First off, pro racers dont pay for their helmets (or any of their gear for that matter). Arai does or their sponsors do.
Second, Arai helmets are common for two reasons: Tight fit on the head and they give their helmets away to pro racers (and heavily discount them for amateur racers).
Third, All a motorcycle helmet is is compressed styrofoam inside a plastic/kevlar/fiberglass shell. The rest is fabric padding to hold it on your head. The technology is very basic (no breakthroughs there). I can think of 4 other brands that are Arai's equal (or better).
The reason they charge $500 for their helmets is because people who dont' know any better (like you, apparently) see the price tag and automatically think that the helmet must be better. They then spend that money on marketing and free lids to AMA racers. Its a slick marketing racket... but that is all it is... a marketing racket.
If you want to spend an extra $350 on peace of mind, then go ahead. An Arai will protect your head.... but a $150 Scorpion and Shoei will do the same job and leave you with enough cash to get a second helmet and a jacket or boots.
Its your money. You can throw it down the deepest, darkest hole for all I care.
I bet you think BOSE speakers are the bomb-diggity too. Am I right?
Originally Posted by DRFTR




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