How quiet is quiet? An Arai helmet is designed to be quiet. But in truth, a
multitude of factors that have nothing to do with design can affect helmet noise.
  • The first factor addressed is helmet size. If a helmet is too large, it will be
    noisier, allowing more wind and turbulence to reach the ears. Our
    experience is 9 out of 10 people who already own Arai's are wearing one
    or two sizes too big.  No kidding!  Out of the 9, three to four people are
    wearing two sizes two big.  And usually one or two of the 9 people are
    wearing 3 or more sizes too big!  Seriously!  A snug consistent fit is what
    you want when it is new!
  • The second factor is the correct model being worn.  The shape of your
    head is a very big deal in the fitment of your Arai helmet.  (More details on
    that a few paragraphs below.)  If you are not wearing the model that fits
    your head shape correctly, most times you are wearing a helmet that is too
    big.  Which then relates to the first factor mentioned above.  
Keep reading...
  • The third noise factor is your bike's design, your physical height, and your
    riding position on the bike. If your head position is smack in the line of
    airflow over the bike or fairing, any helmet will be noisier than one not
    subjected to it. Now, we can't do anything about the bike you ride. But you
    can do your part and make sure your helmet is the right size.

Why different shell shapes?
Think of it like this.  If you are trying to fit an oval shaped peg in a round hole...
does not work!  No relate that to your head shape.  Meaning around the shape
of your head of wear a crown would sit on your head.  Many people mis-
understand that.  It is not your face shape.  Arai has been developing this for
years on having each model have it's own unique fit distinguished.  
Let's break it down.
Corsair V - "Round Oval" fit
RX-Q - "Diamond Oval" fit
RX-7 Corsair - "Intermediate Oval" fit
Quantum-2 - "Round Oval" fit
Vector - "Intermediate Oval" fit
Astral-X - "Intermediate Oval" fit
Profile - "Long Oval" fit

Why does Arai go to all this trouble?
It could be argued that helmet fit can be kind of a benign process. A helmet
manufacturer does some R&D to develop a shell shape and an interior fit shape
they think will appeal to a lot of riders; then they make the helmet and put it on
the market. The potential customer then tries on the helmet, and it either fits
the customer's head, or it doesn't.
Arai Helmets, on the other hand, takes a different approach. Instead of one-
shape-for-all, Arai offers you three different interior fit shapes to choose from.
Why? Why go to all the fuss and trouble of creating helmet models with different
interior fit shapes? Isn't it a lot more work intensive? Definitely. Is it worth it?
Read the rave press reviews of Arai's fit and comfort, and decide for yourself.
Arai believes helmet fit is critical to both the performance and the enjoyment of
a helmet.  Arai believes the rider benefits of a better, more comfortable fit
result in a helmet you can wear longer - longer rides, longer years - without
fatigue or "pressure points". A better fit can also help reduce wind noise
because it seals better, conforming more your head shape. It allows for a better
chance of buying a helmet that's the right size for your head - instead of one
that's too large - because in the search for comfort we might be tempted to buy
a size that's too large in order to get a "one-shape-for-all" helmet to feel
comfortable. And a too-large helmet is one of the major contributors to wind
noise, buffeting, and in the extreme, a helmet that moves around on your head.
Next, the science of helmet fit isn't an exact science. If it were, somebody would
probably have created the "perfect" shape years ago and been done with it. But
there are a countless number of head shapes that not only vary from person to
person, but from culture to culture. To Arai's designers and engineers, that
means you work as hard as you can to come as close as you can to "the best fit
for the most riders". It also takes a particular type of company to encourage its
people devote so much time and effort to the search.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SHAPES?
It comes down to a basic fact: the shape of the head - the relationship between
length and width - are as important as head size in determining the right helmet
for you a helmet:
"Long Oval" - For heads whose length is distinctly narrow side-to-side,
combined with a longer front to back measurement. Arai's Long Oval shell
shape is currently available in the Profile model.
(Replacing the Signet series)
"Round Oval" - For heads that are distinctly rounder, the length and width
being almost even. Arai's Round Oval shell shape is currently available in
the Quantum series.
"Intermediate Oval" - For heads with a round shape, but with considerably
more forehead length. This shape "bridges" the gap between the two
previous shapes. It is currently available in the       
Astral-X and RX-7 Corsair series.

Are there standards for different models?
Every Arai helmet is made to the same standard. In fact, Arai's most famous
racing champions wear the exact same Arai helmet you can buy. Really. No
special, trick, one-off, racer-only models whose only resemblance to the one
you buy is the paint scheme. The same helmet. How many other helmet
companies can say that - and back it up? What does that tell you about Arai and
its standards? In the words of Michio ("Mitch") Arai, the president and son of
the founder: "Arai has only one standard. All Arai helmets are made the same,
whether for a world racing champion or a street or dirt rider. How can you say
one person's head is worth more than another's?"
There are some differences in some of the features between models - like
ventilation system, face shield type, etc. But these are mostly a function of the
helmet's design.

Why try on an Arai first?
Things like the evolution of design technology, the changes in SNELL
requirements, and Arai's own changes and advancements over the years can
result in the model and size you've "always worn" feeling differently in its
current version. So, for example, if you've always worn a Quantum series
Medium, be sure to try the latest Quantum-2 version in Medium. And if it doesn't
feel quite right, try the latest Signet-GTR, or a new Astral-X - even try on a
different size. You'll be happier with the result, and will get the full benefit of
your Arai.

How are fit and comfort related?
Arai's use of different interior fit shapes arises also from its feeling that one of
the main consumer benefits of a good fit is improved comfort. They should
know. Of all its advancements, innovations and features that have received
critical praise, the one singled out most often is Arai's comfort. On its own,
comfort seems a simple thing. Simple to achieve, simple to appreciate. In truth,
few things are more involved, more complex or inter-related than the search
for, and achievement of, comfort in an enclosed, close-fitting motorcycle
helmet. And fit, along with such elements as weight, shell materials and shape,
balance, comfort foam type, density and placement, plays a major role. More
specifically, Arai uses complex multiple-density comfort padding foams that,
besides still being hand-fit into place, are specifically designed to fit into a
particular part of the interior to deliver even better fit and comfort for you, the
Arai customer.
Since 2002
Frequently asked questions...
The RX-Q is the latest example of Arai's never-ending search for the best fit for the most riders. The
RX-Q introduces Arai's new shell shape which is also where the RX-7 Corsair fits in on a relaxed level
compared to the RX-Q.  Due to the Corsair's removable liner feature.  It bridges the fit gap between
the Round Oval shape of the Quantum-2 series, and the Long Oval shape of the NEW Profile model
(replacing the Signet Series). The RX-7 Corsair/Astral-X "Intermediate Oval" fit is designed for riders
who need a longer interior shape (front-to-back) more so then the Quantum-2's "Round Oval" fit. But
who also need more interior width (side-to-side) than the Profile's "Long Oval" distinctly narrow
interior. Which means that you now have three Arai shell shapes to try on and choose from, to find
the one that fits you best.