How can you determine which of Arai’s three interior shapes is best suited for you? In general, our interiors for the North American markets have an oval shape orientation (somewhat longer front-to-back and a little narrow from side-to-side) because that is the shape that tends to fit most of us. Our different models then vary slightly based on that general Oval shape to accommodate a much wider fit range.

LONG OVAL (very long front-to-back, very narrow side-to-side). On this end of the scale, we have the Signet-Q model, offering additional forehead room for those who find that most helmets have pressure points in the forehead.

INTERMEDIATE OVAL (a little shorter front-to-back and a little wider side-to-side than the Long Oval). This next fit package comes in the Corsair V, XD-4, Vector and Vector 2 models, which begins the shift from oblong towards round.

INTERMEDIATE ROUND OVAL (even a little shorter front-to-back and a little wider side-to-side). This next fit package is represented by the RX-Q. While the "roundness" is not dramatic like an HJC or Nolan helmet it is a slightly more round and forgiving fit for more Touring applications and wider brows. The RX-Q is Arai's newest most comfortable shape which should fit even more of a range of riders more perfectly.

The Importance of Arai's 3 Different Shapes

No one pays more attention to the subtle variations and the infinite possibilities of the human head shape than Arai.

And even though we know we can never build a perfect shape for everyone, we go to the extra time and expense to make a genuine effort to offer shapes that allow more people to find a better and more comfortable fit than by simply offering one shape in every model.

This is why it’s important for you to understand the different aspects of sizing as it relates to brands, models and in Arai’s case - interior shapes.

Understanding the 3 Interior Shapes

After many, many years of listening to riders, we have found that helmet satisfaction starts with understanding helmets. Most importantly, understanding how proper fit affects helmet performance during everyday riding, and how that comfort extends to the helmet’s interior shape. This is why Arai has gone to the considerable effort to design, create, and offer three different interior shapes. (Arai does not believe that all-day comfort can be achieved by trying to stuff everydifferent head shape into a single helmet interior shape.)

In order to offer the most comfort, a helmet interior must fit snugly around the entire head contour. (This is partly determined by firm, even pressure at all contact points, and without pressure points that could become uncomfortable in the future) A previous helmet of the same brand, model and size - even if an Arai - may not offer the same fit as a current model or size because the evolution of design and use of new materials can affect the final design and shape. (For example, such advances and refinements have made the interior shapes of our new Corsair V and RX-Q models able to fit more riders than their immediate predecessors, the RX-7 RR4 and Quantum/f.)

Attention must also be paid to the fit of the model’s shape around the crown of your head - and not with facial fit. (The part that is contacted by a baseball cap’s band, for example, is the crown) Cheek pads in all Arai helmets can be replaced with a size that better suits your facial structure, so the possible need for different cheek pads should only be addressed after the crown is properly sized. All too often, tight OEM cheek pads will result in purchasing a helmet one or even two sizes too big - in effect sizing the face and not the head! The end result will be a loose and noisy helmet, as described above. (Riders with a strong jaw or heavy cheeks should first remove the cheekpads completely in order to not be distracted in determining crown fit.)

Once you have determined your head shape, be sure to check out our full selection of Arai Helmets!

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