Which Arai to get?

[northwind]

I'm all spolied for choice :) My Condor's old and a bit worn out, so I'm looking at spending maybe £350 tops on a new lid. I've got the ideal Arai head, and even if you don't buy the safety hype, I've not found a more comfy lid, so I've got no real reason to look elswhere (Wel, I wanted a HJC HQ1 but they don't fit).

But, I've got no idea which to go for now... I'm ruling out the Signet as it uses the older visor, I've got a pair of visors equipped with anti fog inserts which'll fit most of the current range, so I'd sooner get one of them.

Astro R's cheap now, you can get the ugly signature models and the nasty purply blue for about £220 and even the nicer finishes can be had for £250. I can get a plain black or white Corsair for £330. The Viper GT's got some nice features, and the Chaser too, both at around £250-£260.

Graphically, I really want a plain black one, or possibly the Phil Read Chaser in black and white- but as it's a new model it's expensive still. But whatever I get, I might end up getting resprayed anyway so if I can get a cheap ugly one that's fine.

So, any suggestions? It's churlish to complain but in that price range there's 4 different helmets and I don't know what makes one the better choice. An Astro R at £220 is a deal and a half though, even if it has graphics that were designed by a 5 year old :) On the other hand, I'll be wearing this lid till it gets killed or falls apart, so I have no objection to paying a bit more for geniune upgrades.

These prices are all UK lids with warranty btw, I'm not daft ;)

[Saucerboy]

Ok this doesn't really answer your question but... tbh, what ever fits the best and look the nicest. I really wanted a Arai but when it came to try them on none fitted properly. Sadly my head isn't the same sort of profile Arai's desingers had in mind.

So reluctantly I tried on some Shoei's and two fitted like a glove. I ended up with a X-Spirit in Kagayama's colours (Siver and white) and I love it.

[Demonz]

I have a plain black Astro R - cost £300 a couple of years back. Maybe its the signature not sure - but it has some sort of signature on the side of it???

EDIT: You are right Hovi - I thought to myself I missed the point after re-reading. The point being the Astro R has a plain black but I think it maybe the signature series (ugly one mentioned??) but the one wanted.

[hovis]

this is turning into "what arai have you got"......not............ "what arai should northwind get"

so......i have a quantum F

[northwind]

Ok this doesn't really answer your question but... tbh, what ever fits the best and look the nicest. I really wanted a Arai but when it came to try them on none fitted properly. Sadly my head isn't the same sort of profile Arai's desingers had in mind.


They pretty much all fit right :) The Chaser's a slightly different shape, that was obvious, but not in a bad way. The others are very close. And being Arais, they all look very boring ;)

[Sid Squid]

I can get a plain black or white Corsair for £330.Buy that one.
I've got a plain white* Corsair, paid about £275 a year or so ago and I absolutely love it, super comfy very light, not quiet though but as I always wear ear plugs when contemplating any trip that's not just town stuff it's not a problem for me.

*Plain black or white are commonly a useful bit cheaper than any of the tacky raceralike schemes which are usually horrible anyway, £50 or more difference isn't unusual, and the reason I always buy plain white lids as they're the cheapest and I'm mean.

[northwind]

You know something weird? The Astro R weighs exactly the same as my Condor, but it feels really light, because of the different weight distibution. I think the Corsair's barely any different. The Condor feels pretty heavy on the head too, as though all the weight's on the outside.

I do like the Corsair... I'm just not quite sure it's worth 50% more than the Astro R, which is also by all accounts a great lid. And I'm psychologically incapable of making a decision...

[drumroll]

if you go for the astro R you wont be dissapointed. mines very comfy and the build quality seems good. it is quite noisy at speed and comes with the obligatory "i think ive broken it" arai visor change system. best lid ive ver had though!

[Fizzy Fish]

btw does anyone know whether the Viper GT is the usual arai shape inside? i heard that they'd made it different from their other styles cos they were trying to steal market share from Shoei, but dunno if there's any truth in that.

If so i think i'm just gonna have to adjust my head for a Shoei fit cos they always seem to have nicer designs... :roll:

[northwind]

Not so much that I noticed...

[northwind]

There's a fair amount of info on the website thanks... It's more a matter of sorting the technobabble from the useful features :)

[Paws]

my new arai =
http://upload5.postimage.org/307380/Arai_Chikara_1.jpg (http://upload5.postimage.org/307380/photo_hosting.html)


:wink: 8)


i am luckly enough to have the full o7 range on disk i have all the pictures on my computer + the details so if you want any info just give me a shout

:shock: You jammy git!!!

Im a shoei head-got an x-sprit, the only arai i find fits me comfortably is the corsair.

[lukemillar]

Just bought an AGV Ti-tech evo. Very happy with it. The build quality is about 100 times better than my old Stealth - Better fit, better sound insulation, better everything! I seemed to have got a great deal - £225 (Black). Check out Harpers Racewear if anyone is curious :)

The whole visor thing is a bit of a con though - once you have a couple of visors with one brand, it makes sense not to switch which is one of my reason for sticking with AGV.

[Biker Biggles]

another Shoei head here.I bought an X Spirit for £300 from Helmet City.That was a year and a half ago now,and it's a brilliant lid.Better than my old Interceptor and lighter than any lid I know.My lad was so impressed he got one six months ago.Same dealer,same price.

[northwind]

I wanted a ti-tech, but it doesn't fit at all :(

[lukemillar]

I wanted a ti-tech, but it doesn't fit at all :(

Get a haircut! :wink:

[Toypop]

X-Spirit here too. Fits like a glove.

[tinpants]

For those that have got / had an Arai Condor, can you tell me if they are noisy or quiet at speed (69mph officer :twisted: ) and whether you would recommend them. I quite fancy the white one with the St George's Cross on it.

I've currently got a Vemar which is really comfy but getting a bit long in the tooth. Its noisy as hell as well. :evil:

[northwind]

It wasn't madly noisy, but not really quiet either. Depends a bit if you have the vents open, too. TBH I couldn't justify buying a Condor with the prices of Astros, Signets, Chasers etc as they are- they're all 3 better helmets I reckon. Not that the Condor's bad, but I'd need to find one at a good price to make it worthwhile.

[Paws]

Condors are the cheapest arai we do at hg! :?

[RandyO]

Sounds like Arai sells different models on your side of pond

here in US we get

the Profile for long oval heads ... Profile replaced the recently discontinued Signet
Astral for short oval heads
Quantum for round heads

I recently replaced my signet with a Shoei TZR, fit is actually nicer, and I think it's a better helmet for range of motion, but it SUCKS cause I have to fiddle to get my eyeglasses on straight

I will be going back to an Arai

[northwind]

Paws, they're cheap everywhere but loads of the better ones are discounted while the Condor's not. Have you got the old-stock Signet deal on?

RandyO, the Arai range for the US is totally different- the CE Arais apparently wouldn't pass Snell as they're softer, while the US Arais wouldn't pass CE as they're very rigid and cause high acceleration changes and allow more transmission of impact. The jury's out which is better though :roll:

[on yer bike]

I cant remember which "shape" the mcn Arai one is, but It's been very good to me except 1 thing, after the helmet's been knocked about a bit, general use, dropped a couple of times, used in the sv ecosse christmas 4 wheel rally etc etc, the vents seemed to have been slowly coming off both the front and back, and made a racket on the motorway because these were hanging half off... bit of superglue fixed it good as new though, just something to watch out for.

[RandyO]

Paws, they're cheap everywhere but loads of the better ones are discounted while the Condor's not. Have you got the old-stock Signet deal on?

RandyO, the Arai range for the US is totally different- the CE Arais apparently wouldn't pass Snell as they're softer, while the US Arais wouldn't pass CE as they're very rigid and cause high acceleration changes and allow more transmission of impact. The jury's out which is better though :roll:

sounds like our DOT specs compared to Snell, DOT is all that is required here (when helmets are required) Snell is a totally voluntary thing, touted as better but is it really, just different , a lot of helmets that are sold here also have CE certifications

who knows best, our governments, or some independentc safety organization

I say neither let me choose, not only which helmet certification, but to wether I wear one at all

I would imagine that eruopeans heads vary in shape as much as american heads and that you have the same gamit of headshapes, just with different names

[northwind]

Yep, but as a premier brand Arai really need to have SNELL on their lids or sheep won't buy them :roll:

[hall13uk]

yes hg do have a sale on the arai signets

[tapemonkey]

I had a Astro R until my 4 year old nephew got hold of it and did some 'impact tests' on the road outside. Now I have a new Viper GT.

Both great lids, with great build quality. Viper GT seem a little more quiet, and has less 'drag' at speed.

Both highly recommended.

[thor]

I got this

http://www.araihelmet-europe.com/php/page/RX7_show/RX7/RX7%20EdwardsRed.jpg

at the NEC for £360. Not bad I thought!

[northwind]

Thanks folks, all useful food for thought.

[embee]

I've had Arais for many moons, currently have an AstroJ which is about 4yrs old.

The quality of materials is second to none IMO. Looked after they don't show their age at all. Very comfy (if right shape for you), light, but not the quietest :shock:

I've just been paid for a nice bit of work so I've treated myself to a Schuberth S1, Infinity January sale, plain white at £280. Really hope it lives up to the reputation of being quiet, certainly just putting it on in the house it gives all the right impressions.

Build quality and materials seem to be more or less comparable to Arai/Shoei standards.

I don't have a bike on the road at the mo' (fair weather I'm afraid :roll: ) so can't give any first hand on-the-road opinion yet. I've heard a comment that ventilation isn't necessarily the best, time will tell. They have an option to put the top padding partly over the vent holes into the inside to reduce cooling in cold weather, so maybe someone had tried one like that?

Just a thought :idea:

[STRAMASHER]

I f u go for an AstroR have a good check at where the visor seals........... as mine does'nt! Something i did not examine closely enough when i bought it? Bad handling for the first few visor changes? (never a pleasent experience on a new Arai)The lid has been dropped (i never learn :roll: :( ) so it may be due to the visor having been scudded. Been a pain in the **** over winter tho'.

Good bargains about , especially at Scottish Bike Show for a good bit of competition between vendors!

:)

[Sid Squid]

If the visor doesn't seal correctly, remove it then remove the side covers, loosen the two plastic, (often transparent), screws that fix each side cover base to the helmet, note how sloppy a fit they are in the holes, refit the visor, move each side cover base around until the visor makes even, light contact with the aperture seal, gently retighten the screws and put it all back together.

[hall13uk]

If the visor doesn't seal correctly, remove it then remove the side covers, loosen the two plastic, (often transparent), screws that fix each side cover base to the helmet, note how sloppy a fit they are in the holes, refit the visor, move each side cover base around until the visor makes even, light contact with the aperture seal, gently retighten the screws and put it all back together.

ooo er sir squid i am impreessed visor re alignment

[Quiff Wichard]

sid is the oracle

[STRAMASHER]

Spot on Sid. 8)

Worked a treat. :)

Cheers

[Sid Squid]

ooo er sir squid i am impreessed visor re alignment
Most lids are adjustable in a similar sort of way, I suppose it's just a matter of manufacturing tolerances that the visors don't fit exactly the same on every lid.

sid is the oracle
Utterly utterly incorrect, but thanks anyway, Quiff you're too kind.

Worked a treat. :)
Groovy!

[K]

I have to say I'm very happy with my Condor - though it was a bit of a break in biking before it so i can't really comment about the 'Quietness Factor' as I really have no frame of reference. :?

That said I generally don't wear earplugs but after the long haul from Calais to the Ardennes last year I didn't suffer from any ringing in the ears, buzzing or anything like that - so I guess it's fairly good.

Ive never got the hang of changing the visors though. :roll: Ended up getting a 'reactalite' Fog City insert that kinda managed to do away with me needing to try. :oops:

Mines about 4 years old, but I do feck all milage in comparison to some so it's not likely to come up for a change any time soon - when it does though I'll probably try for a 'better' Arai that is a bit on the quieter side.

That said - how exactly can you simulate the noise when simply trying on a helmet in the shop?
I'm lucky, I can take one from the accessories shop at work and go for a ride - but how does everyone else manage it?
Do shops in generaly let you 'test ride' a helmet?

[northwind]

Dunno. I just wear ear plugs if I'm going any distance- I'd do that with just about any lid so it doesn't really make any difference. Ride, or possibly Bike, did a quiet lids test a while back, and came to the astonishing conclusion that the less vents a lid has, the quieter it is :roll: I'll see if I can dig it out.

[wheelnut]

It seems wierd that Arai only cater for people with funny shaped heads and Shoei cater for people like me :D

Seriously, I have tried loads of Araii (plural) and never been comfortable with them.

[embee]

...Ive never got the hang of changing the visors though. :roll: Ended up getting a 'reactalite' Fog City insert that kinda managed to do away with me needing to try. :oops:



http://img15.imgspot.com/u/07/27/17/c6e78a7dcf1170024138.jpg

Now just remind me, what's this "changing visors" thing about?

(Sorry 8) )

[hall13uk]

my new lid ordered it today :wink: Leon haslam replica lovely lid shame it's not made in RX7 really.


one side of the lid
http://upload6.postimage.org/6670/Picture081.jpg (http://upload6.postimage.org/6670/photo_hosting.html)


& the other side
http://upload6.postimage.org/6706/Picture080.jpg (http://upload6.postimage.org/6706/photo_hosting.html)

[Alpinestarhero]

I got an Arai condor at the allpy pally show. Best helmet i've ever had on my bonce! I wont leave aria now, just like i'll never leave alpinestars

8)

Im a slave to labels :(

Matt

[fizzwheel]

James, thats nice I like the Haslam rep in that colour scheme 8)

Can you do me a favour though, I really want an RX7 but in the Colin Edwards yellow Laguna Seca rep with the 5 on the side of it. I understand they are limited edition, I've seen a few places still selling them on line I wandered with your contacts if you could find out if theres many left or not.

Appreciate it if you could find out.

Cheers

Fizz

[hall13uk]

James, thats nice I like the Haslam rep in that colour scheme 8)

Can you do me a favour though, I really want an RX7 but in the Colin Edwards yellow Laguna Seca rep with the 5 on the side of it. I understand they are limited edition, I've seen a few places still selling them on line I wandered with your contacts if you could find out if theres many left or not.

Appreciate it if you could find out.

Cheers

Fizz

Yes mate i can most likely get one of those not many left but enough for now, which size my friend??

http://upload6.postimage.org/10006/Picture050.jpg (http://upload6.postimage.org/10006/photo_hosting.html)

[adamfool]

Corsair - Fantastic helmet, but, even by the local arai rep's admission, not a helmet really designed for road use! vents shift about 15 litres of air a minuite, but that does make the helmet rather noisy. the lining is designed for race use which makes it less plush than other arai. also, if it's a modern corair it'll have the new lining, which i found very scratchy and no-where near as comfortable as the old lining. also, the new lining is designed so that it will barely stretch, which is something to remember when fitting if you decide to go for one.

Astro-r - i have this one, extremely comfy, nicely vented yet still a little noisy. although this is a known arai trait. much, much more road biased than the corsair. the switches on the vents are a little flimsy! fully removeable 'old' style lining. to be honest, at that kind of money this is what i'd definately go for!


bear in mind is that, officially or not, arai reccomend a lifespan of 5 years from first use or 7 years from date of manufacture for arai helmets, something to check if you go for an older color scheme, and the date should be found on an orange tab on the chinstrap.

[hall13uk]

, and the date should be found on an orange tab on the chinstrap.


It's a small white tab on the newer lids. 06 & on

[adamfool]

, and the date should be found on an orange tab on the chinstrap.


It's a small white tab on the newer lids. 06 & on
didnt, know that! cheers mate

[Marshall]

I'm all spolied for choice :) My Condor's old and a bit worn out, so I'm looking at spending maybe £350 tops on a new lid. I've got the ideal Arai head, and even if you don't buy the safety hype, I've not found a more comfy lid, so I've got no real reason to look elswhere (Wel, I wanted a HJC HQ1 but they don't fit).

Shame the HQ1 dont fit, as its a real nice helmet (a little loud and i get cold ears though)

[northwind]

One Astro-R scored at the Excel show, £200 in black! delighted! Plus, visited the nice Arai men in their van and they tell me that the cheekpad problem on the Condor should be repairable for free if I send it back to them through an Arai dealer, even though it's blatantly from abuse not general use. Colour me impressed.

Not yet ridden in the Astro-R, but it's not as though it's likely to surprise me... Fit's perfect, finish is lovely, the visor's got the holes/mounts for a Pinlock but no insert but that's OK as I've already fitted my old one with its Fog City.

I am a pleased person :)