Rennie Scaysbrook | August 18, 2020
We’re big fans of Arai helmets here at Cycle News, and there’s been no helmet in the company’s lineup I’ve featured more in the last five years than the Corsair-X (you can read all about our Arai factory tour that we were given in 2019).
Excellent comfort and a snug fit are hallmarks of a Corsair X.
For the last couple of years, Arai has produced a special Isle of Man TT paint job for the Corsair-X. Often, they’re a little garish, but this one is different. We’ll get to that in a minute.
The Corsair-X is second only to the $4000 carbon-fiber helmet in its lineup and is the latest result of an evolution that began in 1977 with the original RX-7. While many of the world’s top helmet manufacturers have progressively altered the shape of their lids, Arai has kept the design of their premier racing helmet close to their ideals of a rounded shape with minimal deviations to ensure the rider’s head doesn’t get caught on anything while tumbling down the road. It’s no coincidence the ScLc RX-7R of 1990 looks near identical to the Corsair-X.
The Corsair-X uses the PB-SNC2 Shell made from synthetic fibers and what Arai calls a Super Fiber strap across the top of the eyeport, helping give a seriously strong but lightweight shell.
The removable, washable liner comes with multiple fit options, and there’s various options for cheekpad thickness to get the right fit.
Airflow is massive on the Corsair-X, with the shell flowing 11 percent more air than the old Corsair-V. As for the screen, you get the VAS Max-V (BV) shield that you can fit a pinlock visor to (although I’m not a big fan of pinlocks). The visor sits in the multi pivot-point mechanism to make for always smooth opening and closing, and locks in place via the shield latch on the left side of the shell.
Sizes range from XS-XXL.
The IOM TT-graphic Corsair-X is a limited-edition model and retails for $1059.95. The rest of the Corsair-X helmets range from $849.95-$1019.95.
Arai Corsair-X IOM TT 2020 Review Lowdown
Standout Feature: Great comfort, fit and finish
MSRP: $1059.95
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Great fit |
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Awesome color scheme |
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Good ventilation |
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Transition shield not offered |
Airflow is massive, with top and side vents keeping the rider’s head cool.
Arai Corsair-X IOM TT 2020 Rider Analysis
Wear enough helmets and over time you’ll eventually gravitate, time and again, back to one brand or style. For me, that’s the Arai Corsair-X. It’s the style, shape and fit that perfectly work with my head shape, and I barely need to change anything on the interior (aside from slightly thicker cheek pads) to make the Arai so comfy, I could sleep in it.
For me, if a helmet isn’t perfectly comfy, it doesn’t matter what new safety features it has. If I can’t wait to get this thing off my head, I won’t wear it.
The last few years have seen Arai move forward with more outlandish designs. About five years ago, the lineup was pretty bland in terms of what colors you could get, only the race replica ones offering any form of wow factor.
The IOM TT 2020 helmet, is, for me, the number one now in terms of looks. It goes so well with almost any bike, the black and gold shines like a damn diamond.
I do have one gripe, and I’ve voiced this to Arai so many times I’ve gone blue in the face. Arai absolutely needs to bring out a transition screen for their helmets. The twin-screen system they’ve used for years ruins the look of the helmet, not to mention the added weight and possibility of scratching two visors, not just one. Plenty of other companies are doing transition shields that work brilliantly. It’s time for Arai to step up.CN
For more information, visit www.araiamericas.com
