Why Buy Arai Helmets? | Sportbiketrackgear.com

Why Buy Arai Helmets?

When I think "high-end helmets", the brands that come to mind are Arai, AGV, Bell, Shark and Shoei. Comparing these brands over the last few years, all of the brands mentioned have released new, ground-up designs except one: Arai. For me it looked like Arai was being passed by their competition because they had not followed everyone else and released their own "all-new" design. Why hasn't the motorcycle helmet industry leader that introduced their first Arai RX-7 Helmet in 1977 delivered a new shell shape like everyone else has?

In this video we show all the RX-7 / Corsair Helmets that have been imported into the US, anyone can see how similar they look to one another. At a glance it looks like a lack of progress from Arai. The reality is this represents their commitment to building what they feel is the best motorcycle helmet in the world. For Arai Helmets, the Shell Shape is the foundation of everything they do. Arai Helmets all use their Round R75 Design built in the organic shape of the human head working to maintain a relatively uniform thickness at all points.

Over the years Arai has constantly refined their design to improve rider safety and comfort while staying true to their core principles. They have collected a ton of data since the first RX-7RR3 came to the US in 1996 which has been used to make advances in both rider safety and performance. Radically changing the shape would make much of the data they have irrelevant. Making a helmet that performs in a real world motorcycle crash takes more than just passing a helmet certification test.

Arai is Family Owned and Operated, with no board of directors to answer to. Each Arai Helmet is hand built in their own factories in Japan by people who take great pride in producing what they believe is the best motorcycle helmet in the world. These facts allow Arai to stay true to their core philosophy without interference from outside investors focused more on corporate profit than the products they produce.

Passing a certification is a great place to start when you aim to make a safe helmet that performs well for the rider. Having 22 years of Relevant "Real World" Data to help achieve that goal is something only Arai can do. This my friend is the Arai Difference.

Is Arai the Best Motorcycle Helmet in the world? I believe there are a lot of great helmets available today and Arai is one of them. With that said I also feel their uncompromising pursuit of perfection sets them apart from their competition. With Arai you get more than just a helmet, you are getting everything they have learned in their 50+ years spent leading the high-end helmet industry.

- Brian Van Owner STG

[dbdan]

"You need to dress for the party, just in case you get invited." - STGVan 😂 love it.

[ThemadViking]

I had a massive crash in 2015, landing head first on the road at 120 kph and I had absolutely no injuries, memory loss or anything like that. I'll stick to Arai as long as I ride.

[lorjl]

My Arai undoubtedly saved my life when I ended up on the losing end of a Honda Pilot and high-sided. No concussion, no headache, no head injuries whatsoever. I was also wearing Motoport gear. All told, I walked away with a couple of small bruises on my back and a really stiff neck. Buy the best gear you can afford. It's worth it!

[TypeSly]

When my friend and I first got our bike license, we went shopping for helmets. I saw all the beautiful looking HJC's for $300 (CAD) which I ended buying, and my friend chose to buy an Arai. He paid $1100 for a plain grey one, and I thought he was so stupid to buy that helmet just because of the name! He was kind of like that with everything.
One day, I borrowed one of his bikes and I didn't have my helmet, so he lent me his Arai. OMG, that's when I understood! It was so much lighter, and more comfortable than my HJC, which would make my neck sore and the inner pads were hard like rocks. Not only that, but when I took it on the freeway, I couldn't believe there was zero helmet lift! My HJC would always felt like it was going to fly off my head, if it wasn't for the chin straps. The shield would also stay in place no matter where I positioned it! I could never crack the shield open at any speeds on my HJC without it flying open. The day after, I listed my HJC for sale, and ordered an Arai.


Thank God, I made that decision. Because on my first get off, I hit the side of my head on the concrete so hard, that I bounced all the way back onto my feet. My side pod was smashed to pieces, and my visor was flapping around, but I walked away without even having a headache. Thank you Arai, and I am a customer for life. Nothing but Arai for me again, ever.

[Bosephjones]

It says something about a company that puts its foot down and says "we dont want to go public, because we dont want people telling us to cut corners to save some money here and there." Safety is at the forefront and is the focal point. Its not about going fast, being pretty, and being the flashiest lid out there. I was torn between an RF1200 and a QuantumX.... I popped the QX on and Didn't look back. All I had to do was tune the cheek pads a touch and it was good to go... Wanting to pick up a CorsairX for track use next. Thank you Arai.

[AL-dkkj]

Totally agree. I bought my first Arai after I saw Shinya Nakano have a rear tyre blow out at the end of the straight at Mugello in 2004. According to the data he was doing 196mph and his head hit the tarmac multiple times. Yet he was still able to walk and talk afterwards (albeit in Japanese). I don’t have a $100 brain so I don’t wear a $100 helmet

[DoomFinger]

"You need to dress for the party, just in case you get invited" Love that line!

I was torn between an Arai and a Shoei. Damn the Arai was the most comfortable helmet I ever wore. I ended up getting the Shoei rf-1200 because I liked the look a little better then the Arai Quantum-X. Also the Shoei had the option to get a full face shield that was photochromatic, while Arai only offered a photochromatic pinlock insert. Only needing one shield to use during night and day is awesome.

[brianantnssn]

Will never buy anything other than Arai. My dad had a motorcycle shop for 25+ years, and saw plenty of crashed skidlids. It was the only reservation he made when I told him I wanted to start riding. I didn't flinch paying for my helmet, I only have one head, I'd like to keep it for a while.

The fact you have the possibility to put any lid on your son's head and you choose Arai, speaks volume.

[arnabchowdhury]

Here in India, most riders don't prefer Arai for the high price they're available at. But those who do actually live by it. I had this huge confusion when I was looking for a new helmet. Was torn between AGV and Arai. And the the Arai fit me correctly. Got the 2014 Nicky Hayden Sepang Circuit Corsair-V helmet. And till now, I simply love the helmet. It fits me just perfect. So comfortable that I've worn it for 7 hours at a stretch.
And never ever will wear anything else !!

[kartlight]

You got me, man. My next helmet will be Arai Again.

[charliethechaplin]

I rode with my first arai for 4 years and it was great.


Put on a brand new one recently and it was like sitting in a $100, 000 car. As in, I actively did not want to take the helmet off because it just massaged every surface of my face so luxuriously. I can appreciate sticking with a technology that works.


I'll always wear Arai (I only ride on the street)

[thesunchaser.]

Arai is hand build, there is a documentary about this family owned business here on YouTube, and it shows why the price is that high, it’s not machine made! And lots of hours work in it!!! IMO nr 1 helmet!!

[TheRealChuckT]

When I first started riding, I had a cheap AGV K3....then another AGV model (one step up from the K3) and then a Shoei RF1200...and finally moved to an Arai, it makes a world of difference! The quality is unmatched! Now I own a Signet Q, Corsair V and last week finally updated to a Corsair X! Not putting anything else on my head!

[phenominalblak]

JUST bought a Corsair X this morning! Partially based on this very video! I really enjoy your content, and I use your review videos when considering what piece of gear I want to buy. I truly appreciate the way you give honest reviews and the fact that you refuse to sell your customers subpar products just to make a profit speaks VOLUMES on your integrity as a businessman and as a human being as well. Keep up the great work. I will always look to your channel for reviews and I certainly have plans to purchase from your business as well.

[aaronschereck]

I had a massive off on my YZ450. Highsided on the landing of big Tabletop. Face first into the ground, followed by my bike. Arai helmet and Leatte neck brace saved my life. I broke 9 ribs, collapsed my lungs, had serious bruising around my neck and upper back from the neck brace absorbing the load from the helmet but no head trauma at all. I’m still racing and have just got back into track bikes - won’t put another brand of helmet on my head.

[RiskIt]

Your passion sure shows Sir. I’m 51 been on bikes my whole life.. mostly a Shoei user. Bought my fist Arai last year... I think it’s the best helmet I’ve ever worn! Thanks for the hard work👍🏻

[peggle]

I had a RX-Q that saved my life in a low side accident when I hit some oil on the street. I was so happy I pushed for the Arai brand when I got my bike. I will never wear anything else on my head. Now I am the manager of a motorcycle gear shop and I must say Brian hit the nail on the head. They go way above and beyond what is required and compromise nothing for your safety. Customers let me know how much they love their Arai. Sometimes I get a customer that lets me know how well it preformed when they went down and we talk about how great the helmets are as they purchase their next Arai. Dress for the slide, protect your head.

[gixxerkelly]

I had an Arai RX7 back about 2007. I was riding home from work going about 45mph a woman ran a stop sign and pulled out in front of me. I went flying over the hood of her car. The ambulance came and took me to the ER in Houston. No concussion. The ER Dr. Told me he has never had anyone come out of the type of crash I went through as good as I did. He was studying my helmet big time. He asked me about it. I told him I spent $700 on the helmet. He said i got my money's worth. He couldn't believe i didn't have a concussion. He was also a motorcycle
rider. It was sad to throw away the helmet but it had done its job. My Triumph was totaled. I just bought another Arai with my new Bike.

[evolv.e]

Have been riding 26 years. Carved canyons from Japan to Angeles Crest and my favorite helmet for comfort and quality is Arai. I currently ride in a Signet Q and absolutely love it’s shield, ventilation, interior fit, durability, and its reputation for safety without compromise. I’ve owned Shoei, Bell, and HJC, and there’s nothing I trust more on my head than Arai.

[Fischize]

Yo, Brian! Helmets, helmets, helmets! I was taking a Sports Bike Riders Course in 2009. During a portion of the training, where they teach students how to get past the fear of leaning, and to get your head down past your mirror, I took my first spill with direct head-to-concrete impact. I was at 40-45 mph on a serious left leaning angle, when the back tire slid out. From the impact, the left side of the visor to the center-left side of the helmet, as well as the left shoulder pad on my jacket were severely gouged. I’ve never had an issue riding with a helmet, but after that experience, I won’t ride around the block to warm the chain without one on.