Shoei vs. Arai

[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