The Curse of the Arai

[.Cheetah.]

Well for years Ive loved the miles that I put on my OGK. It was the lightest on the market, flowed air while still being quite and fit nicely..... Everything you want. So for the last trackday I set out to buy another dark smoke shield for it because over the years mine got pitted. $100 from Japan is the best I could do because the US distributor isnt stocking them anymore.

So I start talking to a buddy who dosent ride anymore and has a few lids hanging around, got him talked out of one Ive wanted for a long time. Ive always had an Arai head and have always wanted one.

A lot of you have seen it already and its really nothing special..... but its a pretty cool throwback lid that is in perfect shape and just wanted to give some feedback on it. This one hasent been worn in 5 years or so and has about 10 trackdays on it when I got it........ Yes I guess its so called "expired" cause it was manued in 02, but thats how I roll and really have a hard time believing a lid isnt going to protect you because its too old, but thats another story......

The Fit: If you have an "Arai head" and dont want to buy one, Do Not put one on...... My OGK fit well all over but this damn thing is phenomenal. Its almost like it hits you in different points all over your head. So theres never a real pressure point to hurt after a long ride.

Wind Noise: Very minimal (I wear plugs) so thats never a concern.

Air Flow: It dosent flow as much as my OGK or HJC, but the extra ducts in the shield itself really help.

I still dont know exactly who's lid it is but after some research, I think its Takuma Aoki, who is an Ex WSBK and GP racer that got paralyzed in 97. I just have never seen another one like it..... or a pic of it online........










Well here it is..... all for $100

[d2]

I have an Arai/Shoei head as well (that is a super looking Quantum you have by the way) I loved my Rx7, but think I'm more in love my X-11 Shoei's. I wear ear plugs as well and the Shoei X-11's have unparalleled air flow. I haven't tried the X-12's yet and at 8 benjamins I prolly won't either.

I love some of the HJC design's, but they just don't fit my melon at all.

Sorry for the thread jack, but I do like your helmet design. I don't think I've ever seen it.

[.Cheetah.]

Thanks a lot........ I think its pre Quantum thou. It says Astral on the back.

[Sherry]

I'm with Will on this folks.... he urged me to try it on awhile ago and I was very impressed! I want his helmet in a smaller size! Arai Astral!!!

I say I hate helmets; I really do. They are not comfortable at all. I have bought many helmets over the years and tried on enough and they all suck. Now, true I haven't spent the big money to get fancy Arai's so he got an awesome deal. I went to Cycle Gear within the past month and even tried on a few Shoei's and those too hurt my head. I've tried KBC and HJC and I simply can't wear Scorpions, so I always wear my Icon helmet I bought years ago. It looks cheap and it's worn, but I don't want to buy another since it's a size small with 'extra small' cheek pads and it's still a little loose. Yet with Scorpion I have to wear a medium or large to avoid getting an instant headache. I hate helmet shopping so much....

[.Cheetah.]

Its all about comfort..... Thats what you pay for. As long as a cheap lid actually fits your head, its going to protect the same as a $400 Arai, but the thousands of miles you enjoy wearing the more expensive lid is what you pay for........ Im wearing it right now.

---------- Post added at 01:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------

I'm with Will on this folks.... he urged me to try it on awhile ago and I was very impressed! I want his helmet in a smaller size! Arai Astral!!!

I say I hate helmets; I really do. They are not comfortable at all. I have bought many helmets over the years and tried on enough and they all suck. Now, true I haven't spent the big money to get fancy Arai's so he got an awesome deal. I went to Cycle Gear within the past month and even tried on a few Shoei's and those too hurt my head. I've tried KBC and HJC and I simply can't wear Scorpions, so I always wear my Icon helmet I bought years ago. It looks cheap and it's worn, but I don't want to buy another since it's a size small with 'extra small' cheek pads and it's still a little loose. Yet with Scorpion I have to wear a medium or large to avoid getting an instant headache. I hate helmet shopping so much....

Sherry, I know you liked this one but you wont be able to find this model. The Arai Profile is what you want......

[Sherry]

than I'll start looking thanks Will!

[keg]

wearing a helmet distracts my vision, I cant see 100% when i wear one. Thats why i never wear a helmet

[Krash]

Its your slanty eyes that are causing your vision problems, not the helmet.

[Doc]

Its your slanty eyes that are causing your vision problems, not the helmet.

[cowasockee]

wearing a helmet distracts my vision, I cant see 100% when i wear one. Thats why i never wear a helmet

Its your slanty eyes that are causing your vision problems, not the helmet.

It's all the fudge packing that's really affected his vision.