Arai is over priced

[gsxrmike]

Yea I got two of them, But when its time to replace a shield its like 80.00
My signet/s cheek pads are like 31.dollars each, thats 61 bucks plus shipping,,,
My QUANTUM/f mirrored shield is a little scratched from a rock, thats about 85 bucks to replace,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Mike

[dhdrider]

Yep, indeed they are. I have an Arai RX7rr Corsair Hayden replica and I love it. However, I am needing to replace it now (it's over 4 years old) and I don't think I'm gonna shell out the $$ for another Arai. There are too many other great helmets out there for less than 1/2 the cost of an Arai.

Now I've got my eye on a Caberg (has the built in sun shade). Only problem is limited US importers. They have some sweet lids, though.

I'm trying to track down one of these 2:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v404/dhdrider/Caberg_Helmets.jpg

[tejasbusa]

I don't dispute that gear is expensive and probably overpriced, but having said that. I rub my stiff leg and think about what that has cost to get it in a somewhat working mode and then think about what it would cost to get my head fixed if the gear I wear did not fit so I did not wear it. I look at it like this. If it fits comfortably and you wear it, then up to a point, I can live with the price.

When my boys started riding, we traveled all over East Texas trying on different brands of helmets until they each found one that fit properly and was comfortable. I think it paid off as I haven't caught them NOT wearing at least a helmet even if they are just riding around in the yard on the DRZ125.

[rfwjr]

Now I've got my eye on a Caberg (has the built in sun shade). Only problem is limited US importers. They have some sweet lids, though.



You might try Moto-Liberty in Dallas or Gulf Coast BMW in Houston. I was looking at the modular Caberg at Gulf Coast BMW.

[dhdrider]

You might try Moto-Liberty in Dallas or Gulf Coast BMW in Houston. I was looking at the modular Caberg at Gulf Coast BMW.
Yeah, there's a web-based company that imports them (http://www.classiccruiser.com) but they don't import all of the Caberg line(s). I am lookng for full-faced w/ graphics and they only import this one: http://www.classiccruiser.com/srvs/data/ClassicCruiser/knowledgebases/ClassicCruiser/images/NI_104_gara.jpg

Who knows, though. The more I look at that one, I'm really diggin the red/white/blue...

[scratch]

We were talking about overpriced helmets at a bike night recently. It seems that Shoei has followed Arai's lead and is now threatening to cut off any retailers who offer more than a 10% discount off of MSRP.

Independant testing has proven that a lot of the "cheaper" helmets will likely provide better impact protection than the big name-brand products, so unless you simply can't find a comfortably-fitting model anywhere else, there's no good reason to spend the premium that Arai and Shoei are demanding. Unless you've just go to have their logo plastered on your forehead. ;-)

[rfwjr]

I think I saw an E-bay seller that sold the Caberg. I think the name was Helmets-N-More or something like that.

[dhdrider]

We were talking about overpriced helmets at a bike night recently. It seems that Shoei has followed Arai's lead and is now threatening to cut off any retailers who offer more than a 10% discount off of MSRP.
Yep. +1. I got my Arai off of eBay before they went on full .lock down forcing purchases from approved dealers and I got if for around $350.

I was looking at the new Scorpion 1000 w/ shade and thought I would look into those. However, I've never been too keen on their graphics. And a guy on another board I vist bought a Caberg (to replace his Arai) and he said the fit was really good. (IE - if an Arai fits your head, the Caberg should too). So I thought I would look for one.

[dhdrider]

I think I saw an E-bay seller that sold the Caberg. I think the name was Helmets and More or something like that.

Yep, he sells the Gara (red/white/blue) one for $270 plus shipping. The Classic Cruiser website sells if for $240...;-)

[kurt]

Yeah, but I still prefer them for fit, finish and overall quality. I have three helmets right now... an Arai XD, a Shoei X-II and a Nolan N-102. I recently retired my Arai RX-7 Corsair after four years. Parts for all of them are not cheap, but IMHO, the quality of each is directly proportional to the price. YMMV.

[wonder91178]

I was quite keen on the fit of the Arai helmets for my head last time I was at Cycle Gear playing around with their helmet display.

I prefered the Corsair models, which were also remarkably lighter than my Scorpion EXO700...

It costs significantly more, but if you can afford it, and like it, then that's what you'll pay.

[Squidward]

(IE - if an Arai fits your head, the Caberg should too).
Not necessarily. Arai's different models use different shell shapes to better suit different head shapes. Which model Arai does the Caberg fit like? That's the important question.
I've tried many helmets in the past and it turns out that only come across 3 helmets that have ever really fit my head properly and comfortably. Shoei Z-II, OGK FF-4, and Shark RSR2. Out of those 3, the Shark is the most comfortable and lightest with the OGK coming in a close second.

Personally, I always find the "such and such gear is overpriced" statements to be pretty interesting. IMO, it's only overpriced if you can't afford it...after all, I can't put a price on my safety or the safety of my wife but i do have to work within my means.

[Keith]

My $0.02...

At least Arai has parts. Try buying a replacement part for an inexpensive helmet. :coffee:

I have an HJC, a Shoei RF1000, and an Arai RX7. For pure fit, comfort, and quality the Arai is FAR superior to the others (although the Shoei comes close). My next helmet will be an Arai.

[scratch]

Personally, I always find the "such and such gear is overpriced" statements to be pretty interesting. IMO, it's only overpriced if you can't afford it...after all, I can't put a price on my safety or the safety of my wife but i do have to work within my means.
It's already been pretty firmly established that Arai and Shoei do NOT provide superior protection, despite what they claim in their ads. Knowing that, then it becomes more a matter of prioritizing one's spending rather than being unable to afford a given purchase. My $220.00 KBC VR2 is light, comfortable, has excellent air venting and has a fully removable liner. To get those features in an Arai or Shoei I'd have to pay nearly double the price. I see absolutely no reason to do so, and would rather spend the difference on something else.

[Squidward]

It's already been pretty firmly established that Arai and Shoei do NOT provide superior protection, despite what they claim in their ads. Knowing that, then it becomes more a matter of prioritizing one's spending rather than being unable to afford a given purchase. My $220.00 KBC VR2 is light, comfortable, has excellent air venting and has a fully removable liner. To get those features in an Arai or Shoei I'd have to pay nearly double the price. I see absolutely no reason to do so, and would rather spend the difference on something else.
I don't put a lot of stock into the article that so many have taken as gospel. I'll take my own experiences with involuntarily crash testing a variety of helmets over the testing done in a lab.

I place a lot of importance on comfort/fit/quality of construction/etc. when I buy a helmet, pair of boots, gloves, etc. If it's miserable to wear one will oft times find an excuse not to wear it.

As for your helmet...that's good that you found what you were looking for in a helmet at that price point. I haven't been so lucky.

I firmly believe that brand is not as important as fit, comfort, features, etc. It doesn't matter whether you find what you are looking for in a $100 Zamp or a $800 Vemar.

[bluedogok]

Lone Star BMW/Triumph here in Austin carries some Caberg helmets.
Motorcycle Closeouts (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/prodman.asp?ManId=140) online carries them as well.

I can find a comfortable Arai (I wear a Shoei) but the Caberg Justissimo (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=NM601-1000) flip-front is going to be my next helmet because it fits better than most other flip-front helmets.

[Jack Giesecke]

Arai's are for rich people, not me. I prefer to replace a helmet that's been "used". That's why I've never raced in one. Besides, for the street, they don't make modular helmets, do they? Even if they do, I'll stick with my AFX, thanks. I'm not out to impress folks, just have some protection on my head. The AFX is a nice helmet and at least affordable.

[jiffy]

Believing that something that costs more is better protective is not a very clear way of thinking. Brand names usually drive price more than other factors.

Scorpion helmets are really hard to beat. I admit the finish of the helmet is not as nice as Arai or Shoei but for the price I could get a new one every other year and still come out cheaper than buying Arai or Shoei.

The RF-1000 Scorpion looks to be the best new helmet coming out. It has the sunshade and cheesy as it is the pump to adjust the fitting around the cheeks.

[Squidward]

Believing that something that costs more is better protective is not a very clear way of thinking. Brand names usually drive price more than other factors.



I'm assuming that nobody here actually uses that logic. I'm pretty sure we all know that the level of protection offered by a helmet is not measured in dollars.

[wonder91178]

Scorpion helmets are really hard to beat. I admit the finish of the helmet is not as nice as Arai or Shoei but for the price I could get a new one every other year and still come out cheaper than buying Arai or Shoei.

While I have the EXO700 and like it a whole lot, the last trip I made to Cycle Gear, I tried on one of the Arai Corsair helmets on and it fit my noggin like buttah. Not to mention it weighs less and just overall fit the shape of my head better.

I'm not knocking the Scorpion, but to me the Arai felt better.

The whole thing is, get what you like. I won't knock anyone for their helmet choice.

[Jack Giesecke]

I might LIKE and Arai, but I can afford Five AFXs for the price of one Arai and I figure a new AFX is better than a five year old Arai I've crashed a few times. If you can afford it, fine. If you don't crash the helmet often (as with street helmets), fine. You still need to replace ANY helmet every four or five years so figure on the cost of that, too.

Heck, that Arai shield costs nearly as much as the Snell AFX I've been racing in. :lol2:

I used to have the hots for a Schuberth with that flip down tint thing. But, I've decided I prefer a full tint shield, don't get the face sunburned on a long ride with a full tint. My nose glows if under a clear shield after a day in West Texas. :lol2: That flip down tint thing didn't cover the whole face. I carry the clear screen on trips for the AFX and it changes as easily as swapping a pair of glasses, pretty neat system.

[dhdrider]

Lone Star BMW/Triumph here in Austin carries some Caberg helmets.
Thanks, that's good to know so I can try them on for fit...:rider:

[FotoMoto]

My last Arai (and probably last ever) had the two vents and both side covers break and the bottom vinyl lining come off.

[scratch]

I don't put a lot of stock into the article that so many have taken as gospel. I'll take my own experiences with involuntarily crash testing a variety of helmets over the testing done in a lab.
With all due respect, your experience (important as it is to you) did not occur under controlled conditions and therefore must be classified as anecdotal evidence. I think it's safe to assume that any helmet that's passed Snell certification should perform well.

I place a lot of importance on comfort/fit/quality of construction/etc. when I buy a helmet, pair of boots, gloves, etc. If it's miserable to wear one will oft times find an excuse not to wear it.
We can certainly agree on that point. I've invested in a Vanson jacket, Held gloves & Oxtar boots (among other gear) and they have proven to be worth the price. ( O.K. - I have to admit that I got a pretty good discount on all them. Blame it on my Scottish frugality. ;-) )

[STrider]

I won't knock anyone for their helmet choice.

Unless it's not to wear one - in which case I'll knock it for being stupid.

In my unscientific tests, it seems that more $$ usually is indicative of better fit (construction quality, I mean, as in visor latches, etc, not head shape), finish and features, but not indicative of protection. I've found that the very big money Shoei's fit my oddly shaped noggin very well in the store - unfortunately, I've not had the means to get one out of the store. For some reason, the $200ish price point in a few brands (KBC, Icon (yeah, yeah, Icon...:rolleyes:)) has provided levels of quality, comfort, fit and budgetary compliance I've found tolerable.

FWIW, I think HJC has some great street helmets at very good prices. Unfortunately, I most definitely do NOT have an HJC street shaped head - although my dirt HJC is as comfortable as any other hemmet I've worn.

Those Cabergs look good - maybe one for me to think about when the current lid is done for.

[mjacks]

In my unscientific tests, it seems that more $$ usually is indicative of better fit (construction quality, I mean, as in visor latches, etc, not head shape), finish and features, but not indicative of protection.

That is very good point. There is a big difference in the way the visor worked on my Shoei vs. the less expensive Nolan. Does that make if worth the $$? Depends on whose pocket it is coming out of.

[wonder91178]

For some reason, the $200ish price point in a few brands (KBC, Icon (yeah, yeah, Icon...:rolleyes:)) has provided levels of quality, comfort, fit and budgetary compliance I've found tolerable.

Yuck, I will never own another KBC ever again.

[Jack Giesecke]

I think the number of choices available in helmets might be a reflection of how many different head shapes and tastes there are in the headwear. What fits my head certainly won't fit some other folks. I think fit and comfort are most important to me. Of course, I don't wear JUNK, but you can find decent quality from about $100 up. My Nolan was a $200 helmet and I think my $125 AFX is better, at least to me it is. It's better built, has better features, is lighter, quieter, and fits my head better. Seems like over the years, though, I've bought a different brand helmet nearly every time I bought a new helmet! :rolleyes: I guess I'm not very brand loyal. :lol2: Of the top of my head, I've owned Bieffe, AFX, Bell, Shoei, Nolan, Nava, Buco, Vetter. Some of the old ones I can't remember the brand and I've had some cheap stuff I'd never buy again. I raced in Bell for a long time. They were horrible fit, but I had a deal going with 'em and got 'em cheap. :rofl: They did save my head several times, though, bad high sides complete with concussions. I carved the chin bar off one of 'em at Hallett, saved my chin. :thumb: Can't ask for too much more, but I didn't wear those horrible things on the street. :lol2: I had a couple of Shoeis back in the day I really liked, but they got to be expensive, almost as bad as Arai, and I quit buying them.

[Larry_77084]

Yeah, but I still prefer them for fit, finish and overall quality. I have three helmets right now... an Arai XD, a Shoei X-II and a Nolan N-102. I recently retired my Arai RX-7 Corsair after four years. Parts for all of them are not cheap, but IMHO, the quality of each is directly proportional to the price. YMMV.

I have the same 3 helmets.