ARAI RAPIDE MOTORCYCLE HELMET REVIEW | BRINGING BACK RETRO
There has always been a general perception about retro helmets for a long time. However, in 2019, there was a drastic change to this perception owing to the release of the first full-faced, retro-styled, and modern helmet knew as Arai Rapide.
For many years, bikers and enthusiasts in the industry have yearned for a retro helmet of high quality. These yearnings were not born out of the unavailability of retro helmets, rather, the retro helmets were majorly overpriced. The price tag on them didn’t match up to the functionalities enjoyed when using them. While these helmets have great designs and aesthetics, they lacked the operational functionality that a modern helmet is supposed to have.
Retro Problems Solved With The Rapide by Arai
The problem with these retro helmets ranges from non-fitting to tight chin bars and uncomfortable helmets. Some of the helmets were dangerous to use while others were noisy and many of them didn’t have the variable venting feature. Many of these retro helmets are not Pinlock prepared and are also not watertight or waterproof, meaning there are not ideal for use under heavy rain.
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Thus, the Arai Rapide is the answer to the yearnings of bikers and experts, as it seeks to correct all of the anomalies noticed in the retro helmets available. Now, let’s take a deeper look into the Arai Rapide helmet and discuss how it betters all of the retro helmets that have come before it. First off, the helmet is one of the products from Arai. This means that it comes with a strong and tough shell. This has been one of the leading features that Arai helmets are known for.
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Arai Rapide Shell & Shape
The story behind this feature is that during the early days of its manufacture, Arai helmets were tested under Snell Standards. Snell standards were set for car racing and it requires that the helmet comes with a hard shell so that it can absorb multiple impacts. However, a hard shell has its disadvantages. It doesn’t absorb energy from impacts the same way that a softer shell does. Therefore, Arai compensates for this by including thicker eps liners.
The combination of the hard shell and thick eps liners makes Arai helmets a bit heavier and larger than the average helmet, and the same is true for the Arai Rapide helmet. Regardless of the size or weight, the helmet is very safe. The only downside that one has to accept is that there are lighter helmets or helmets with softer shells out there.
Apart from its heavy size, the Arai Rapide helmet adopts a round shell shape. The round shape is a trademark of Arai and it keys into the idea that many people have about retro helmets. The shell of this helmet under review has an uncluttered surface and this gives it a classic look. However, as the helmet progresses to the front side, it adopts a Simpson Bandit-like nose treatment for the front side. This progression is a very brilliant one as the helmet fits in perfectly for both retro and modern use. The progression gives the helmet a retro look (more of the 80s and 90s than the 70s) and also works perfectly for a modern bike, cruiser, or street fighter.
Ventilation & Wind Noise
Ventilation is an important part of any helmet and the Arai Rapide doesn’t joke with this aspect. Although it adopts a retro design, the ventilation of the helmet is good. The helmet comes with six vents on the chin of the helmet and you can close these vents from inside the helmet. There are also vents around the eyebrow area and these are also adjustable. The only downside to these eyebrow vents is that it increases the noise when you use them. Now, this doesn’t mean that the helmet is a noisy one, it is the quietest of all Arai helmets we have used in recent times. As per the ventilation, the helmet has air exhaust outlets at the back and sides of the helmet.
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Arai Rapide Visor
Up next, is the visor. Arai uses nothing but the best materials and components, so the visor used is of grade one optical quality. This visor works with a system known as the VAS which pivots the visor and creates a better seal by pulling tightly into the visor aperture. This seal protects the rider against rain and wind, while also giving the helmet a clean and smooth look. In line with other Arai helmets, the Arai Rapide doesn’t use a drop-down sun visor.
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Removable Padding & Lining
The interior part of the helmet does not deviate from what is expected of an Arai helmet. The facings reek of comfort and they are adjustable as well as removable. Their removability makes it possible to clean or change components such as cheek pads and headliners to make the helmet fit better. The helmet also uses the traditional double d-rings for fastening.
There have been many arguments about whether or not Arai helmets have their specific head shape. This argument was born out of the fact that every Arai helmet has a different head shape. Thus, the Arai Rapide follows this trend, coming with a slightly different head shape, that is oval and very accommodating for most riders.
Arai Rapide Summarised
In summary, if you are looking for a safe, well-vented, modern, and quiet helmet that works in every type of weather all year long, the Arai Rapide is one of the options you should consider. It is not surprising that people may want to compare this helmet with the Shoei Glamster. The two helmets are almost equal on most accounts as they are direct competitors. Some of the difference between the two helmets includes the ease of wearing the helmet and its lightweight.
The Arai Rapide has a feel of the traditional Arai helmets and if you are a fan of Arai, you will enjoy using the Arai Rapide. The manufacturers did not attempt to make something new or different, and neither did they try to pander to the new class of riders. The Arai Rapide was made for the old good riders.