Triumphrat

Ronson · 03-20-2007

Its time for me to get a proper, grown-up helmet to replace the $60 HJC I bought as a "stop-gap" three years ago... I think some face protection (gravel, wind, sun, bugs) would be a plus, but I really don't want the enclosed feeling of a full face.

The obvious compromise is an open face with face sheild and the Arai SZ/M seems to fit the bill perfectly. Catch is, none of our local stores stocks it, so I can't try before I buy - it would be a blind-faith online purchase.

Does anyone here own this helmet or have any experience with it?

d2mini · 03-20-2007

Unless your head doesn't fit it correctly (which is why you need to try it on before you buy, and better yet buy from Cycle Gear who has a 30 day exchange policy) you really can't go wrong with an Arai.

HiVel · 03-20-2007

I have one and it is a first class helmet. I got the vintage black/ white and with a tinted shield it looks really good. mine is a bit loose for some reason- I wear an XL (24in-63cm) in these helmets but maybe this one is just a tad big. Nice helmet!

road_dog · 03-20-2007

Shoei make a very similar model for roughly the same dough...
it's called the "J-Wing". It's what I wear and I like it mucho!!!

Maybe just a little better looking than the Arai... IMO.

Arai...

Shoei...

Ronson · 03-20-2007

Thanks for your feedback.

Road Dog - great side by side comparison... The J-Wing looks cool too (in a slightly more contemporary way) and I have read other enthusiastic posts about that helmet on this board and elsewhere.

Concensus seems to be I can't go wrong with either one!

road_dog · 03-20-2007

Well I always preferred to go with solid black helmets. But now that I see the Arai models with graphics... I've reconsidered which helmet looks the best.

I think a lot of forum members would like the Retro. But I kinda like the Forte myself. And just because you liked my comparison so much the first time...

Arai Retro...

Arai Forte...

Now I have a question... why are both the Arai and Shoei helmets blue on the inside??? Wouldn't grey at least be a better color choice across the board?

d2mini · 03-20-2007

Ya, between the vent design and the shield mechanism cover the Arai has a more classic look to it. Both nice looking lids, though.

Fast_Fashion · 03-21-2007

get whatever fits better. i love the way Arai helmets look but they don't fit my head. Shoei helmets fit really well for me though.

honestly, i'd get a full face though. i've hit my face riding my bmx bike and it's not a good thing. the motorbike goes quite a bit faster.

[ This message was edited by: Fast_Fashion on 2007-03-21 00:22 ]

HiVel · 03-21-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-20 20:56, road_dog wrote:
Well I always preferred to go with solid black helmets. But now that I see the Arai models with graphics... I've reconsidered which helmet looks the best.

I think a lot of forum members would like the Retro. But I kinda like the Forte myself. And just because you liked my comparison so much the first time...

Arai Retro...

Arai Forte...
That 's it , the Retro is the one I have, very good loking and even neater with a dark shield!

Now I have a question... why are both the Arai and Shoei helmets blue on the inside??? Wouldn't grey at least be a better color choice across the board?

Blue is a "cool" color.