To Arai or not to Arai?

[vato_loco]

Is the AGV Snell?

ECE 22.05. Unless Snell helmets go down in weight, I'll never buy that certification again.

 

[Deftone]

ECE 22.05. Unless Snell helmets go down in weight, I'll never buy that certification again.

Yea, ECE is the real cert.

"ECE R22-05 – Developed by the rather lengthily named United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, this is the most common helmet certification internationally, required by over 50 countries worldwide. It is approved for all competition events by AMA, WERA, FIM, CCS, Formula USA and the big one – MotoGP. It, much like the DOT standard, favours a more impact-absorbent helmet allowing a maximum of 275g’s (the ECE R22-05 anvil is either flat or “kerb shaped” depending on the test). The ECE R22-05 is arguably the most up-to-date helmet certification standard, it’s wide use in a variety of high-level motorcycle racing classes is reassuring to many. The ECE R22-05 has more in common with the DOT standard than either the Snell M2005 or M2010 standard, an ECE R22-05 certified helmet are likely to pass the DOT test and vice-versa"

http://silodrome.com/snell-vs-dot-vs-ece-r22-05-helmet-standards-throwdown/

 

[redtail]

That's great that you have it figured out. For the rest of us it's a pita

I admit I've broken a few and my butt always puckers whenever I need to swap out a shield.

Arai has always been more than happy to send me another one at no cost though.

 

[canyonrat]

There are many helmets and many ratings of helmets. Arai has owners, at times, are almost religious about how Arai is better and safer than other helmets. "What is your head worth?" is often their justification of spending $600+.

I've done much research into helmets. I will say many are really just fine and safe. Some have nicer interior padding, some are inspected by more people before being sold, some have better exterior finishes, some have better impact safety, some are quieter, etc.

Find one that fits, you can afford, looks "cool" to you, and has the SNELL seal of approval.

The Arai Corsair gets 3 out of 5 for impact saftey and the GP model gets 4 out of 5...just to shoot down any Arai zealots. The HJC AC12 (AKA HJC HQ1) gets 5 out of 5.

Cool helmet testing site: http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/home

What I've always said is this. Helmets only really protect you from a glancing blow. For example. Don't try this but rather imagine this. Put on your helmet, walk out to your street, as a car passes by at 25mph lean forward so the bumper hits your helmet. Do you think you will live?

I just retired my HJC AC12 and replaced it with the Xpeed XCF-3000. I was looking for light weight, very quiet, tough and cool look, and SNELL 2010 standard.

From what I can gather, these helmets, are the same shell: HJC AC-12, Icon Airframe, Joe Rocket Speed Master, and Xpeed XCF-3000.

Link to my review of XCF-3000 and MANY other cool helmet info sites: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=436004

 

[Blankpage]

After having a few Arai's I was at a dealer in Washington picking up oil and filter when i spotted and Arai on sale.
Sticker said $350 and it was large so I took it without even trying it on. Several weeks later I decide to use it and wtf it has a bizarre fit. My mouth is touching the chin bar and I can't make it comfortable. It was a sale item so i didn't even bother to try and return it.
That was two years ago and a few months back I considered selling it on craigslist so I went to take the shield off to clean it and a damn clip that hold the side pod broke
This is the Jungle model which I thought had cool graphics but i didn't pay it much attention. Later I notice it has flowers on it and it may actually be a girls helmet which would explain the weird fit.
wish I had bought an Icon Varient

 

[babyhuyx]

I tried on a lot of helmets at cycle gear a few months back. As always the arai felt like straight sex on your head. It felt really comfortable. But way too pricey. Ended up with a shoei rf1100 felt good, less pricey and dot/snell.

 

[Oh My Sack!]

I've always enjoyed this quick video. Do you think your helmet could do this...

Apparently the Arai can without loss of consciousness.

http://www.streetfire.net/video/bike-crash-nakano-crashes-skids-at-200-mph_190180.htm

 

[rothmans]

I had always used Arai's up until a couple years ago, I went from the RX7-RR4, RX-7 Corsair and the Arai Corsair V. They changed something with the Corsair V, my chin would sometimes touch the helmet. That was very annoying to me. This prompted me to shop around. I tried on an AGV GP-Tech and I never looked back. Great ventilation, comfort, somewhat quieter than Arai and it is lightweight. Now that I think about it, I got some good money back for the Arai on CL since it wasn't used much.

FUCKING A!!

I just bought a new Corsair V from Japan, but same L size I am used to, fit is slightly tighter but I just figured it was new vs my 4 year old RX7. Just did a trackday and also noticed that my chin would start touching the helmet, especially when I really picked up speed.

Also noticed my old Arai visors will not fit this new helmet, they snap in (grrr) but do not close. They made the periphial vision greater but shield is different now.

This one seems a bit quiter than my other Arai's but I am not liking the fit as much. Have only ever worn Arai's but may be going to change now, was furious in the past about the black trim falling off around the outside of the helmet and I am over the stupid visor changing.

 

[twolane]

I was just thinking about this yesterday- I don't think I'll ever buy another Arai, and it kind of bums me out.
I wrecked a few years back while wearing an Arai DS helmet (the previous model, not the current one) and got knocked out. Pretty bad. It's the only time I've been knocked out in a motorcycle crash. I can tell myself it wasn't the helmet's fault, but I just can't help but blame it just enough not to buy another.
I'm currently wearing an AFX ($100) and I've been pretty happy with it.

 

[redtail]

I wrecked a fewe years back while wearing an Arai DS helmet (the previous model, not the current one) and got knocked out.

While racing Hayward short track quite a few years back, I woke up in the ambulance still wearing my Bell helmet. Not sure what happened to put me there. Shit happens...

 

[Dr. Evil]

Interesting, I found my Arai to be well built compared to similarly priced Shoeis, not exceedingly, but on par at least.

I'm also a bit intrigued how your impression is that they aren't "exceptionally we'll built" but then, in the next sentence, you say they are well built.

There's nothing contradictory there. They are well-built, but not so well as to make them stand out from the crowd.

 

[corndog67]

You've got guys that read some magazine article a few years ago, and swear their $89 Z1 is just as good as the $750 Arai. You've got the guys that spent $800 on a Schuberth that tests have shown will pop open in some crashes , but swear by them because they can smoke when they ride.

I look at what the guys wear that race (and risk their lives) for a living. Most don't get their helmets for free. And they don't wear the $100 helmets. I like Shoeis and Arais. I used to like Simpsons, but they have been bought out and sell Chinese junk now. Simpson is selling helmets under the "Outlaw" brand now, but I haven't tried one.

 

[Yakoo752]

 

[angelsndevils]

I admit I've broken a few and my butt always puckers whenever I need to swap out a shield.

Arai has always been more than happy to send me another one at no cost though.

Good to know! I've bought a 4-5 of them over the years. They're only like $9 but the shop is probably getting them for free.

 

[morthrane]

I've worn nothing but Arai helmets, but not because I like them: the price is nothing short of extortion I can't seem to find anything else that fits right. Shoeis somehow not right, HJC flat out don't fit (as of half a decade ago), etc. etc. Not sure if I've tried the Shark helmet, and never did try a Bell. Both are on my list for when I retire my current Arai.

Only time I've broken the sidepod on an Arai was with a brand new one, got the parts replaced under warranty. Yeah, crap design, but not as bad as people make it out to be.

 

[Archimedes]

I've handled them plenty; brother #1 has an Arai (brother #2 has the Icon, brother #3 doesn't ride). They didn't impress me as being exceptionally well-built. They're like Apple. Well-built, well thought-out, and well-overpriced.

And, the fact is, most people never use their helmets, thank God.

You've handled them so you're an expert on how their built?

Do a little research about how Arai's are designed, built and tested and you'll be amazed at the level of technology and craftsmanship that go into their helmets. Same with Shoei. Do you need all that to get a good helmet? Of course not. Are Arai's and Shoei's a little overpriced? Yes. But to argue that they're not extremely well built, high quality products is ridiculous.

There are so many good helmets out there, that the choice should really come down to fit for most people.

 

[ratlab]

Bell Star carbon is next lid. I tried one on and was duly impressed by the fit and features.

unbearably noisy with earplugs-so much airflow my eyes water even with vents closed-never ever use it.nice finish, fits like a corsair,but sizing is different-med arai=small bell. mine came with a awesome helmet bag.

 

[rothmans]

I've worn nothing but Arai helmets, but not because I like them: the price is nothing short of extortion I can't seem to find anything else that fits right. Shoeis somehow not right, .

This is normal I think, some people have an Arai head, others Shoei. I believe the Shoei is more rounded, the Arai's always have fit me, a buddy of mine can only fit the Shoei's.

Arai's are a bit expensive but I never flinch on spending money on good gear.

 

[Dr. Evil]

You've handled them so you're an expert on how their built?

I have eyeballs.

Do a little research about how Arai's are designed, built and tested and you'll be amazed at the level of technology and craftsmanship that go into their helmets.

*I'LL* be amazed? I'm touched by how sure you are of my certain amazement, but better that you let me be the judge of whether I will, or will not, be amazed, thanks.

But to argue that they're not extremely well built, high quality products is ridiculous.

Literacy is really hitting the shitter, isn't it? Did you READ the WORDS? I said they weren't exceptional. That is to say, they are not any different than many other helmets, which YOU YOURSELF JUST SAID.

Same with Shoei.

If they are THE SAME AS SHOEI, they CANNOT, BY DEFINITION, be "exceptional."

Which is really all I'm trying to say. Fine kit, but nothing special when compared to other reputable brands.

 

[DayDay]

arai corsair was the only helmet that fit my head, until i tried a nexx X1R1-lightest,quietest,with best vision-doesn't come down over forehead while in a tuck-i have ever used-shield changes are a pita, but with a light smoke shield i can use day or night.finish is nice and it comes with extra pads so you custom fit it.i like this helmet so much i don't use my arai at all anymore.

you might have an older one, since the new ones have a quick shield switch thing now