Arai Rx7 Corsair

I purchased this helmet May 2006 at M&R Cycles Asheville, NC & paid $550 for it. The RX7 replaced my faithful 6yo & well worn Arai Quantum Raptor. I've been wearing Arai for 15 years straight. I've yet to find a helmet that fits my head like Arai does so I see no reason to change.

Pros:
unbelievable comfort (mind you, this is entirely dependant on your head shape, just because it fits me perfect doesn't mean it will fit you perfect)
completely removeable & washable liner (cuts down on the stink factor)
liner bits come in different sizes to custom tailor the fit
vents actually do something (instead of just adding decoration)
anti fog setting for face shield (pops the shield open slightly)
quick change shield system (it's a snap once you get it down)
incredibly fit & finish & graphics (Only Suomy has better graphics & most cars should be painted this good)

Cons:
quick change shield system (can be a pain if you don't know how to use it & you could break the shield if you try to force it)
wind noise (from what I hear, all Arai's are loud, supposed to be caused by the venting, if you want a helmet with good air flow it will be loud or so I'm told, I ride with ear plug so this isn't that big an issue for me)
price (like anything, you get what you pay for)
SNELL rating??? (who knows, maybe Motorcyclist Magazine may be right & SNELL isn't the golden standard anymore)
stupid no internet sales BS (it's made me lose a little faith in the company, must have been rescinded since I find them all over the internet anymore, I know how to buy a helmet & so does anyone willing to spend $600 for one, all we're looking to do is to save some cash)

To be objective, I must reveal that I do not think Arai are the best helmets on the market. If I had to pick a company that is making the best on the market, I would say SUOMY. If they fit me, that's most likely what I would be wearing.

All in all, I am more than happy with this helmet & until a company makes one that fits me as good & is as comfortable, I really don't see any reason to change. I would pay $1000 or more for the best helmet I could find. I only get one head & I can't get a new one, ever. So when it comes to helmets, money truly is no object for me.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

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Paint is flawless

I got an RX-7 Corsair Nicky Hayden Laguna for the venting after trying some friends "vented" helmets. The HJC's I tried cost 4x less but perhaps louder than the Arai. This helmet moves air and you can feel it, as well as hear it. The vision slot is smaller than the others I tried and the vents in the shield further constrain the vertical field of view.

I have read complaints about inabilities of some to reinstall a shield, I don't see the problem unless force replaced finesse. It works great and clicks nicely.

Is the lid worth $500? vice the $100-$200 for a cheaper one... I'd do it again, but your mileage may very.

 

I've used an OGK FF4 for about 9 months and think it is the greatest since sliced bread. Popular in Europe and Japan but you don't hear much about them here.
They are extremely light and the fit can be customized by buying different sizes of interiors. I wear a Large with Extra Large cheek pads and it is perfect.
They sell them in Huntington Beach, California. Here is their website...

http://www.ogk-helmet.com/html/contact.htm

Reviews and comments can be found here...

http://www.ogk-helmet.com/html/index.htm

 

I've never paid $500 or even $450 for a new Arai in my life. You people should really shop Ebay and stop going to Helmet City and the other online stores that tout great prices.

 

When I purchased this helmet, I was on vacation in NC. I looked on Ebay & found the same helmet for about $440 + shipping. The only reason it was that cheap (most RX7's are going for $525-$650 on Ebay) was that it was "Last Year's" model. There is a very simple reason why I DID NOT purchase the Ebay item & save more than $100.

Arai & most other companies WILL NOT honor the warranty unless you purchase the helmet from an authorized dealer. To register my warranty, I needed a sales receipt stamped by the authorized Arai dealer. Odds are, you're not going to get that from most internet retailers.

If you buy a new helmet every year or two, you probably will never need the warranty. I will wear this helmet until Arai starts selling the new SNELL standard (sometime after 2010) or when the they adopt the ECE stadard, whichever comes first. Since I keep my helmet for up to 6 years, I want to make sure in the off chance I need the warranty, I have it.

I like saving some bucks as much as the next guy but when it comes to my helmet, I'm doing everything I can to ensure my investment is secure.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Im looking for a new helmet as i have had the same one now for way too long. I am looking very hard at the Shark helmets as they have the ECE rating. Anybody have any input on this manufacturer as far as Pros and Cons?

 

Just bought a Icon Domain. I like the fit, the comfort, the air flow, the looks, and the antfog qualities. I always use ear plugs but rode without when I first got it just to get a feel for the noise level...not bad at all for all the vents. Seems less noisy than my flip-up KBC that has only half the vents.

I just look so cool in it too!

 

VFR02,
I bought a Shark RSR2. Here is the LINK to my review. I did my research and as far as I could tell Shark helmets are as good as any out there. If you haven't already check out webBikeWorld for helmet reviews.

Action

 

I am totally with KC - you get what you get from Ebay. I usually get better prices with warranties and proper coverage than what Ebay offers - unless you want something used or no longer manafactured Ebay may be a consideration. Others can do as they wish - no disrespect. Online closeouts are generally cheaper than Ebay.

 

Wow! KC...that is TWO of us that have agreed with you today! Must be a record!

(I like that you speak your mind all the time...keep it up!)

 

Don't know about you guys, but I DO buy from authroized dealers of Arai helmets. Any helmet for that matter. I have the print out sales receipt for all my helmets. Arai DOES honor the helmet warranty. It may be last year's model, but the fit's the same. Most stores like Helmet City are still carrying my model on the shelves. I have the Corsair Cobra, which was more expensive list than many new model Arai helmets. I got it for $430 and free shipping.

Pertaining to Shark helmets:

I tried on a Shark RSX and LOVE IT! Feels better than ANY Arai I ever wore, and LIGHT AS HELL!!! It's DOT and Euro safety stamped. Moves more air than my Corsair, and it's not even their top ventilated model! Quieter than Arai and about $200 less if you know where to shop. I agree, check the reviews out on WebBikeWorld. They love them. I have to agree. Softer and more snug fit all round than any Arai I ever owned. They're right. It feels like wearing a bicycle helmet. That's how light it feels! Perfect balance and minimal bobble in turbulance. Let's talk about fatigue when you wear an Arai! No contest here guys. Shark wins. Arai designs are for the most part boring and old. Shark is fresh and bright.

I also own an Akuma GhostRider (made in Texas by am ex Navy pilot - $399). This helmet fits well, and has red LED lights in the rear vents for night riding (looks like the afterburners are on since the paint scheme makes the rear vents into the turbine exhausts!). It also has a light built into the left cheekpad for map reading at night. They are also the ONLY company to be coming out in a couple weeks with a Photochomic shield (changes like photo-sensor glasses). They also will be coming out in July with a TOD (touch on demand) tint shield that works off the existing lithium power suppy. This helmet is ALSO very light even with the battery, circuit board, and lights. Read up on it at WebBikeWorld! The future of visors is HERE! No longer do you have to buy clear and tinted. It's all-in-one. They are also DOT, Snell, and Euro approved.

Yes I have a FEW helmets in my arsenal... lol. I have not even mentioned my flip-ups. I have 3 of those. Tha Caberg Justissimo GT Mirage is my fav, but it's no longer sold in the U.S. They lost their U.S. importer. The Shark is a great helmet and AWESOME paint! Check them out when you can. They are SUPER LIGHT!

My fav? The Akuma. Most comfortable? The Shark. The Akuma is not much heavier than the Shark though, and a very aerodynamic lid! My Arai has been sitting for months. Time for people to stop thinking that more expensive means better. Arai needs to get their heads out of their collective asses. A lot of good companies out there making a better product for less. Shark is definitely going to give them a run for their money. It's the new GP race favorite of champions.

VFR02Rider - Buy the Shark! They have HANDS DOWN the best comfort, best paint, great ventilation, and best shield release mechanism on the market today. Did I mention light as all hell?

Stan

 

Ok, one more blast at Arai -

They replaced the Signet with the Profile. They do not fit the same. I've tried. The Profile is noticeably cheaper with gawdy whistling top vents. Arai keeps changing models. Gone is the popular Astral X and in it's place a much cheaper model (the Vector) that lacks a lot of features, and also does not fit the same, although they say the head shape is the same.

Keep an Arai for 6 years or so? Better hope you can get parts! The ear pods break in about a year or less (cheap friggin plastic tabs that get torqued everytime you open the flimsy bending visor), so if you have custom paint on your Arai you best hope they have them still! They've changed the cheekpad design a few times already as well.

Also, Arai only has two models (maybe 3?) that currently have removeable liners. Pay $500-$700 for just that? Sheesh, for that money their whole lineup should have removeable liners, but they don't.

I tend to keep my helmets a few years tops. Then I get bored and get another one. I just hate throwing the old ones out though! I need to build a shelve for them all.

VFR02Rider - I forgot to mention to you that the top two Shark helmets tout a very stiff 3mm thick F1 version visor... very smart. Thick, yet optically perfect. They also both accept racing visor tear-offs.

Stan

 

Hey Stan,

You seem to be missing the point entirely. It's great you think Arai sucks. I'm proud of you & will alert the media at the earliest oppurtunity.

Problem is, with helmets, it doesn't matter if it's a $20 auto parts store special or a $700 Shark. All that matters is if the helmet fits you best. I could undoubtably find a helmet that is adequate for probably $150 but the Arai RX7 is the single one out of dozens I've tried that fit me best. That's why I wear it. Not because I like Arai, because it's product fits me best.

Unless Arai has change standard company policy, they do not honor the warranty from internet vendors UNLESS those vendors are "authorized" Arai dealers. Most manufacturers are the same. If you buy it out of the trunk of a car, don't count on your warranty being valid.

I have an Arai that is 9 years old. I've had it for 8. The side panels have never broken & it has the original faceshield. If you don't believe me, I take photos & you can see if you can find it on the Arai archive. They stopped making the Quantum Raptor in 1999.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

I agree, fit is the most important thing. I am sorry that you have to spend that much for a lid that fits. Never paid anywhere near list for any helmet, so your $700 Shark is a grossly unrealistic. Have you even tried on a Shark? You don't say if it was one of the 'dozens' you've tried on.

Arai build quality has gone down over the years. Your 9 year old Raptor is probably way better put together than the new Arai models out there. I am also glad that you never broke a pod, and that you still have the original shield. I hope you can get parts such as cheekpads and liners still? I've had a few Arai helmets in the past few years and the pods ALL broke on them. Most times it was the left pod, but not always. Not to mention the flimsy eye port visor vents that pop out or break off. Luckily I bought solid colors, as the shield pods are basically generic. Yes, you can get the eye port vents for the shields, but it's a bitch to order them and you wait forever to get them.. this I KNOW.

The online vendors I buy from ARE authorized dealers for Arai, Shoei, Shark, Akuma, etc... so your worries about me not having warranty are unfounded. I do not buy helmets from car trunks. For you to think as much is ludicrous.

Btw, my 'last blast' at Arai was for information's sake. The new models DO NOT fit like the ones that they replaced. Arai has too many extraneous parts to break off and need replacing. They should simplify and get rid of the pods, which only add noise to a helmet. Comfort is not only fit but noise level.

I have never tried on a Suomy, but they do have nice graphics.

I never said Arai sucks... but they damn sure could be better for the money.

 

Wabbit--You are a man after my own heart! I may not have that many helmets but I am the same way with many things...like guitars! There is always a reason to have the right tool for the right job!

Cool to hear about the new things coming in helmets!

 

NungBoy -

Check out WebBikeWorld.com if you want to know about the Akuma helmets/visors. They have not even come out publicly with the TOD face shield, but I know reps that were invited to the previews. The TOD is due out in July.

I imagine a lot of companies will be buying the TOD and the Photochromic shields for their helmets in the near future. The company that makes them is an engineering firm owned by the same ex-pilot that makes the helmets. But he has already lent out his technology to other helmet manufacturers. The rear LED lights, circuit boards, and front reading lamp are already offered on another couple makes of helmets

The lights do not involve removal of the battery. There is a jack hidden in the rear of the neck roll that you simply plug your helmet into for two hours. LEDs don't use much power, so the charge lasts for weeks.

 

After doing some research, I would have to say, like them or not, Arai must be doing something right.

More than 50% of WSB riders use Arai.
Quite a few Indy, Cart, F1 & NASCAR drivers use Arai.
Arai has received the JD Power & Associates award 9 years in a row. In fact, they are the only company to ever win this award.
They are the only company to offer 4 different head forms.
They have the best warranty in the helmet business.

Having just typed that, I must admit, I am definitely going to check out the Akuma helmet. There are 2 dealers listed on their website as authorized retailer not too far from me. I am willing to look at any new product that comes along & I research the crap out of 90% of the stuff I buy. The product seems top notch on the website so an up-close look is definitely in order. I would also look for no other reason than it has a USAF theme.
http://www.akumahelmets.com/product_helmet_Stealth-matte.html

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Kc-10

If you like the Akuma Ghost Rider, they also have a Stealth model. The helmet shape is a bit different than the Ghost, so if you get a chance to try on the two models I would say they are going to fit a bit differently. The review of the Stealth on WebBikeWorld has a few comments about it being a loud helmet. Not so for the Ghost, at least not yet. I got my Ghost today, but was not home for the delivery I have to wait till tomorrow to get it from the apartment office. I ordered it from an authorized Ebay dealership and also for the time being I got the dark smoke visor as well, until the Photochromic comes out in a few weeks.

By the way, Akuma only let's authroized dealers carry their helmets. The do not allow dealers to discount them. They range from $399 to $419. There was not a dealership close to me so I bought online from one of the authorized shops. They also said that if I didn't like the fit, that they would accept it back and issue a credit. I would only have to pay shipping. If it is not the right size ( I wear large in almost everything I ever tried on) they will exchange it and pay return shipping.

The Werewolf model is the same shell as the Ghost. It's a damn nice paint scheme too!

 

I went to one of the dealers listed on Akuma's website today. The parts guy has never heard of them & they don't have a single one in stock. I don't know if that's sad or stupid.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

Love what Arai does... but none of their models fit my noggin. I have an HJC right now, which is hardly a perfect fit (first helmet) now that I've tried others... I'm a Shoei head. Which... sucks for me because I dread their graphic designs (for 2007 and 2008 at least). If I can save up I'll just get a unicolour Shoei later this year, so I don't feel like throwing my helmet to the ground after 4 hours of riding.