The Aircraft is a high-end full-face lid that a lot of the world’s top downhillers are wearing this year. It’s pretty lightweight at 991g (size M) thanks to a carbon/Kevlar composite shell and a titanium double D-ring buckle.
With 25 vents and internal channels, 100% boasts that it’s the best-ventilated full-facer on the market, but we didn’t notice any real improvement on other DH lids. The liner, pads and chin strap cover are removable for washing, and there’s an emergency release system for the cheek pads to aid quick removal of the helmet in the event of a crash.
The shape of the Aircraft means your vision isn’t impeded at all and the lid fits well with all the goggles we’ve tried. It comes in two shell sizes and three EPS liner sizes across the size range, and as a result the fit is excellent, with good contact around the head – though the cheek pads did sit partially over our tester's ears.
We found the biggest downside to be the strap – its rearward position means that when it’s tightened it sits across the top of the neck rather than right under the chin, affecting overall comfort. It’s a shame because this compromises an otherwise awesome lid.
