Why are Arai and Shoei Helmets so expensive?

Why are Arai and Shoei Helmets so expensive?

There are a few reasons why Arai and Shoei helmets are more expensive than other helmet manufacturers. These include:

• Use of better materials
• Lighter weight
• More aerodynamic
• Better fit
• Better visor features
• Quieter/less wind noise
• Extra safety testing
• Country of origin (both Shoei and Arai are handmade in Japan)

Helmet Materials

When the likes of Shoei and Arai are creating a premium motorcycle helmet, the key is to use a composite of strong, flexible and durable materials that can withstand impacts and collisions but not at the expense of the helmet’s weight. There are certain materials out there that are both durable and light, carbon fibre being one of them, but materials that boast these qualities aren’t cheap. However, the result of these premium materials being used by is a lighter helmet which provides optimum safety whilst putting less strain on the rider’s neck – something we’re all looking for in a helmet.

The use of finer materials extends to all aspects of the helmet, not just the shell. Helmets that boast a strong, secure chin strap, with a plush fabric cover for enhanced comfort, give the rider extra confidence in their helmet in the event of a spill. Removable, washable cheek pads that are covered in a snug material are not only more pleasant on the skin with their breathable, moisture dispersal qualities but are more hygienic too. After all, a comfortable rider is a happy rider.

The inner shell is another factor worth considering as this is the element of the helmet that protects your head in the event of a collision. Arai’s inner shell (EPS liner) is a one-piece shock absorbing liner that contains up to five different densities, each of which act and support one another when the helmet comes under impact.

Shoei offer a two-piece EPS liner in their helmets with a flexible, softer layer on the inside of a denser layer which offers better protection. Tunnels created in the dual layer inner liner improves ventilation properties too, allowing cool air to pass through the tunnels.

Helmet Visors

Having a visor that doesn’t fog up during a journey is paramount to any rider. Both Arai and Shoei offer pinlock-ready helmets, allowing riders to fit the anti-fog pinlock visor shield (which often comes with the helmet) to their helmet’s visor, with the space between the two acting as an air chamber which helps to insulate the inner temperature to prevent the build-up of moisture. Arai also offer a lever release system in their helmets allowing riders to change their visors in seconds without the need for tools whilst Shoei offers the same with their QRBP system. In addition, both brands boast a wider field of vision with their visors which gives riders a greater scope of the road.

Helmet Sizing

One of the most awkward things about helmets is the fact they all tend to come up slightly different in size and so, more often than not, you have to physically go to a store to try the fit before you buy. Even then, finding a helmet within your budget that you like might not fit as well as you’d like. Arai and Shoei are known for producing helmets that offer a snugger fit than cheaper helmets, which is what you should be looking for when purchasing a lid. You want a helmet that isn’t too tight but is snug enough to stay on your head in the event of an accident. A loose or ill-fitting helmet should be avoided at all costs.

Both Arai and Shoei offer a number of shell sizes (Arai: up to 6; Shoei: up to 4) for their size range of helmets to give a more accurate, comfortable fitting helmet which in turn reduces stress on the rider’s neck whilst riding. Some cheaper brands tend to use fewer shell sizes and make up the size of the helmet by adding or decreasing the amount of foam padding. This isn’t ideal as it can affect the protection qualities of the helmet thus Arai and Shoei’s dedication to providing more shell sizes allows for a more accurate sized helmet for the rider, offering better protection.

Helmet Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics of a helmet is important to a rider. It means the difference between cutting through the air with ease and developing neck pain from constantly fighting with air resistance. Racers don’t want to be fighting with air resistance at 150+mph and neither does your average rider travelling at 70mph down a motorway. A helmet with poor aerodynamics won’t only cause rider fatigue and neck strain, it also increases wind noise. This is why Arai and Shoei are both dedicated to providing aerodynamic helmets with optimal ventilation positioning for a quieter, more comfortable ride.

Helmet Testing

Shoei and Arai put their helmets through rigorous testing to produce a helmet which is fit for the rider. Both Arai and Shoei utilise wind-tunnel testing to test the aerodynamics, ventilation and noise of the helmet when put under pressure, as well as taking advantage of on-road testing. Not only that but Arai inspect every helmet five times for quality during production.

Both Shoei and Arai sponsor motorcycle racers in premier competitions such as MotoGP, WSB, BSB and road racing and are able to use the data provided from their riders to produce industry-leading helmets fit for every rider. That doesn’t mean we get an inferior alternative though. Arai pride themselves on offering professional riders and everyday motorcyclists the very same helmet. There’s no “us and them”. If you want a lid like Michael Dunlop or Maverick Vinales, then you can get one!

Helmet Warranty

Many of the budget helmet manufacturers offer a limited warranty of a year or two but Arai and Shoei offer a whopping 5 year warranty from date of purchase or 7 years from date of manufacture, whichever comes soonest. This generous warranty period gives riders more confidence in the helmet, knowing that the extra pennies spent on one of Shoei and Arai’s premium motorcycle helmets are worth it. Warranties often require consumers to register the product online so ensure to check this. Warranties are none transferable either so if you buy second hand you won’t receive the warranty, nor will you if you purchase a helmet from another country than that you will be riding in. So always make sure to buy from a reputable stockist.

Helmet Price

So now you understand why Shoei and Arai are more expensive than other brands of motorcycle helmets but that doesn’t mean you should pay over the odds for one. Many motorcycle shops offer deals throughout the year or clearance sales to get rid of older models so it’s always best to shop around. This is why we created Shop4 Biker: to help you get the best deal possible and save a few quid if you can.

Make sure to check out our motorcycle product price comparison website to find out the online prices of Arai helmets and Shoei helmets from a variety of motorcycle helmet stockists such as SportsBikeShop, Demon Tweeks, Ghostbikes and FC Moto.

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