Agv Pista GP R: we tried Valentino Rossi's helmet [REVIEW]

Agv Pista GP RE 2205 Mono Matt Carbon

Riding a motorbike is always a pleasure, but many of us underestimate some important rules that must always be put in the foreground. We are referring to the right choice of a piece of technical clothing or a helmet, both for city use, but above all for use on the track. There are many helmets on the market with the graphics of their idols or, as in our case, with more sober colours, like this completely opaque one with visible carbon fibre. What we would like to underline, however, is that it recalls the world of racing in other ways, even more concrete than the external livery.

Choosing the best helmet for our motorbike depends on the use and technical specifications. In this case we are talking about a new model from AGV, a company founded in 1946 by a very well-known entrepreneur in the world of two wheels. We are talking about Gino Amisano, who has dressed the greatest champions of motorcycle sport with his brand, among which Valentino Rossi certainly stands out, who still races today with a helmet that bears his name.

But let's get back to us. The product we recently tested during a track test with the Suzuki RYUYO (here is our article and video) is the new helmet from the Italian manufacturer, an evolution of the innovative Pista GP, we are talking about the Pista GP R, the MotoGP helmet, which Valentino Rossi himself and many other champions such as Jack Miller use. It is the most protective helmet ever developed by AGV, it weighs 1.40 kg (50 grams less for the S) and is undoubtedly the model that guarantees the best safety, suitable for most situations, but this level of safety is well suited especially suitable for high speeds. It has an integrated hydration system, metal air intakes developed specifically for MotoGP, with a biplane spoiler present at the rear and tested in a wind tunnel.

The helmet has recently been completely redesigned, it maintains its characteristic extremely compact shape, but the shell is now totally made of carbon fibre. Internally there is a polystyrene layer with a five-density structure. The shell has an adaptable fit and there are no seams in sensitive areas. The first part of our test took place on the Mugello circuit, a track made up of ups and downs and 5.245 meters long, which develops among the Tuscan hills. The main straight is over a kilometer long, so it's the right scenario to try out our AGV Pista GP R. As a good tester, I wanted to personally verify the characteristics of this helmet. As soon as you open the box, you immediately notice the incredible lightness. This carbon helmet has a sporty design, with rounded lines under the chin, with a rear spoiler. The first operation carried out on our AGV Pista GP R is replacing the visor, from the light one to the dark one. Without the use of any tools, this maneuver is very simple (you don't even need to refer to the instruction manual to remove the visor), thanks to the hooks located inside the visor itself.

Once worn, the fit is excellent, our size is an S and it fits us immediately. The interiors are well finished and also offer excellent comfort. In fact, the helmet is appreciated for its soft interior, with the right space for the ears. The closure of this model is of the classic type with a double ring chin strap, simple to manage and very secure, once tightened and adjusted in the right way. The visor guarantees wide visibility (85° vertically and 190° horizontally), clear and precise, while the ventilation system inside the helmet performs the right function well, with optimal ventilation. In fact, the air circulates abundantly, thanks to the grills positioned on the forehead and chin, which can be closed as desired. Once on the track, the helmet does not generate any kind of rustling or turbulence and, despite the low temperatures in the morning, thanks to the excellent ventilation, we have never had any problems with the visor fogging up.

The attachment system for closing and opening the visor is also good. The latter is simple to perform. Furthermore, the AGV Pista GP R helmet is equipped with an integrated hydration system, consisting of a valve located inside the chin guard connected to the Dainese suit, equipped with a special bag. Available from replicating the colors of those used above all by Valentino Rossi, they reach 2205 euros. A high price, certainly, but we are talking about one of the best products on the market, as well as being in line with the top of the range helmets of the main other brands (there are also some for over 1.200 thousand euros).