Arai Rx7 Corsair

[Scubalong]

Originally Posted by KC-10 FE

I purchased this helmet May 2006 at M&R Cycles Asheville, NC & paid $550 for it. The RX7 replaced my faithful 6yo & well worn Arai Quantum Raptor. I've been wearing Arai for 15 years straight. I've yet to find a helmet that fits my head like Arai does so I see no reason to change.

Pros:
unbelievable comfort (mind you, this is entirely dependant on your head shape, just because it fits me perfect doesn't mean it will fit you perfect)
completely removeable & washable liner (cuts down on the stink factor)
liner bits come in different sizes to custom tailor the fit
vents actually do something (instead of just adding decoration)
anti fog setting for face shield (pops the shield open slightly)
quick change shield system (it's a snap once you get it down)
incredibly fit & finish & graphics (Only Suomy has better graphics & most cars should be painted this good)

Cons:
quick change shield system (can be a pain if you don't know how to use it & you could break the shield if you try to force it)
wind noise (from what I hear, all Arai's are loud, supposed to be caused by the venting, if you want a helmet with good air flow it will be loud or so I'm told, I ride with ear plug so this isn't that big an issue for me)
price (like anything, you get what you pay for)
SNELL rating??? (who knows, maybe Motorcyclist Magazine may be right & SNELL isn't the golden standard anymore)
stupid no internet sales BS (it's made me lose a little faith in the company, must have been rescinded since I find them all over the internet anymore, I know how to buy a helmet & so does anyone willing to spend $600 for one, all we're looking to do is to save some cash)

To be objective, I must reveal that I do not think Arai are the best helmets on the market. If I had to pick a company that is making the best on the market, I would say SUOMY. If they fit me, that's most likely what I would be wearing.

All in all, I am more than happy with this helmet & until a company makes one that fits me as good & is as comfortable, I really don't see any reason to change. I would pay $1000 or more for the best helmet I could find. I only get one head & I can't get a new one, ever. So when it comes to helmets, money truly is no object for me.

KC-10 FE out...

Good choice KC-10, I like the Arai myself, It is light and comfy, The only thing i did not like is the air vent on the face shield is hard to get to with glove. Good write up, Thanks

[Wabbit1961]

I do try on helmets all day at stores that carry a good variety of models. I tried on a Shoei RF-1000 and thought it was actually quite nice. I like the features it has, like a lockable visor, which Arai does not have. I even test rode the RF-1000, but to me it moved too much air, seemingly coming from under the chin, even with all vents shut, so I opted not to buy one. The nice features Arai has is the chin spoiler and demist position. The best Arai I owned was a Signet GT. The newer models all fatigued my forehead with excessive pressure, no matter what model I tried on.

The Shark fit more firmly against my cheeks, softer and rounder on my forehead, has a plusher feeling fabric than any helmet I ever tried on, and I press a button on either side and the visor is off, and back on again with a nice 'click'. Yeah, I can do this helmet without taking it off my head, but why would I want to do that anyhow? Is that a test of how cool I am?

I've owned the Cobra Corsair. It was a good helmet. Yes the graphics and build are great, just doesn't thrill me much in the weight department. Balance however was great, as usual for an Arai.

As I said... I am glad you all like Arai. Really, I am. I agree that fitment is most important. I just think Arai is about as innovative as Harley Davidson. They really do nothing to improve their design, but their prices keep going up. Sorry, but the old adage, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' doesn't float with me when it comes to technology available in today's helmets. Lighter, stronger composites abound out there. Arai should take that to heart.

[nozzle]

aria. only four letters in the name. only three different letters. hmm. what could be simpler and still be a word?

That's what I look for in a helmet: a good name with a reputation for vowel and consonant integration.

It's your head, protect it as your DNA sees fit.