Arai Signet-Q, time for a new helmet

[Joey Stalin]

Tell me your opinions on this helmet. Fit well at the dealership for my long oval head. The graphics are normally 750 but the dealership is running 20% off helmets right now. Never spent $600 for a helmet before but that seems like a good price for an Arai compared to the internet prices.

[sprint_st]

I had two, maybe three Arai's before.  They are great helmets. IMO, it is hard to go wrong with Arai or Shoei.  I had a Quantum and it fit great.  My Signet did not.  My fault for not checking fit correctly.  You say that you tried it on and it fit OK.  IMO, after the fit has been established as good, it is just a matter of looks and price.  You see all those vents, shield vents and covers for the shield mechanism?  They do make for a bit more noise.  In general I have found Arai's to be a tad more noisy than similar Shoei's.   Lots of helmet sales going on right now.  Just got a Shoei Neotec modular yesterday at an excellent price.

[expatbrit]

Love my Arai; I've had a couple of Profiles and a Signet-GTR. Vents well, top quality, and if the shoe fits, wear it.

Practice changing the visor. I've heard tell of people who were good -- apparently I never was, and I'd periodically break one of the pods after frequent changes. Maybe I'm clumsy (OK. I'm clumsy), but that's my biggest gripe.

[HanksXXX]

I looked at my Arai Signet this past summer to see Oct 2002 on the strap...
Yeah, maybe its time...
Bought the very same helmet as in the picture above.
The biggest difference I noticed was the opening at the bottom of the old helmet was narrower than the new one. I had to pull the old one apart using the straps to get my head in but once in, it fit great. The new Signet Q is wider and no pulling is necessary. I don't necessarily like that and I think the new helmet is a bit noisier and perhaps floats a bit at 100+. Venting is better. Pinlock is OK... I mean, who cares about a fog free shield when your glass's fog up first, but that's just me. I also don't think the shield is as "clear" with the pinlock installed. It also leaks along the top edge, unless you adjust it with the screws provided.
At the end of the day, I've been wearing Arai's since 91 or 92 and I like the fit and finish.
Shoei's a no goei for my head shape so here I am...with my red Racer Signet Q....
Graffic's also helped; not a lightning bolt, skull, zigzag, or dragon kind of guy...
Hope that helps...Hank

[Joey Stalin]

Bought the Signet Q, same one as is pictured above. But I had a question for other Arai owners. The mount vent, it opens and closes fine, but the whole plastic piece that the flap is installed into, moves around a bit on the chin guard, about 1/8" of play. Without driving back to the dealer to check out other examples, is this normal or something I shouldn't put up with on a 750 dollar helmet?

[HanksXXX]

Bought the Signet Q, same one as is pictured above. But I had a question for other Arai owners. The mount vent, it opens and closes fine, but the whole plastic piece that the flap is installed into, moves around a bit on the chin guard, about 1/8" of play. Without driving back to the dealer to check out other examples, is this normal or something I shouldn't put up with on a 750 dollar helmet?

I just checked mine and that piece you're describing is nice and tight.
Arai is located in Bethleham Pa IIRC. I have the phone number too if need be.
I'd call the dealer and get him to warranty it or send  it in myself.
That's a big stack of bills to have to put up with anything.
Did you used to post on Maximum-Suzuki?
Hank

[Joey Stalin]

I just checked mine and that piece you're describing is nice and tight.
Arai is located in Bethleham Pa IIRC. I have the phone number too if need be.
I'd call the dealer and get him to warranty it or send  it in myself.
That's a big stack of bills to have to put up with anything.
Did you used to post on Maximum-Suzuki?
Hank

Yeah, thanks. That's enough to know so I can go to the dealership. They'll have to order me a new one, but if they give me any flack about it, I am still within the return period.

[sprint_st]

Yeah, thanks. That's enough to know so I can go to the dealership. They'll have to order me a new one, but if they give me any flack about it, I am still within the return period.

I had problems with the vents in my Signet and called the place in PA.  They were great.  Easy to deal with.

[tomttt]

Early this year I bought a signet-Q, my first Arai, i initially purchased a M, as i have worn in other helmets, but returned it for a S and it fit like a helmet should. I love it, what else could u ask for, fit quality, good venting, no movement at speed, etc.  Worth the money I spent! It is the best fitting helmet I have ever owned.