Great detailed review, been looking for a retro helmet and found your channel been checking out as many as I can! This one looks good cause it has the modern features with some retro looks. Also thinking of getting an open face helmet too.
I have a vintage lime green Z900rs Cafe and just purchased a HJC RPHA 11 Mike wazowski helmet.. this was obviously made with that bike in mind, looks ace . Great video as always 👍
Great review, I know you have reviewed the glamster as well,if you had the same size in both makes,which would you say is visually smaller.shell size ?.arai always look big on me .thanks regards
If an Arai XL size is still too small for you, they do offer an XXL for most models in the States, so that would make a sixth size, and if you shop around you can usually find a good deal online as long as it isn’t a newly released model… I’m sure there’s a good joke in there about Americans needing an XXL, but I’m not gonna try for it!
Great video as ever 👍🏼 Is that an RST Jacket you’re wearing? Looks smart. What model & thoughts think I’ll be in the market for a textile jacket this season. On that subject am I right in saying you reviewed the Knox UrbanePro shirt at some point? 🤔
Thanks Joe, yes it’s the X-Raid and I’ve been pretty impressed. There’ll be a review coming up soon. I did review one as part of the layering system a while back. But there is a new style coming soon, so I’ll be reviewing that when it arrives
Great review, also good to hear on the fit as I love Arai, but am in between sizes with them traditionally. What I like about these new Arai and Shoei retro options are the low profile of the helmet (no bubble head). Out of the two (Rapide or Glamster) which would be your go to all year rounder? Cheers :)
@@mancavemoto look forward to your next vid reviewing it! Just remember to end the review with rack holding both lids and which one your reaching for daily ;)
Are there indents in the visor hinge? I like to ride with my visor in the 3/4 position. Never knew it was big deal for me until some helmets i found couldn't do that
Hay there great review thank you! I wondered what this Arai Rapide is like in the rain??? Have you used it in the rain???? Do this eyebrow vents leak????? Thanx PS: sorry if this has already been in the comments I obviously missed it....
I didn't get a chance to ride it in the rain, well nothing more than a bit of drizzle. But having worn other Arai's with the brow vents in all kinds of weather, I can confirm that they do not leak
@@mancavemoto I'm going to buy Arai Concept x or glamster, but I can't decide which one. I want it not to make too much noise and I want to be able to use it comfortably in winter. What is your opinion about this?
Would you pay extra for this model, compared to say the Arai Profile-V? The Rapide looks a cleaner/nicer design. I think the price difference in Oz is AU585 (Profile-V) vs AU630 (Rapide)
It all depends on what you prefer I guess? The construction is pretty much the same, so its largely aesthetics that would drive the decision. The Profile V does have additonal venting in the shell obviously, which could create a little more noise. A plain Profile V retails at £379.99 here in the UK and the Rapide at $449, so its about the same differential.
This was pretty quiet yes, the lack of ‘bits’ and vents on the shell helps a lot. Although to be fair I didn’t find the Profile V to be a noisy helmet anyway
Sir which is the Arai Helmet with the best ventilation that you have tried on and tested. This is an important aspect for riding in the hot and humid Indian conditions...
hi there, sorry for the off topic comment. I am interested to know what kind of earplug you are using and how does it affect your awareness as a rider? i've tried few kinds of earplugs but none so far work as intended. usually, the plugs causes somewhat bone conducting effect, hence higher noise (especially the exhaust, i am using an akra). thanks in advance.
I use custom moulded silicone earplugs from a company called Ultimate Hearing Protection. Very comfortable to wear and they don’t affect my awareness on the bike at all. They do a good job of reducing certain frequencies without blocking your hearing. Definitely one of the best investments I’ve made in terms of kit
Hi, as usual a nice trusted review man! I like coming to your channel looking for an opinion. But recently I saw a test review from those guys ChampionHelmets channel and they rated the ventilation quite poorly :( Did you see their take on it? I was about to order this one because it's finally an Arai helmet that I like its look , but if ventilation is a problem.... oof. I live in a very warm place, that is why it worries me.
Just had a look at both their initial review and the comparison with the Glamster. They seem to offer thorough reviews and obviously use quite a bit of tech on the road tests. I’m not going to knock anyone’s reviews, but in the first one they comment that its only one shell size, which is wrong. The UK version does also come with a pinlock in the box, maybe that differs from the European version? Whilst they are using a temp gauge in the helmet to determine the differential between the inner temp and ambient air temp, this doesn’t directly address the ventilation. Here are my thoughts. Although this is an interesting test, there are a number of variables that are at play. The easiest one to start with is helmet colour. in the comparison, the Arai is black and the Glamster is white. We all know black absorbs more heat, so I would expect the internal temperature to be higher on a dark helmet If they were to do the test with exactly the same helmet , one white and one black I would suspect the temp differential wouldn’t be the same. (As an aside I couldn’t see if they had the brow vents open). Secondly have they taken into account the temperature of the rider? Is he wearing the same gear on both tests? Is he riding at the same time of day in the same conditions? I appreciate them trying to put a scientific slant on the tests, thats to be applauded, but as with any science, there does need to be a ‘control’ or ‘constant’ element to the tests. Of course my own reviews are purely observational, but I do try to consider many things.
@@mancavemoto They do base their conclusion on numbers, a device that measures the parameters tho, not the actual personal feel. So kind of happy that your opinion is on how you felt not what some SKYnet AI measured :D
Yes exactly its a good indication from them, if it was being done in s controlled environment it would be even better. Maybe they should also measure the riders body temperature? If he was riding in the first helmet from cold and then switched to the other helmet after a couple of hours, could he potentially be hotter? With all the vents open I thought the airflow on the arai was good. I do have a Glamster to test, but cannot ride due to the current lockdown in the UK. I don’t think my reviews would be classed as essential work!
@@mancavemoto it's good that you pointed out the colour difference, I missed that part! That actually makes sense. As well as the condition of rider's body , timing they took for the comparisons etc. And yeah, would be good if we could hear rider's opinion after hearing those numbers, maybe he was also "wow, temperature was that?! I didn't feel like that at all" etc... I'm waiting on your Glamster (geeeesh that name...) review before I buy either this Arai or Eliminator (or even Zero X) but Glamster have that narrow chin part (not as narrow as Bell Bullet) that makes me a bit suspicious of its resistant to an impact.
Finally a helmet that isn't just a fashion statement like the Bullitt and it's copies. Is this called a Rapide or a Concept? I find it called both and is it available in the states?
Yes its certainly a full on Arai. It has a different name in different regions. Its the Rapide in the UK, Concept X in Europe and the Rapide Neo in Japan. Not sure when it'll be released in the states?
I’m going for a fitting of one of these tomorrow as they have an exceptional amount of customisation. I appreciate its only a review helmet, but it looks a bit ‘hamster-cheek’ on you, which it shouldn’t (although you do mention getting a fitting) 🙂
Great review; how did you find this helmet at higher speeds? I rem the Arai Defiant (non-X)(several years ago) being really good as a naked bike helmet.
I don't uderstand why Arai Takes care to give a solution to Classic vintage bikers And seit this horrible front Sticker. A Decent Arai one Would have been Perfect. Is there a possibility to remove that Sticker?
The HA logo is only used on this design in the three colours. The solid colours just have the Arai Script. The logo is painted onto the helmet, its not a sticker
Views from the Man Cave yes I picked up it is an Arai from the title Sherlock but it’s £150 more than an Arai debut which is also a good helmet from the same manufacturer and there are chaser x available in graphics £200 cheaper. I suppose it depends who is paying for them or a freebie .
Lee Watkeys alright bud, no need to be funny, all I meant was it’s pretty much the same construction and features as something like the RX-7V that’s all. The Debut and the Profile v are both good options that come in cheaper.
Great review, always give a well balanced and informative review!
Love the look of the lid!
Thanks
Thanks for posting a stellar preview of this retro... looks so promising!
No problem
Love the look of these.
It’s a nice one for sure
Great detailed review, been looking for a retro helmet and found your channel been checking out as many as I can! This one looks good cause it has the modern features with some retro looks. Also thinking of getting an open face helmet too.
Thanks, yes this is certainly as good helmet.
I have a vintage lime green Z900rs Cafe and just purchased a HJC RPHA 11 Mike wazowski helmet.. this was obviously made with that bike in mind, looks ace . Great video as always 👍
MrHewy78 Cheers, I love that Wazowski hemet 😀 yep this would go well with your bike
Always clear...real world reviews ....Ride safe !!!!
Thanks Andrew
@@mancavemoto Keep safe ...and HOPE this virus can be controlled ...so looking forward to getting back out on bikes
How's the space around the chin for the bearded of us? - I am a 59.5 head so would you reckon a large is good for me?
It’s pretty good, but not massively roomy. I’m just over 60cm and found the XL was better for me. Definitely one to try before you buy
Great review. Please excuse my ignorance. Would you tell me the meaning of HA? it has a ® on the left so it looks some kind of brand.
Thanks, It’s the initials of Hirotaki Arai
@@mancavemoto Thank you very much
Great review. Would this helmet be accessible for the intercom system with speakers?
It would yes
@mancavemoto I love to buy this helmet but not available in the USA. Bummer...
Great review, I know you have reviewed the glamster as well,if you had the same size in both makes,which would you say is visually smaller.shell size ?.arai always look big on me .thanks regards
If an Arai XL size is still too small for you, they do offer an XXL for most models in the States, so that would make a sixth size, and if you shop around you can usually find a good deal online as long as it isn’t a newly released model… I’m sure there’s a good joke in there about Americans needing an XXL, but I’m not gonna try for it!
Great review of what looks like a great helmet.
Yep its certainly the best 'retro style' helmet i've tried so far.
did you tested the shoei glamster? how to they compare against eachother
The green one will go nice with the Z900RS Cafe.
Indeed, I think that might have been on purpose ;)
Good review. Is the Pro Shade system supported? I imagine not but that would be great if it is.
The pro shade fits onto the VAS visor, so I don't see why it wouldn't work with this?
Views from the Man Cave that alone would make this the best value retro helmet in town, IMO
Great video as ever 👍🏼
Is that an RST Jacket you’re wearing? Looks smart. What model & thoughts think I’ll be in the market for a textile jacket this season.
On that subject am I right in saying you reviewed the Knox UrbanePro shirt at some point? 🤔
Thanks Joe, yes it’s the X-Raid and I’ve been pretty impressed. There’ll be a review coming up soon. I did review one as part of the layering system a while back. But there is a new style coming soon, so I’ll be reviewing that when it arrives
Z900rs Cafe! Spot on!
It would go a treat wouldnt it
Great review, just bought one
Hope you enjoy it!
Love that retro Kawasaki color scheme
Makes me want a z900rs now 😀
Good review mate. Just want to check regarding visibility on leaning forward ( clip on bars ). is this okay on sporty riding?Thanks.
Yes I will be good for that
Great review, also good to hear on the fit as I love Arai, but am in between sizes with them traditionally. What I like about these new Arai and Shoei retro options are the low profile of the helmet (no bubble head). Out of the two (Rapide or Glamster) which would be your go to all year rounder? Cheers :)
Dom Cat Thanks! I’ve not had a chance to really try the Glamster yet, so I’m not in the position to answer that question.
@@mancavemoto look forward to your next vid reviewing it! Just remember to end the review with rack holding both lids and which one your reaching for daily ;)
Are there indents in the visor hinge? I like to ride with my visor in the 3/4 position. Never knew it was big deal for me until some helmets i found couldn't do that
Yes, its essentially the same as the VAS-V, but with a screw fixing rather than the side pods
Hay there great review thank you!
I wondered what this Arai Rapide is like in the rain???
Have you used it in the rain????
Do this eyebrow vents leak?????
Thanx
PS: sorry if this has already been in the comments I obviously missed it....
I didn't get a chance to ride it in the rain, well nothing more than a bit of drizzle. But having worn other Arai's with the brow vents in all kinds of weather, I can confirm that they do not leak
Views from the Man Cave Thanx so much :O))))
Is there a lot of wind noise inside the helmet? I have a Bell Bullitt and storms are breaking out inside the helmet. That's why I want to change it.
Not particularly no, this is in my experience much quieter
@@mancavemoto I'm going to buy Arai Concept x or glamster, but I can't decide which one. I want it not to make too much noise and I want to be able to use it comfortably in winter. What is your opinion about this?
Personally i'd pick the Arai in your use case, it'll be much better in the winter. you just have to make sure you can get a good fit
@@mancavemoto Thank you very much for your advice. I have absolute trust in you :)
Green version is stunning
The finish is superb
Hi just wanna know which is more recommended between Arai Rapide NEO and Shoei Glamster?
Depends what you mean by recommended? Both great helmets so it’s down to fit and personal preference
Would you pay extra for this model, compared to say the Arai Profile-V? The Rapide looks a cleaner/nicer design.
I think the price difference in Oz is AU585 (Profile-V) vs AU630 (Rapide)
It all depends on what you prefer I guess? The construction is pretty much the same, so its largely aesthetics that would drive the decision. The Profile V does have additonal venting in the shell obviously, which could create a little more noise.
A plain Profile V retails at £379.99 here in the UK and the Rapide at $449, so its about the same differential.
Did you find this version quieter than the Profile V? The Profile V is really noisy around those shield mechanism covers they have.
This was pretty quiet yes, the lack of ‘bits’ and vents on the shell helps a lot. Although to be fair I didn’t find the Profile V to be a noisy helmet anyway
Sir which is the Arai Helmet with the best ventilation that you have tried on and tested. This is an important aspect for riding in the hot and humid Indian conditions...
Of the ones I’ve tried it would be the Tour X4
Cheers, can you tell me the name of that cool looking leather jacket in the vid please.
Thanks, it’s an Age of Glory ‘Rocker’ tinyurl.com/AOGrocker
Thank you, it looks great, would love a review 👍
I may do one now the weather is warming up 👍
hi there, sorry for the off topic comment. I am interested to know what kind of earplug you are using and how does it affect your awareness as a rider? i've tried few kinds of earplugs but none so far work as intended. usually, the plugs causes somewhat bone conducting effect, hence higher noise (especially the exhaust, i am using an akra). thanks in advance.
I use custom moulded silicone earplugs from a company called Ultimate Hearing Protection. Very comfortable to wear and they don’t affect my awareness on the bike at all. They do a good job of reducing certain frequencies without blocking your hearing. Definitely one of the best investments I’ve made in terms of kit
@@mancavemoto wow. That's great. I'll have a look later. Thanks a lot!
How was this in the colder weather? Did it let in cold air in a noticeably uncomfortable way?
No, infact I think its one of the better 'retro styled' helmets for using in cold weather.
Hi, as usual a nice trusted review man! I like coming to your channel looking for an opinion.
But recently I saw a test review from those guys ChampionHelmets channel and they rated the ventilation quite poorly :(
Did you see their take on it? I was about to order this one because it's finally an Arai helmet that I like its look , but if ventilation is a problem.... oof.
I live in a very warm place, that is why it worries me.
Thanks, I haven’t seen their review, so I’ll take a look at it. I had no issues with the ventilation at all
Just had a look at both their initial review and the comparison with the Glamster. They seem to offer thorough reviews and obviously use quite a bit of tech on the road tests. I’m not going to knock anyone’s reviews, but in the first one they comment that its only one shell size, which is wrong. The UK version does also come with a pinlock in the box, maybe that differs from the European version? Whilst they are using a temp gauge in the helmet to determine the differential between the inner temp and ambient air temp, this doesn’t directly address the ventilation. Here are my thoughts. Although this is an interesting test, there are a number of variables that are at play. The easiest one to start with is helmet colour. in the comparison, the Arai is black and the Glamster is white. We all know black absorbs more heat, so I would expect the internal temperature to be higher on a dark helmet If they were to do the test with exactly the same helmet , one white and one black I would suspect the temp differential wouldn’t be the same. (As an aside I couldn’t see if they had the brow vents open). Secondly have they taken into account the temperature of the rider? Is he wearing the same gear on both tests? Is he riding at the same time of day in the same conditions? I appreciate them trying to put a scientific slant on the tests, thats to be applauded, but as with any science, there does need to be a ‘control’ or ‘constant’ element to the tests. Of course my own reviews are purely observational, but I do try to consider many things.
@@mancavemoto They do base their conclusion on numbers, a device that measures the parameters tho, not the actual personal feel. So kind of happy that your opinion is on how you felt not what some SKYnet AI measured :D
Yes exactly its a good indication from them, if it was being done in s controlled environment it would be even better. Maybe they should also measure the riders body temperature? If he was riding in the first helmet from cold and then switched to the other helmet after a couple of hours, could he potentially be hotter? With all the vents open I thought the airflow on the arai was good. I do have a Glamster to test, but cannot ride due to the current lockdown in the UK. I don’t think my reviews would be classed as essential work!
@@mancavemoto it's good that you pointed out the colour difference, I missed that part! That actually makes sense. As well as the condition of rider's body , timing they took for the comparisons etc.
And yeah, would be good if we could hear rider's opinion after hearing those numbers, maybe he was also "wow, temperature was that?! I didn't feel like that at all" etc...
I'm waiting on your Glamster (geeeesh that name...) review before I buy either this Arai or Eliminator (or even Zero X) but Glamster have that narrow chin part (not as narrow as Bell Bullet) that makes me a bit suspicious of its resistant to an impact.
Looks great, maybe in a few years when my Bell Bullitt needs replacing!
Its a great helmet
Hello hope all is well, just a thought, will this helmet take communication ear pieces, sena 10s coms 👍
Hi all good thanks. Yes it will, there are pockets in the cheek pads for earpieces. Plenty of room
Thank you for reply, going to try one on tomorrow cheers 👍
What do you wear in Shoei?
Size Large
Finally a helmet that isn't just a fashion statement like the Bullitt and it's copies. Is this called a Rapide or a Concept? I find it called both and is it available in the states?
Yes its certainly a full on Arai. It has a different name in different regions. Its the Rapide in the UK, Concept X in Europe and the Rapide Neo in Japan. Not sure when it'll be released in the states?
Why is that some seller of arai, pinlock anti fog wasnt included in the box. Sad
Good question, I’m nots sure if it varies from country to country, but in the UK a pinlock comes in the box from the distributor
One big negative: They arent selling this in the US? >:(
I’m going for a fitting of one of these tomorrow as they have an exceptional amount of customisation. I appreciate its only a review helmet, but it looks a bit ‘hamster-cheek’ on you, which it shouldn’t (although you do mention getting a fitting) 🙂
Cool! eeer I have natural hamster cheeks actually... 😉
Great review; how did you find this helmet at higher speeds? I rem the Arai Defiant (non-X)(several years ago) being really good as a naked bike helmet.
No problem at all at high speed. It’s very stable
What jacket are you wearing cheers
It’s an RST X-Raid jacket
Thank you
You're welcome
You should go to test the helmet in raining day
I do try to when I can
Great review as always! I was curious about this and the Glamster. Have you heard anything about when that is being released?
Thanks April in the UK I believe
can you fit coms in this lid .... cheers
Yep, no problem
@@mancavemoto thanks
Expensive but the green is the nicest colour.
It’s got a really great finish
I don't uderstand why Arai Takes care to give a solution to Classic vintage bikers And seit this horrible front Sticker. A Decent Arai one Would have been Perfect. Is there a possibility to remove that Sticker?
The HA logo is only used on this design in the three colours. The solid colours just have the Arai Script. The logo is painted onto the helmet, its not a sticker
Would you wear on a harley davidson?
I would yes, most definitely
@@mancavemoto thanks for quick answear
I have had Arai's for 30 plus years.....Love them....but looks like the side pods have fallen off to my eyes.
Haha, yep that takes a bite of getting used to. All part of the retro vibe....
Great review. But the price? ffs
We'll be buying them on PCP soon.
Yep, although not too bad a price for an Arai
Chin room?
Not Bad, average Arai fit I would say
Nice but pricey 👍🏻
yep, its not a budget helmet, but its a proper Arai
Views from the Man Cave yes I picked up it is an Arai from the title Sherlock but it’s £150 more than an Arai debut which is also a good helmet from the same manufacturer and there are chaser x available in graphics £200 cheaper. I suppose it depends who is paying for them or a freebie .
Lee Watkeys alright bud, no need to be funny, all I meant was it’s pretty much the same construction and features as something like the RX-7V that’s all. The Debut and the Profile v are both good options that come in cheaper.