Arai Rapide HA Helmet
£529.99 / Tested by: Ross Mowbray
I love an Arai helmet. I’m a recent convert to the brand, having been a Shark and Shoei wearer throughout my biking life – but the first time I put one on my head and went out for a ride, I finally understood what all the fuss was about, and why so many bikers swear by the Japanese brand’s kit.
As a result I was very excited to get my hands on and head in its retro-ish styled Rapide helmet. The one I tested comes plastered with na HA graphic, which is the original logo first used by the company’s founder, Hirotake Arai. I reckon it looks great.
The ACU Gold-approved helmet uses the company’s multi fibre and resin construction to create an extremely strong outer shell, which works to help impact force spread across a larger surface area. It’s also designed to glide during an impact. Arai call it ‘glancing off’ and they’re insistent it’s one of the most important features of its helmets.
Tipping the scales at 1585 grams, the Arai Rapide is at the lighter end of the Arai range, although it’s not the lightest lid on the market. Is that important? Probably not, it’s an Arai and its going to keep you safe. What more could you ask for? The Rapide isn’t exactly laden with vents. But that doesn’t mean it’s too warm when you’ve got it on your noggin. However, the internal mechanism to open and close the chin vent is an absolute nightmare to use once you’ve got the helmet on. You do get used to it, but with a chunky set of gloves on, you’re going to struggle. I’ve worn this helmet in all weathers, right through winter into some of the warmest days we’ve had for years, and there’s plenty of ventilation to keep you cool and a good seal to keep you warm and dry. It’s well up to being used as a daily lid for commuting in all weathers. No misting either, thanks to the top-of-the-range Pinlock Maxvision 120 anti-fog insert which comes as standard. The visor isn’t the easiest to open with a gloved hand, but once you get used to it, you’ll be flying.
It’s an excellently made helmet from one of the best names in the game. Okay, so it's pretty expensive for what feels like a remarkably simple helmet, but you’re paying for a level of quality that you won’t find in many other places. In reality I reckon it's worth every single penny. Go and give one a try.