I was always a tad reluctant to change my (Arai) visor on a euro trackday(s). I once ballsed it up at Brno and had to gaffer tape one of the pods on. The visor was locked shut ok but I couldn't open it. If scrutineering had noticed I'd have had to buy a new lid.
Visors are so simple to change. Lift them half way open. Lift the pegs either side that are now revealed. Lift and pull the visor to the top ----its now off. Reverse is leave the pivot where it is and slide the new one back in at the wide open position, press and push the visor down and its back on.
I’ve always used top of the range Arai or shoei, had numerous bangs on the head and still around at the moment ! What’s your life worth, there’s always a good deal on the helmets with maybe last seasons colours.
I’ve been wearing Arai for over 30 years now and firmly believe I owe my life to them. I have tried other brands but my melon is best suited to an Arai. I believe there is the “perfect fit” for every head and you should invest in the best helmet you can afford from whichever manufacturer produces your perfect fit, above all else. Yes, my newest RX7 creates a lot of wind noise, just like all the previous, I wear earplugs if I’m riding any distance, it’s not that bigger deal. Yes, there are some hideous sideplate/visor attachment methods but I’ve never damaged one when servicing it. I learnt a long time ago to check YouTube for an explanatory video before I damage anything. My newest RX7V has massive peripheral vision and IMHO the friendliest visor system Arai has had yet. And with Arai you get the opportunity to buy a TT tribute helmet nearly every year!
Used to wear Shoei in the upper price range, never liked the fit. I have had an older but top line RX-7 Corsair for some years now, wouldn't wear anything else. I also don't understand the negativity around the visor mounting system. While I don't change it that often, (I have another Arai with a clear visor in the unlikely event of night riding) it has never been an issue for me if you take your time and add some finesse.
I have used Arai for almost 30 years. Sadly my latest model was of poor quality. The chin dam pulled out almost my first time using it. The chin vent spontaneously fell off while riding to work a few years later, and the seal around the visor never really sealed very well and always had a little wind whistle when riding. The fit was still wonderful, but I find their quality and their pricing are moving in opposite directions from one another. I'm trying out AGV K5 now. It's a beautiful helmet. It just feels a smidge tight front to back, and after an hour or so I get a headache. I hope it breaks in soon...
The chin vent broke on the arai before the previous one. Arai replaced it free of charge and gave me a loaner lid for the couple of weeks it was with them. It was 3yrs old.
