I need to replace my Arai Condor as today I badly scratched the visor and it’s not worth replacing on a well used lid thats 2-3yrs old.
I’m basing my choices on the following, the lid must have a pinlock visor (not keen on using a stick on fog insert), a high rating from SHARP and handle heavy daily use on motorways - low noise if possible.
I’m currently looking at the Shoei Raid II but I’d like to know if the ratchet system for the visor is robust (I’ve had a KBC lid of the same design fail quickly).
The Arai gp5x is another option but it doesn’t appear to have any pinlock options.
Thanks
Obviously I will be trying on these lids to check for fit.
I used a Raid II daily for three years. The ratchet works nicely and still did the day I replaced it. Plus there is a lever that will either lock the visor down or crack it open slightly.
You can make the lid a lot quieter by added the Shoei whisper strip as well.
im gonna be in the same suituatuion as you in a few months. replacing a Condor that has done a great job the last few years.
I am thinking of getting a Scorpion. The wife has had one (exo 700) for as long and must say im impressed at how good it has also performed. we bought them at the same time and use it as much (she commutes daily on her scoot)
they also have got brilliant reviews and higher sharp testing and are much better priced. only thing is they dont do pinlock - but you could always get it drilled
i have the raid II and its a pretty good helmet, the vent mechanisms arnt as good as the XR but then again its not as expensive. good comfy helmet (for me), had to replace the cheek pads as they got compressed really quickly. as an alternative, look at the XR1000, as the new model has replaced it you can probably pick up a bargain
When I went to helmet city they had offers on Arai and Shoei in certain colours. I bought an X-Spirit on the day and it’s excellent. It’s a great model and nice to have because lots of racers use them so you can see it on TV. The ratchet system is fine so far.
ive had a raid 2 for three years great helmet very comfortable ,quite and light ,visors are about £40 to replace (without the inner pinlock screen) theres no provision to fit any type of headset in it if you wanted to and the only parts that come out so you can wash them is the cheek pads ,hope this helps
sorry forgot to say the visor ratchet system is fine ive never had a problem with mine and it always keeps the visor where you put it even on motorways,and you can get spares easily
My Arai Quantum F must’ve been about 8 years old and I’m still using it
The Raid II is a very nice helmet ~ lightweight and decent venting, but not as good as the superior Arai style ones on the more expensive helmets. The Raid II does make a high pitched shrieking noise at fast speeds, but the Whisperstrip really helps dampen noise and the chill. I like the Raid visor change system - it’s robust and unlike the Arai system, the side-lock panels don’t go flying off onto the road when you lift your visor up whilst riding.
Ultimately what matters is the overall fit…and I found the Arai fit the shape of my head better than the Shoei. I could always squeeze a pair of sunglasses in my Arai. With my Raid, I can’t fit any sunglasses in without buckling the arms or wrecking them. The Arai’ seems better designed with sunglasses in mind (unless you buy a size up to fit the sunglasses, which isn’t such a hot idea) and their latest race models even incorporate specific anatomical grooves for sunglasses.
As much as I like my Raid, I’d probably switch back to an Arai in the future, just because they are more sunglass friendly. I do notice that my Raid sun visor doesn’t scratch as badly nor as easily as the Arai one. Also, the Shoei Raid finish is more durable/hard wearing than the Arai which scratches at the slight whisk of a fabric across the helmet.
