AGV K3 Helmet Test Ride: Touring Comfort & Safety
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Up here today on the Cat and Fiddle Road near Macclesfield, I’m testing out the all-new AGV K3 helmet. AGV has redesigned this model from the ground up, and it’s clearly built with touring in mind rather than outright racing. Forget the Pista-inspired looks of older versions—this one carves out its own identity, with redesigned top and front vents that stand out.
This article is based on the video below by MyMoto.
Three Unexpected Standouts
While riding, three things immediately caught my attention:
- Generous ear room: If you’ve ever felt your ears squashed on a ride, this helmet’s for you.
- Eyewear-fit cheek pads: They have a soft recess for glasses that still seals tight when you’re not wearing specs.
- Smooth sun visor mechanism: The new cable system is super smooth, engaging both sides at once—feels way more premium than past AGV lids.
The AGV K3 is a full-face helmet that delivers AGV safety and comfort at an affordable price.
- Lightweight HIR-TH shell for comfort and durability
- Integrated drop-down sun visor for convenience
- Excellent ventilation system with multiple air intakes and exhausts
- May produce noticeable wind noise at higher speeds
- Limited shell sizes may affect fit for some head shapes
- Not ideal for riders requiring advanced features like Bluetooth integration
Improved Visor Seal: Borrowed from the Best
The visor seal is a huge upgrade. It’s now a soft, hollow rubber seal similar to what you find on the AGV K6. This makes a massive difference when you’re dealing with rain, wind, or long miles on the road.
A great seal cuts down on:
- Wind noise
- Water leaks
- Unwanted drafts
Soft, flexible, and designed to compress slightly when closed, this seal enhances comfort without needing to force the visor shut.
Thermoplastic Shell Meets ECE 22.06
The K3 is made of high-resistance thermoplastic. While not as featherlight as carbon fiber, it’s still impact-absorbent and passes all the latest ECE 22.06 safety standards—including rotational impact tests. That’s big news for crash protection.
For a broader perspective on top-rated helmets that balance safety and affordability, this comprehensive roundup offers valuable insights.
Smart Sizing: Three Shell Sizes
The K3 comes in three outer shell sizes. That means less compromise:
- No oversized shells packed with unnecessary padding
- Better balance between protection and comfort
Source
Ventilation: Designed for the Ride
Chin Vent: Smarter Design
AGV has moved the chin vent switch outside the helmet, instead of inside like on the older model. Why does that matter? If your gloves are wet, the last thing you want is to stick them inside the helmet.
Heads up: ‘Up’ is open, ‘down’ is closed. Took a second to get used to.
Top Vents: Easy to Operate
Two redesigned top vents now slide open with a satisfying click. Whether you’re in gloves or not, it’s intuitive.
Max Vision Visor with Pinlock Included
A Pinlock insert comes standard in the box, and the visor accommodates it beautifully. These inserts are a godsend in wet or cold conditions, completely eliminating fog.
- Recessed mounting pins = easy setup
- Better field of view
- 190° horizontal vision for increased situational awareness
Upgraded Internal Sun Visor
The K3’s drop-down sun visor has had a major upgrade. Now cable-operated from both sides and controlled by a switch at the helmet base, it offers:
- Smoother deployment
- Dual stop points for custom positioning
- Easier reach with gloved hands
Glasses Wearers, Rejoice
AGV’s eyewear-fit cheek pads are soft where your glasses sit, preventing pressure on your temples. The cool part? They stay sealed if you’re not wearing glasses, keeping bugs and debris out.
Ear Comfort + Comms-Ready
There’s a surprising amount of air room around the ears. That might not sound like a headline feature, but for long-distance riders, it’s a game changer. It helps with:
- Reducing pressure and heat buildup
- Installing speakers for comm systems without discomfort
Customizable Fit: Swap the Cheek Pads
You can swap out the cheek pads for different thicknesses:
- 30mm for looser fit
- 35mm standard
- 40mm for tighter fit
These interchangeable pads help dial in a personalized fit without needing to size up or down entirely.
AGV K3 Cheek Pads are designed to provide a customizable and comfortable fit for AGV K3 helmets. These pads are interchangeable across all helmet sizes, allowing riders to fine-tune their helmet's fit.
- Interchangeable across sizes
- Washable and easy to clean
- Improves helmet comfort
- Only fits AGV K3 helmets
- May require size trial and error
- Some sizes may be hard to find
Better Sizing System
Gone is AGV’s old “MS/ML” sizing. Now it’s straightforward: XS through XL, like most other brands. That means less guesswork when shopping and better consistency across product lines.
Touring-Ready Comfort
You’ve got all the comfort features touring riders want:
- Premium ventilation (even held up in freezing conditions)
- Comms-ready speaker pockets
- Lightweight enough to keep neck fatigue at bay
- Built-in sun visor for changing light
For even more options built with long-distance comfort in mind, this list of rider favorites breaks down helmets that prioritize all-day wearability.
Price + Variants
The AGV K3 is priced depending on style:
- Solid color: £209.99
- Graphics: £249.99
- Rossi replicas: £269.99
That’s a competitive price, especially for an ECE 22.06-certified helmet with a Pinlock included.
If you’re exploring more options at a similar price point, check out this roundup of other feature-packed budget helmets.
The AGV K3 is a full-face helmet that delivers AGV safety and comfort at an affordable price.
- Lightweight HIR-TH shell for comfort and durability
- Integrated drop-down sun visor for convenience
- Excellent ventilation system with multiple air intakes and exhausts
- May produce noticeable wind noise at higher speeds
- Limited shell sizes may affect fit for some head shapes
- Not ideal for riders requiring advanced features like Bluetooth integration
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
After hours on the road, in everything from freezing snow to dry roads, here’s the verdict:
- Great airflow
- Fog-free visibility
- Light and comfy
- Full of premium features at a mid-range price
It’s not a race helmet. It’s better. It’s built for touring riders who want comfort, practicality, and protection without dropping race-level cash.
