John you are the Arai of reviewers, Nr 1. Your videos are always the most interesting and the most informative. We've already changed numerous items within our collection based solely on your views and bike social, etc. We wouldn't take the opinions of many people very seriously, but if you say buy it, it's instantly purchased. Keep up the fantastic work, you're amazing. We look forward to your next video. All the best
Ive always been of the opinion that the one that fits YOU the best is the safest, for instance, if you have a choice of 6 of the highest rated lids in front of you, the safest of those 6 is the one that fits you the best. Ive had hjc, agv and arai and arai are definitely whats best for me. Loving these videos 🤙🤙
Been using Arai for years now. I've had bunch of other helmets before and none of them felt as good as my Arai. Also looking through some more in-depth reviews, factory tours etc. It's definitely the helmet of choice when safety is your number one concern.
I know it's over a year since the vid was posted but I've just bought a Quantic (in grey!) based partly on your excellent review. I couldn't be happier with it - easily the best helmet I've owned. I've had lids from other brands that were nearly as expensive and weren't half as good. Thanks so much for your work. PS. I love the colour!!
Really ? What are the helmets strong points? Do you tour? How is it with wind air above 130kmph? Arais are generally comfy so is it still the case? Ventilation? I'm asking because I'm stuck between AGV K6, NXR2, and ARAI which I already have a very old one, that still holds up nicely.
Hi john been a aria fan for 30years of riding had most models my rx7v had it for 6 year so time for another one your review was spot so went and got a Quantic had it 2 weeks now done 500 mile with it and yes its the best aria to date in my view same colour as the one in your review thanks for for in depth review Andy.
Absolutely loving mine..its most certainly a cut above everything. I have an Axces 2,QV and a REBEL...the Quantic is so comfortable,surprisingly light and quality is 2nd to none
Most product reviews are done on the website as they can be updated over time. You can check them out here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets Cheers, John
I need a new helmet in the next 18 months. I’m currently in two minds, Arai Quantic or AGV Sportmodular. I’ve had Arai’s in the past and they are awesome. I think you have made my choice for me as the venting is really important. Another great video. Thanks very much.
Two very different helmets, though I have also reviewed the Sportmodular... www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/agv-sport-modular-flip-front-helmet-review Cheers, John
As a kid, I started racing karts and I was a huge fan of Nigel Man5ell. From these days on, I knew that I want an Arai helmet one day. Unfortunately they used to be almost unaffordable in these days. (Mid 80s) When I decided to start riding and racing motorcycles, the first thing I did was to buy an Arai. After a huge crash and the fact, that my Arai literally is the reason I'm still alive I never bought another brand again. At the moment I own nine Arai helmets and will continue with Arai as long as I'm gonna ride.
I just picked one up today from Sports Bike Shop Leeds, £395, just the one colour, Frosted Black, XL. Delighted with it so far, about to do 2000 miles in Scotland this week, so should get a good feel for it.
Another brilliant review. Just ordered mine. Always found Arai much more comfortable than Shoei that always give me a headache despite using a thinner lining. Looking forward to your long term review of the new KTM Adventure, hopefully...
Fantastic video, thank you so much for putting this together. My own helmet journey started with an £80 lid before I moved to the infamous Caberg Duke that sits at £160 before now denting switching up to an HJC worth about £300... Every time I've noticed and enjoyed better features, sound proofing and comfort. Will I make another step up? I don't think so but only time will tell.
OK, I am an Arai fan, why, because they just fit me. Mostly I ride touring bikes with screens, however, I recently replaced my BMW 1300GT with Honda NC750X. Despite fitting the larger screen the noise to me is unacceptable so I am keen to test this Quantic. Based upon this review I am off to the shops, thanks for a detailed evaluation.
The bike will almost always be the biggest cause of wind noise, but this definitely seems better than many others to me. You do still need earplugs of course. Cheers, John
Thanks for your constructive video on this helmet, I own a Arai QV Pro and it looks like my Sena 10U intercom for the Arai full face won't be wasted technology, nor will the arai pro shade visor. Many thanks again from Australia.
Yes - getting the right fit is vital and we're all different. Though I'm surprised about Shark - they tend to have two distinct shapes, and only around half the range fits me comfortably. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial that makes sense though tbf if it doesn't fit your Arai shaped cranium and it fits my basketball sized noggin proves the point perfectly 👍
First helmet, Arai Quantum F. Great lid toured in it and even did a couple of seasons sidecar racing ! Great products looking forward to trying this new one.
A great review. I remember, back in the early 90’s, when I was buying my first helmet. My house mate at the time and also an ex Australian Superbike champion came shopping with me. He at that time was wearing an Arai (and still does today). I was looking at the cheaper end of the spectrum and argued that they also pass the same standards. His reply was simple. So does a small Hyundai however wouldn’t you feel safer in a crash driving a Mercedes? My answer was obviously yes. So for me the Shoei’s fit better than the Arai’s and I’ve worn them ever since. However with that being said I’ve recently purchased another lid being a HJC rpha 11 and love it! 👍😎🇦🇺
I think it's great that we have more stringent tests coming as it should mean we can focus more on fit and less on assuming the performance capabilities of each brand. Still, some will still definitely be better than others, as your MotoCAP is showing with riding kit! Cheers, John www.motocap.com.au/
Having previously owned various helmet brands over the years, once I'd tried an Arai, it's the only brand I will now buy. I will say though, that the stand-out quality of the plush interiors of older Arai models has now sadly gone however.
Though I was against the wearing of helmets becoming mandatory basically on an individual's rights to make their own decisions I would never roll back to that as it would be stupid. (My biggest complaint was with those drivers that felt it was their right to force motorcyclists to wear helmets, but the same should not apply to them regarding seat belts.) Though I am never likely to buy an Arai I found this interesting and why they go the way they do. Using a soft shell or a harder shell has been an ongoing debate for years. Whether you spread the impact load or absorb the load and how it reacts to different objects it impacts. I also note that rotational forces are also being considered to a greater degree now. However trying to limit the rotational force of the brain inside the skull or vice versa is always going to be difficult.
Good review! In terms of what might be the most protective helmet, will you guys ever do a review on 6D helmets with the newer technology they've been implementing?
@@bennettsbikesocial oh wow, that would be incredible. I've been torn between 6D and Arai and it would help out immensely because they're such a small company lacking reviews (but their ODS concussion tech sounds like something that could become groundbreaking, even in the military) and I find the reviews here to be very compelling/honest. Thank you!
@@Bingomandingo Cheers! Will still wait until they have ECE22:06 though as there's no way for us to judge the performance otherwise. All the best, John
I ordered one immediately (way back when it was announced in January) for my wife. I’ll be reasonably well protected with my Bell Race Star for a few more years.
Dear John, Thank you for a great review. I love watching your broadcasts. I am so proud of you, finally someone touching the issue of visor opener knob on the left side only, we have the same opinion on the matter. A daily use helmet visor opener knob can not be open only on the left side. I would expect companies like Arai and Shoei to admit and design their helmet visors opener knob more user friendly. Recently purchased the Hjc rpha 11 after using my Shoei Nxr for more than two years, one of the reason I replaced the Shoei was that Hjc visor opener knob is in the middle. Again thanks for your great work Sincerely Ami
I had that same bike in the early nineties. Currently wear an Arai Signet model which i love, but will admit is is a bit noisy. Could see me liking this one too.
I generally at lights are in neutral and have my right hand on the brake! In case of a rear bump so I would still use my left hand 🤷🏻 Best helmets ever alongside Shoei…
It's a great design (especially in the HA graphics), but if you want the best ventilation performance the Quantic beats it. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-arai-rapide-ha-motorcycle-helmet-review
Thanks! I'll have a better breakdown of it after a few months when the review goes up on BikeSocial.co.uk, but for now I'd say that for the road at least, the Quantic's ventilation and noise levels are better than the RX-7V. www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-arai-rx7v-motorcycle-helmet-review Cheers, John
I bought one one month ago and did 2000km since. I had a NXR and was hesitating between NXR2 and Quantic... I should have picked a NXR2. I've taken the proshade visor, I find it totally crap. It's very difficult to lock, the brow vents are almost impossible to move with the gloves and often just open with the wind. The visor is not stiff enough, if I let it slightly open and ride at 100km/h it starts moving from side to side because of the wind turbulence. I'm riding the same motorbike (KTM 1290 SAS) I was riding with my NXR and didn't have this problem. I find amazing we have to lubricate the visor pivot mechanism. I've been riding under heavy rain for about an hour and after that the visor became more difficult to open. Comparison with NXR : I've ridden about 50000km with it and never had to do what ever to the mechanism. Another thing, the logo vent, even if in closed position is never really closed, you always feel air coming in. For the moment it's ok because the weather is warm, but when it will get cold it will get annoying. As you have understood, I'm really disappointed by this helmet, after all I feel it's not worth the money. I'm thinking of selling it to buy a NXR2 with a chromatic visor as I had before. It's a shame because it's comfortable but the gap is not that big with a Shoei from my point of view. As others have said, I have the feeling Arai are stuck on some old technological solutions. There are unacceptable drawbacks at this price range.
Totally agree on the visor lock mechanism I have a Provile V and a couple of Shoeis The Arai has the same lock mechanism and frankly, it's shit. Even with your left hand it's extremely frustrating to work - you claw and pull and scrabble at it and...bang, all of a sudden it comes undone and your head lurches to the side and....and it's got to the point where I go to use the Arai, remember the crap visor and use a Shoei instead. I doubt I'll buy another Arai.
With the right hand I find it really annoying, but honestly, on the left it's not a problem for me. I've got a Profile V here now and it seems a little stiffer, but thats just because it's filthy and due a clean / lube. Sounds weird, but it comes down to technique - you need to swipe your thumb up and over the black tab to release the visor, then it goes up easily. If you miss the tab and get your thumb on the visor itself, that's when it does that bang open. The thing is, we're going to see locks on a lot more helmets soon, and each will have its own technique. Using lots of different lids all the time, I do get frustrated sometimes with Arai's mechanism, but then it just becomes second nature again and is fine (unless I'm using my right hand!). Cheers, John
@@BN1960 I know what you mean, but Arai knows that a lot of people get frustrated with it so have been trying to explain it more. Equally though, they must be frustrated that once you know how to use it (it's in the manual, but who reads that?!) it's actually very effective (with the left hand). Cheers, John
That visor lock 😂 my Chaser X can be a nightmare in winter gloves. I do love all other aspects of the visor though, including the way you remove and pop it back on
I've got a chaser and love the helmet but that visor 😬😬😬 I've actually slightly filed down the slight edge with a nail file that goes into the hole on the visor, literally just the edge off it and it's night and day now, lifts easily and still wouldn't lift at speed , I'm guessing once they wear anyway they get easier, but it was driving me up the wall at lights etc
Hi Jason, I totally agree with you (just recently commented on this topic, above) I think it’s a terrible feature! It’s reluctantly making me want to buy elsewhere for my next helmet. What was wrong with the old design? Do you know?
Sadly they’re always tight on me, so Shoei or Schuberth are my preference, it’s not just safety it’s all about head shape too. Internal sun visor is essential too if you wear glasses.
Thanks! I have a Cardo intercom fitted at the moment, with the small wired mic tucking in no problem. The speakers go in the cheek pads (there are circles of foam you can remove / tuck out of the way). Cheers, John
My first lid was an Arai because it fitted me the best, and all subsequent helmets have been too. The one I have now is the Tour X-4 (excl. the peak, which gets noisy at speeds) and I really love the space in front of the mouth. As much as I like the new safety features, it will be hard going back to a round helmet, tight around the chin. Any thoughts on that?
I know what you mean, though this doesn't feel tight there (a direct chin impact is part of 22.06 testing too). It's not as roomy as a Tour-X... best bet would be to try one on. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/arai-tour-x-4-adventure-motorcycle-helmet-review
You made the same statement as i once made.. if you want a cheap helmet.. DO NOT try on an Arai.. You most definitely are going to spend more than you intended.. but you will cherish that purchase for years!
Arai Chaser has not good rating on Sharp site. Side impacts are red. What do you think about it? Chinese LAZER LZ6 plastic helmet has 5 stars... Can we trust Sharp?
Based on the testing standards, I'd have to say the Quantic. You can read the full review here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/arai-quantic
Great review , nothing fits and feels like an Arai helmet. Expensive but well worth the extra cash . You still got the S1000xr because you havn't mentioned it for a while ?
@@bennettsbikesocial Glad to hear you still got the XR, great bike but always keep it in warranty for gods sake no matter how much it costs .I had a love hate relationship with mine. Loved the look and ride but the reliability was shocking .
@@bennettsbikesocial In two years of ownership it was at the dealers for eight months. Total top end rebuild after getting very noisy , coolant leaks and a new water pump ,both front callipers had to be changed . Loads of times it just switched itself off or wouldn't start.Too many things to remember really , luckily all the work was done while it was in warranty (£5,750).I cancelled the sale in the end and got my money back because of the amount of issues i had (not fit for purpose) and after a Motorrad dealer mechanic said to always make sure it is kept in warranty.They never left me without a bike but it wasn't my bike if you know what I mean .
@@DavidMartin-ru5zt That sounds an awful situation. Without wishing to sound like I'm defending BMW (or tempting fate with mine), sadly it can happen with any brand, and there are a lot of these out there, so it's no guarantee they'll all go. A mate has a very early one that's out of warranty, which he uses pretty much every day and loves it. Hope you're having more luck with your current bike! Cheers, John
Well, owned this now for 6 months, great looking helmet, have it in the new Poduim Flag version. but...... I just get so much wind in my eyes! makes the whole experience with the helmet a pain. There is even no extra chin/wind guard for this as the built in in not removable. I have tried different visors, adjusted hundreds of times... Gonna give up and try the NXR2...
Hi, I love your videos! Does the Quantic comes with a shaded visor in addition to a clear one? I don't know what to choose between the Arai Quantic or Schuberth S3... I had a Schuberth S1 and liked a lot the low sound level and the integrated dark visor. What would you recommend between the two? Thanks :)
No, the Arai doesn't come with a dark visor I'm afraid. It'll come down to fit - I didn't get on with the Schuberths until the C5, which was more comfortable. The S series I tried on didn't fit well at all.
Any thoughts on fit. I have been using a Profile-V Medium (which fits great) and I struggled with the Quantic. The medium was too large and the small was too small. Any thoughts on different shape or options?
I dont like that rear spoiler at the back of that helmet as it needs to be smooth all round to allow all rotational forces flow if you have a crash and not snag on that spoiler.
Hi, i wear an HJC RPHA 70, i love the fit on this helmet, however iam looking for this new arai for a safety upgrade. How does the Arai fit compares to HJC? because i've never found an helmet that fits me better than HJC ( i tried Shark also ) Thanks in advance for the answer, great quality video as usual ; )
Hi there... Personally, I find HJCs can sometimes be a little tight on my cheeks, but other than that they're no problem for me, so you might find an Arai comfortable. You would have to try it on though. Cheers, John
Main thing is that the ventilation is improved over the Profile-V. If you have one, I wouldn't say you need to immediately replace it - that's still a very good helmet too (at least on my head), but the new forehead vent makes a real difference. Cheers, John
Like my aria but fitted my intercom but didn't fit well the speakers where rubbing on my ears and the mic is to close to me and when I put my lid on my nose caught the mic but does fit well without
I’ve always had Arai’s, ever since I started riding 15 years ago - love(d) them. The new latch feature is becoming a deal breaker for me. I cannot get used to it at all. In my opinion, it’s a very poor design for such a crucial feature. I’ve heard story’s of guys nearly crashing in the rain due to their visor steaming up and not being able to open it fast enough to see the road. I think it’s dangerous. If you forget to crack your visor when coming to a set of traffic lights, it’s game over until you stop and are in neutral, then you have the faff of trying to get it open - many times I have screamed with frustration making me want to go out and reluctantly wanting to buy another helmet. John, a question to you; what was wrong with the old design? Was it changed for race purposes due to visors opening at high speeds or something? I’ve never raced, so I assumed the design change was in aid of racing applications that was carried over in their helmet design?
The system has evolved as the placement has changed, and addressing the possibility of the side pods breaking. I know what you mean, and it can be frustrating, but it askari is something I think you get used to. Cheers, John
Hello, non native English speaker here, just trying to understand what you are saying about the ventilation. You mention that with all the vents shut it is really uncomfortable (?) at 10C but not stuffy, yet it's supposed to do well even below 10C? How will it be able to do well below 10C if you're already uncomfortable 🤔 I must be missing something, cheers!
It looks 'Noisy' ? Brackets and lumps all over it. Just a single tab on the centre of the visor works best. Shoot out would be nice.... Cheers for the info.
Not really seeing brackets and lumps in relation to others. Here are our helmet reviews: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets Cheers, John
One thing about Arai helmets especially the touring full face helmets are that they have bad decal designs ..their racing series like corsair or rx7 have good decals but their touring range designs imo sucks..if you guys could give a feedback to Arai to make better sporty decals on Arai and colors like the way we see in AGV that will be unstoppable for Arai in competition
Graphics are such personal things - I don't like them too garish or in your face. But then again, I usually go for plain colours and tend to like plain white with a few black details best. Cheers, John
@@kingofkings0101 I'm a big fan of beautiful designs.. But I buy the white lids, because they are much much cheaper and the other benefit is that people think you are law enforcement and they think for a bit. Anecdotally, friends with white helmets, are being cut off at a much lower rate. You are much more visible, white is contrasting a lot. Sadly for this one, safety over style. If we lived in a different society maybe.
Great review! This arai is not great at all. For me, the non removable neck roll is definately a deal breaker. It's like taking a step backwards and of all the white colored helmets I've used, arai does get a dull yellowish tinge in a blink of an eye (might have something to do with uv protection?)
Like yourself I chose an Arai for fit as my first helmet, the only other good fit for me was Bell. I currently have an Arai that came with the proshield sun visor, a little strange to get used to but after a couple of days no worries. +1 for Arai
Hi, between arai rx7v racing vs arai quantic, which one is better/safer, since rx7v racing is FIM certified & not quantic. Your opinion please, thanks.
Passing a standard just means a helmet meets or exceeds that standard. The RX7 is FIM homologated as it's a race lid, but that costs to do. Personally, I'd be happy in either! Cheers, John
I have no trouble with the visor, I've Never tried to open it with my right hand, don't even know why you would ? Into neutral, open, it's that simple.... Ps, I don't do that because I can't open it with my right hand, i've never tried to open it with my right hand, never even thought about it....
I've been looking for the same information. From other reviews, I'm guessing intermediate oval that's more round than the Shoei 1400. But the Shoei does have different versions of the 1400, such as here in the U.S. vs other markets.
@@johnDukemaster The NXR is particularly light (we tested one and it was 1,310g on the scales), but honestly I've never known any helmet feel truly heavy in use. Wind drag is a whole different thing though, making even 'light' helmets cause neck fatigue. The Quantic is a little lighter than the RX-7V. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-arai-rx7v-motorcycle-helmet-review www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-shoei-nxr-motorcycle-helmet-review
Curious about your experience with the chin curtain. I've found the wind that comes up from under the chin curtain to be rather unbearable, even with all vents closed its a rather windy affair.
@@bennettsbikesocial 401 Svartpilen. I've only ever ridden naked bikes. My last helmet which was a HJC Rpha 70 didn't have this issue. Been riding 4 years~ and the Arai is my second helmet
perhaps that was true on the 90's Arai, but the modern helmets take 15 seconds to replace a visor, watch the video. If that's still too long for you then maybe this is not the helmet for you. Also, I've had visors completely pop off on previous helmets in a crash, where that is almost impossible in an Arai due to the triple lock mechanism. That right there is enough to warrant the extra 10 seconds for a shield change right there...
John you are the Arai of reviewers, Nr 1. Your videos are always the most interesting and the most informative. We've already changed numerous items within our collection based solely on your views and bike social, etc. We wouldn't take the opinions of many people very seriously, but if you say buy it, it's instantly purchased. Keep up the fantastic work, you're amazing. We look forward to your next video. All the best
Thanks SO much, that's really kind! All the best and have a great weekend, John
Ive always been of the opinion that the one that fits YOU the best is the safest, for instance, if you have a choice of 6 of the highest rated lids in front of you, the safest of those 6 is the one that fits you the best. Ive had hjc, agv and arai and arai are definitely whats best for me.
Loving these videos 🤙🤙
Thanks very much! Cheers, John
Been using Arai for years now. I've had bunch of other helmets before and none of them felt as good as my Arai. Also looking through some more in-depth reviews, factory tours etc. It's definitely the helmet of choice when safety is your number one concern.
Just bought the Dark Citizen black and grey Quantic the Union Jack one. Your review has just re assured me I made a good choice 👍
Great! Hope you get on well with it. Cheers, John
Been in Arai for 25 years across motorcycling and kart racing. They've taken a couple of bloody big hits along the way too.
I know it's over a year since the vid was posted but I've just bought a Quantic (in grey!) based partly on your excellent review. I couldn't be happier with it - easily the best helmet I've owned. I've had lids from other brands that were nearly as expensive and weren't half as good. Thanks so much for your work.
PS. I love the colour!!
Thanks - that's great to hear! All the best, John
Really ? What are the helmets strong points? Do you tour? How is it with wind air above 130kmph? Arais are generally comfy so is it still the case? Ventilation? I'm asking because I'm stuck between AGV K6, NXR2, and ARAI which I already have a very old one, that still holds up nicely.
How quiet is it cruising at motorway speeds? Looking to replace my Shoei GT Ari 2 which isn't comfy for me.
hey any answers to the questions?
i am so glad for what you do bud! you are a phenomenal reviewer. very nice and professional. please never stop. hahaha. we salute you
Thanks so much! Cheers, John
Hi john been a aria fan for 30years of riding had most models my rx7v had it for 6 year so time for another one your review was spot so went and got a Quantic had it 2 weeks now done 500 mile with it and yes its the best aria to date in my view same colour as the one in your review thanks for for in depth review Andy.
Brilliant, glad you're getting on so well with it. Cheers, John
Absolutely loving mine..its most certainly a cut above everything. I have an Axces 2,QV and a REBEL...the Quantic is so comfortable,surprisingly light and quality is 2nd to none
Once again, time well spent. Thank you John. Really, it's just Ronseal in a hat. 😁😁
Love your reviews and clear presentation. Thankyou for an easy to watch review! 👍👍
Thanks very much! Cheers, John
Great! - more helmet reviews please ! - especially interested in the 6D ones
Most product reviews are done on the website as they can be updated over time. You can check them out here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets Cheers, John
I need a new helmet in the next 18 months. I’m currently in two minds, Arai Quantic or AGV Sportmodular. I’ve had Arai’s in the past and they are awesome. I think you have made my choice for me as the venting is really important. Another great video. Thanks very much.
Two very different helmets, though I have also reviewed the Sportmodular... www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/agv-sport-modular-flip-front-helmet-review Cheers, John
Excellent review as always. Great research John can listen to your info all day.😉
Thanks so much! Cheers, John
As a kid, I started racing karts and I was a huge fan of Nigel Man5ell. From these days on, I knew that I want an Arai helmet one day. Unfortunately they used to be almost unaffordable in these days. (Mid 80s)
When I decided to start riding and racing motorcycles, the first thing I did was to buy an Arai. After a huge crash and the fact, that my Arai literally is the reason I'm still alive I never bought another brand again. At the moment I own nine Arai helmets and will continue with Arai as long as I'm gonna ride.
A good explanation on ECE22.06. Thank you!
Thanks very much! Cheers, John
Bikin video ECE22.06 versi Indonesia om.
John is why i have bennetts insurance, fact!
Thanks very much Paul! Cheers, John
I just picked one up today from Sports Bike Shop Leeds, £395, just the one colour, Frosted Black, XL. Delighted with it so far, about to do 2000 miles in Scotland this week, so should get a good feel for it.
Another brilliant review. Just ordered mine. Always found Arai much more comfortable than Shoei that always give me a headache despite using a thinner lining. Looking forward to your long term review of the new KTM Adventure, hopefully...
Class leading video/review.
Thanks! All the best, John
Fantastic video, thank you so much for putting this together.
My own helmet journey started with an £80 lid before I moved to the infamous Caberg Duke that sits at £160 before now denting switching up to an HJC worth about £300... Every time I've noticed and enjoyed better features, sound proofing and comfort. Will I make another step up? I don't think so but only time will tell.
OK, I am an Arai fan, why, because they just fit me. Mostly I ride touring bikes with screens, however, I recently replaced my BMW 1300GT with Honda NC750X. Despite fitting the larger screen the noise to me is unacceptable so I am keen to test this Quantic. Based upon this review I am off to the shops, thanks for a detailed evaluation.
The bike will almost always be the biggest cause of wind noise, but this definitely seems better than many others to me. You do still need earplugs of course. Cheers, John
Thanks for your constructive video on this helmet, I own a Arai QV Pro and it looks like my Sena 10U intercom for the Arai full face won't be wasted technology, nor will the arai pro shade visor.
Many thanks again from Australia.
You have to try helmets I can't get an Arai to fit me properly yet pretty much any agv or shark in the correct size is perfect.
Yes - getting the right fit is vital and we're all different. Though I'm surprised about Shark - they tend to have two distinct shapes, and only around half the range fits me comfortably. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial that makes sense though tbf if it doesn't fit your Arai shaped cranium and it fits my basketball sized noggin proves the point perfectly 👍
@@zedddddful That does, but not all Sharks fitting! Cheers, John
First helmet, Arai Quantum F. Great lid toured in it and even did a couple of seasons sidecar racing ! Great products looking forward to trying this new one.
Let me know how you get on! Cheers, John
Hey John, you forgot to include your vocal audio on that sick rap track about people not wearing helmets at the end of the video!
Nobody would want to hear that!
A great review. I remember, back in the early 90’s, when I was buying my first helmet. My house mate at the time and also an ex Australian Superbike champion came shopping with me. He at that time was wearing an Arai (and still does today). I was looking at the cheaper end of the spectrum and argued that they also pass the same standards. His reply was simple. So does a small Hyundai however wouldn’t you feel safer in a crash driving a Mercedes? My answer was obviously yes. So for me the Shoei’s fit better than the Arai’s and I’ve worn them ever since. However with that being said I’ve recently purchased another lid being a HJC rpha 11 and love it! 👍😎🇦🇺
I think it's great that we have more stringent tests coming as it should mean we can focus more on fit and less on assuming the performance capabilities of each brand. Still, some will still definitely be better than others, as your MotoCAP is showing with riding kit! Cheers, John www.motocap.com.au/
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you for the link! I will enjoy going through it. 😊
Having previously owned various helmet brands over the years, once I'd tried an Arai, it's the only brand I will now buy.
I will say though, that the stand-out quality of the plush interiors of older Arai models has now sadly gone however.
I don't know - they still feel good to me. Though they don't seem to have that magical new Arai smell anymore,
As a 20+ year Arai wearer, I agree 100% on the plush interior of the older models. They were like velvet.
Though I was against the wearing of helmets becoming mandatory basically on an individual's rights to make their own decisions I would never roll back to that as it would be stupid. (My biggest complaint was with those drivers that felt it was their right to force motorcyclists to wear helmets, but the same should not apply to them regarding seat belts.) Though I am never likely to buy an Arai I found this interesting and why they go the way they do. Using a soft shell or a harder shell has been an ongoing debate for years. Whether you spread the impact load or absorb the load and how it reacts to different objects it impacts. I also note that rotational forces are also being considered to a greater degree now. However trying to limit the rotational force of the brain inside the skull or vice versa is always going to be difficult.
Good review! In terms of what might be the most protective helmet, will you guys ever do a review on 6D helmets with the newer technology they've been implementing?
More than happy to - will ask them if they'd like to be involved in our product reviews.
@@bennettsbikesocial oh wow, that would be incredible. I've been torn between 6D and Arai and it would help out immensely because they're such a small company lacking reviews (but their ODS concussion tech sounds like something that could become groundbreaking, even in the military) and I find the reviews here to be very compelling/honest. Thank you!
@@Bingomandingo Cheers! Will still wait until they have ECE22:06 though as there's no way for us to judge the performance otherwise. All the best, John
That flat grey is cool looking
got a HJC rpha 11 for now, god help if i ever need another one ill check out ARAI
Same here after years of just wearing Shoei lids and love it. Mines a lannone special as 29 is my favourite number.
I ordered one immediately (way back when it was announced in January) for my wife. I’ll be reasonably well protected with my Bell Race Star for a few more years.
Dear John,
Thank you for a great review.
I love watching your broadcasts.
I am so proud of you, finally someone touching the issue of visor opener knob on the left side only, we have the same opinion on the matter. A daily use helmet visor opener knob can not be open only on the left side. I would expect companies like Arai and Shoei to admit and design their helmet visors opener knob more user friendly.
Recently purchased the Hjc rpha 11 after using my Shoei Nxr for more than two years, one of the reason I replaced the Shoei was that Hjc visor opener knob is in the middle.
Again thanks for your great work
Sincerely
Ami
Thanks very much Ami! If you want a central visor opening point, you might see some more options available soon... watch this space. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you John, I really appreciate your reply!!!
I had that same bike in the early nineties. Currently wear an Arai Signet model which i love, but will admit is is a bit noisy. Could see me liking this one too.
I had a CBR600 back then. Loving the simplicity (and sound) of the ZX-6R. Cheers, John
I generally at lights are in neutral and have my right hand on the brake! In case of a rear bump so I would still use my left hand 🤷🏻 Best helmets ever alongside Shoei…
Welcome to the #TeamNinja is that a J1?
No, it's a G2. Cheers, John
I love the Arai Rapide.
It's a great design (especially in the HA graphics), but if you want the best ventilation performance the Quantic beats it. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-arai-rapide-ha-motorcycle-helmet-review
Got to love an Arai, I've wore them for years and won't have anything else. Oh, and it has to be white.
Have you continued using this helmet? How were your glasses in winter colder wetter weather?
Great channel 💪🏻
Yes - it's the lid I use most by a significant margin. Cheers, John
Congrats! Very useful and practical approach. In your opinion what's the major pros and cons RX-7 vs Quantic? Thanks.
Thanks! I'll have a better breakdown of it after a few months when the review goes up on BikeSocial.co.uk, but for now I'd say that for the road at least, the Quantic's ventilation and noise levels are better than the RX-7V. www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-arai-rx7v-motorcycle-helmet-review Cheers, John
I bought one one month ago and did 2000km since. I had a NXR and was hesitating between NXR2 and Quantic... I should have picked a NXR2. I've taken the proshade visor, I find it totally crap. It's very difficult to lock, the brow vents are almost impossible to move with the gloves and often just open with the wind. The visor is not stiff enough, if I let it slightly open and ride at 100km/h it starts moving from side to side because of the wind turbulence. I'm riding the same motorbike (KTM 1290 SAS) I was riding with my NXR and didn't have this problem. I find amazing we have to lubricate the visor pivot mechanism. I've been riding under heavy rain for about an hour and after that the visor became more difficult to open. Comparison with NXR : I've ridden about 50000km with it and never had to do what ever to the mechanism. Another thing, the logo vent, even if in closed position is never really closed, you always feel air coming in. For the moment it's ok because the weather is warm, but when it will get cold it will get annoying.
As you have understood, I'm really disappointed by this helmet, after all I feel it's not worth the money. I'm thinking of selling it to buy a NXR2 with a chromatic visor as I had before. It's a shame because it's comfortable but the gap is not that big with a Shoei from my point of view.
As others have said, I have the feeling Arai are stuck on some old technological solutions. There are unacceptable drawbacks at this price range.
Sorry to hear that! I'm still using the Quantic with none of these issues. I haven't used the ProShade though.
Totally agree on the visor lock mechanism
I have a Provile V and a couple of Shoeis
The Arai has the same lock mechanism and frankly, it's shit.
Even with your left hand it's extremely frustrating to work - you claw and pull and scrabble at it and...bang, all of a sudden it comes undone and your head lurches to the side and....and it's got to the point where I go to use the Arai, remember the crap visor and use a Shoei instead.
I doubt I'll buy another Arai.
With the right hand I find it really annoying, but honestly, on the left it's not a problem for me. I've got a Profile V here now and it seems a little stiffer, but thats just because it's filthy and due a clean / lube.
Sounds weird, but it comes down to technique - you need to swipe your thumb up and over the black tab to release the visor, then it goes up easily. If you miss the tab and get your thumb on the visor itself, that's when it does that bang open. The thing is, we're going to see locks on a lot more helmets soon, and each will have its own technique.
Using lots of different lids all the time, I do get frustrated sometimes with Arai's mechanism, but then it just becomes second nature again and is fine (unless I'm using my right hand!). Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial fair points John - I suspect some of it is me not using the Arai much leading to its own problems.
Isn't it mad when you need a tutorial to open a visor though?
ruclips.net/video/i42wscDPENk/видео.html
@@BN1960 I know what you mean, but Arai knows that a lot of people get frustrated with it so have been trying to explain it more. Equally though, they must be frustrated that once you know how to use it (it's in the manual, but who reads that?!) it's actually very effective (with the left hand). Cheers, John
That visor lock 😂 my Chaser X can be a nightmare in winter gloves. I do love all other aspects of the visor though, including the way you remove and pop it back on
That wing on the back still makes me think of Astro Boy 😜
I've got a chaser and love the helmet but that visor 😬😬😬 I've actually slightly filed down the slight edge with a nail file that goes into the hole on the visor, literally just the edge off it and it's night and day now, lifts easily and still wouldn't lift at speed , I'm guessing once they wear anyway they get easier, but it was driving me up the wall at lights etc
Hi Jason, I totally agree with you (just recently commented on this topic, above) I think it’s a terrible feature! It’s reluctantly making me want to buy elsewhere for my next helmet. What was wrong with the old design? Do you know?
great colour man
great review, thanks. Would you say its worth upgrading from the Profile V (which I have), Im looking for a bit more ventilation. Cheers
Thanks! Hmm... that's tricky. Personally, I'd wait until the Profile V has worn out as that's still a very good helmet! Cheers, John
Sadly they’re always tight on me, so Shoei or Schuberth are my preference, it’s not just safety it’s all about head shape too. Internal sun visor is essential too if you wear glasses.
I find the brow vents make getting a good pin lock seal difficult. The pinlock fogs up around the brow vents.
Is there room for an intercom mic? PS great review thanks
Thanks! I have a Cardo intercom fitted at the moment, with the small wired mic tucking in no problem. The speakers go in the cheek pads (there are circles of foam you can remove / tuck out of the way). Cheers, John
Impressive, unfortunately without the drop down internal tinted visor I won't be buying one.
My first lid was an Arai because it fitted me the best, and all subsequent helmets have been too. The one I have now is the Tour X-4 (excl. the peak, which gets noisy at speeds) and I really love the space in front of the mouth. As much as I like the new safety features, it will be hard going back to a round helmet, tight around the chin. Any thoughts on that?
I know what you mean, though this doesn't feel tight there (a direct chin impact is part of 22.06 testing too). It's not as roomy as a Tour-X... best bet would be to try one on. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/arai-tour-x-4-adventure-motorcycle-helmet-review
You made the same statement as i once made.. if you want a cheap helmet.. DO NOT try on an Arai.. You most definitely are going to spend more than you intended.. but you will cherish that purchase for years!
this helmet's color got me here :)
Arai Chaser has not good rating on Sharp site. Side impacts are red. What do you think about it? Chinese LAZER LZ6 plastic helmet has 5 stars... Can we trust Sharp?
Thank you for the review. Great job. In your opinion which Arai is better for touring and safety, Quantic or QV-Pro?
Based on the testing standards, I'd have to say the Quantic. You can read the full review here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/arai-quantic
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you very much for your reply! I will read it!
Thorough review 🙏🏻 is this a replacement for chaserx? I couldn’t find ChaserX on the manufacturers website. Anyone know?
Great review , nothing fits and feels like an Arai helmet. Expensive but well worth the extra cash . You still got the S1000xr because you havn't mentioned it for a while ?
Yes - have been out on it a lot recently testing kit, but was also testing a tracker on the ZX-6R while getting the clips for this. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Glad to hear you still got the XR, great bike but always keep it in warranty for gods sake no matter how much it costs .I had a love hate relationship with mine. Loved the look and ride but the reliability was shocking .
@@DavidMartin-ru5zt What problems did you have?
@@bennettsbikesocial In two years of ownership it was at the dealers for eight months. Total top end rebuild after getting very noisy , coolant leaks and a new water pump ,both front callipers had to be changed . Loads of times it just switched itself off or wouldn't start.Too many things to remember really , luckily all the work was done while it was in warranty (£5,750).I cancelled the sale in the end and got my money back because of the amount of issues i had (not fit for purpose) and after a Motorrad dealer mechanic said to always make sure it is kept in warranty.They never left me without a bike but it wasn't my bike if you know what I mean .
@@DavidMartin-ru5zt That sounds an awful situation. Without wishing to sound like I'm defending BMW (or tempting fate with mine), sadly it can happen with any brand, and there are a lot of these out there, so it's no guarantee they'll all go. A mate has a very early one that's out of warranty, which he uses pretty much every day and loves it.
Hope you're having more luck with your current bike! Cheers, John
Well, owned this now for 6 months, great looking helmet, have it in the new Poduim Flag version.
but......
I just get so much wind in my eyes! makes the whole experience with the helmet a pain.
There is even no extra chin/wind guard for this as the built in in not removable.
I have tried different visors, adjusted hundreds of times...
Gonna give up and try the NXR2...
Hi, I love your videos!
Does the Quantic comes with a shaded visor in addition to a clear one?
I don't know what to choose between the Arai Quantic or Schuberth S3... I had a Schuberth S1 and liked a lot the low sound level and the integrated dark visor. What would you recommend between the two?
Thanks :)
No, the Arai doesn't come with a dark visor I'm afraid. It'll come down to fit - I didn't get on with the Schuberths until the C5, which was more comfortable. The S series I tried on didn't fit well at all.
I have an Arai Quantum X and despise the visor lock lever, it is very loud .
Is the Astro-GX and Quantic the same thing? Gosh, I love Arai but their region dependent naming is confusing!
Yes same
In japan its astro gx
Any thoughts on fit. I have been using a Profile-V Medium (which fits great) and I struggled with the Quantic. The medium was too large and the small was too small. Any thoughts on different shape or options?
Are there cheek pads from other Arais that fit the Quantic? Always need 15mm cheekpads and I have a few at home now.
What head shape is this helmet designed to? And what is your head lenght?
I dont like that rear spoiler at the back of that helmet as it needs to be smooth all round to allow all rotational forces flow if you have a crash and not snag on that spoiler.
That's why it's designed to come off in an accident - rotational forces are one of the main new tests is ECE 22.06
Damn. Bought an RX7 last year and now this comes out haha
Still a great helmet (and it definitely looks good!). Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Cheers John. I bought it as it was one of the best you could get at the time. Does this one weigh about the same? (1560g)
It pisses me off that they only make this in xl maximum, why not make larger sizes??? shoei are exactly the same
Arai uses different densities in the EPS from top to bottom, but why not from outside to inside (for varying speeds of impact)?
Did you meant more than 1 layer of eps?
@@amitkrupal1234 well apparently Arai is able to combine different densities of EPS into 1 layer.
Hi, i wear an HJC RPHA 70, i love the fit on this helmet, however iam looking for this new arai for a safety upgrade. How does the Arai fit compares to HJC? because i've never found an helmet that fits me better than HJC ( i tried Shark also )
Thanks in advance for the answer, great quality video as usual ; )
Hi there... Personally, I find HJCs can sometimes be a little tight on my cheeks, but other than that they're no problem for me, so you might find an Arai comfortable. You would have to try it on though. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial yes i got exactly the same on hjc's, thanks for the answer!
Is this helmet a replacement for the qv-pro (signetX) ? Is it made for a long oval head shape? Can't seem to get a straight answer...
When will it be available in the US?
Why doesn’t it have 3 air chutes on the top like the new quantum x ? is this considered above that in the range ?
John, how does this compare to the Arai Profile-V that you had for a while?
Main thing is that the ventilation is improved over the Profile-V. If you have one, I wouldn't say you need to immediately replace it - that's still a very good helmet too (at least on my head), but the new forehead vent makes a real difference. Cheers, John
Like my aria but fitted my intercom but didn't fit well the speakers where rubbing on my ears and the mic is to close to me and when I put my lid on my nose caught the mic but does fit well without
Did you take the foam inserts out of the insides of the cheek pads before fitting the speakers in there? What helmet and intercom is it? Cheers, John
In your article I saw that you used a Cardo intercom. Did you clip it on or use an adhesive tape to stick it on?
@@mionggg I've got it clipped on here as I have to swap them between lids a lot. Cheers, John
I’ve always had Arai’s, ever since I started riding 15 years ago - love(d) them. The new latch feature is becoming a deal breaker for me. I cannot get used to it at all. In my opinion, it’s a very poor design for such a crucial feature. I’ve heard story’s of guys nearly crashing in the rain due to their visor steaming up and not being able to open it fast enough to see the road. I think it’s dangerous. If you forget to crack your visor when coming to a set of traffic lights, it’s game over until you stop and are in neutral, then you have the faff of trying to get it open - many times I have screamed with frustration making me want to go out and reluctantly wanting to buy another helmet. John, a question to you; what was wrong with the old design? Was it changed for race purposes due to visors opening at high speeds or something? I’ve never raced, so I assumed the design change was in aid of racing applications that was carried over in their helmet design?
The system has evolved as the placement has changed, and addressing the possibility of the side pods breaking. I know what you mean, and it can be frustrating, but it askari is something I think you get used to. Cheers, John
The color is fantastic but i dont see to buy. Is not posible to buy it?
It's available in Europe first. Cheers, John
Hello, non native English speaker here, just trying to understand what you are saying about the ventilation. You mention that with all the vents shut it is really uncomfortable (?) at 10C but not stuffy, yet it's supposed to do well even below 10C? How will it be able to do well below 10C if you're already uncomfortable 🤔
I must be missing something, cheers!
Sorry, no - I mean it is comfortable with them all shut, but not stuffy. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial thanks! Looking forward to upgrade from my Rebel!
Tks for review.. I tried one on yesterday and only big con for... No ratchet with visor housing? How will it hold in place under more spirited riding?
It'll likely close if half-open at high speed, but otherwise it's not an issue and I prefer the ratchetless system
Is this better overall than rapid neo?
It looks 'Noisy' ? Brackets and lumps all over it.
Just a single tab on the centre of the visor works best.
Shoot out would be nice....
Cheers for the info.
Not really seeing brackets and lumps in relation to others. Here are our helmet reviews: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets Cheers, John
Theo bạn giữa những thương hiệu như agv, shark, arai thì chất lượng và êm , không ồn ào , đứng nhất là thương hiệu nào ? Cám ơn
Cá nhân tôi thấy Arai là nhân vật yêu thích của tôi, theo sát là Shoei, nhưng nó rất cá nhân nên bạn thực sự cần thử chúng. Trân trọng, John
Did anybody know the difference between the FIM-Norm and the ECE 22.06-Norm for helmets?
Greetings from Gernany
Horst
Liked seeing Smiley ☺️ my next door neighbour 😅
I went for profile-v as I don't like the badge doubling as the intake. Just doesn't look as streamline.
Still a great lid. Cheers, John
I gotta admit I did look at this helmet again when looking for a 2nd helmet, ended up going for the Shoei NXR2.
One thing about Arai helmets especially the touring full face helmets are that they have bad decal designs ..their racing series like corsair or rx7 have good decals but their touring range designs imo sucks..if you guys could give a feedback to Arai to make better sporty decals on Arai and colors like the way we see in AGV that will be unstoppable for Arai in competition
Graphics are such personal things - I don't like them too garish or in your face. But then again, I usually go for plain colours and tend to like plain white with a few black details best. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thats True. But would love to see more options.
@@kingofkings0101 I'm a big fan of beautiful designs.. But I buy the white lids, because they are much much cheaper and the other benefit is that people think you are law enforcement and they think for a bit. Anecdotally, friends with white helmets, are being cut off at a much lower rate. You are much more visible, white is contrasting a lot. Sadly for this one, safety over style. If we lived in a different society maybe.
Is the Quantic DOT certified?
Great review! This arai is not great at all. For me, the non removable neck roll is definately a deal breaker. It's like taking a step backwards and of all the white colored helmets I've used, arai does get a dull yellowish tinge in a blink of an eye (might have something to do with uv protection?)
Like yourself I chose an Arai for fit as my first helmet, the only other good fit for me was Bell. I currently have an Arai that came with the proshield sun visor, a little strange to get used to but after a couple of days no worries. +1 for Arai
Hi, between arai rx7v racing vs arai quantic, which one is better/safer, since rx7v racing is FIM certified & not quantic. Your opinion please, thanks.
Passing a standard just means a helmet meets or exceeds that standard. The RX7 is FIM homologated as it's a race lid, but that costs to do. Personally, I'd be happy in either! Cheers, John
I have no trouble with the visor, I've Never tried to open it with my right hand, don't even know why you would ? Into neutral, open, it's that simple.... Ps, I don't do that because I can't open it with my right hand, i've never tried to open it with my right hand, never even thought about it....
What headshape is the Aria thanks
what is you head lenght?
Hi can You compare Quantic with Shoei gt air 2 which one have better ventilation? Thanks Pawel
I found the Quantic had better ventilation than the GT Air
What head-shape is does the quantic fall into? Long-oval, intermediate oval?
I've been looking for the same information. From other reviews, I'm guessing intermediate oval that's more round than the Shoei 1400. But the Shoei does have different versions of the 1400, such as here in the U.S. vs other markets.
What about weight? Surely that must be a part of any test! Anyroad, I love the grey colour!
It's claimed to be 1,600g, and this medium is 1,588g. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you! Sounds heavy to me...is it? (My Shoei NXR weighs 1350)
@@johnDukemaster The NXR is particularly light (we tested one and it was 1,310g on the scales), but honestly I've never known any helmet feel truly heavy in use. Wind drag is a whole different thing though, making even 'light' helmets cause neck fatigue. The Quantic is a little lighter than the RX-7V. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-arai-rx7v-motorcycle-helmet-review
www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-shoei-nxr-motorcycle-helmet-review
@@johnDukemaster it is light on your head not in your hands, because of the weight distribution.
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you John!
Hi I got a question will this helmet have size xxl? Im wearing a size xxl arai right now
I don't know about America as it's not out there until after Europe, but in the UK at least it only goes up to XL for now. Cheers, John
Curious about your experience with the chin curtain. I've found the wind that comes up from under the chin curtain to be rather unbearable, even with all vents closed its a rather windy affair.
What bike are you on?
@@bennettsbikesocial 401 Svartpilen. I've only ever ridden naked bikes. My last helmet which was a HJC Rpha 70 didn't have this issue. Been riding 4 years~ and the Arai is my second helmet
@@swanston5986 You can custom fit shoeis curtain which is much bigger. It is a bit of a hassle, but its a 10 euro job with some elbow grease.
Arai are the nicest helmets to wear
Long lasting
But the visor mech is stuck in the late 90's
perhaps that was true on the 90's Arai, but the modern helmets take 15 seconds to replace a visor, watch the video. If that's still too long for you then maybe this is not the helmet for you. Also, I've had visors completely pop off on previous helmets in a crash, where that is almost impossible in an Arai due to the triple lock mechanism. That right there is enough to warrant the extra 10 seconds for a shield change right there...
Don’t the 6D helmets already meet the requirements?
Until tested and certified to ECE 22.06, they can claim to, but that's it.