SHOEI will add the "X-Fifteen Carbon" to its full-face "X-Fifteen" and release it in October 2025. The price is 165,000 yen (including consumption tax). It will be sold exclusively at SHOEI Gallery.
Carefully considered even down to the direction of the carbon fiber
The previous model, the X-Fourteen, took the world of racing by storm with its outstanding aerodynamic and other performance features. While maintaining the concept of contributing to rider victory, the flagship full-face helmet, the X-Fifteen, is a completely redesigned helmet that aims for even greater heights after extensive research and wind tunnel testing.
The newly added “X-Fifteen Carbon” model inherits the advantages of the X-Fifteen while adopting a carbon shell with carbon fiber as the outermost layer. Pursuing the “appearance” of the carbon weave, which is crucial for a carbon model, extensive research and development was carried out to ensure the carbon fiber looks beautiful while utilizing the X-Fifteen shell design. Furthermore, to ensure adhesion to the carbon fiber, a new intermediate substrate made of resin was adopted, and a unique molding method was used to maximize the beauty of the carbon while increasing the rigidity and elasticity of the shell. The rear stabilizer was thoroughly designed to beautifully display the carbon fiber without compromising the performance of the carbon fiber as a shell material, resulting in a unique rear view. This model, with its attention to detail befitting a premium model, would surely be a good fit for a flagship-level luxury road model.
A racing helmet with the highest level of aerodynamic performance
The full-face helmet “X-Fifteen” is a collection of SHOEI’s most advanced technologies. The distinctive aerodynamic form of the helmet was born from racing and allows you to experience its evolved aerodynamic performance. SHOEI’s many years of know-how and the pressure analysis that backs it up have led to the determination of a shape with minimal air resistance, which has then been refined through repeated testing in the company’s large wind tunnel facility. The aerodynamic form provides stable aerodynamic performance even at ultra-high speeds exceeding 350km/h.
The shape of the ridges on the left and right sides of the crown to the top of the rear stabilizer, realized through advanced molding technology, characterizes the design of the X-Fifteen and demonstrates high aerodynamic performance. The rear stabilizer draws air into a tunnel-like space between the shells on both sides and directs it rearward, controlling the direction of the airflow and increasing stability (patent pending). The combined effect is said to be a 1.6% reduction in the lift force that causes the helmet to float upward and a 6.1% reduction in the drag force pushing from the front compared to previous models (both figures are based on data from the company’s large wind tunnel facility).
The optimal positioning of the ventilation was confirmed through pressure analysis, and the design was based on the assumption that the helmet would be used in a racing position during actual competition. The air route inside the helmet is 1.5 times deeper than the previous model, and an outlet hole has been installed in the tunnel part of the rear stabilizer, achieving even higher ventilation performance.
The shield uses a center-lock CWR-F2R shield that adheres closely to the window rubber (window beading) to prevent wind and rain from entering. The pin for the anti-fog sheet, which also functions as the tear-off button, is located outside the field of view, so the anti-fog sheet covers almost the entire field of view even when the sheet is attached, ensuring a wider, clearer field of view. Vortex generators are installed on both sides of the shield. The rectifying effect of directing wind from the shield side to the rear reduces noise generation from the shield side. The shield base also features a trigger lock mechanism. By locking the trigger lever used when attaching or detaching the shield, it prevents the shield from falling off due to impact in the event of a fall.
In addition, the eye port position has been moved 5mm higher than the previous model, ensuring a wider upward field of view without changing the position of the head inside the helmet or compromising the balance of the upper and lower fields of view. Combined with the racing position of the cheek pads inherited from the previous model, the wider field of view has been highly praised by MotoGP riders and also contributes to improved safety during races.
The interior now features an improved split center pad, allowing for a wider range of fit adjustments. Each pad is pocket-type, and optional adjustment pads can be used to narrow gaps to fit the shape of your head, or to replace pads of different thicknesses. The outer layer of the front, rear, left, and right pads is removable, allowing for partial loosening of the fit, allowing the user to fine-tune the fit themselves. Furthermore, the unique shape of the lower end of the cheek pads, which come close to the helmet opening, reduces lift while riding, and the area that comes into contact with the cheeks has been enlarged by 116% compared to the previous model, providing a secure hold that is less likely to shake, even at high speeds.
The interior surface fabric is a hybrid of HYGRA, which has excellent moisture absorption and quick drying properties in areas where sweat is likely to accumulate, and soft brushed fabric in areas that are likely to rub against the skin when putting on or taking off the helmet.
It is also equipped with SHOEI’s unique emergency helmet removal system, EQRS (Emergency Quick Release System), in case of an accident during a race. With a simple operation of pulling the special ribbon, the helmet can be easily removed while minimizing strain on the neck, which may be injured.
The X-Fifteen supports your racing skills with both aerodynamics and comfort. In touring, this performance translates into less fatigue, allowing you to concentrate more on riding.
<Main features>
・A shell structure based on a conventional composite laminate structure made from strong glass fiber and three-dimensionally shaped organic fiber, with carbon fiber used for the outermost layer
・Hat body design assuming the rider’s forward-leaning position
・Shell surface edges and shape that take aerodynamics into consideration
・Rear flap that enhances aerodynamic performance (size can be adjusted to suit preference and the course)
・Uses a polycarbonate CWR-F2R shield that thoroughly improves optical properties by optimizing subtle curvature and thickness depending on the part
・The angle of the helmet can be adjusted in two stages to suit the riding position
・Divided interior that can fit any rider
・Ventilation that actively guides the wind inside while riding, efficiently expelling heat and humidity, allowing you to feel the wind
Overview of SHOEI "X-Fifteen Carbon"
■ Price: 165,000 yen (including consumption tax)
■ Color: Clear black
■ Sizes: S (55mm), M (57mm), L (59mm), XL (61mm), XXL (63mm)
■ Standards: JIS standards
■ Structure: Shell structure with carbon fiber as the outermost layer of a composite laminated structure of glass fiber and organic fiber
■ Accessories: Cloth bag, breath guard J, chin curtain D, lower air spoiler, silicone oil, anti-fog sheet, SHOEI logo sticker, shield sticker (No. 11 sticker)
