subjected to close inspection for drips, inclusions, and unevenness before a helmet shell proceeds in the production process.
APPLYING THE DESIGN
5. Elaborate, extremely detailed and spectacular graphics are part of the brand image of a SHOEI helmet. In a very complicated work step, water decals are applied by hand by specially trained technicians to the finished painted helmet.
APPLYING THE DESIGN
5. Elaborate, extremely detailed and spectacular graphics are part of the brand image of a SHOEI helmet. In a very complicated work step, water decals are applied by hand by specially trained technicians to the finished painted helmet.
PROTECTIVE CLEARCOAT
6. The last step in the painting process is the application of multiple coats of a high-quality clear varnish to the shell to protect the graphics and give the helmet its unmistakable SHOEI brilliance.
PROTECTIVE CLEARCOAT
6. The last step in the painting process is the application of multiple coats of a high-quality clear varnish to the shell to protect the graphics and give the helmet its unmistakable SHOEI brilliance.
THE FINAL APPLICATION
7. Before a painted helmet shell is passed on for final assembly, the finished paintwork is given one last meticulous inspection. Perfection, even in areas that are unnoticeable by the untrained eye, is a must.
THE FINAL APPLICATION
7. Before a painted helmet shell is passed on for final assembly, the finished paintwork is given one last meticulous inspection. Perfection, even in areas that are unnoticeable by the untrained eye, is a must.
NO COMPROMISE, EVEN FOR INVISIBLE PARTS
QUALITY CONTROL
For all the energy and passion invested into the design and development of a product, the same level of care and due diligence must be achieved during the production process. A number of unique, state-of-the-art processes combine to yield the unrivaled quality that only SHOEI helmets are known for, and each helmet must pass several rigorous inspections throughout production before being awarded with the famous SHOEI hexagon.
QUALITY CONTROL IN THE
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
The Snell and DOT safety standards play a major role during the development of a helmet. The helmet shell and the shock-absorbing EPS liner are continuously tested for hardness and elasticity and modified as required. This results in a helmet that meets or exceeds the strict standards that are applied, and still includes all the advantages of the original design.
QUALITY CONTROL IN THE
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
The Snell and DOT safety standards play a major role during the development of a helmet. The helmet shell and the shock-absorbing EPS liner are continuously tested for hardness and elasticity and modified as required. This results in a helmet that meets or exceeds the strict standards that are applied, and still includes all the advantages of the original design.
QUALITY CONTROL
DURING PRODUCTION
Strict quality control guidelines at SHOEI are in place during all phases of production, from manufacturing of the outer shell to the point of final assembly. In addition, samples are regularly taken from normal production and tested at SHOEI's own testing facilities. Every year, more than 3,000 helmets are tested to ensure safety, and destroyed in doing so. These test helmets make a major contribution to the overall safety of our products.
QUALITY CONTROL
DURING PRODUCTION
Strict quality control guidelines at SHOEI are in place during all phases of production, from manufacturing of the outer shell to the point of final assembly. In addition, samples are regularly taken from normal production and tested at SHOEI's own testing facilities. Every year, more than 3,000 helmets are tested to ensure safety, and destroyed in doing so. These test helmets make a major contribution to the overall safety of our products.
