http://indysuperbike.com/img/Arai/edw-11-y.jpg
I recently picked up this Corsair new for $470. My last helmet was a Shark RSI - one of the top recommendations at WebBikeWorld.com. I got the helmet before my bike, so I chose "gray" as a neutral color. Two years later, I wanted a helmet with some color. Aside from that, airflow wasn't great, it was tough to wear sunglasses, and the chin strap rubbed me the wrong way.

The Corsair blows the RSI away. The liner is extremely comfortable without excessive pressure. I can wear sunglasses without a headache. Airflow is drastically improved. I can't believe how much more air is moving and you can feel the difference with specific vents open or closed. There's one thing that surprised me: the Arai is extraordinarily stable at speed. With the Shark RSI, high speeds (80+) or strong winds made an impact on the helmet. I could nearly gauge my speed based on turbulence. The Arai is rock-solid. Even having my head turned sideways is more stable than the Shark was straight on. Riding is more comfortable and going faster is a lot easier.

All that, and I only expected it to look better. I had no idea what a difference there could be. I'm so impressed that I'll only recommend Arai from now on.

Usually, you get what you pay for. Funny how that works.

Sharp looking helmet there... :clap

Congrants! And thanks for the review.

Usually, you get what you pay for. Funny how that works.

Sharp looking helmet there... :clap
My surprise came from reading at WebBikeWorld.com. They often comment that they've never noticed a great difference in venting between the helmets they claim are good. They're especially harsh on the large top vents. I wonder how they could responsibly claim the Shark RSI to be a great helmet when there's such an overwhelming difference. Maybe it's a "for the money" rating. I sure haven't run a $150 lid, so maybe the Shark is drastically better than those.

A local store here just dropped their prices on some of the '07 closeout Corsairs to $400 flat. Yeesh.

where did you find one for only $470?

where did you find one for only $470?
Two places I know of will do it, if they still have them...

http://www.compacc.com
http://www.wilzgarage.com - gotta call this place, but it is local to me, so I'd trust them despite the crappy website.

I am eyeballing the Arai lines, even though I have a $400 Shoei modular helmet that I generally like. The problem is that Shoei caters to a more rounded head shape, and I have a thin face. I got thicker cheek padding which helped, but I just look like Mega Man with it on. Of course, I didn't know any better at the time. I really like the flip-up face, it's really convenient.... but I might be willing to give it up someday.

I'd love to give an Arai a spin, but I have plans for the next $500 coming through.

I'd love to give an Arai a spin, but I have plans for the next $500 coming through.
Ain't that always the truth! :lol:

I only got mine because I wasn't happy with my RSI for not entirely justifiable reasons and it was $470 rather than $650.

Contratulations, your new helmet looks awesome!!

When it comes to helmets, you can't go wrong with Shoei or Arai. At least that's why my all life long riding friends told me (and I agree).

Just adding a pic of MY actual helmet after a long while. And no, it's not an artsy shot. :P

http://lh3.ggpht.com/benwipperman/SGJiJdAHYPI/AAAAAAAAASc/dgyZU5ktW74/s800/helmet.jpg

Sweet!
I think my new helmet's going to be a Corsair....

Sweet!
I think my new helmet's going to be a Corsair....
If you can get a deal on one, they're outstanding. I'd consider stepping down to the Profile if the price were right, but I'm very satisfied. Also, they have an online support system and I just had a random question. They responded in under 24 hours, which is awesome for ANY company, let alone a helmet manufacturer.