Arai: 'Protection above all else'

It’s easy to criticise Arai for standing still, for failing to innovate or follow the latest trends and fashions in helmet design.

Its RX7 has looked fundamentally the same for almost two decades, and is considered by many as archaic in shell shape, devoid of the latest features common elsewhere, and all at a premium price, too.

Mr Michio Arai, Pesident of the firm since 1986, said: “When the global economic crisis hit five years ago, many helmet manufacturers looked for gimmicks to sell their helmets, or looked to save costs.

“If we can make a helmet cheaper this is good because it is welcomed by buyers, but if in making a helmet cheaper you forget about protection, this is a bad thing. If Arai were making cheap helmets like this I wouldn’t be able to sleep, I would quit.”

We’ve got great deals on Arai helmets in the MCN Shop, check out the best deals below.

Arai RX-7 GP Haslam, £449.99

There’s over 35% off the retail price (£699.99) of this top-of-the-range Haslam replica. It’s the same helmet worn by top racers in MotoGP, WSB and at the TT.  It also comes with Arai’s five year warranty.

Arai Chaser V Schwantz, £459.99

The Chaser V replaces the popular Chaser, offering improved vision and comfort. This retro Schwantz scheme is one of the better designs offered on the Chaser V helmet. All Arai Chaser V, Quantum ST and Rebel helmets with a free Pro Shade visor system, worth £99.99.

Arai Tour X4, £369.99

The tour X4 is Arai’s adventure helmet, combining a peak for off road riding with a visor for the road. The X4 improves on its predecessor with a completely new, tougher and stronger outer shell. The venting system has also been revised for maximum efficeiency.