Shoei vs. Arai

[windsorgreen1]

Hi . My name is Martin and I have a large skull (rest of forum- "Hi Martin")

Anywho the Shoei 3X RF-1000 and the 3X Arai Profile seem to be the only helmets that fit me correctly. I have avoided these in the past because of the cost ($350-$550), but have decided that my tax return this year will go towards a new noggin protector.

Other than cost what are the benfits of one over the other ?

Thanks,
Martin

[fasterbusa]

It is all subjective and it up to you.
Many people find that the 2 helmets fit different types of head shapes differently.
I find that the Arai's fit my head shape better and more comfortably that the Shoei helmet does.
One of my riding friends prefers the Shoei as it fits his head shape better than the Arai.  Very odd, but it is just up to you.
Look online after you have used a "real" store to get the right size.  I got my $800 Arai for $335 online some time ago.

[Ken]

For the most part, don't the Shoei's tend to fit round heads better, and Arai's fit oval heads better. I have more of a round head and Shoei's fit me well/better.

[hobbes]

I dont care how people "deal" with the Arai helmet locking mechanism, but extra pieces that can snap off and cause it to take longer to take on/off a shield makes the Shoei look like a better design.

The Shoei shield mechanism is amazing, best on the market IMHO. Maybe not a reason to not buy an Arai, but defenitely a demerit with all other things equal in my book.

[kendenton]

I dont care how people "deal" with the Arai helmet locking mechanism, but extra pieces that can snap off and cause it to take longer to take on/off a shield makes the Shoei look like a better design.

The Shoei shield mechanism is amazing, best on the market IMHO. Maybe not a reason to not buy an Arai, but defenitely a demerit with all other things equal in my book.

Just curious - how often are you folks changing your shields?  Daily?  I keep the smoke shield on 99% of the time, and only if I'm riding after dark do I switch to the clear.  I doubt I change my shield 20 times a year.  No biggie to me if the mechanism is a little trickier.

That said, I've owned both Arai and Shoei lids, and the Arai shield mechanism is far worse, but you do get the hang of it.

[1KPerDay]

I have both Arai and Shoei helmets. I won't buy another Arai until they fix their stupid, fiddly, fragile shield-changing mechanism. Shoei's rulz.

[crispiegee1]

I wish somebody besides Arai would make a helmet for oval-shaped people with big noses.  

So far, the most comfortable helmet I've ever tried was an Arai, but I like the quiet interior of my Shoei.  I'd like to buy one of those pre-wired Baehr helmets (made by FM in Italy), but they are round in shape.  

[MDHCO]

Can't say anything about Arai other than I've not found one that fits my noggin.  

My current Shoei RF900, is a bit noisy, but has superior ventilation to the old brain bucket, which was also a Shoei.  

Getting close to needing a new helmet.   Will check various models, but chances are, it'll be another Shoei.

[Fast Blue]

Arai Helmets come in 3 noggin shapes-

 1. LONG OVAL
(very long front-to-back, very narrow side-to-side). On this end of the scale, we have the new Profile model, offering additional forehead room for those who find that most helmets have pressure points in the forehead.

2. INTERMEDIATE OVAL
(a little shorter front-to-back and a little wider side-to-side than the Long Oval). This next fit package comes in our RX-7 Corsair model, which begins the shift from oblong towards round.

3. ROUND OVAL
(even a little shorter front-to-back and a little widerside-to-side). This next fit package is represented by both our Quantum-2 and our Astral-X models.

The Astral-X has a slightly more "relaxed" fit - a bit more room in the forehead area - mainly because the Astral has a non-removable liner.

The Quantum-2's liner, on the other hand, is fully-removable, which makes it feel a bit more "round". Be sure to try both on to determine which feelsbetter on your head.

Check out www.araiamaericas.com for full read - under sizing / interior shapes.
I have the Arai Van Den Bosch model ( Astral) It is holding up well.

Check your head size and confirm at a Bike shop the helmet you want - then check out ebay for good deals

[ZED]

I have the Shoei RF-1000 and my wife has the Arai Quantum-2.  We bought those because that's what we found to fit our heads the best.  Our feelings are that the Shoei has higher wind noise.  

I won't get into the shield issues of the Shoei.  I seem to recall an entire thread on that topic somewhere around here.

[PhilBiker]

AGV  

[RickC1957]

I dont care how people "deal" with the Arai helmet locking mechanism, but extra pieces that can snap off and cause it to take longer to take on/off a shield makes the Shoei look like a better design.

The Shoei shield mechanism is amazing, best on the market IMHO. Maybe not a reason to not buy an Arai, but defenitely a demerit with all other things equal in my book.

  Please I have seen way too many chin vents on Arais just fall off when riding in the rain, side pods pop off, takes two riders to change a freaking shield. Arai even has a handy dandy streaming video on how to change a shield, how lame Shoei visor will take a newborn bay about two seconds to change out And did I mention Arai tested as poorly as HJC in their now infamous helmet test Yep great comfort and fit of Arai stops when you crash or have to change a visor

[windsorgreen1]

AGV  

Good helmets for little people  

[DogBoy]

  Please I have seen way too many chin vents on Arais just fall off when riding in the rain, side pods pop off, takes two riders to change a freaking shield. Arai even has a handy dandy streaming video on how to change a shield, how lame Shoei visor will take a newborn bay about two seconds to change out And did I mention Arai tested as poorly as HJC in their now infamous helmet test Yep great comfort and fit of Arai stops when you crash or have to change a visor

Read the instructions that come with the Arai and it will take you ten seconds to change visors. Three Arai helmets in fifteen years - seven years of daily use - and I never had a chin vent come lose or side pods fall off.

I bought a Shoei X-11 a few months ago and find it to be the same quality and comfort as an Arai. The vents are better than the Arai Quantums I had. The Shoei visor mechanism is better but I find it hard to see what the mechanism is doing when putting on a light tint or dark tint visor.

Pick a helmet based on fit and worry about features later. Too few people have helmets that fit correctly.

[tbzep]

It's sad that people have trouble changing the Arai visor and think it's complicated.  I reckon they must have trouble raising or lowering a toilet lid too.    Pull up two little levers and yank the visor out.  Slap the new visor in and close it.  You are done....  Wow...that's really hard.  I guess pulling up two little levers is way beyond most people's mechanical abilities.    

I have four Arai lids dating back from 1988 to present.  I've never had a vent to fall off or a shield mechanism fail.  In fact, I've even ground a brow vent and chin vent down in a crash and they both stayed solidly mounted.  

[ol Rocket]

Some people seem to be paid to bash Arai in these threads.  They fit my head the best so I will use them.  I paid 350.00 for a Shark and wanted it to fit sooo bad.  AGVs have some cool designs and the ROOF is pretty interesting, but in the end I come back to what fits ME the best.  Shoeis are nice helmets and I'd wear one if they were as comfortable.

Don't ask us.  Just go try on as many different lids as you can--then decide.

[Tritium]

It all comes down to what fits you best. I tried on at least 12 different helmets and an Arai fit me best (astral). I *HATE* Arai's shield mechanism, I hate how loud they are, and I hate how expensive they are. That's what fits me best though, and that's the most important thing.

[RickC1957]

Read the instructions that come with the Arai and it will take you ten seconds to change visors. Three Arai helmets in fifteen years - seven years of daily use - and I never had a chin vent come lose or side pods fall off.

I bought a Shoei X-11 a few months ago and find it to be the same quality and comfort as an Arai. The vents are better than the Arai Quantums I had. The Shoei visor mechanism is better but I find it hard to see what the mechanism is doing when putting on a light tint or dark tint visor.

Pick a helmet based on fit and worry about features later. Too few people have helmets that fit correctly.

Dog....I'm suspect of recent Arai quality...but I agree with you pick any helmet that fits and worry about features later.

[Ralf]

I bought the Kevin Schwantz replica helmet (can't remember the actual designation) from Arai in 1995. It fit my strange-shaped head like no other helmet has before or since.

Does anyone know what the successor model is called? It would be great to find a helmet with the same great fit again.

[windsorgreen1]

Thanks to everybody for the replys. I've never heard of Arai's falling apart as a couple people have described so that's not an issue.

Many suggested trying the helmets on before buying. I wish I could. The problem is that no one stocks anything larger than a 2X. So most likely I'll end up paying restocking fees on a a couple helmets until I find the right one.

Thanks,
Martin

[Snowdog]

I hate the Arai shield mechanism too. Sometimes it takes me as long as 15 seconds to change visors - even up to 30 if I don't take the helmet off.

[cbsnbiker]

Thanks to everybody for the replys. I've never heard of Arai's falling apart as a couple people have described so that's not an issue.

Many suggested trying the helmets on before buying. I wish I could. The problem is that no one stocks anything larger than a 2X. So most likely I'll end up paying restocking fees on a a couple helmets until I find the right one.

Thanks,
Martin

This is where having a good working relationship with your local dealer can pay off. The dealer might be willing to bring in one of each and let you choose the one you want without penalty.

Alternately, maybe you can find an online/mailorder dealer with a liberal return policy. Order one of each, keep the one you like and return the other.

FWIW, I wear a Shoei X-11, and my brother wears an Arai something-or-other. My Shoei fits me very well; his Arai fits him very well. Arais don't fit me very well; Shoeis don't fit him very well. We've made excellent choices for our respective heads.

Good luck with your shopping.

[Capirex]

My Arai RX-7 is more than 5 years old.  Never had a problem with the visor until last year when one of the side pods fell off in flight.  They replaced the pod but it has been a problem ever since.  It's time for a new helmet anyway.  Had I not had this problem I would be getting another Arai.  Now I'm thinking about getting a Suomy.

[cbsnbiker]

Just curious - how often are you folks changing your shields?  Daily?  

In my case, yes. I usually start off with the tinted shield, then change to the clear one as the sun sets.

If I get going early enough in the morning--usually when commuting to work--I start off with the clear one, then switch over to the tinted one.

Etc.

[tbzep]

I bought the Kevin Schwantz replica helmet (can't remember the actual designation) from Arai in 1995. It fit my strange-shaped head like no other helmet has before or since.

Does anyone know what the successor model is called? It would be great to find a helmet with the same great fit again.

My first Arai helmet I bought around 1988 was a Kevin Schwantz replica model, the Arai F1.  I'm not sure if he had a replica model before the F1 helmet came out.   The Signet and original Quantum came out not long after that, but I'm not sure which line was used for the replicas. The current Schwantz replica is a Quantum II.  I doubt you will find one with the exact same fit today because Arai has gone to three different shell shapes, plus you head has likely changed a little bit over the last 12 years.  

[Yankee Dog]

Thanks to everybody for the replys. I've never heard of Arai's falling apart as a couple people have described so that's not an issue.

Many suggested trying the helmets on before buying. I wish I could. The problem is that no one stocks anything larger than a 2X. So most likely I'll end up paying restocking fees on a a couple helmets until I find the right one.

Thanks,
Martin

Do you have a Cycle Gear near  you?  They will order what you want.  And no restocking fee.

yankee Dog

[windsorgreen1]

Well, I was able to try both helmets this weekend and neither fits.  

The Shoei is definite for those with more round heads. The Arai fit ok everywhere but the chin. The chin bar was so close that it wouldn't allow me to close my jaw. Sure wish they made their shielded dirt bike helmets in a 3x oh well, guess I stick with the CL-12 for now.
Thanks again for all of the input ,
Martin

[Clive]

This is where having a good working relationship with your local dealer can pay off. The dealer might be willing to bring in one of each and let you choose the one you want without penalty.

Which relationship will be great until he tries them both on, walks out without buying either, then rolls in a couple weeks later wearing one of them (that he bought off the web).  

Well, I was able to try both helmets this weekend and neither fits.  

You need to be more specific about which models you tried.  In Shoeis, the RF-1000 and X-11 do not fit the same; in Arai, you'll find different head-shape fits among the the Quantum, Profile, Astral, ...

[1KPerDay]

Some people seem to be paid to bash Arai in these threads.  

I wish.

[windsorgreen1]

You need to be more specific about which models you tried.  In Shoeis, the RF-1000 and X-11 do not fit the same; in Arai, you'll find different head-shape fits among the the Quantum, Profile, Astral, ...

I tried the Arai Profile which fit perfectly in the forehead but was still too small for my chin. It is the longest oval they make so none of their helmets will fit me.

I also tried the Shoei RF-1000. The chin area fit ok but it was so round that the temple area of the helmet didn't even touch my head. The X-11 nor the TZ-R don't come in a 3X. So they don't fit.

G-Max makes large sizes so I may try them since motorcycle superstore doesn't charge restocking fees it's worth a shot. If I do I'll letcha all know know

[tbzep]

I tried the Arai Profile which fit perfectly in the forehead but was still too small for my chin. It is the longest oval they make so none of their helmets will fit me.

I also tried the Shoei RF-1000. The chin area fit ok but it was so round that the temple area of the helmet didn't even touch my head. The X-11 nor the TZ-R don't come in a 3X. So they don't fit.

G-Max makes large sizes so I may try them since motorcycle superstore doesn't charge restocking fees it's worth a shot. If I do I'll letcha all know know

Wow....that's going to be a tough noggin to fit.  Where are you located?  Maybe somebody will know of an event or a dealer that can give you some professional fitting advise within a couple hundred miles.  

I don't know how much of a showing vendors have at the regular AMA races, but you probably could have been given a decent fit by one of the brands' reps during bike week (Daytona 200).  I imagine the vendors will be out in full force at Laguna Seca this year.  Do you live anywhere near enough to one of the AMA events to make a race and see if they can do something for you?  Oh, and the Honda Hoot has helmet reps that do professional fitting also.  IIRC, it's in June.   Some of those reps are so good at their jobs they can tell you your hat size just by looking at your noggin as you walk up to the booth.  Then they whip out the measuring tape and confirm that they were spot on.  

[crispiegee1]

Poor Martin.  

I keep thinking of Charlie Brown in "You're a Good Sport Charlie Brown," where he loses his motocross helmet and the carve a pumpkin to fit his head.

 

[windsorgreen1]

Poor Martin.  

I keep thinking of Charlie Brown in "You're a Good Sport Charlie Brown," where he loses his motocross helmet and the carve a pumpkin to fit his head.
 

That's how I feel.
At least I don't have anyone pulling away the proverbial football