Summary The AGV T-2 is new for 2010. It's one of two helmets in the AGV "Race"
category and it uses many of the high-tech features of the AGV GP-Tech. It
has excellent ventilation and build quality; a composite shell in three sizes
similar to the GP-Tech; and a mix-and-match liner system to dial in the perfect
fit.
Background
The AGV T-2 is new for 2010 and it has attracted a lot
of interest among webBikeWorld readers who have been clamoring for a review.
The T-2 incorporates many of the features of the AGV GP-Tech, the company's
top-of-the-line helmet. The T-2 uses the Carbon/Kevlar/Fiberglass "SSL"
(Super Super Light)
composite shell developed for the GP-Tech, along with other features I'll
describe.
The T-2 seems to be an evolution that also combines some of the styling and
features of the AGV K-3 and the
AGV Stealth, both of which were
reviewed on webBikeWorld not long ago. AGV said that the T-2 was "designed
to be used on track and for longer journeys on the street" and it does seem to
blend the best elements of both.
It also has a new internal shape, developed through some 3D
computer-aided-design studies that AGV conducted of riders' heads. The
three shell sizes that span the size range are a new feature for AGV for this
type of helmet and each shell size is available with mix-and-match liners and
cheek pads to dial in the perfect fit.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself here, so let's take a closer look...
AGV T-2 Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality The T-2 is currently listed on the AGV website in two blue graphic patterns, two red
graphics, a white/gray/black graphic and solid colors including white, black and
gray. The "Multi-Shade Black/Red/Silver" pattern shown here looks good and
the red fades from almost white to nearly black.
The graphics on our Multi-Shade Red helmet are perfectly applied on this example.
The clearcoat depth seems about
average; it isn't the "hard" feeling clearcoat found on some European helmets,
and it's probably not as thick as I'd like, but it does the job and everything looks first-rate.
In fact, the overall quality of this T-2 is excellent, with all the fittings,
the face shield and the rubber gaskets all lined up and closely toleranced with no obvious issues.
The liner also looks nicely made and stitched and fitted to the helmet.
The face shield is especially noteworthy; it has a nice, solid feel as it clicks
through its 6 positions up or down and it opens smartly in the first position
for defogging. The small breath guard also fits perfectly into its slot
atop the chin guard; this part seems to be difficult to get right on some
helmets so it's worth noting that this one fits.
The face shield also fits very tightly to the eye port gasket and the space
between the shield and the helmet shell is nearly non-existent, which is
remarkable also because the face shield moves up and down so smoothly.
This is a very good indicator of the type of tolerances and quality control
apparent in the helmet.
The liner and the fit of the liner to the gasket around the bottom of the helmet
is all nice and tidy also, and the large chin curtain feels more substantial
than usual and fits tightly into the slot between the liner and shell.
Score: The AGV T-2 gets an "Outstanding" rating
from me for overall
for quality. See the Summary Table at the end of this page for a
description of our rating system.
AGV T-2 Helmet Fit, Comfort and Internal Shape AGV goes to great lengths to describe the fit of the T-2 in their
promotional material for the helmet. They apparently conducted a series of
3D scans of the heads of various riders to develop the new fit which, compared
to the other AGV helmets that have come through here, seems quite different.
Good different, that is!
Like the GP-Tech, which was the first AGV helmet to be offered in 3 shell
sizes across the size range, according to the company, the T-2 also uses 3 shell
sizes. Two helmet "crown" liners are available for each shell size and any
of the four sizes of cheek pads can fit in any shell size for a bespoke fit.
More shell sizes and the additional liners and cheek pads means that more
owners should be able to find that "perfect" fit, especially those who may find
themselves on the borderline between one size and another, which can sometimes
put them into a shell size that looks and feels too large (the dreaded
"fishbowl" effect) or too small (lack of chin room).
The expanded range of shell sizes also allowed AGV to offer a smaller head
size and a larger head size than is usually offered, with an XXS and XXXL
framing the range. The breakdown for the shell sizes runs like this:
XXS to M; L and XL; XXL and XXXL.
The cheek pads are available in 20, 25, 30 and 35 mm thicknesses and the
"crown pads" are switchable within each shell size range; for example, the
slightly thicker L crown pad can be used in the XL helmet to tighten it up or
the XL pad can be fitted to the L helmet. I believe what this does is
allow a single shell size to be changed to another head size; i.e., the L helmet
can be made into an XL and vice-versa, and different thickness cheek pads can
then also be used to dial in a specific fit.
The size XL shown here has an internal shape that is slightly round, with a nice
and comfortable fit up around the top but the newly designed AGV cheek pads
provide a snug fit along the sides and down to my cheek bone and jaw line.
I may order the size L crown pad to snug up the fit around the top, but overall
the T-2 has a very comfortable and roomy fit while still feeling snug all the
way around and up and down the sides. It's not easy to build a helmet like
this.
So I'll call the T-2 a "Slight Round" shape in the
Estimator chart above. Note that different head
shapes and sizes can cause a helmet to fit or feel
differently, depending upon the individual.
Other than perhaps the Icon Mainframe listed in the table above (but which I
haven't worn in some time), I can't think of another helmet with a similar fit
that I could compare to the T-2, other than perhaps the new Shark S900 that is
currently in the evaluation process.
More information on helmet fit can be found in the chart that lists the helmet weights of webBikeWorld reviewed helmets
and also by shape on the webBikeWorld
Motorcycle Helmet Shapes page.
The liner material used in the T-2 is comfortable but not quite as plush as a
typical Arai, for example. The material feels smooth to the touch but
seems to be slightly rougher than I expected when I'm wearing the helmet.
I have also noticed that the fabric around the edges on the bottom started to
show some wear after only a couple of uses, perhaps scratching against my beard,
so I'll have to keep an eye on that to see if it causes any further problems.
Score: I'll give the AGV T-2 an "Outstanding"
rating for overall comfort and fit and for the 3 shell sizes and fit
possibilities with the differently sized cheek pads and liners.
AGV T-2 helmet liner and cheek pads are removable and replaceable.
Note large chin curtain.
Face shield removal mechanism is designed to keep it in place during a crash
or at speed.
AGV T-2 Face Shield
Who knows if the manufacturers read webBikeWorld reviews, but it sure
seems as if the mechanisms that lift helmet face shields have been improved
quite a bit over the last two years.
The face shield on the T-2 operates very smoothly and with precision; studying
the mechanism tells me that the slots and tabs that run in those slots can make
a difference. There is little to no torque or twisting noticeable in the
T-2 face shield as it is lifted through its six positions, and each opening
feels solid.
It has a slight first opening also for defogging, and another sign of quality is
how the shield can be snapped closed from this first position. Some face
shields will not do this and have to be first lifted and then manually snapped
shut to form a seal when they are shut from the first small opening.
The face shield is also placed with a very close tolerance to the helmet shell,
with just a tiny gap. In fact, looking at different helmets tells me that
this is probably the closest fit I've ever seen on a helmet face shield.
The eye port gasket meets the inside of the face shield also and forms a
water-tight seal. It passed the "water test" where we pour water across
the top of the face shield to see if there are any leaks.
The face shield does not have indicate whether it meets VESC-8 standards but the
helmet is labeled as meeting DOT and "E2205" [sic] standards. The eye port
visibility seems about average in both the vertical and horizontal planes.
The quality of the optics is also excellent and the face shield includes
tear-off posts. Eight different shield tints are available, including the
clear shield shown here. AGV says that the face shields are coated with
anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings. A racing face shield is also listed;
it uses screws to attach to the helmet.
The eye port has better than average field of view, although I can see the edges
of the shell in my peripheral vision. The view towards the bottom of the
eye port is definitely better than average, so overall I give the T-2 high marks
for visibility.
The AGV "XQRS" (Extra Quick Release System) holds the face shield
securely in place and it's designed to help prevent it from popping off in a
crash or at high speed. As a result, the removal procedure is slightly
tricky.
Pulling the spring-loaded release tab down doesn't fully release the face
shield. The plastic tabs molded in the face shield hold it in place in the
slots of the release mechanism, and they must be levered out to remove the
shield. This is illustrated in the video below. When the tabs
release, they make a loud "snap" noise which doesn't sound healthy but
so far the tabs haven't broken and the system does its job in keeping the face
shield tight to the helmet.
The weather is currently too warm to evaluate the anti-fog properties of the
face shield, but I'll put in a plug here for the easy-to-use and very
inexpensive
Clarity Defog It (review)
anti-fog coating that overcomes any fogging problem.
Overall, the AGV T-2 has an excellent face shield design that is easy to use;
the face shield has excellent quality optics and it is easy to remove and
replace and it feels sturdy.
Score: I'll give the overall face shield an "Outstanding"
with the slightly fussy removal system rating an "Excellent".
Large chin curtain under chin, double D-ring attachment system and plastic
snap retainer.
The chin vent slider is inside the chin bar, giving a clean look to the
outside.
Rear exhaust vents of the AGV T-2 helmet.
Top air vents are thin and operate via the corrugated slider across the top.
AGV T-2 Ventilation and Air Flow
The T-2 uses the " Integrated Ventilation System", first developed by AGV
for the Ti-Tech helmet that is being replaced by the T-2 in the AGV lineup.
Basically, the system uses air channels molded into the EPS foam liner to flow
air through the helmet while it is extracted out the back through the large
exhaust vents. One of the most noticeable features of the system as it is
implemented on the T-2 is the large chin vents, covered by metal screen mesh.
The chin vent is controlled through a vertical slider switch in back of the chin
bar.
It is accessed by reaching up under the helmet and over the chin curtain, which
means it isn't quite as easy to use as a slider placed in the usual location on
the front of the chin bar.
But in this case, it's worth it, because when
opened, the chin vents flow a very high volume of air on to the rider's face.
The air flows through the vents and then through four separate passages molded
into the padding in back of the chin bar.
The top vents aren't quite as efficient; the narrow slits in the two vents are
opened and closed with sliders on top of each that move a toothed section of
plastic back and forth to uncover the vents. But something like half of the slot is taken
up with the opposing teeth of the mechanism, which doesn't leave a lot of area for air to flow through.
I
can't feel air flowing directly through the top vents and on to my head, but the
extraction system seems to work well and the mesh panels on either side of the top padded section
of the liner allow the
air to move through the helmet and out the back through the channels in the EPS.
On the warm days we've had so far here this Spring, the combination of the large
volumes of air through the chin vent, the moisture-absorbing liner material and
the extraction system work well to keep the helmet comfortable, especially when
moving.
webBikeWorld
Ventilation
Opinionator - AGV T-2
Location
Poor
Below Average
Average
Above Average
Outstanding
Top/Upper
X
Chin/Face
X
Score: The chin vent system on the AGV T-2 gets a score of "Outstanding" and,
in fact, I'll say that it
flows more air than any other helmet I've tried. The top
vents aren't quite as dramatic but the extraction system works well, so I'll
give it an overall rating of "Excellent" for ventilation and air flow.
AGV T-2 Sound Levels The bespoke fit of the T-2 and the large chin curtain works to control the low
frequency turbulence-induced noise that affects some helmets around the bottom.
Of course as always, your mileage may vary, depending upon the type of motorcycle, fairing
or windscreen and other factors.
The rear exhaust vents do add a little higher-frequency noise which I can
eliminate by holding my hand over the back of the helmet. But it's
relatively minor and the front vents and chin vent are quiet.
The helmet overall though seems to transmit a general external middle frequency wind-rushing noise that
doesn't seem to come from any single source, just a louder volume than I
expected. It's all relative though -- the helmet is definitely
quieter than most of the "race" oriented helmets I've tried, but about average compared to
most of the street helmets I've worn.
There's a slight amount of noise that comes from the lower rear of the helmet.
A general trend lately is to style the rear of a helmet with what
might be called a cutout or scallop; my guess is that this is to allow some
clearance for clothing when riding a sportbike in a leaned-forward position.
This shape makes it more critical to have a correct fit however, and if the rider's
head curvature in the rear doesn't quite match the designer's intent, the noise
from the low pressure and turbulent area in the rear of the helmet can be heard.
This is the case for my particular head shape and the T-2 helmet -- I do get
some noise from the lower rear of the helmet that I can quiet by
moving my head back or holding my hand in the rear.
The T-2 has relatively shallow ear pockets, I suppose because of the helmet's
racing genes. This makes it slightly more difficult than normal to fit a
pair of wire-framed eyeglasses inside the helmet and over the ears, but eyeglass
fit will definitely vary, depending upon the match to the owner's head shape and
eyeglass type.
Note that our helmet evaluations are
normally a combined effort of several riders over time,
on different types of motorcycles with and without
windscreens. Evaluators wear correctly
fitted, high quality earplugs (even when evaluating
motorcycle intercom systems) and (usually) a helmet liner.
It is strongly recommended that hearing protection is
used when riding
a motorcycle. See the
wBW
Earplugs and Hearing Protection page for more
information on choosing and wearing earplugs.
Note also that perceived noise levels will
vary, depending on the individual. Noise can be
caused by many factors, including helmet fit; the type
of motorcycle and windscreen; wind speed and direction and
even the type of clothing that is being worn. For more information on helmet noise, visit the wBW
Motorcycle Helmet Noise page.
Score: Overall, my feeling is that the AGV T-2 is about average in
terms of noise control, so I'll give it a "Neutral" score.
wBWVideo: The AGV T-2 Helmet
Helmet Weight The size XL AGV T-2 shown here weighs a relatively light 1558 grams (3.0 lbs. 7.0 oz.).
This puts it currently in the number 29 spot out of 136 helmets on the wBW
Motorcycle Helmet Weights chart, an excellent ranking, especially for a size XL
helmet.
For comparison, a few of its neighbors on that chart include the
Shark RSX
(L) at 1553 grams; the Shark
RSI (XL) at 1565 grams and the
SparX S-07 (XL) at 1569 grams.
The light weight is surely a result of the composite shell used
for the T-2 and the three shell sizes.
The helmet feels well balanced and the weight is distributed evenly and the good
fit keeps it planted on my head.
Score: I'll give the T-2 an "Outstanding" rating
for its light weight.
Miscellaneous
The T-2 has a double D-ring chin strap retainer and a plastic snap keeper.
The padding under the chin strap is relatively thick.
The T-2 meets DOT and ECE 22.05 safety standards.
UPDATE: May 30, 2010 - The AGV T-2 scored a perfect 5 Stars in the
SHARP helmet safety rating system!
The helmet has a 1 year warranty from date of purchase and 3
years from the date of manufacture.
The
wBW
Overall Opinionator - AGV T-2
Picks...
...and Pans.
Outstanding quality.
Outstanding face shield
operation.
Excellent fit potential.
Outstanding chin vent air flow.
Average noise control.
Top ventilation could be better.
Conclusion
The AGV T-2 is a high-quality helmet with most of the features of the top-line
AGV GP-Tech but at a lower price. The potential for adjusting the
fit and the outstanding air flow through the chin vent, along with the light
weight should make this helmet very popular with street riders, racers and track
day fanatics.
Colors: Solids and Graphics.
Sizes: XXS to XXXL
Shell Sizes: XS to M use the small shell; the
L and XL use the medium shell and the XXL and XXXL use the large shell.
Made
in: China
Review
Date: May 2010 Notes: Helmet provided
by the manufacturer for this review (more).
Ratings Scale: For reference, our ratings scale is subjective and
ranges from Unacceptable to Poor, Neutral, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.
Comments are ordered from most recent to oldest.
Not all comments will be published (details). Comments may be edited for
clarity prior to publication.
From "S.G." (11/10): "An "XXXL" that
actually fits an 8 ¼" head!
Finding a quality XXXL size helmet that actually fits
an XXXL (8 ¼" hat size) head had been a hassle until I
found the AGV T-2. My head falls in the "egg" shaped
category (wide forehead tapering down to an average
chin). Other XXXL/3XL models I tried didn’t come close;
the Scorpion EXO-1000 left part of my chin exposed; the
XXXL ICON would not even fit over my forehead!
In contrast, the AGV T-2 has fits snugly enough to be
safe without uncomfortable pressure points. The fit,
finish and quality of the AGV T-2 are incredible. I
purchased the Agostini replica. Although a bit pricier
than the solid color or graphics options, the style is
an attention-getter. Aside from being a conversation
piece with other riders, if the bold colors attract the
attention of an otherwise inattentive driver it will be
an added safety feature.
It should also be noted the AGV T-2 is possibly the
only full-face helmet offered as a XXXL in all
style/color combinations; competitors in this price
range limit options to (at most) Black, White and
Silver.
An added bonus is the T-2 comes with a helmet bag
that can either be carried by hand or worn as a backpack
- a nice touch since, at over $500, this is not a helmet
I’d lock to the bike. The AGV T-2 rivals or exceeds
anything else in its price range.
If you are having trouble finding a helmet in the 8
¼" size range, this model should be at the top of your
list. Even if the price seems a bit over your budget,
the comfort, quality and safety you get for the price is
money well spent.
From "B.Z." (5/10): "3 months ago I bought beautiful red AGV
T2 helmet. It's a great helmet with great ventilation. It's not hot
at all.
The only thing that's making me (big) problems is the noise! From 100
till 130 km/h. Upper vents are whistling a lot during this speed, before
and after it's ok. If I pull back my head (between 100 and 130 km/h) it's
ok as well, no noise at all, but on my bike (Yamaha R1) I have to be leaned
forward.
Perhaps I should try out earplugs. I don't wear them, I just never
tried them out. The helmet is also absolutely stable at 299+ km/h speed.
;) It seals very good in rain. No water inside the helmet. Also no
fogging at all, no matter if it's hot or cold outside.
In general, it's a great helmet with only one problem - noise. This can
be "fixed" with changing of head position, but that's not a good solution.
In fact it's not a solution at all. Luckily, in my case whistling appears
just at certain speeds. I suppose that no helmet in 100% silent. I
have to say that this is my first premium helmet, so perhaps I'm not the best
man to judge.
Editor's Reply: Motorcycle riding is a noisy sport,
no doubt about it. So if you are not wearing ear plugs when riding, you
will certainly experience a great deal more noise. Also, you are taking
the chance of damaging your hearing! I urge you to wear good quality ear
plugs that are properly fitted. It may take some time to get used to them,
but they will help protect your hearing. See our
Ear Plugs and Hearing
Protection page for more information and reviews on many types and brands of
ear plugs.
