Arai Chaser, Disappointed

I had a Quantum, which I never really rated, it soon got tatty so it was back to an RX7GP.

Yesterday I noticed the chin strap is looking frayed from the velcro on my jacket. Will get it checked, but its superficial.

 

I wear a flip front for blood biking duties.

I know everyones head is different, I tried every flip front available over a period of probably 3 months and ended up with a Shoei Neotec. It isn't as quiet or warm as the Arai.

I bought a U Clear BT headset from Snells, very impressed.

 

I might get a Ducati Corse helmet next time and use the Neotec for tutoring as well as blood biking.

 

Several friends and my wife are very pleased with the Schuberths, both full face and flip. I didn't think the fit was as good as the Arai.

 

Just gone from a schuberth sr1 to a shark race r pro (1/2 price in helmet city)

Prefer the shark - draft free ! Although Schuberth better made

 

The guys at Helmet City (West Bay) were extremely patient and helpful with my wife. I have bought several helmets from them for that reason alone. Its also a nice place to ride.

 

Interestingly my mate crashed in his Schuberth flip front lid a few weeks ago, not a small off by any means (broken neck and 4 vertebrae) but the Schberth chin bar totally collapsed on his face, when he came round the bar was crushing his nose to such an extent that he took his own helmet off whilst lying in the road.
He has vowed not to ride in a flip front ever again.

 

I had separate discussions with two cops, both said that the flip fronts were just as safe, but how can they, the inherent mechanical strength and integrity has to be compromised.

 

are they even allowed on tracks ?

Char, how long have you had the Shark ?

 

First ride yesterday with it ! I wouldn't have paid over £500 for it but @£250 it was a bargain! Like the new bells but couldn't afford or find anyone local with stock

Don't like internal visors or flip ups - just something else to faff about with !


Helmet city at west bay don't carry all the sale stock but you get to try a good selection then buy online with free next day delivery in last years colours !

 

I've thought for years that Arai were trading on past reputation. They're noisier than most other lids, and the ridiculous visor change system is reason alone to try something else. Shoei and Schubert are vastly better.

Yes, fit is everything, but the notion of having "an Arai shaped head", which people often claim, is false. Arai lids come in either of two shapes, the 'slim' or long oval (more room for the forehead) and the 'round' oval (broader across the face). Arai call these respectively the L-type shell (e.g. RX7, Viper) and the G-type shell (e.g. Quantum, Chaser). So there's simply no such thing as a single Arai shape.

 

Try Xlite - I've been more than happy with my two over the last 5 years.

 

Whilst the Arai has a more complex visor fitting system, its not caused me a problem in the twelve years I have been wearing them. I only take them off to change between clear and dark. I found the Arai had a larger aperture (view) and was quieter than the Shoei

I have had my helmets serviced/cleaned by the Arai race team for a small donation at numerous events including the TT.

I was very keen on an AGV (Rossi) but it didn't fit, neither did the BMW, Shark, Schuberth, before i bought the Arai Quantum,

What I accept is that the Shoei positioning system is preferable.

Until manufacturers allow you to try before you buy I will no doubt continue to buy Arai as spending only a £100 and not liking it is a costly mistake.