Are Arai helmets really worth the extra $$$

[adamb113]

Are Arai and other expensive helmets really worth the extra $600 ++ over brands like Bell, Pyrotech and G-Force? And PLEASE don't give me the" Do you have a $1000 head or a $300 head" response. I'm looking for actual reasons.
I like the new G-force SA2005 helmets. They are very comfortable and feel pretty light. They are $250. An Arai which feels about the same comfort wise and weight (maybe a little lighter) is around $900. So what are you getting for triple the price? Better Safety? Comfort? Weight? Just brand name?
Thanks,
Adam

[Ducman]

I road raced motorcycles for years - I still own an Arai. I felt it worked the best in a motorcycle application.....but this is a lot more demanding than a car - from the standpoint of fit and aerodynamics. On a bike your head is really out in the wind, without the right fit and aero your head gets knocked around. I think the quality of the shell, visor and padding in an Arai are as good as it gets, on the other hand the vents and other small harware do-dads seem cheap and fragile (and are mostly broken on my current Arai).

I have a G-Force helmet for 4-wheeled stuff, very happy with it.


Don

[adamb113]

Thanks
Good info

[Jack Olsen]

My $159 head loves its G-Force helmet.

[prooutlaw]

I like the fit of my Pyrotect , about the same price as the G-Force

[Cory M]

If you compare the $300 helmets to $700+ helmets you will notice that the materials, hardware, and finish are usually better on the expensive helmets, especially the liner. The more expensive helmet is also going to be lighter. They both meet the same safety standard so theoretically they will both protect your head about the same, although the lighter helmet will reduce the loads on your head and neck in a crash.

I have a Pyrotech helmet now and it has worked out fine for me, luckily I haven't had to test it out for real. When I replace it I plan on buying a more expensive helmet; mostly because they are lighter, the liners are smoother and I think they are more comfortable. I have tried on a lot of different helmets and there is a difference, whether that difference is worth it is up to you. GForce, Bell, and Pyrotech all make good helmets at an affordable price point.

What I think is funny is when people spend $400+ to custom paint their $250 helmet.

[David]

I've got a $700 Bell and it's a POS compared to my old SA rated Shoei. Since Shoei doesn't make SA helmets anymore, I bought the Bell. I wish I'd bought the Arai.

[rallyracer]

I have a 10 yr old Simpson helmet that looks brand new. I've worn it to at least 12 events per year. I agree that Bell's helmet quality is poor, and for that reason, I've stuck with Simpson hat size helmets ($200-$400 range) and skipped the cheap S, M, L, XL stuff. I suggest going to an autocross and checking out several helmets and lifespans to get a good feel.

My latest one is a Simpson Voyager full face.
David

[javadog]

There was an interesting article in one of the motorcycle magazines (Motorcyclist) a year or two back wherein they compared the cheaper helmets against the more expensive brands, and actually did some instrumented testing along the lines of what the regulations require.

The bottom line was that there are different, conflicting regulations and helmets have differing constructions to meet either set. This has implications for the design and performance of the helmet and if the type of impact specified in the regulations is not likely in your intended use, a helmet that protects "better" might actually do you some harm.

Some of the cheaper helmets were rated by them as better for a motorcyclist, based upon the type of impact likely to happen to a rider. The article is well worth reading and discusses this in great detail. You'd have to think about what your risks are, in a car, and decide what helmet standard most likely is best to use as a measure of performance.

The article is available online here:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

Be safe,
JR

[michael lang]

Adam, I like your question. I remember when I was shopping for a helmet, I really liked how the Arai fit my head. It wasn't so bulky and round like many of the helmets I looked were. I also liked how lightweight they were. When I was riding motorcycles I enjoyed my Arai because much like what Ducman had said it didn't let me head get banged around but since I was in a car areodynamics was not a concern. I also liked the overall fit & finish. If you can swing it, go the Arai, you'll be happier at the end of the day for it.

[Joe Ricard]

I like my Bell MAG 5
open face good field of view
light
good fit
SA rated

[Tom W]

I had a Bell (which was stolen) and replaced it with an Arai. I like the Artai a lot more as the liner is much better and it is designed to allow a headset to be added. A lot of the cheaper helmets I looked at did not have the ability to fit the earphones into the helmet. The Arai did/does and I think allows for a better fit than the less expensive Bell I used to have.

Think about your potential use of the helmet and how often it will be used. Mine gets used a lot and a good liner will last longer. A cheaper liner is fine for 2-3 events per year but my not last for more than 20+ events.

[LARRY SHARP]

Tooo Funny Jack

[adamb113]

I don't plan on being a heavy user. Maybe 15 twenty five minute karting races and 2 drivers eds a year. I like the fit and feel of the G-force. It is comparable to the Arai. But with the Arai I have to ask myselfthis; I can buy three G-forces for the price of one Arai. Am I better off replacing my helmet every 3 years with a new one to get technology improvments and a guaranted virgin construction( no stress cracks or scratches) than having an Arai for 10 years?