shoei vs airoh vs arai

Mxracer24
Profile picture for user Mxracer24
Posts
144
Joined
4/28/2009
Location
Wisconsin Rapids, WI US
Mxracer24
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 6:57am
im looking for a new helmet shoot me your opinions! thanks
|
Phillips467
Profile picture for user Phillips467
Posts
1597
Joined
6/4/2010
Location
Worthing GB
Phillips467 8/23/2011 6:38am
8/23/2011 6:38am
Every helmet I've ever had has been Arai, and i've never had any problems with them.....
TMV
Profile picture for user TMV
Posts
1760
Joined
3/17/2009
Location
FR
TMV 8/23/2011 6:41am
8/23/2011 6:41am
Mxracer24 wrote:
im looking for a new helmet shoot me your opinions! thanks
The Airoh Aviator weights about... a feather... Never tested it but If I had to change I would give it a try...
nytsmaC
Profile picture for user nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off CA
nytsmaC 8/23/2011 7:37am
8/23/2011 7:37am
Try them on before you buy, one of them will fit you like a glove depending on the shape of your melon. I bought both a new Arai VX-Pro and a Shoei VFX-R and sold the Arai, they definitely feel a lot different. Both are definitely top notch, hopefully someone can chime in on the Airoh as I've been interested too but I haven't heard much about it other than it's very light.
Jman277
Profile picture for user Jman277
Posts
132
Joined
8/2/2010
Location
Independence, MO US
Jman277 8/23/2011 7:46am
8/23/2011 7:46am
My last helmet was an Arai but my next one will be a Shoei. I have more of a long head, and my mouth is too close to the front of the helmet in the arai and i just dont like it for that reason. All are top notch helmets, but as others have said try them on first then go from there because they fit dif size heads better then the other.

The Shop

See All »
markmon88
Profile picture for user markmon88
Posts
34
Joined
7/6/2011
Location
Dayton, OH US
markmon88 8/23/2011 7:55am
8/23/2011 7:55am
I always thought you either have a shoei head or an arai head. I always liked the look of the Arai better than the Shoei, but the shoei always fit me better so I went with it. I would recommend trying a few on at the local shop before deciding.
BRZ
Profile picture for user BRZ
Posts
503
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
BR
BRZ 8/23/2011 8:10am
8/23/2011 8:10am
I usually wear Shoei helmets. They fit my head well and the interior is very comfortable. I've had about 5 or 6 of them.

I've tried the Arai a few times. Interior was also plush (like the Shoei) but there was a pressure point at the top of my head.

Only tried the Airoh once. It felt far lighter than the Arai and Shoei, however the interior / padding felt second rate to me when compared with the other two.

I agree with nytsmaC that you have to try them before making a decision.

They are all premium helmets, but you have to see which one fits the shape of your head best and also decide what is more important to you, lighter weight (Airoh) or more comfortable padding (Shoei / Arai).
rbm33
Profile picture for user rbm33
Posts
433
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Duncan, OK US
Fantasy
913th
rbm33 8/23/2011 8:11am
8/23/2011 8:11am
like everyone has already said you either have an "arai head" or a "shoei head". i happen to have an "arai head" and have worn araia helmets for years and have always been really satisified with them.

i havent worn an Airoh but i have a friend who has one and i tried it on and it fit me like a glove. i wear a large in aria and the airoh in a large was a perfect fit.

so i would say if an arai fits your head the airoh probably would also and the sizes seem to run tru to the sizing of an arai.

and as stated earlier the airoh is VERY light, im pretty sure that will be my next helmet purchase.
moto543
Profile picture for user moto543
Posts
124
Joined
7/7/2011
Location
IA US
moto543 8/23/2011 8:55am
8/23/2011 8:55am
Try them on before you drop $500 plus on a new lid. I agree with everyone else, they do have slightly different shapes. It's a good idea to find the best fit as opposed to looking at who has the best graphics. I've been wearing Shoei's since '96 and won't wear anything else.
peelout
Profile picture for user peelout
Posts
18358
Joined
1/6/2011
Location
Ogden, UT US
peelout 8/23/2011 8:56am
8/23/2011 8:56am
i've been using Shoei for about 10 years, i'll never buy a different name
jasonv43
Profile picture for user jasonv43
Posts
10273
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA US
jasonv43 8/23/2011 9:04am
8/23/2011 9:04am
9 out of 10 Doctors agree that wearing a Shoei will in fact increase the size of you penis.

Seriously though can you purchase an Airoh in the states?

Keep an eye out over the next few months as normally this is the time when new graphics come out.
grover738
Profile picture for user grover738
Posts
516
Joined
8/18/2008
Location
Spring Grove, MN US
grover738 8/23/2011 9:23am
8/23/2011 9:23am
Jman277 wrote:
My last helmet was an Arai but my next one will be a Shoei. I have more of a long head, and my mouth is too...
My last helmet was an Arai but my next one will be a Shoei. I have more of a long head, and my mouth is too close to the front of the helmet in the arai and i just dont like it for that reason. All are top notch helmets, but as others have said try them on first then go from there because they fit dif size heads better then the other.
It's been my experience that if you have a long narrow head that Arai's will fit you better. I wear Arai's and when I try Shoei's they seem to put pressure on the back of my head (where I'd have a bald spot if it wasn't for moto) and right above my forehead. But it has been at least 5 years since I've tried on a Shoei.
bt260
Profile picture for user bt260
Posts
200
Joined
10/30/2008
Location
Locke, NY US
bt260 8/23/2011 9:25am
8/23/2011 9:25am
I've had 5 Shoei's and 4 Arai's over the years with a 661 thrown in there along the way. Both the Shoei and Arai fit me great. Not so sure about the Shoei head or Arai head argument. I personally prefer the Arai's, they just feel a tad more plush. I prefer the cheek pad design of the Shoei over the Arai, it's easier to clean and I seem to break the vents off my Arai a little easier, but that's likely due to the Arai being lighter than the Shoei, have to save weight somewhere. I guess I should say I haven't had the opportunity to run the newest VFX-W though, my current lid is the Arai VX Pro-3.

All things the same, I'd personally choose the Arai, but when I can find a Shoei online shipped for half the price of the Arai, it's gonna be a Shoei summer. (I buy a new lid every season, too many concussions to risk it.)
disbanded
Profile picture for user disbanded
Posts
6886
Joined
8/26/2007
Location
Evergreen, CO US
disbanded 8/23/2011 9:49am
8/23/2011 9:49am
I started with Arai, moved on to Shoei, but now my helmet choice is Troy Lee Designs.

My Air helmet is the most comfortable thing I have ever put on my head. I could wear it for days, and I have.
jplough973
Profile picture for user jplough973
Posts
62
Joined
6/16/2011
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA US
jplough973 8/23/2011 2:37pm
8/23/2011 2:37pm
I started with Shoei but didn't like the way the VFX-W felt with my neck brace so I switchd to the Bell Moto 8 and couldn't be happier. Cant wait to get the Moto 9!
FreshTopEnd
Profile picture for user FreshTopEnd
Posts
13135
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Sacramento, CA US
FreshTopEnd 8/23/2011 3:20pm
8/23/2011 3:20pm
I think fit is important once you get into quality helmets. Arai's fit me like a glove, so I went with that. Find out what fits best.
Shenzi
Profile picture for user Shenzi
Posts
2687
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
SWFL, FL US
Fantasy
1041st
Shenzi 8/23/2011 4:52pm
8/23/2011 4:52pm
The Airoh is not legal for use in the USA. Don't compare that mtb helmet with an Arai or a Shoei, if you look for something mega vented, ultra light and close to a Shoei, at least check the AGV Tongue



machine
Profile picture for user machine
Posts
6404
Joined
1/5/2011
Location
Collettsville, NC US
machine 8/23/2011 5:45pm
8/23/2011 5:45pm
jasonv43 wrote:
9 out of 10 Doctors agree that wearing a Shoei will in fact increase the size of you penis. Seriously though can you purchase an Airoh...
9 out of 10 Doctors agree that wearing a Shoei will in fact increase the size of you penis.

Seriously though can you purchase an Airoh in the states?

Keep an eye out over the next few months as normally this is the time when new graphics come out.
This is the only place i've found that imports em. Unfortunately, they aren't in my budget. I have heard that you can actually feel the air flowing across the top of your head. Alessi and Ciaroli like them.

http://www.ktm-parts.com/AIROH.html
chase187
Profile picture for user chase187
Posts
331
Joined
9/29/2009
Location
Hallsville, MO US
chase187 8/23/2011 5:51pm
8/23/2011 5:51pm Edited Date/Time 8/23/2011 5:53pm
Shenzi wrote:
The Airoh is not legal for use in the USA. Don't compare that mtb helmet with an Arai or a Shoei, if you look for something...
The Airoh is not legal for use in the USA. Don't compare that mtb helmet with an Arai or a Shoei, if you look for something mega vented, ultra light and close to a Shoei, at least check the AGV Tongue



Then how does Alessi wear one, and I have seen several at local and Amateur National events? And Musquin?

Pit Row

See All »
Shenzi
Profile picture for user Shenzi
Posts
2687
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
SWFL, FL US
Fantasy
1041st
Shenzi 8/23/2011 5:55pm
8/23/2011 5:55pm
jasonv43 wrote:
9 out of 10 Doctors agree that wearing a Shoei will in fact increase the size of you penis. Seriously though can you purchase an Airoh...
9 out of 10 Doctors agree that wearing a Shoei will in fact increase the size of you penis.

Seriously though can you purchase an Airoh in the states?

Keep an eye out over the next few months as normally this is the time when new graphics come out.
machine wrote:
This is the only place i've found that imports em. Unfortunately, they aren't in my budget. I have heard that you can actually feel the air...
This is the only place i've found that imports em. Unfortunately, they aren't in my budget. I have heard that you can actually feel the air flowing across the top of your head. Alessi and Ciaroli like them.

http://www.ktm-parts.com/AIROH.html
because it is AMA Pro racing and they authorize ratings from all over the world. Which is perfect, especially for visiting riders.
The Airoh is not for sale in the Continental US.
Walt Kowalski 8/23/2011 6:21pm
8/23/2011 6:21pm Edited Date/Time 8/23/2011 7:02pm
New here but figured some folks might find this useful. You can get an Airoh Stelt Senior from Germany for about $320 if you're not fussy about colors. Check this link...

FC Moto

They have a bunch on sale and the prices listed include 19% VAT that you don't pay if you have it shipped to the US or Canada. Shipping is cheap at 15 euros. Around 260 euro - 19% VAT = 210 + 15 = 225 euro = $320 give or take the exchange rate.

I bought one a few months ago and I'm super happy with it. Haven't tried Shoei or Arai so can't compare.
machine
Profile picture for user machine
Posts
6404
Joined
1/5/2011
Location
Collettsville, NC US
machine 8/23/2011 6:23pm
8/23/2011 6:23pm
jasonv43 wrote:
9 out of 10 Doctors agree that wearing a Shoei will in fact increase the size of you penis. Seriously though can you purchase an Airoh...
9 out of 10 Doctors agree that wearing a Shoei will in fact increase the size of you penis.

Seriously though can you purchase an Airoh in the states?

Keep an eye out over the next few months as normally this is the time when new graphics come out.
machine wrote:
This is the only place i've found that imports em. Unfortunately, they aren't in my budget. I have heard that you can actually feel the air...
This is the only place i've found that imports em. Unfortunately, they aren't in my budget. I have heard that you can actually feel the air flowing across the top of your head. Alessi and Ciaroli like them.

http://www.ktm-parts.com/AIROH.html
Shenzi wrote:
because it is AMA Pro racing and they authorize ratings from all over the world. Which is perfect, especially for visiting riders. The Airoh is not...
because it is AMA Pro racing and they authorize ratings from all over the world. Which is perfect, especially for visiting riders.
The Airoh is not for sale in the Continental US.
Huh......The link I posted is for a US company is it not?
zedbike
Profile picture for user zedbike
Posts
81
Joined
5/9/2009
Location
Melbourne AU
zedbike 8/23/2011 6:30pm
8/23/2011 6:30pm
I have been using an airoh for awhile now, soooooo light. I dont race anymore so its leagality doesnt concern me.

I ride so little now that I was pulling neck muscles every ride but not since using the airoh.

It cost me AU$350 delivered from pommy-land!

My only concern is Scott goggles only just fit in.

Ripper helmet, by far the best I have used
jasonv43
Profile picture for user jasonv43
Posts
10273
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA US
jasonv43 8/23/2011 6:40pm
8/23/2011 6:40pm
machine wrote:
This is the only place i've found that imports em. Unfortunately, they aren't in my budget. I have heard that you can actually feel the air...
This is the only place i've found that imports em. Unfortunately, they aren't in my budget. I have heard that you can actually feel the air flowing across the top of your head. Alessi and Ciaroli like them.

http://www.ktm-parts.com/AIROH.html
Shenzi wrote:
because it is AMA Pro racing and they authorize ratings from all over the world. Which is perfect, especially for visiting riders. The Airoh is not...
because it is AMA Pro racing and they authorize ratings from all over the world. Which is perfect, especially for visiting riders.
The Airoh is not for sale in the Continental US.
machine wrote:
Huh......The link I posted is for a US company is it not?
Shenzi is right.

The company might be from the US, but I'm pretty sure they have to get them from overseas somehow.
machine
Profile picture for user machine
Posts
6404
Joined
1/5/2011
Location
Collettsville, NC US
machine 8/23/2011 6:44pm
8/23/2011 6:44pm
Shenzi wrote:
because it is AMA Pro racing and they authorize ratings from all over the world. Which is perfect, especially for visiting riders. The Airoh is not...
because it is AMA Pro racing and they authorize ratings from all over the world. Which is perfect, especially for visiting riders.
The Airoh is not for sale in the Continental US.
machine wrote:
Huh......The link I posted is for a US company is it not?
jasonv43 wrote:
Shenzi is right.

The company might be from the US, but I'm pretty sure they have to get them from overseas somehow.
Im not sure what you guys are talking about. If an American company is selling them, then you can buy them in the states no?
Shenzi
Profile picture for user Shenzi
Posts
2687
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
SWFL, FL US
Fantasy
1041st
Shenzi 8/23/2011 7:14pm
8/23/2011 7:14pm
machine wrote:
Im not sure what you guys are talking about. If an American company is selling them, then you can buy them in the states no?
I believe that by law a non-dot helmet is not legal to be sold in the US. unless it is for mountain-biking. no one, I mean no brand that is legally sold in the US, sells a non-dot motorcycle helmet. I don't believe Airoh has the required insurance for liability in the US neither. if anything happen to a users good luck to that importing shop
Moto Mofo
Profile picture for user Moto Mofo
Posts
886
Joined
1/17/2008
Location
TX US
Moto Mofo 8/23/2011 8:10pm
8/23/2011 8:10pm
I can comfortably wear a Shoei or an Arai, but considered myself more of an Arai guy for quite a while. That all changed once I tried an Airoh. The difference in weigh is unbelievable when you wear it (especially for an extended period of time). The ventilation is top notch. Everyone who has ever picked my lid up had been dumbfounded at how light it is. Not only that, they are priced competitively. Yeah, none of the dealers in the US carry them and there is no importer. However, they are easily obtained from overseas. I've ordered two of them, and the first was ordered on a Monday, and showed up on my doorstep that Friday. Thats pretty impressive considering it came from the UK, and that often times stuff from inside the US takes as long or longer. My other Airoh took about a week and a half. I recommend http://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/ as myself and several of my buddies have had great experiences ordering from them, and they usually have the best deals. However, http://www.dirtbikebitz.com/ is also a good option.
Mstock
Profile picture for user Mstock
Posts
2044
Joined
9/14/2010
Location
Middleton, WI US
Mstock 8/23/2011 8:15pm
8/23/2011 8:15pm
At $389 shipped to your door it is hard to beat the Shoei VFX Pro-3. Arai makes a world class lid but lacks in the cool looks department. The Airoh is equal to both but very hard to get. Alessi rocked them in the Pro Nats. They are prominent in the GP Series. All 3 are better than the Fox helmets many pro's use in the states. The UFO lid is also a consideration. And I like the Bell moto 9 also. We currently use 3 TLD se-3's and love em. So many great options it's hard to decide.

That Agv thing reminds me of beiffe looks from the 90's with worse graphics. Not that its a bad helmet but there are many better options on the market.
motoplook
Profile picture for user motoplook
Posts
362
Joined
4/19/2010
Location
KZ
motoplook 8/24/2011 5:54am
8/24/2011 5:54am Edited Date/Time 8/24/2011 5:55am
Mstock wrote:
At $389 shipped to your door it is hard to beat the Shoei VFX Pro-3. Arai makes a world class lid but lacks in the cool...
At $389 shipped to your door it is hard to beat the Shoei VFX Pro-3. Arai makes a world class lid but lacks in the cool looks department. The Airoh is equal to both but very hard to get. Alessi rocked them in the Pro Nats. They are prominent in the GP Series. All 3 are better than the Fox helmets many pro's use in the states. The UFO lid is also a consideration. And I like the Bell moto 9 also. We currently use 3 TLD se-3's and love em. So many great options it's hard to decide.

That Agv thing reminds me of beiffe looks from the 90's with worse graphics. Not that its a bad helmet but there are many better options on the market.
ha ha ha

Shenzi
Profile picture for user Shenzi
Posts
2687
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
SWFL, FL US
Fantasy
1041st
Shenzi 8/24/2011 5:57am
8/24/2011 5:57am
Mstock wrote:
At $389 shipped to your door it is hard to beat the Shoei VFX Pro-3. Arai makes a world class lid but lacks in the cool...
At $389 shipped to your door it is hard to beat the Shoei VFX Pro-3. Arai makes a world class lid but lacks in the cool looks department. The Airoh is equal to both but very hard to get. Alessi rocked them in the Pro Nats. They are prominent in the GP Series. All 3 are better than the Fox helmets many pro's use in the states. The UFO lid is also a consideration. And I like the Bell moto 9 also. We currently use 3 TLD se-3's and love em. So many great options it's hard to decide.

That Agv thing reminds me of beiffe looks from the 90's with worse graphics. Not that its a bad helmet but there are many better options on the market.
Yes they are prominent in the GPs because they all buy them, like Alessi, LOL.

when you say that they are better than the Fox, in which way? Why is the lid better than the Fox too? Why is the UFO good too? Just trying to understand your factual opinion?

Saying that the Airoh is similar to both the Shoei and the Arai, is really weird for someone who knows helmets, the development process, manufacturing process, QC process, there so many differences between those, especially between the Arai and Shoei you guys are using in the US and the Airoh which is an ECE-only lid.

AGV and Bieffe definitely looks similar, LOL. I like blonde women chicks with boob jobs, I like boobs a lot.
MXD
Profile picture for user MXD
Posts
2709
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
MA US
MXD 8/24/2011 8:03am
8/24/2011 8:03am
If you're sure the Shoei fits you, BTO is having a sale right now. $389 for the Dash and Illusion models. I bought one a couple of weeks ago. I used a promo code 12OFFLIST and got an additional 12% off. The total was something like $348. Just be aware that there are no returns. You can exchange it if the size is wrong but no returns.

Post a reply to: shoei vs airoh vs arai