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Arai Corsair V vs. Shoei RF1100

10K views 24 replies 12 participants last post by  MVista 
#1 ·
Any opinions on these two? I haven't been able to wear any yet, just want some feedback before I make the 20mi journey out to the store. Yes, the RF1100 is cheaper, +1 there.
 
#2 ·
Of course you know that it is most all about fit, then some on personal preference with things like visor types, colors, etc.

But this isn't like for like. The corsair 5 is the top of the line lid from Arai, which should be compared with the top of the line Shoei X-12. Other than price, I would expect the Arai to "win" on most points against the RF1100.

I prefer shoeis, myself. Nothing wrong with my several Arais, just prefer the Shoeis (I only have the RF1000 and a couple X-11s as they changed visor types on me with the new models...)
 
#4 ·
I have used Shoei helmets for many years - including having a Shoei 'save my head' in two accidents/write offs. In both cases, the Shoei was very good, but then a friend mentioned that I try an Arai.
Arai does indeed make helmets for different head shapes. The visibility is pretty much the same with both helmets, BUT my Arai is a much better fit. The weight of the Arai combined with the less bulky design seems to fit and feel much better than the Shoei - so you can actually ride longer without the soreness in the neck.
It pretty much comes down to the shape of your head and what you feel more comfortable wearing, but after using Arai for the last 6 months, I will 'never' go back to Shoei....The only gripe is that I could not find an Arai V with red/silve colours to match my bike.
 

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#5 ·
Have ridden with an Arai since 96 on the street and the track. I have a Corsair 5 which I ride with mostly on the track and a Quantum(not made anymore) which I ride with on the street. The Corsair 5 is pretty noisy. I always wear ear plugs but I prefer the Quantum on the street for that reason. The Corsair 5 flows a lot of air which is great on hot days but it can be too much on cool days even with all the vents closed. I would check out the RXQ for street riding. It has the big eye port just like the Corsair 5 but it will cost you less and it should be quieter. The Service Pavillion people out of PA will probably be at the DC motorcycle show and they can cusom fit you and show you all the Arai models. That way you can get the Arai that fits your head the best.
 
#14 ·
The Service Pavillion people out of PA will probably be at the DC motorcycle show and they can cusom fit you and show you all the Arai models. That way you can get the Arai that fits your head the best.

I had them fit me at the motogp in Indy. They are very good at what they do. Changing the cheekpads in my helmet made all of the difference in the world. I have Shoei, Icon and Arai..I like the well fitted Arai the best. :crazyeyes
 
#6 ·
Which ever one fits you best, try both, pull them down on your head hard and make sure it gives even pressure over your skull etc.

It's strange, I used to be an 'Arai' person, a Shoei just didn't fit......................untill about 2 years ago when I tried a Shoei and it fitted well, in fact better than the Arai, so now I am an 'Shoei' person:)
 
#7 ·
This is the one I have and I love it. I have a scorpion as well, but this is superior. The shoei are nice too, so really get what fits and what design you like best. Go try on at the store, find your size, then go order a new but discontinued model on line. You will save a lot of money on the same helmet but older graphics. That is what I did with the cobra.
 

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#8 ·
The Cobra is nice...BUT....

Beware fo the age of a helmet. Various reports on this say the resins and glues break down at th 5-7 year point and protection is reduced. Find the manufacturing date.

Don't know what kind of wanker would wear a snake on his head though....

Land vehicle Vehicle Motorcycle Motorcycle racer Road racing


I am retiring this helmet for next season due to its age.
 
#10 ·
Thanks Kawi...I got that before it had officially hit the market. I had to special order it.
 
#12 ·
It really all depends on fit. The Shoe fits amore rounded head shape. The Arai, more oval. Of course there are other threads on this subject, but in a nutshell...get the helmets that fits properly and is comfortable so you'll wear it...and it will do its job if ever a need arise.
 
#17 ·
I had a discussion with a bike shop owner a few years ago re helmets. from memory fit is of prime importance. Different helmets from the same manufacturer have different fits ( I use Shoei and have two and they are different fits for different models and the same size).

he pointed out the following:

a more expensive helmet tends to cost more because of the following:
design features (number of vents , removable liners for washing, etc)

external helmet size (smaller external size reduces wind resistance but costs more due to more exotic materials used to get the smaller external size)

materials. better quality materials used in the liners cost more but tend to have a longer life. A friend bought a cheaper helmet which was a great fit but after 6 months it was loose where as another more exopensive helmet was a great fit for quite a bit longer.

noise reduction effected by materials used and helmet design

graphics fancy/name graphics = more dollars over a plain helmet

A good way to check fit is wear the helmet for 15 minutes in the shop and see how it feels then. You may feel pretty stupid but buying a helmet which fits great when tried in the shop for 30 secs but ends up relegated to the shelf because after an hour on the bike it is just too uncomfortable is an expensive exercise.
 
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