I used to watch Erzberg Rodeo highlights on an iPad while making the drive from Seattle to Los Angeles for the International Motorcycle Show. My co-worker at the time, Iain, was a member of Team USA that competed at the GS Trophy in 2010, and a hard enduro aficionado. That was my first introduction to the sport, and the grinding carnage of Carl’s Diner had me hooked.
At that time, David Knight was the top dog. His skills in trials riding paid dividends in the harsh Austrian copper mine environment, and he was easily distinguishable thanks to being the only competitor wearing an open-face trials helmet. The other competitors, though, at least a large majority, wore Airoh helmets, recognizable by their pointy chin piece and elongated visor.
I was new to off-road riding at that time, and had just acquired my first dirt helmet, a matte black, bottom shelf, AFX FX-17. I didn’t know the difference and was just stoked to have something I could wear pink goggles with. But those Italian helmets with their pointy chins always appealed to me. They were unavailable in the States, and the desire to have what you can’t have is a kind of drug I’m all too familiar with.
Years later, and with a career in the off-road motorcycle industry under my belt, I found myself, yet again, lusting after those Airoh lids I’d seen at Erzberg in the 2010s. Racers at the Dakar Rally were wearing them. Hard Enduro pros competing at Romaniacs. The fastest guys in the MXGP.
And at the end of 2025, Airoh Helmets finally came to America, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Aviator III Sabre.
The helmet is constructed from HPC Carbon and weighs just 1440g (3.1 lbs). Developed using the Airoh wind tunnel, the Aviator III has optimized aerodynamics for stability at high speeds and advanced thermodynamics for superior heat management in extreme conditions. Inside the lid, you’ll find an AMS2 EVO (Airoh Multiaction Safety System EVO) dual-density system that provides superior impact absorption. That system features a reinforced inner shell, elastomer damping elements, and spherical relative movement designed to protect your brain parts in even the gnarliest of accidents.
Inside, you’ll find the Airoh Magnetic Lining System, essentially five strong magnets (three on the front and two at the back), which allows riders to easily remove the inner lining for washing, as well as the Airoh Emergency Fast Release, a quick-release cheek pad setup for emergency situations. Additionally, the Aviator III has 12 air intakes and spoilers with integrated extractors, keeping you cool even on the hottest days in the desert. There’s also a range of accessories, including action camera support, side bumpers, an extended peak, and both short and long nose covers. One notable feature of the Aviator III is the Airoh Hydration System, which is incorporated into the EPS and allows riders access to hydration feeders without interrupting the ride.
I’ve only had the chance to ride in the Aviator III a few times thus far, but I can say that it is as light as other carbon off-road helmets on the market, offers superior sunshade thanks to the extra-long visor, is well ventilated, and offers a snug, yet comfortable fit. One thing I will note is that the pointy chin piece I was once enamored with does restrict my ability to look down when wearing a chest protector. That said, I feel more confident in the Aviator III knowing that my Jay Leno-esque chin is always protected, even if it doesn’t allow me to look directly down. Also of note is the bag that the Aviator III comes with. I’ve gone through my fair share of helmet-carrying equipment and can say that the one provided by Airoh is by far the best. It’s padded, has a full zipper flap enclosure, pockets for spare parts, and even comes with a shoulder strap. It’s the little things.
At speed, the Aviator III is indeed stable. Being that it’s a lightweight carbon lid, I would have expected more movement when moving at higher speeds. But the aerodynamics of both the shell and the visor keep your cranium from wobbling around. My goggles fit tightly in the provided space and do not move around when riding. Visibility is on par with my other off-road helmets; however, the extended visors offer more shade, as expected.
The Airoh Aviator III is available here, and carries an MSRP of $699.00 for the solid colorway, $729.00 for the Sabre and Glory variants, and $849.00 for the Full Carbon 3K iteration.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is the aesthetic appeal of the Aviator III. I opted for the Sabre color scheme in a red and white gloss finish. No, I can’t rock my pink goggles with this helmet, but the overall appeal of the Aviator III isn’t in the available colorways, but in the design, its lightweight shell, ventilation, easily removable cheek pads and lining, and the fact that I can live out my Erzberg daydreams every time I ride.
