New Arai lid uses RX-7GP technology in road-biased design

New Arai lid uses RX-7GP technology in road-biased design ... Scroll down for the full story
2009 Arai Quantum V DNA Black helmet

Top Japanese helmet maker Arai has released details on its new Quantum helmet. It's what Arai calls a 'sport-touring' helmet, which is to say it uses technology from the firm's top-end RX-7 GP race lid, but in a more road-biased design. That means more padding, more comfort, a little more weight, and less noise from its less radical venting system.

The new design incorporates the firm's new, larger visor aperture, as seen on the GP, which gives more peripheral vision, and revised venting locations in the brow. The chin vent is a new screw-in fitment, and the outer shell is an all-new design, incorporating a Super-Complex Laminate Construction build, a stiffening 'Hyper-Ring' in the base, and five shells for different head sizes.

Prices are £469 for graphics, £399 for plain colours - not cheap, but ballpark for a high-end Japanese helmet. Talking of graphics, this 'DNA Black" scheme is very sweet - and it even includes an imprint of designer Aldo Drudi's thumbprint on the side...

We've got a new Quantum to try out, and we'll give you the skinny on the new lid soon. In the meantime, here's more PR talk from the Arai folks. Even more at www.whyarai.co.uk.

THE NEW ARAI QUANTUM

When Arai developed the new Quantum model, they set the benchmark very high: it had to be the best sports-touring helmet on the market today. To achieve that goal, they used all their knowledge gained in years of building the finest touring helmets, and added something only Arai could add: the know- how and experience of their MotoGP riders who helped to develop the already legendary RX-7 GP racing helmet. The result? A premium sports-touring helmet that offers comfort, features and technology like no other.

As with every Arai, the stiff and strong outer shell forms an integral and very important part of the total construction. For the Quantum the tried and trusted ''Super cLc'' system was chosen. The ''Super Complex Laminate Construction'' consists of three layers. Two layers of Super Fibre with a middle layer of an exclusive, patented Arai fibre layer. Unlike other brands, each and every Arai is penetration tested and approved. The Arai ''Hyper Ridge'' construction of the bottom of the outer shell further improves stiffness. Much of the technology of the RX-7 GP can be found in the Quantum outer shell resulting in an exceptionally stiff and strong shell. Another development that designates directly from the RX-7 GP is the wide aperture or visor opening. It offers the widest field of view in the industry with up to 5 mm extra view in the important corners of the aperture opening. This wider field of view improves safety, especially on crossings and when overtaking, while sports riders value the fact that you can see deeper into and out of bends for a more consistent, and therefore faster, ideal line. Just as the RX-7 GP, the Quantum uses Arai's latest shield, the extra wide SAI visor. It comes standard with mounted pins for the Pinlock inlay visor that is provided, but not fitted, with every Quantum helmet. The Pinlock anti-mist inlay visor effectively prevents fogging and misting of the inside of the visor, enhancing safety and comfort. Together with the defog position of the visor lock, fogging of the visor is minimalized.

Ultimate comfort

Also the inner shell is worth mentioning. This foam liner is made of EPS, but what makes it remarkable is the fact that three to five (sizes XL and XXL) different densities are combined in one integrated shell. Quite different from the method used by many other brands where separate parts with different densities are assembled together.

Much attention has been paid to a very comfortable fit. Important for every helmet, but especially for a touring helmet where all day long comfort is an absolute must. Liner material is improved two-tone Dry-Cool that always feels cool and dry to the skin, while dispersing moisture and perspiration efficiently into the Quantum ventilation system. Just as with any Arai, the interior is washable and therefore easy to clean. All interior parts are not only removable, but also interchangeable with different thicknesses for a perfect personal fit.

An extra safety feature is the Emergency Release cheek pads. They can be removed in a matter of seconds by pulling the orange tabs. After the cheek pads are removed, it's much easier to take the helmet off preventing additional injury in case of an accident.
Optimized ventilation

Next to a perfect fit, an efficient ventilation system contributes significantly to the total comfort experience of a helmet. For the Quantum a complete new ventilation system has been developed. At the front fresh air enters the helmet through the improved three position chin vent. This vent is screwed, not clicked, into position for an enhanced quality feel. Fresh, cool air is guided to the inside of the visor or straight into the chin piece. An integrated filter prevents the entry of insect's or road dirt. Of course also on the Quantum the familiar Arai brow vents are present, guiding fresh air to temple and forehead area. On top of the helmet two large TDF3 ducts catch the cooling wind, but they can be closed, just like all vents on the Quantum, when the weather cools down. Large push buttons are used on all ventilation devices, making them easy to use even with gloves on. Moist and warm air must be removed from the interior as quickly and efficiently as possible, and in the case of the Quantum no less than three different exhaust vents are used. On the back there is the large DDL4 one-piece duct, with a big, easy to use three position switch button. New IQ side ducts draw hot air out of the lower part of the helmet while even the neck roll is provided with an integrated exhaust vent, made of soft material to enhance the comfort.

Colours and designs

The new Quantum is available in a wide range of colours and designs. The colours match the colour schemes of the popular touring bikes with a choice (delete 'out') of several distinguished grey and black variants. For those wanting a bolder helmet, there are several very interesting, or should we say intriguing, designs available. The ''Flag Series'' for instance with the UK or Italian flag is an emotive option. The ''DNA'' from our master designer Aldo Drudi who is also the originator of the very novel ''Oriental'' design, will surely attract attention. Whatever your taste is, there is a Quantum that will match it.

Special features

The new Quantum is fully loaded with special features such as the retractable chin spoiler that offers improved aerodynamic properties at high speeds while enhancing the comfort at the same time. Another first for Arai is the one-piece trim rubber, that finishes the bottom of the helmet. This new rubber eliminates the joint, offering a more smooth and streamlined appearance. On the inside the integrated breath deflector, identical to the one used in the RX-7 GP, combines several duties. First it prevents the hot, moist air from the nose and mouth causing misting of the visor, by guiding the air downwards. Then it functions as a guide for the fresh air from the chin vent guiding it to the inside of the visor and to the mouth area of the wearer. Also the new SAI visor can be removed in a matter of seconds thanks to the LRS (Lever Release System) system. No tools are needed, perfect for easy cleaning of the visor or replacing your dark smoke visor for a clear one when the sun sets down after a wonderful day of fast touring!