Triumphrat

engage

I ordered the new Arai RX-Q about 10 days ago and the dealer called this morning to tell me it arrived. Timing was perfect - sunny, 65 degrees, 50 mile ride to the dealer and I have the time - my current gig ends Friday everything is pretty much wrapped up.

I ordered the helmet given Arai's claim of quietness and I didn't want to chance a poor fit with a Shuberth ordering from Europe. So, did it meet my quiet expectations? No. It's quieter than my Scorpion, but not enough to really matter. So I guess I'll still use ear-plugs, but the rest of the helmet is fantastic.

The first thing I noticed when I picked it up is that it feels light. It feels much lighter on my head as well. I don't know what it weights, but Arai claims the helmet has a low center of gravity. Lighter than my scorpion or not, it feels much lighter on my head.

I went down a size from XL to L. The RX-Q is definitely more snug and I thought it would be painful for a day or two, but it is actually more comfortable - tightness and all. The lining in this thing is incredible with no pressure points. The other thing I noticed is that the Arai cradles the back of my neck all the way to the bottom of the helmet. Again - it feels secure and comfortable and has no play.

I generally take the back roads to/from my dealer, but I got on the freeway for 35 miles going home. When I first entered the freeway something seemed strange. Then I realized that the helmet is total neutral in the wind. As I hit 80 Mph, there was zero lift, but even when I turn my head to make a lane change, the helmet is totally neutral. It actually caught me off guard - I wasn't expecting that. Anyway, this feature alone is worth it to me. This neutrality resulted in less buffeting as well.

Arai claims greater side visibility and I noticed I didn't have to crank my head as much.

What I'm saying might not be new to those of you that have been riding a long time, but it was news to me. I now see what proper fit and quality can bring and understand why the Corsair is popular (the RX-Q is billed as a Corsair for the streets).

Is it worth the money? If you can part with it, sure it is - the same way any upgrade to the Tbird is worth it if it adds value to you.

KingOfFleece

It took me quite a while to get an Arai, which I did last month. NEVER thought I'd ever spend that much on a helmet. Gotta say after 3 nice rides with it I'm with you 100%. It's far and away better than any of my others. Last helmet was an RF-1000. Nice product but the feel of the Arai interior is really off the charts.

If you can swing it the hype really is true. They are something else vs. the competition.
Mine is the Profile head shape.

engage

I take it the model you have is the Profile (which is their long oval shape). The RX-Q is an intermediate oval, other than that, they seem very similar.

Anyway, glad to hear you are enjoying yours. My dealer let me demo a RF-1000 and it was nice, but not as nice as the Arai.

RoyH

I've been waiting on that helmet to make it to dealers also before making a decision on a new helment to replace my old Arai Quantum.

So, about 3 weeks ago I was at the dealer I bought my TBird at and just happened to mention to the lady who handles clothing, helmets, boots, and such that I was interesting in getting my hands on this helmet to check out.

She said they were getting an Arai order together and would be ordering a few in medium and large sizes. I indicated that I wear a small and really wanted to see the Diamond Blue color. She asked if I wanted her to order one for me and I told her that I couldn't commit to them on actually making a purchase so that wasn't necessary.

Lo and behold I just got a call from her about an hour ago and she went ahead and added a RX-Q in Diamond Blue for me! Of course with no obligation to actually buy.

Guess I'll be making a trip to the dealer saturday morning to checked it out. Of course since I LOVE my previous Arai helments if this is anywhere near a good color match to my blue TBird and that make me a good deal on price I'll most likely be coming home with it.

dazco

I recently bought a new helmet thats the first one so far i feel is "right". So i know what you mean about being tight w/o feeling uncomfortable. Other helmets have either been too tight, or if they aren't they move around too much and allow the air to move them back as i hit speeds. one was tight in the forehead only and gave me headaches. So i know how nice it is o get a helmet that feels and fits right.