If
there's one topic you'll find on many motorcycle discussion forums, it's
what helmet to buy,
Arai or
Shoei. Both
brands are top notch, high quality and both helmet manufacturers make
similar type of helmets.
Comparing both helmets is like comparing two types of apples. The color may
be different, the shape might be slightly different, but both are apples,
and taste like apples. But what sets them apart?
The biggest difference between both brands is
the shell shape. This is the most critical selection criteria you have,
since your head must fit snug-as-a-bug inside the helmet. Since no head is
alike (apart from maybe identical twins), you really need to try it on. If
you can't fit it on properly, and if doesn't sit comfortably, the helmet is
not for you.
So you first selection criteria is the fit. If
one does not fit properly, your choice is made. If both fit properly, then
your dilemma just got a bit bigger.
Both helmets are quality, and therefore
expensive. Your life depends on it, so let's not try to save money at this
stage. Both manufacturers have prices quite close to each other, so don't
use price as a criteria. It's the last selection criteria, if everything
else fails.
Next
look at the weight of the helmet. Chances are you'll be wearing the helmet
for hours, so better make sure it's light.
Finally, look at the extras. Does one have a sun-visor, the other not? How
many air vents are there?
As
you can see, there's no real winner in the Arai versus Shoei debate. Both
are great helmets, both offer many features and models. But whatever your
choice, you'll be happy with it for many years, there's little doubt about
that.
