Arai RX-Q DNA Helmet
4.8
5
206
206
Arai RX-Q vs Shoei RF-1100
I purchased the Arai RX-Q (Spencer graphics) on a Revzilla clearout so I had to jump at the opportunity to get an Arai helmet at over 30% off and I'm very glad I did. I haven't had a chance to ride with it yet so I can't say much about noise or airflow but compared to my RF-1100 for fit and features they are both very close. Both are high quality helmets with good shields, great styling and light weight, but I give Arai the edge in fit and finish. Although I consider the RF-1100 excellent in these areas as well. I have an intermediate oval head shape and I thought my RF-1100 was the perfect fit for me, until I tried the Arai which fits better. Alternating between the 2 confirms this. It doesn't feel like a round fit even though some have said the RX-Q replaces the round fit Quantum. I haven't tried the Quantum so can't comment on the fit differences. The outter shape of RX-Q is rounder than my RF-1100 which might lead some to beleive it's a round fit, but I think this has more to do with the elongated outter profile of the RF-1100, and the rounder RX-Q shell probably provides better aerodynamics when shoulder checking. I wear a large in both brands but I find the Arai a snugger fit and I don't attribute that to padding compression alone in the Shoei, I think it has more to do with their different shell sizes. Both brands use 5 shell sizes however Shoei has to cover a wdier range of sizes 3XS thru 3XL with those 5 shell sizes while Arai only offers XS thru 2XL. So I think the large Arai is the same shell for medium and large sizes, while the large Shoei shell is shared between large and XL. Both helmets feel about the same in weight and both are light and well balanced. The RF-1100 is a quiet hemet but I expect the same or better from the Arai given its precise fit. Finally I like the more conservative shell design from the Arai as I think this will age better than some of the more agreesive lines found in helmets today.
April 29, 2013
Great helmet for wide range of riding
The RX-Q has done very well for riding both on my Honda VFR 800 and Suzuki DR 650. Whether riding a two-track trail or the interstate, the comfort and quiet are excellent and the ventilation works well at all speeds. The graphics are sharp and the fit has settled in now after a couple thousand miles. What was initially a tight fit has become a perfect match.
April 29, 2013
Great overall helmet
The helmet is expensive but the build is excellent. I am currently in Europe and was unable to try one on locally. They have a completely different model line here. I have tried on various other brands from Nolan, Shoei, Shark and Schubert. I would say this had the nicest liner of them all. The profile is on the smaller size compared to Nolan and Shark. If fits my head better then Schubert and Shoei but that is by the individuals head. I am a non typical Intermediate oval, with a pronounced brow and larger cheekbones. The 5mm peal aways are nice and keep me from having to order smaller ones. My BIGGEST complaint...NO PINLOCK included.
March 4, 2013
Track Day Ride
First go was on my first track day. Fits very well, I've worn a large scorpion exo 750 before and this fits much better although very close to my nose.
You can feel the quality in the pads, the weight, and the smooth operation of the face shield and the vents.
Fantastic helmet. I will not buy anything less than an Arai again.
April 17, 2013
top protection but noisy
Great helmet with confortable fit. The pinlock systhem work great. Only negative thing is that it is a little noisy above 130 140 km/h due to its round shape. Arai choice of security over comfort to make the better energy disipating device make it louder than the competition helmets.
April 15, 2013
Love it
IT is well built and the color scheme is highly visible. Fits comfortably, a bit tight, but it will break in a little with time. I only wish I could find a factory replacement tinted face shield...
April 8, 2013
Beautiful Helmet
The Helmet is great. It is light, as well as fit. This is my first helmet purchase online, and Anthony's guide to measuring my head size was right on the money. At first I wasn't too sure if I was an intermediate oval or a long, but after trying it on, I figure my head was intermediate oval. Great price, simple helmet but has all the new technical feature of new helmets that are out this year as well.
April 4, 2013
This is an awesome helmet. The view out of the visor is very wide and the air flow is good enough for Texas heat.
Overall this is a great helmet. It took a few days to break in the cheek pads that feel a little obtrusive at first, but once broke in fit snug. The high viz color is so bright one can't help but see it! The only issue I have found so far is the snap on the chin strap is so close to the helmet you can't snap it with gloves on. This is my first Arai helmet and I'm not sure I'll ever buy anything else. After 17 years of riding and helmets I haven't owned a more comfortable helmet.
April 3, 2013
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