Speaking of shields, the new CW-1 faceshield is both wider and taller than the CX-IV model it replaces. The CW-1 is also claimed to protect the helmet wearer from 99 percent of the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays, with Shoei's three-dimensional injection molding process ensuring distortion-free vision across the shield's entire viewing surface. The CW-1 shield also works with Shoei's optional Pinlock anti-fog system that delivers better overall performance than conventional anti-fog shield surface treatments. Consisting of an "inner lens" that locks into place on the inside surface of the shield via a pin on each side, the CW-1 Pinlock system is claimed to address the issues we had with the previous setup (the top edge would obscure vision because it wasn't tall enough) due to the CW-1 lens being larger so that its top edge lies outside of the RF-1100's larger eye port.
Like its RF-1000 predecessor,...
Like its RF-1000 predecessor, the RF-1100 comes with a fully removable/washable/replaceable 3D interior liner, with six different cheek pad thicknesses. The shell itself comes in five different sizes (instead of just two or three) to better accommodate a wider range of heads.
Wind tunnel testing showed...
Wind tunnel testing showed that negative pressure was higher along the top rear of the RF-1100's new shape, so Shoei positioned four adjustable exhaust vents (two more than the RF-1000) in that area for improved ventilation.
There are also two exhaust...
There are also two exhaust vents in the rear of the helmet liner for drawing out stale air. Small spoiler on the trailing edge of the helmet trim works with the helmet's shape to reduce lift.
Ventilation has also been improved, with Shoei stating that wind tunnel testing revealed that the optimal location for vents is actually much higher on the rear portion of the helmet than previously thought. The RF-1000's two rear exhaust vents were located near the trailing edge of the attached plastic spoiler, but the RF-1100's four rear vents (two additional) are positioned higher along the top of the helmet shell, where Shoei says negative pressure is higher, thereby increasing the "suction" effect to pull stale air out of the helmet. The improved ventilation works with the company's "dual" EPS liner that allows precise channeling of airflow from the vents. Also making the transition from the RF-1000 is the fully removable/washable/replaceable 3D interior, with six different cheek pad thicknesses allowing each helmet to be custom-fitted to its owner. The liner also features an eyeglass channel on each side, plus an integrated neck pad that helps reduce wind noise.
MSRPs for the RF-1100 (subject to change) are $399.99 for solid colors, $419.99 for metallic colors, and $499.99 for graphics, in sizes XXS to XXXL (size XXXL only available in solid and metallic colors, with prices unavailable at press time). The RF-1100 is backed by a five-year limited warranty.