Are Arais really worth the cash!? - Ducati.ms

DrGonzo · Aug 21st, 2006, 9:57 pm

Im looking into getting a new helmet and im really torn as to what i should do. I like the fit of the Arais, but, for the most part, i dont like their graphics. I was thinking about picking up a solid Corsair and having it painted, but its turning out to be a lot more than i anticipated. I kind of like the Mccoy Corsa helmet (for the italian colors) but if im spending that much money i want a helmet ill really enjoy looking at.

Whats your opinion? Are Arais really worth the extra cash!?

**Synergy** · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:04 pm

I bought my last helmet based on weight, being CF, without trying it on. I know it was going to be light. It doesnt fit my head perfect, but it works well. I have adapted to it. Will I ever buy a helmet based on CF or Looks again, nope! I will buy something I can try on my bike with my leathers and feel the wind drag, hear the wind noise, etc... I want to be comfortable, not look cool at the local bike show.

sbwells · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrGonzo

Im looking into getting a new helmet and im really torn as to what i should do. I like the fit of the Arais, but, for the most part, i dont like their graphics. I was thinking about picking up a solid Corsair and having it painted, but its turning out to be a lot more than i anticipated. I kind of like the Mccoy Corsa helmet (for the italian colors) but if im spending that much money i want a helmet ill really enjoy looking at.

Whats your opinion? Are Arais really worth the extra cash!?

If the fit is right then they are a worth while investment

JRedig · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:10 pm

I'll buy an arai everytime. It's the most comfortable helmet i've ever worn, and they're not that expensive on the internet. Say you just bought your bike and spent north of $5k somewhere, what's another 500 to save your life and be very comfortable riding? Chump change to me...riding gear should be the one thing you don't care about the price of.

Arai's are quiet, well ventilated, very comfy, and have some of the most/best options for customizing to fit your brain cage.

Bravo51 · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:17 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRedig

I'll buy an arai everytime. It's the most comfortable helmet i've ever worn, and they're not that expensive on the internet. Say you just bought your bike and spent north of $5k somewhere, what's another 500 to save your life and be very comfortable riding? Chump change to me...riding gear should be the one thing you don't care about the price of.

Arai's are quiet, well ventilated, very comfy, and have some of the most/best options for customizing to fit your brain cage.

Word, they're the best. Can't buy 'em online for a reason.

Bill_Anderson · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:22 pm

The Chinese have a saying: JIAN DE BU JIAN, GUI DI BU GUI.
That which is cheap is not cheap, that which is expensive is not expensive.
In other words, buy a full face helmet which fits comfortably. Nothing is a bargain if it kills your head after 100 miles. I recommend a helmet with tool-less face shield replacement for easy swapping of dark and clear shields.

Motobee · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:29 pm

How much is your head worth? I am always surprised that people who are willing to spend $20k on a new motorcycle will not spend $500-600 on a helmet.
I sure that I would be dead or severely brain damaged if it weren't for my Arai helmet.
I high-sided during a race and landed on my head from 6 ft in the air. The impact was so violent that the helmet shell fractured on the side that didn't hit the ground. I was unconscious and was airlifted from the track. I had an concussion and other than some short-term memory loss was ok.

I will never buy any other helmet but an Arai

Brian

**SouthsideDuc** · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:36 pm

Arai is definitely feeling the pinch and is now allowing their helmets to be sold on the internet. Is a $500 helmet better necessarily better than a $300 helmet? Or a $150 helmet? Do your research and make your call.

Tony

Buckelew · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:37 pm

of course, there is no testing that shows that Arais, or any other premium helmet, protects any better than the less-expensive ones. In fact, I remember seeing some test results that showed the opposite because the less expensive helmets are heavier and sturdier-built.

When you buy a premium helmet, you're paying for light weight, better ventilation, and graphics. None of those are going to help you in a crash - and the light weight may hurt you - literally.

Separate the ego from the requirements. Breathe in deep and exhale the need to buy specific brands.

Repeat after me: different manufacturers make helmets that fit differently....all heads are not the same shape.

Then buy what fits right. If you're going to go to a shop and try on a helmet, then buy it from that store - don't take the sizing from that shop and then order online - or that shop may not be there for long.

AGVs fit me well, as do Shoeis and one of the Arai lines. But the problem I have with Arai is that their visors aren't any better than Shoeis - and the Arai visor is twice the price.

The cost to manufacture a helmet? You'd be surprised how low it really is.

Buckelew · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:39 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthsideDuc

Arai is definitely feeling the pinch and is now allowing their helmets to be sold on the internet. Is a $500 helmet better necessarily better than a $300 helmet? Or a $150 helmet? Do your research and make your call.

Tony

several magazines have done helmet comparisons....easy to search on their websites.