Arai Defiant Helmet Review at RevZilla.com

Arai Defiant Helmet Review www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/ar...
Bold. Impudent. To challenge and boldly resist. If you thought you knew Arai, the Defiant will make you think again. The Arai Defiant takes the carefully honed DNA that has become synonymous with the name Arai and designed it for the Rebel rider. Arai is introducing a new shell construction in the Defiant that borrows tech from the Corsair V and the RX-Q. The Defiant shell construction is the PB-CLC (that's peripheral belt complex laminar composite for those who don't speak Arai). The PB-CLC adds a hyper ridge along the bottom of the helmet to keep the COG low and the weight comfortably distributed. For naked bike riders, or riders who crave more airflow, the Defiant flows air like an open face helmet through the oversized IR Chin vent. The new IR front spoiler helps aid in down force, built especially for naked bike riders, but can be appreciated by all. The features that come standard on this helmet include FCS cheekpads and comfort liner with 5mm tear away pads, a fully removable and washable Dry-Max liner and a new IR neck roll that won't take on water, reduces wind noise and makes the helmet easier to don. The Defiant will come in 5 shell sizes (all DOT and Snell approved) and and improved pull down chin spoiler has multiple positions. The Defiant also includes the MAX vision Pinlock-ready faceshield that increases visibility 5mm right and left and the Pinlock lens. The Defiant meets our need for quality and safety, but also allows our inner rebel to shine.

[@RevZilla]

Yes, the speakers can actually go inside the cheekpads themselves as opposed to behind them. Also, the lip prevents a clamp mount from easily being used, but the 3M stick mount will work without issue. -CK

[@RevZilla]

Robert, since they just released the Pro Shade system, I doubt they will release a Transitions shield anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@RevZilla]

Though the collar extends all the way around, there is still space between the collar and the shell to the outside. The Defiant vented much better than my Signet-Q on a VFR800, which is a more 3/4 riding position. I don't think you'll have any problem on the Fireblade. -CK

[@RevZilla]

I had a chance to ride in the Defiant and would go with the better venting and stability there. With that said, the Shoei has more features with the drop down sun visor. -CK

[@RevZilla]

Robert, what helmet do you currently wear? -Hi-Viz Brian

[@hektor3100]

I know this is a crystal ball questions, but do you think Arai will ever have a Transition Shield?

[@RevZilla]

First bike - '00 Ducati Monster. Current rides - Monster S2R, Multistrada 1200, 12GS, VStrom 1000, and looking for a HD right now - Anthony

[@RevZilla]

A few of these are in stock, but in limited sizes. We should see more trickle through over the summer. Sign up to be notified on the product detail page! -CK

[@RevZilla]

The Defiant is also a nice choice for a naked bike and the vents seal well. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@RevZilla]

Well we changed the set in the last year, so that will be a good landmark to start! -CK

[@RevZilla]

Yes, they re-named it for the US market. -CK

[@RevZilla]

Should be solid on any naked bike, 3/4 or upright as well - Anthony

[@OFFSHOREJOJO]

Nice product!

[@RevZilla]

The process is easy once you know how to do it, but takes a bit of practice to learn. -CK

[@wakajaw]

Thks Anthony Great to know My main concern regarding the defiant / rebel is related to getting more or less noise on a croucher sportier position if the helmet was devised for a more upright one

[@RevZilla]

Give our Gear Geeks a call for that one. They can contact the manufacturer and let you know the ETA. -CK

[@alemarin4335]

Good job! and happy new year 2018 From Athens Greece

[@wakajaw]

Hi there Anthony great review two questions though - I see the collar extending all the way around the helmet bottom. Do you think the cardo g9 clamp fitting will do or is it unavoidable to install the double tape option ? what about the cardo speaker, spacing is ok ? - I ride a fireblade. For the 30-45 degree ridding will the defiant fit ok or will the vents (they point front for an upright position) stop functioning as desired ?

[@RevZilla]

Not till July!!! God bless Arai.

[@RevZilla]

Doesn't sound like Arai is the lid for you. What are you rocking now? - Anthony

[@mbaroneva76]

Love the idea of this helmet. Currently have a neotec that just isn't working out. I run a Sena smh10. Will this helmet accomodate that with the shallow pockets and lip on the shell?

[@hektor3100]

How would the Defiant preform/behave if used with a full dresser Harley? The faring riding is new to me and the air that comes over the faring feels as if it hits me just below my eye level.

[@dwnforcemedia]

I ride a full naked Triumph Speed Triple, how does this helmet fair in wet weather? Do the vents seal well enough to keep rain out moving or not?

[@The-Dark-Side-Of-The-Matrix]

Great review like always ! I have juste a question; is the Arai Rebel in Europe ? Sorry for my bad english

[@karanlamba1540]

Hey RevZilla I've been looking at this helmet for a while. I'm also looking at the schuberth s2 but can't make up my mind. I like the fact that the Arai is optimized for naked bikes but want the quietness of the schuberth. Also, now that the RF-1200 is out, I'm even more on the fence. FYI - I ride a Street Triple R

[@jonp5338]

I'm pushing it a little to ask but although I know that Arai has made it clear they don't endorse listening to music while riding but would you indulge us in the future and provide slightly more detail or info on speaker or Bluetooth options for the Defiant or Arai helmets in general?

[@RevZilla]

+Jon P Arai helmets can fit just about any universal Bluetooth communicator, and many of us here who wear Arai helmets use communicators. I happen to have a Sena SMH10R on my RX-Q. The key is to take off the removable cheek pad covers, mount the speakers to the cheek pad foam base at the ear area, and then put the cheek pad covers back over the cheek pads and speakers. -DrewZilla

[@klar1en]

nice review....... thanks

[@hqsm]

When will the Arai Defiant Base ( Black/ White - M size ) be in stock again?

[@h3at32]

anthony wat do u ride? wat was ur first bike?

[@zantomun]

I've had my eye on this since they revealed it, I especially like the orange Base as it sounds and looks like the perfect helmet for my Z1000. Not digging the huge logos on the side in addition to the forehead one though

[@vishnucar]

awesome review!..I was wondering if you had a video on the standards that these helmets adhere to and what standards to look for broadly in different parts of the world..if you dont have one, it will be great to know about the same. cheers and keep those reviews coming!

[@RevZilla]

We don't have a video, but we do have a couple great articles we wrote about helmet standards and helmet fit. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/helmet-safety-ratings-101 *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/motorcycle-helmet-fitment-101

[@vishnucar]

Thanks for that!..

[@Lil_eee]

What's the best helmet for hot summer? I don't want to sweat much in my helmet

[@Owshua]

Still my favourite Arai helmet after all these years. Looks better than the Defiant X, imo.

[@ricardotellezzapata9711]

Just wondering, will the arai Defiant fit similar to my favourite RF-1000 helmet?. Thanks for any advice

[@RevZilla]

Ricardo Tellez Zapata The Defiant has a neutral head shape. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@Slugsongs]

Hi Anthony are the visors easy to swap on this? Thanks

[@scrappycoco2494]

RevZilla I went to my local store to try on the medium size helmet. It fit in the crown area, but because I am smaller, the cheek pads weren't the proper size. I looked on your website, but the defiant cheekpads were in millimeters. I know i need a medium size helmet, but small cheek pads. What millimeter size cheek pads would you recommend I put in the medium size helmet to make the fittment around my cheeks more like a size small?

[@RevZilla]

I recommend the 35mm cheek pads. -Hi-Viz Brian www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-defiant-cheek-pads

[@robh1227]

Dammit! Now I want one!

[@hqsm]

Hey guys what do you think: Shoei GT Air or Arai Defiant?

[@RevZilla]

Well really, what did you expect? Its not like Arai has a history of subtle branding ;-). -CK

[@tolip8207]

Hi guys! Any idea when you should have Base model or Character models in stock?

[@IndraArfiande]

Hey guys! I'm riding an Aprilia RS 125. Is this helmet recommended? Since you mentioned that it's made specifically for naked bikes, and I'm keen to get this helmet myself.

[@RevZilla]

You can definitely wear it on your Aprilia 125. However, at high speeds the extended chin piece may cause a little extra drag. In the tuck position behind your windscreen you shouldn't be affected. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@MrJazazello]

maybe just the color, so we could distinguish between the years? Yellow would suit your complexion!

[@sayatellnorio]

When will these start shipping?

[@chuckleftwich6228]

I found a shop yesterday that carried Arai's but they didn't have the Defiant. I found the Vector 2 was the best fit for me in a size medium for my 22 7/8 head. I was wondering if the Defiant has the same fit as the Vector 2. I discovered my prescription glasses went on easier with the Vector 2 than they did with the RXQ. Another difference I noticed was the tip of my nose touched the breath guard on the RXQ where it did not on the Vector 2. Unless I overlooked something in my research the Defiant appears to have some extra features over the Vector 2 such as the Pinlock being standard. If the Vector 2 and the Defiant fit exactly the same what features would I gain with the Defiant ? How close would the price points be if I had to add a Pinlock to the Vector 2 ? Thank you in advance for your answers.

[@RevZilla]

Chuck Leftwich Good questions! The Defiant is basically an RX-Q with a redesigned chin bar. It has a neutral to slightly round head shape. A Pinlock system for the Vector 2 is just under $100. -Hi-Viz Brian * www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-sai-max-vision-pinlock-ready-face-shield-w-brow-vents - $58.45 * www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-sai-max-vision-pinlock-insert-w-brow-vents - $34.95

[@chuckleftwich6228]

***** Thank you Hi Viz Brian, I know you keep seeing my questions but I just about have it figured out after many hours of research and driving 200 miles to try on the Shoei RF1200 plus 3 different Arai models. I plan on ordering a new helmet during Labor day weekend hoping for some kind of sale. As of right now I am leaning towards ordering the Vector 2 in Black Diamond even though I have never seen the color in person. If it has some shine with metallic I should be good with it. I will order the Pinlock faceshield and Pinlock insert from the information you have provided. I have one more important question that could be the deciding factor. I read in a review where a customer was ready to sell his Vector 2 because of wind problems due to lack of a chin curtain. He discovered that HJC offers an optional chin curtain that fits the Vector 2. He said that made the difference between keeping or getting rid of the Vector 2. Would you please confirm that HJCIS-16/ FS-15 is compatible with the Vector 2 ? I think I am going to eliminate the Defiant because of so many noise complaints. If the HJC chin curtain is not compatible then I will probably take a close look at the RXQ which was my second choice. It just seemed like the Vector 2 felt a touch better and my prescription glasses seemed to slide in a little easier. The best I can tell my head measures 6 3/4 from side to side and 8 1/4 from front to back with a diameter of 22 7/8. Sorry I was so long winded, just trying to get it right the first time. Thanks again, I look forward to your response.

[@KurtP00]

Getting my arai defiant. Not getting the new pro cruise because this defiant is free with my bike. Do blue tooth communicators with skinny speakers actually fit? Can the pro cruise cheek pads be retrofitted into my standard defiant? Thanks guys! Revzilla has been my go to shop. You guys rock.

[@RevZilla]

KurtP00 The cheek pads will be interchangeable. The only differences are die cut speaker pockets (in cheek pads) and a new antimicrobial fabric. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@KurtP00]

Thanks HVB. So I just need to get the new pads.

[@RevZilla]

KurtP00 Correct. -HVB

[@shaliboink]

Is that the stock visor or shield?

[@scrappycoco2494]

I just bought the arai defiant character small helmet. I have one problem. The helmet fits perfectly, but the upper left and right side of my head (the area where those two indentions are on the skull) starts to hurt after about 1 hour. The helmet seems to be broken in, but it still hurts (its more of a pressure pain, so it starts to throb after the hour mark). Any suggestions? maybe i should use a different size comfort pad for the crown of the head? or should i shave away from the foam under the comfort pad where it hurts? please respond :D

[@scrappycoco2494]

Or did I buy the wrong helmet? Like i said, it fits perfectly until the hour mark where I feel pressure pain around the area to the right and left of the eyebrows where the indentions are.

[@AnklebiterTypeR]

Andrew Fallon If you're feeling painful pressure/pain there, you have a longer head shape than what the Defiant was made for and should have gotten a Signet-Q (long oval) head shape model instead.

[@scrappycoco2494]

I'll go try one on. Thank you for the info!

[@garrisonhornick3806]

try a different temple pad. maybe a few mm smaller

[@anthonybucci8375]

Unfiared bikes, 3/4 or more upright position. The qwest would be a similar application althought it doesn't have anything special for unfaired bikes. Solid lids though in the qwest and it would be a more neutral shape to the Defiant's intermediate oval.

[@morvegil]

I have a Vector 2...but I rodents naked s1000r and Speed triple...I'm in hot Texas. IS THIS WORTH the upgrade?

[@RevZilla]

If you already have a Vector 2, I don't think it's worth the upgrade. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@hahaha10001]

They do that so the videos over the site are all consistent.

[@amoulet69]

I can't decide between Schubert SR1 or the Arai Defiant, please help. Thanksss

[@RevZilla]

+amoulet69 The SR1 is a track helmet designed for the full tuck and 3/4 riding position that can also work well for the street. The Defiant is designed for upright riding on un-faired/naked bikes. Therefore, they're designed for two different riding styles. If you ride a sport bike in a 3/4 to full-tuck riding position, go for the SR1. If you ride an upright un-faired bike, go for the Defiant. -DrewZilla

[@robertsanchezjr]

Hi guys I ride a Ducati Monster 821. I currently have a shoei rf1200. my head doesn't really baffle in the wind that much.. but I really want something that vents better airflow is this a good replacement for my rf1200?

[@RevZilla]

+Robert Sanchez Jr. The Defiant has a rounder internal shape compared to the RF-1200, but the Defiant does also flow a lot of air, so it may be a good option for you. Keep in mind that the Defiant will be much louder than the Shoei. -DrewZilla

[@TheNaim116]

HELP! I found the Ducati graphics of this in Amazon, really want it, but I need to ask. At what point does a helmet no longer become safe? I see this video is 8 years old, so I imagine that the helmet would be just as old even when new. Again my question is, what is the shelf life of this helmet. I dont want to get a literal brain bucket.

[@soccerballtux]

@5m39s MICRO LEVELS OF ENERGY!!!

[@DaMaX74]

Hi there, I know your post is from three years ago, I noticed some diffrences between the American and European market with the Defiant (Rebel in Europe). But one thing ( besides the emergency strap and neckroll) I noticed is that in some models there is a sort of, a kind of grate in the chin vent. In this video and like my Arai there isn't one, but there's one in the Pro Cruise video and some normal Defiants. Can you tell me why this difference is. I would like this kind of mesh or grate, 'cause of the bugs while riding with the chin vent full open. Can't find it in seperate sold parts of Arai. Otherwise I have to force to make an own mesh kind of solution.... But for a premium helmet with a premium price, they should thought about this detail. Hopefully you can answer my question. Thanks in adavance.

[@RevZilla]

It appears they made a rolling change in late-2013 to the style with the grate. What's the date on your chin strap D-ring? You might try reaching out to Arai Americas to see if they have spares of the new style. -DrewZilla

[@DaMaX74]

+RevZilla Mines an M-06 si that's a 2013-june production. I bought it just this year. So my helmet is 3 years old fron production. Two questions: 1) Is my helmet still good after three years from production? 2) So you think I could have my dealer try to get a grate from Arai?

[@DaMaX74]

+RevZilla I live in the Netherlands by the way.

[@DaMaX74]

+RevZilla So beside the grate in the chin vent, the helmet from 2013 is just the same as a helmet of 2016, right? Thanks again.

[@DaMaX74]

+RevZilla I am invited to the Arai Europe HQ in the Netherlands and a Japanese Arai rep will modify the chin vent with the grate and he will check my helmet fit for an evantual custom fit👍👍. I can come over tomorrow already 😎👏.

[@enduroridernw]

Every time I wear a full face helmet my glasses fog up so bad I can barely see. My warm breath stays in the helmet and goes right up to my spectacles. Would this helmet prevent that from happening?

[@RevZilla]

yoyo ma What temperature do you ride in? -Hi-Viz Brian

[@enduroridernw]

RevZilla I ride year-round in Florida. It gets really rainy and humid in the summertime. To be honest I've only worn a full face a couple times (it was a friends Shoei). I wear a 3/4 helmet but lately I've been wanting some more protection.

[@RevZilla]

yoyo ma Unfortunately, that's the nature of the beast with full face helmets and glasses. My co-worker, CK, also wears glasses and rides year-round in the Northeast. He recommend riding with contacts, opening all of the vents to get maximum air circulation, or purchasing prescription riding glasses. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@enduroridernw]

Well contacts are out of the question. I think I see laser surgery in my near future :) Thanks for your reply Hi-Viz Brian!

[@RevZilla]

yoyo ma My dad had laser surgery a few months ago and said it's a night and day difference, literally. His eyes were pretty bad. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@Soxruleyanksdrool]

I have a fully faired bike with a 3/4 riding position and the Defiant, besides fitting me perfectly, works well with my bike. Therefore, I am unclear on why the Defiant was designed for a naked bike.

[@RevZilla]

The Defiant does work well in a 3/4 riding position. However, a race helmet designed for a 3/4 to full tuck riding position tends to be less stable on a naked bike in an upright riding position. The Defiant was designed to reduce stability issues caused by wearing race helmets on an upright naked bike. -DrewZilla

[@RevZilla]

I refuse. - Anthony

[@core10metal]

Max vision? I've seen bigger slots on speak easy doors...not that I visit that sort of establishments. Not digging this personally. Too many appendages. Doesn't look sleek and contemporary. Hate those ear caps over the visor. I'm sure it performs though.

[@RevZilla]

And I don't like to change my clothes... - Anthony

[@viktord.4456]

Think about not using any speakers/bluetooth gadgets when you are riding. It is distracting and will prevent you from concentrating 100% on your riding. Even the expert from ARAI said as much on Jay Leno's garage.

[@MrJazazello]

could you not at least change the t-shirt design yearly?

[@2cool0]

god damn it man why can't they make these a little cheaper like 400$ or something?!?! i can't pay 600$ for a helmet lol

[@Tycho4425]

Logo on front. LOGO ON FRONT! Could they make the logo bigger on the front?!

[@AndrewJaws]

revzilla.clom

[@AnklebiterTypeR]

I have this helmet and I have to say I don't think it's worth the money. It vents very well, I'll give it that, but it's obnoxiously loud at any pretty much any speed (I ride an FZ-09 naked bike), and the overall build quality just doesn't feel like what I would expect from a helmet that costs in the neighborhood of $600. For my next lid, depending on whether or not I can afford another premium brand when the time comes, I'll either get a Shoei or a Shark. IMO they're both superior. And if money prevents me from buying a premium I'll get a Scorpion or a Bell.

[@RevZilla]

AnklebiterTypeR What is it about the build quality that concerns you? Most helmet brands would agree that Arai is still the master when it comes to shell construction. You're right about Shoei and Shark, though I'd say Scorpion and Bell are quickly catching up in terms of construction techniques and quality. -DrewZilla

[@AnklebiterTypeR]

RevZilla The moving parts in the helmet mechanism, the liner, the way everything just fits together.

[@RevZilla]

AnklebiterTypeR Thanks for the feedback! I do like that Shoei's face shields are easy to change and have strong detents, but I also like that Arai's face shield design allows for more EPS foam around the ear for increased impact protection. I also like that in an impact/slide, Arai has designed the external pieces to easily break away, reducing the chance that they catch on the ground and twist your neck. -DrewZilla

[@AnklebiterTypeR]

***** That would depend on whether or not you wanted the drop down visor. I personally don't like them so I would get the Race-R Pro or nothing. However, if you like or don't mind them, the Speed-R is an amazing helmet.

[@AnklebiterTypeR]

***** IMO Scorpion should be the go-to for anyone who can't afford/doesn't want to spend the money on a premium brand. I've owned a lot of "cheap" helmets throughout the years and my Scorpions were the only ones that came close to matching my old Shark RSR2 in overall quality.

[@anthonybucci8375]

How about orange? Mauve or mint? lol

[@anthonybucci8375]

You are wise. You wouldn't want to get us confused with our less informed imitators, would you?

[@johnmicallef3502]

hi guys and girls here is my thoughts on this helmet after owening one for 4 months now. I am going to be up front with you so please don't get mad. so for €680 plus €120 for the pro shade I expected this helmet to do it all as I ride a Triumph speed triple 1050 I wanted a helmet for naked bikes.. and have 15 wearing AGV helmets Aria has alot to live up to. let's get one thing clear. This is with out a dout this best made helmet out there..!!! end of. but now we get to the bits wear Arai was a let down..! when I went to the shop and try the helmet on is was WOW...! so comfortable unlike anything else you had on you head. we checked​the size 3times so we was 100% sure. the 1st I noticed was the vents work really well... Good view even in the full tuck .. So it should be for €740..! then is started to ride faster. Not good.. the helmet started to push up against my face. anything over 170kph the helmet starts pushing up.. with 250kph the front chinbar is push up against your face so badly that I had to let go of the gas and slow down.. BIG LET DOWN ARAI.. the air over the helmet is ok.. not great but ok LET DOWN AGAIN ARAI so I call up Arai Germany.. and got a nice on the phone.. he said "we know about this there is a extra pad we will send it out in the next few days" ok.. I was thinking.. so I put the pad in and change the cheek pads to 30mm. jumped on my bike thinking all is well .. pinnig down the gas the same shit happens again.170/80 know the helmet starts pushing up against my face and now because of the extra pad I got a pressure point on the top of my forehead. it's a shame everything works so well on this helmet apart from riding fast.. I call up Arai again and they said" sorry there is nothing we can do for you..!" great...! €740 for a helmet that moves around like a €75 helmet..! My tip if you are thinking about buying any Arai. Put the helmet on as if for riding. THEN PUSH THE CHINBAR i.e "the front of the helmet straight in to your face." Cos when you ride at speed this is what the helmet will feel like Now I am going back to AGV and Shoei helmets I used the Arai for crusing.

[@strrider8474]

john micallef thank you I have the same bike and the same thing happen to me but with the shoei r1200.