My original Defiant helmet is over 5 years old so I’ve been shopping all year for its replacement. I tried to cross-shop different brands of helmets to save money, but I ultimately stuck with Arai because of the useful Proshade system that’s leaps-and-bounds better than anything a Snell helmet can offer in the way of sun visors, and every other helmet had deal-breaking compromises.

My main criticisms about the helmet have been mentioned in previous reviews- the try-hard visor and the awkward cheek pad/neck roll assembly. Removal and replacement of the visor takes practice- the best advice I can give is there’s a lot of up/down motion involved and watching Anthony demonstrate removing the visor is highly recommended. Opening and closing the visor takes time to acclimate to as well. The best way I can describe it is to ALWAYS use the pivot lever when opening and closing the visor. As another review mentioned, the neck roll has a tab that slides into a slot in the back of the cheek pads, covered by its comfort liner- it’s important to know that if you ever remove the cheeks pads, or else the ends of your neck roll will flail around.

My personal quirk about the helmet is the operation of the chin bar vents- I preferred the vent switch being on the outside on my original Defiant than the new internal switches. I can only operate these switches on a full stop by slightly lifting the helmet up to give my gloves enough space to reach a switch- if you have big hands or thick gloves or a thick jaw lol take note of this. Arai could have done better by lowering the position of the switches closer to the base of the helmet

But these nitpicks don’t deter me from the Defiant X. The updated aesthetics improve on an already good-looking original. While it’s not the most quiet helmet on the market, it’s significantly more quiet than the original Defiant (horribly noisy). I immediately noticed the new cheek venting and was impressed by the air flow. Arai helmets are some of the easiest helmets to install a Sena intercom onto and the Defiant X was no exception.

So while its functions are a little finicky, they do work. If you have the budget and the head shape (exact fit as the original), I do recommend the Defiant X.

Ive been wanting this for a long time, and I dont regreat saving for it

I am extremely happy with the Defiant X. It is very comfortable, and the new ventilation works wonders. The field of vision is also an improvement over my last helmet. I have been riding for close to 30 years and this is without a doubt, the best helmet I’ve worn.

I waited for the Defiant X to come out after watching the review video. The airflow in this thing is great. I feel just as much air with it as I do my half helmet and face shield, and probably more to the top of my head. Been riding in near 100 degree days in Texas. Humidity is not a problem either. Crack the face shield and start moving and it is clear. Super quiet even at freeway speeds. Great helmet!!

The attention to detail and quality is evident again in the Defiant X. Just a gorgeous helmet, albeit a slight retro, understated style. Fit and finish is superb. Venting is notably good.

My only gripe -- and it is a big annoyance -- is the clumsy method of flipping up the visor. you have to push down on a tab and then slightly pry out the visor from a catch pin. VERY hard to do with one hand. Have no idea why they chose that method.

The other quick is what I'll call some overengineering. It was very hard for me t0 figure out how to remove the cheek pads from the neck roll. There is a very small black plastic tab that slides in a nearly undetectable slot on the cheek pad backing. Baffling, and needlessly so. As well, the visor comes off fairly easily once you figure it out, but figuring it out will take you -- or at least took me -- several agonizing minutes, afraid I was going to break something.

Is this helmet with $600? On features and fit and finish, no, but close. When you factor in the commitment of Arai to safety, yes.