Shoei QWest - Mata Hari

Shoei Quest - Mata Hari

Over the last few years, Shoei has introduced mainly sports oriented helmets. In 2008 we introduced the VFX-W - one of the most popular and requested professional motocross helmets around the world. In 2009 Shoei introduced the XR-1100 as the new benchmark in sport / touring helmets and the X-Spirit II as our premium racing helmet, worn by professional racers from MotoGP to World and British Super Bikes.

The aim with the Qwest was to come out with the best possible touring helmet. Our development department was briefed to find the best balance between a comfortable, lightweight and effective noise-canceling helmet that would be a pleasure to wear.

Visibility Redefined

The QWEST utilises The CW-1 visor and Q.R.S.A. system (currently used on both the X-Spirit-II and the XR-1100). The visor system ensures easy fixing and removal by a one touch, variable axis mechanism by a spring equipped visor base, which maintains close contact between visor and helmet.

This reduces wind noise caused from around the visor substantially and makes adjustment of the visor easy. High visibility increases safe and comfortable riding.

The CW-1 is made of polycarbonate and 3-D moulded with minimum distortion. It is hard coated and vastly reduces the effects of UV. An effective Pinlock® fog-free lens has been enlarged by about 30% through the combination of a CW-1 visor and the Q.R.S.A. system with variable axis mechanism. The vision in the upper portion of the visor has been substantially improved and promises high safety and comfort in such varying situations as rainy weather and cold mornings for different motorcycles and riding positions.

Comfort Redefined

Main components such as a shell and an impact absorbing liner have been newly designed to ensure performance to satisfy all requirements.

Noise reduction during riding has been improved to minimise external ambient noise, which causes rider fatigue (during especially long rides) as much as possible. This has been done without reducing the noise blocked by the interior padding which may block essential 'informative sounds' which improve road awareness. A flush surface design reduces the occurrence of uncomfortable wind noise. Reduction of steps between the shell and parts, such as ventilation and visor, minimises other uncomfortable noise.

Increasing the number of shell sizes from 3 to 4 ensures ideal fit for all helmet sizes. Interiors consist of a 3-D centre pad and a multi layered cheek pad. While a 3-D pad (a Shoei standard) is used for a centre pad, a multi layered polyurethane foam, as used in the XR-1100, is utilised for cheek padding. A combination of polyurethane foams in different softness maintains firm hold whilst minimising deterioration after a long period of use or repeated washing. Elimination of excessive pressure together with adopting soft touch fabric maintains the flawless fitting that riders have to come to expect of a Shoei premium helmet.

Slits for glasses applied to a cheek pad makes wearing with glasses / sunglasses easy and comfortable. An integrated neck pad reduces riding wind and noise from around the neck.

Cheek pads and the chinstrap cover are both removable ensuring a perfect fit through the application of varying cheek pad sizes. A space in the liner (left) can accommodate an intercom speaker.

Aerodynamics Redefined

A shell shape formed of complex lines gives an aesthetically pleasing appearance and was developed using Shoei‘s accumulated scientific data and expert knowledge, as well as repeated experiments in Shoei's own wind tunnel facility. Extensive riding tests have also been undertaken. A spoiler shape at the rear of the head restrains drag and lift by controlling the air stream over the shell surface and eases load to the neck.

Safety Redefined

A combination of Shoei's own AIM+ shell and dual liner is used by the QWEST.

Strict safety standards in various countries and areas have been easily met and the European model satisfies ECE R22/05.

Specification

Safety

Shell in AIM +
Organic fiberglass, multi-composite and high performance organic fibre in various layers for a shock-absorbent shell with optimum rigidity.

EPS liner system with two densities
Optimised protection through EPS elements with different shock-absorbing levels.

Mist-retardant CW-1 pinlock visor
With safety locking mechanism and dual resistance visor seal, fast and simple ex- change.

Double-D ring
Easy to use and always perfectly adjusted.

Comfort

4 different outer shell constructions
For perfect fit and maximum compactness. Sizes: 1) XXS-XS, 2) S-M, 3) L and 4) XL-XXL.

Cheek pads
In 6 different sizes for individual fine adjustment of fit (31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41 mm)

Low weight of only 1,400 g
(+/-50 g) for size M, to reduce neck muscle fatigue.

Detachable and washable cheek pads
For easy cleaning and in different sizes for custom fit.

Detachable and washable chinstrap cover
For better care.

Ventilation

Multiple venting and extraction
For optimum ventilation.

Inlet vents on the upper head and chin
For fresh air supply.

2 Outlet vents on the back of the helmet
To exhaust the used warm air.