Comments on: Arai Gets Defiant … But Sticks to its Core Values (With Video) (News)

By: Randy

Randy — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:11:15 +0000

First Arai was in 1985, an F-1 with the Freddie Spencer paint scheme. I was hooked and have worn Arai ever since, regardless of the cost. My newest cost over $800 and I pay it gladly.

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By: txrogue

txrogue — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 04:29:00 +0000

I have seen the results of left turnitis in a shoei. Im still here. they are loud and hot. joe rocket is light and really loud. thinking about shuberth. they are pricey, but i kinda like my current skull. thoughts?

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By: Conrad

Conrad — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:20:46 +0000

When asked why he switched from Arai to Yes helmets Jamie Whitham said ” good helmets pay shitty….shitty helmets pay good” It has taken HJC 30 years to make a decent helmet and that on the income from selling millions of plastic buckets…

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By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:45:16 +0000

Long time Arai wearer because they fit my noggin the best. Optional shell shapes as well thicknesses of check pads/headliners allow users to achieve an optimum fit.

Shield mechanism is only slightly futzy, and no bother once acclimated. Countless youtube vids demonstrate how to change shields with ease – reading the instructions helps, as well.

After several Arai lids over the last twenty years (approximately a couple of hundred thousand miles), I’ve broken exactly one part – a side pod, which Arai shipped free to my home in a matter of days.

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By: Marcos

Marcos — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:28:18 +0000

Could not agree more, that was just my point before.

I use Shoei helmets, but also have first hand experience with top of the line Arai as well (own one and have seen another that my brother uses being abused). When comparing the ease of cleaning and durability between the two, I am amazed that people with a budget consider acceptable that every time you want to change the shield an Arai helmet, you are risking having to buy replacement plastics because taking off those side pods is a nightmare. Also, the full removal and cleaning of the lining, not even comparable, and I speak from experience.

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By: KTMRyder

KTMRyder — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:50:00 +0000

I have worn Arai in the past and loved them except for the price.
The price is just too much in this “new economy” so I ended up with a Bell RS1 for my last purchase.
Excellent fit, very easy shield changes, nice style.
Works well even at high speeds of a track day.
I’m impressed since I paid $300 and could have two for the price of an Arai.

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By: Joe Sixpack

Joe Sixpack — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:13:02 +0000

Arai is a joke of a manufacturer.

First, the price is ridiculous.

Second, the side shield mechanism is a poor example of engineering. I have senior level MechE students who can design something better in a couple of weeks.

Third, do you think any racer is going to risk their life by putting on an inferior quality helmet? Lorenzo and Spies use HJC, Stoner used Nolan, RDP uses Shark, Rossi uses AGV. I guess they don’t care about protecting their head in a crash.

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By: mark

mark — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:05:21 +0000

Agree

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By: Mars

Mars — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:29:33 +0000

Scorpion. You can pay more, if you really want to, but you won’t be getting a “better” helmet for that money.

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By: Ninou

Ninou — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:25:51 +0000

Spot on! Same experience with a top of the line Arai(except for the crash). I will never buy an Arai again! Shoei of the same price last ten times longer without all the plastic pieces breaking or falling off. Heck, even much cheaper helmets have better build quality!
I was shocked at the piss poor build quality of a $700 helmet! After less than a year it looked like it was an abused 10 year old helmet.

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