Arai RX-Q Street Helmet

Arai says its new RX-Q is not just a whole new helmet, but a whole new class of helmet. It's purpose built to be the ultimate street helmet. The RX-Q takes the concept of a Corsair-V and aims it at the experienced street rider - riders who reel off miles on every kind of road and on every kind of bike.  The RX-Q has an evolved version of Arai's popular Intermediate-Oval interior shape, but the RX-Q's shape is a further refinement of interior-shape configuration based on Arai's continual comparison, measurement and testing of human-head shapes.

The RX-Q uses the same new, wider-eyeport SAI faceshield as the Corsair-V for better peripheral view. The RX-Q's cheekpad design has a newly sculpted shape that cradles the wearer's head from underneath, for more of a "comfort fit" rather than a "pressure fit." This shape reduces the amount of road noise from coming into the helmet from the bottom opening. There's also a new sound-deadening foam in the ear pockets, plus the RX-Q has Arai's innovative Emergency Cheekpad Removal System and a removable neckroll.

Ventilation is made to be efficient and quiet – Arai says the RX-Q doesn't have a lot of vent holes, but rather, it has the right ones, in the right sizes, in the right places. Its smaller, more-aerodynamic, hand-formed shell shape and size aids in stability and in stillness – not only in straight-line riding, but also during the negative aerodynamic effect when turning your head to check traffic or in crosswinds.

A uniquely designed lower Hyper Ridge circles the shell bottom to improve strength and aerodynamics. The Ridge also lowers the center of gravity for a light feeling on the crown of the head, and a larger bottom opening makes for easier on/off without enlarging the helmet. A retractable chin spoiler helps aerodynamics and directs exhaust from the face area, resulting in diminished fogging and reduced buffteting. A brand-new, one-piece bottom-edge trim, gives a clean look by eliminating the need for seams.

The new Arai RX-Q will be available in a variety of graphics and colors, in sizes XXS-XXL, with the RX-Q price ranging from $539.95 to $679.95, depending on colors and graphics.

To see what Arai's Brian Weston had to say about it, click here.