Arai Helmets

[Gallep]

I'm curious about something. In 2001 I bought my Arai Signet GT helmet and I've loved. It’s about time I get another one and was trying to shop inline for another Arai helmet that’s similar to the Signet GT series but I was noticing that a lot of companies aren’t carrying Arai any more. Are they phasing out or something? Or do they just suck and I'm unaware of this

[1999r1]

Arai no longer allows online sales, apparently. A lot of dealers still carry them in their show rooms though.

[cheech]

Arai makes outstanding helmets but apparently they do not allow dealers to sell them online in the US. They require the customer to be fitted in the store. Therefore, some dealers decided not to carry them since majority of their sales are over the phone or on the net. I guess their plan is to be more exclusive compared to other companies.

Signets were replaced by the Astrals.

[bruce19]

FWIW I bought an Arai in '98 and it was excellent. Since then I've purchased two more and both had all sorts of components falling off, including a shield that ripped off the helmet at about 45 mph. I've moved on to Vemar.

bruce19

[mattjw916]

I've owned various helmets but I've been happiest with Shoei. They really last and don't fall apart at all. My X-9 is way overdue for replacement though. An RF-700 saved my life too once so I'm forever indebted to Shoei. I still try other stuff now and again but always seem to buy another Shoei.

[Gallep]

Originally Posted by cheech

Arai makes outstanding helmets but apparently they do not allow dealers to sell them online in the US. They require the customer to be fitted in the store. Therefore, some dealers decided not to carry them since majority of their sales are over the phone or on the net. I guess their plan is to be more exclusive compared to other companies.

Signets were replaced by the Astrals.

Nice, thanks for the info. I guess i'm off to ebay then cause I know what fits w/o trying it...

[tjyeagley]

I bought an Arai RX-7 Coarsair last November. With in the first week one of the little air vent switches fell off. I exchanged that helmet for an identical one and now, just a few months later it is starting to fall apart too. Stitching is coming undone and one of the brackets that hold the visor on broke. I am pretty disappointed considering the price and will probably be looking elsewhere for my next helmet.

[Chuckracer]

I've worn Arai for 20+ years and gone through several helmets. It's the only helmet I'll buy.


That said, buy what fits your head the best. There really are no bad helmets out there.

[cheech]

Originally Posted by tjyeagley

I bought an Arai RX-7 Coarsair last November. With in the first week one of the little air vent switches fell off. I exchanged that helmet for an identical one and now, just a few months later it is starting to fall apart too. Stitching is coming undone and one of the brackets that hold the visor on broke. I am pretty disappointed considering the price and will probably be looking elsewhere for my next helmet.

i have 5 arais and never had any of these problems with visors, vents, and pods falling off. two from US and 3 from asia - quantum's, corsair's, rapide-sr's, and tx-motard. what are you guys doing?!?

[vduc]

Typically the fit and finish of Arai helmets are excellent, and you pay the price for it. Can't see how the no online sales is helping them. I haven't been to too many dealers that know how to fit a helmet.

I've owned 4 Arai's (among other brands) in the last five years because they fit head great, but I'm moving on too. My current RX-7RR the check pad retainer clips broke off, now the check pads float around, minor annoyance. The only real dig I have with Arai is their faceshield install and retention method. I had a faceshield come off in a track crash, a little unnerving when sliding along.