TWO DAY SHIPPING EXPLAINED

For the first time in more years than many of us can remember, there will be no Signet model in the Arai helmet line-up. In its place is the brand new Profile.

Arai admits there was a lot of talk about simply making the new helmet yet another update of the legendary Signet. “In the end, though, we realized it has so many new features and such A COMPLETELY NEW AND UNIQUE LOOK that it needed its own name and identity,” said Brian M. Weston, Arai America’s Director of Operations.

The Profile’s unique look isn’t for cosmetics. It has a distinct purpose rooted in the Arai company’s philosophy and 50-year “obsession” with change for the sake of improvement, not vanity. For example, the Profile’s DISTINCTIVE NEW HYPER-RIDGE REINFORCEMENT BAND along the bottom of the outer shell is for reinforcement and added shell strength that includes the area around the lower rear exhaust vents. The overall helmet shape is called “organic” by Arai: NARROWER, SLEEKER, MORE AERODYNAMIC instead of round and bulbous. Its purpose, according to Michio “Mitch” Arai, the company’s CEO and son of the founder, is “to FIT THE RIDER’S HEAD SHAPE BETTER, TO FEEL MORE ‘CALM’ IN THE WIND, even when the rider turns his or her head while riding. For all of our science and pursuit of ‘perfect protection’, Arai’s mission is to make riders more comfortable and happy when they’re riding. To make them forget they are even wearing a helmet.”

The Profile also represents A NEW LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FOR ARAI, which is quite a statement for a company already legendary for its decades of innovation. An exceptionally-advanced (and rare) 5-Point Laser Scanner takes the Profile’s handmade and hand-shaped shell (Arai believes that human hands and brains still do a better job than a computer at creating the best helmet shapes for human heads) and then has the laser copy the shell design. The result is AN EXTREMELY HIGH LEVEL OF DETAIL AND THE TIGHTEST TOLERANCES IN ARAI’S HISTORY. The results are extraordinary.

Arai’s SCLC (SUPER COMPLEX LAMINATE CONSTRUCTION) SHELL DESIGN, utilizing the latest-generation of proprietary aerospace fiberglass technology, is used for the new Profile. Although very light in weight, Arai says that it’s the shell’s exceptional energy-absorbing strength and flexibility upon impact that allows the company to make its liners the softest of any Snell-certified helmet, the reason behind Arai’s enviable reputation for rider comfort. “When you build the shell to do its job, you do not have to ask the liner to help.”

The liner itself is ARAI’S UNIQUE SINGLE-PIECE, MULTIPLE-DENSITY HYBRID EPS FOAM LINER, a technology that combines different densities for the various areas of the interior as a single component, rather than an assembly of separate pieces fitted together. Additionally, the plush interior comfort liner is fully-removable and washable.

Ventilation on the new Profile combines: a NEW RECESSED TDF-2 FRONT INTAKE DUCT that’s wider and flatter than the Signet’s, with larger intake holes; the DDL-3 REAR EXHAUST DUCT more efficiently draws hot air and moisture from the inside; and an ENHANCED SIDE EXHAUST PORT VENTILATION SYSTEM. The DUAL-POSITION CHIN VENT FEATURES AN INTEGRATED, ACTIVATED-CARBON COATED FILTER. Shield removal is handled by the latest-generation of Arai’s LRS tool-less shield removal system.

Similar to the Signet, THE PROFILE HAS A LONG OVAL (LO) INTERIOR SHAPE for riders whose heads are longer front to back and more narrow side to side. It’s available in 18 colors, graphic designs, and replicas, in sizes XS – XXXL.

• Long-oval fit
• Brow Vent Face-shield Ventilation System provides cooling air in upper face area without holes in critical forehead area of the shell or in the impact-absorbing liner material
• Optically-correct pre-formed face-shields better vision, UV ray protection with less distortion
• De-Mist Lock face-shield tab pushes forward to open the shield slightly help clear fogging
• Removable Breath-guard reduce fogging by deflecting breath away from face-shield
• CLC (Complex Laminate Construction) shell fiberglass composite is stronger and lighter allows use of softer, less-dense liner materials inside for increased rider comfort
• FFS (Free-Flow System) reduces wind turbulence while increasing the exhaust of hot air from the facial area
• Dual Intake / Dual Exhaust Ventilation dual TDF-2 top intake vents and DDL-3 bridged exhaust vents designed to draw significant volume of air from helmet interior
• Multiple-Foam Interiors for comfort
• Rear Exhaust Channel and Vent adds a racy look while drawing hot air from helmet interior
• Fully removable liner and cheek pads
• New enhanced pull down chin spoiler, increases exhaust of hot breath to minimize shield fogging
• Meets or exceeds Snell and D.O.T. standards

NO HASSLE RETURN POLICY

Please note that the following official logo must appear on this dealer’s site or Arai cannot support or provide Warranty coverage for your purchase. Registered Arai dealers have agreed in writing to conform to Arai’s standards for the proper fitting, sizing, consumer care and attention to insure your satisfaction to the best of their and our ability.

 
This logo on your dealer’s site means that you are entitled to
*A NO-HASSLE,  NO-FEE HELMET EXCHANGE
IF THERE IS A SIZE OR FIT PROBLEM WITH YOUR INITIAL PURCHASE.

If, after receiving your helmet and test-fitting it in your home (never having removed the tags, shield film or actually using it for a test ride) you can return it to the place of purchase, within 3 business days after receipt, for an exchange to either another Arai size and/or model. 

The helmet must be in absolutely brand new condition, returned in the original box with all the original paperwork and packing. 

The cost difference, should there be any depending on model and/or design change, will either be refunded (in the case of a less expensive replacement) or charged (in the case of a more expensive replacement) to your credit card.  You must confirm with the place of purchase prior to the return, as to what that difference in costs might be and approve it, as well as to make the arrangements for the authorized return. 

Note that the dealer has final say as to the condition of the returned helmet, as well as any and all charges relating to damage, missing parts and/or cost differences in the case of an exchange.  Arai has nothing to do with the purchase process, other than requiring the one free return for exchange. 

Any returns for another brand, or for a refund are not covered under this policy and will be charged for according to the policies of the selling dealer.  Therefore, it is up to you as the customer to understand all sales and return policies of the selling dealer prior to making your purchase. 

Thank you very much for considering Arai for your next helmet purchase.  We hope we have provided some useful information and hope you apply it, even if you choose another brand.  After all, aren’t you worth a little extra consideration?

What is Arai

20 years ago, there was a big difference in helmets, so it was much easier to separate the good from the bad. Today, although more helmets look the same, there can still be a major difference between them. For example, people look basically the same on the outside. But this tells us nothing about the person on the inside. It's the same with helmets. They're all round, hard and shiny. And most carry many of the same certification standards that have now become the only way for many to judge a helmet's worth. However, even though these helmets may carry the same decals certifying that they passed the minimum criteria for a given standard, it doesn't tell you anything about what's inside. The fit, the comfort. The quality. But Arai is different. Arai designs the best helmet we can for comfort, fit, and a host of other criteria. Then we submit it for safety standards acceptance (which we pass with room to spare). In other words, Arai designs its helmets first for you, the rider — and second to pass a standards test. Some helmet companies have their priorities wrong and do it the other way around.

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION: Over 50 years devoted solely to the advancement and innovation of helmet design and safety. Because of our many design innovations, Arai helmets have actually been exhibited in art museums.

FAMILY PRIDE: Mr. Hirotake Arai, a hat maker by trade, started his company over 65 years ago. He was a craftsman, a perfectionist - and a motorcycle rider. Today, his son Michio "Mitch" Arai, another lifelong rider, runs the company. And Mitch's son, Akihito, is now the third generation. If your family name was on your product, how well would you make it?

HANDMADE: Every Arai helmet is virtually 100% handmade. Each craftsman signs the helmet shell along the way. And every helmet is hand inspected at least three times during construction. Not every hundredth helmet, or every tenth one — every single helmet.

THE PURE PURSUIT OF QUALITY: The only helmet company we know of with a single quality standard for all its helmets. No "special one-off" helmets for our A-list racers. Every Arai built for every rider has the same singular devotion to quality, comfort, and fit. (In the words of "Mitch" Arai,: "How can you say one person's head is worth more than another's?")

UNMATCHED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: American riders have ranked Arai Helmets Number One in customer satisfaction in all seven J.D. Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Studies! Seven years in a row, no other helmet company has ranked higher than Arai.

UNMATCHED REPUTATION: Arai isn't only the choice of countless motorcycle champions and racers — including all four U.S. MotoGP riders. Arai auto-racing helmets dominate the F1 grid, chosen by new champion, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen in second, and four of the top five drivers ... Sebastien Bourdais, winner of the last two ChampCar championships ... IRL Indy cars' Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti among others ... And NASCAR® heroes like Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Mark Martin, Greg Biffle, and Jamie McMurray. Quite an accomplishment for such a small company. There must be a reason.

THE BEST WARRANTY: The first helmet company to offer a full 5-Year Limited Warranty — 12 years ago! Only recently have a couple others extended their warranties past one year. (How many cheaper helmets can a typical rider go through in the lifespan of one 5-year warranted Arai?)

Arai is known for top quality helmets designed to fit a variety of different head shapes. The Signet GT/R was Arai’s answer to the “long oval” head shape. The popular Signet GT/R was discontinued in 2006 and the Arai Profile now takes over the “long oval” duties for 2007. Arai quality is second to none, and the new Profile is no exception.

As mentioned, the Profile fits “long-oval”. This refers to the helmet being longer front to back than it is side to side. Long oval seems to be a more natural fit for most riders. The Profile gives firm cheek pressure making it ideal for anyone with a narrow face. The fully removable inner padding is very plush and well constructed. Arai uses multiple density foam in the construction of it’s cheek pads. This allows the padding to really adjust to the riders face giving a great fit. One look at the liner and you’ll know there is a difference between an Arai and most other helmets you have seen.

The Profile performs very well on the street or the track. It’s many features will be right at home in any environment. The shell cuts through the air the same as any other Arai helmet. There is very little headshake unless you are in a major crosswind. The helmet feels solid at any speed.

The Profile uses the same visor removal system as the rest of the Arai line. It is a very user friendly, once you figure it out. At first it seems intimidating and you think you are breaking it, but odds are you are not. Once you successfully change the visor one time, you be able to change the visor blind-folded. It really is easy once you get the feel. Also, the visors come standard with a locking mechanism that works flawlessly.

The visors also have built-in vents that help keep the helmet cool. These along with the front and rear vents, make the Profile a very well ventilated helmet. Our testers compare the Profile with the Quantum 2 and just slightly down from the RX7 Corsair in terms of airflow.

One feature we really like is the retractable chin spoiler. Many companies include the spoiler, but Arai takes it a step further and builds it in to the helmet. It is very common to lose this part, but you’ll never lose this one. It really does help quiet the helmet and it also keeps air from coming in. Riders who are sensitive to blowing air or contact wearers will find this a must.

The noise level of the Profile is similar to the Quantum as well. We notice some noise associated with the top vents, but closing them or wearing earplugs will take care of any noise you may experience. Noise is a function of airflow, but most will never notice and are typically more than happy to make the trade off for cooling.

The Signet GT/R was a great helmet and the Profile looks like it will carry on the torch. The quality is what you’d expect from a top end helmet. The Profile has plenty of features and it performs very well wherever you ask it to go. If you have a long oval head shape, the Arai Profile makes a great choice.