Hi, has anyone had any experience with these helmets? I prefer the look of the Arai but I picked up a Shoei in a shop the other day and it seemed slightly better quality. Cheers
Trying to make my mind up at the moment between these 2.
Arai fits me just that little bit better but I agree the Hornet does seem to have the better finish.
I bought a Shoei Hornet DS at the MCN show this weekend. The Arai just doesn’t fit me as well so it was an easy choice for me! Quite impressed so far, it seems very well made and looks pretty good too 
I have the TX3 and the finish is fine - it’s a bit knocked a bit now but the paint effect on the black or white is great.
I know someone with the Hornet - it’s a great lid too and so to be honest I think it’s a case of whatever one fits you better as they’re both great!
I’ve the Shoei. 7/10 I’d say.
It was initially annoying in the wind as the peak catches (I came from a smooth Caberg) but got used to it. The wind noise from the peak also can be a bit much on the ears at motorway speeds. You can take it off with the bits provided, but I think it would look silly…
It’s full of vents, but they happily let in sand and dust which is annoying if you do go somewhere sandy or do MX with it.
The chinstrap is a pain as it’s the loop-back-into variety so takes a while, and isn’t easy to tie onto the handlebars.
On a plus the included pinlock works well and it doesn’t steam up when fitted properly. Also the chin gives enough space to run a water tube into.
It’s got the right look, it does keep the fog out, it’s very light, and a good fit. I’d probably buy another if I dropped it tomorrow and I was commuting / doing a bit of greenlaning.
As for a helmet for a long road trip, I’m not so sure. The Caberg flip with the fast catches and sunvisor are pretty much perfect apart from in the really rough stuff, where they get too hot.
HTH.
Well, I bit the bullet and I’ve got my mate to order me an Arai. Hopefully have it next week! It’s in spangly white flavour. I can’t wait.
Okay, my friend’s distributor has run out of X3’s in diamond white…
Anyone know where I can get one for a decent price? Not imported though, one of the things that attratcs me to Arais is the waranty and customer service.
Cheers if anyone can help
Try Helmet City
Generally your head will either fit Arai or Shoie. Shoie are for Northern European, longer heads, Arai are for rounder heads. I’ve never known anybody who fits them both.