We’ve all seen the commercials the place the Most Fascinating Man within the World says, “I don’t at all times drink beer, however once I do, I desire Dos Equis.” Likewise, Arai doesn’t typically launch a brand new helmet, however when it does, it will get it proper. Greater than 70 years of expertise went into the event of the brand new Arai Contour-X.
As we’ve written about in earlier evaluations and in our “The Why Behind Arai Helmets” function, Arai maintains a steadfast dedication to constructing helmet shells with a easy, robust, spherical form. As repeated expertise amongst MotoGP, World Superbike, and different racers has proven, Arai helmets are designed to “look off” objects, permitting them to take care of sheer integrity, resist deformation, and unfold impression vitality over the widest doable space. Each exterior function of an Arai helmet is designed to interrupt away in order that the helmet itself is not going to catch on something throughout an impression or slide.
The Contour-X affords glorious safety, consolation, air flow, and aerodynamics. It contains a new Peripherally Belted Advanced Laminate Development (PB-cLc2) shell that’s thinner and lighter due to a brand new fiber materials and resin, but it’s simply as robust as different Arai shells. The medium-size Contour-X examined right here, even with the non-compulsory Professional Shade visor and Pinlock anti-fog insert put in, weighs simply 3 lb, 9 oz – the identical weight because the top-of-the-line Corsair-X.
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Associated: Arai Corsair-X Helmet | Gear Evaluate
Just like the Regent-X, the Contour-X’s shell flares out 5mm across the opening to make the helmet simpler to slip on and off. The underside of the shell additionally options Arai’s Hyper Ridge, which improves power and shock absorption and was reshaped for flatter sides to facilitate straightforward mounting of a comms system.
Associated: Arai Regent-X Helmet | Gear Evaluate
Arai helmets have at all times been a pleasure to put on, and the Contour-X goes even additional with a brand new odor-resistant, brushed-nylon inside that’s detachable and washable and options adjustable Facial Contour System (FCS-2) cheek pads that may be launched to ease elimination throughout an emergency. Inside, there are speaker pockets and a brand new neck-roll wire pocket for a comms system. Via brief rides, lengthy rides, and repeated donning and doffing, the Contour-X required no break-in and was comfy always.
Air flow is incredible. The brand new system features a complete of seven intakes, all of which will be closed as wanted: a 3D Arai emblem vent within the brow, two F1-derived tear-drop intakes on the crown, two forehead vents within the faceshield, and a chin vent. There are additionally six exhausts: one within the spoiler, two on the perimeters close to the again, and three within the neckroll space. Arai says the Contour-X affords higher air flow than the Corsair-X at avenue speeds, and I concur.
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The spherical form of Arai helmets helps them slip via the air easily, and the brand new XGR exhaust/spoiler pulls sizzling air out of the helmet whereas additionally enhancing stability and decreasing buffeting at velocity. I wore the Contour-X on quite a lot of bikes with and with out windscreens, and it remained regular and comfy.
The Arai Contour-X is a incredible lid in each respect. It’s out there in sizes XS-2XL, and pricing begins at $739.95 for 5 totally different strong colours (Blue Frost, Black Frost, Diamond Black, Diamond White, and Gentle Gray) and $889.95 for 2 graphic choices (Snake Crimson and Face Fluorescent Yellow).
For extra data, see your seller or go to the Arai Helmets web site.
