Arai Defiant-X Helmet Review at RevZilla.com

Arai Defiant-X Helmet Review
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Boldly refined following the success of its predecessor, the Defiant X from Arai stands as one of the most precisely designed motorcycle helmets on the road. Premium in every regard, the Defiant X is a hand-crafted juggernaut that has been built to meet the exacting specifications of the most ardent riders in the world. Features of the Defiant X include an SFL shell construction that provides a rounded-smooth surface to reduce the likelihood of catching on rough surfaces, FFS ventilation, pockets for comm unit speakers, and a three-position chin vent.

[@1RadDad556]

Defiant X Outline pre-ordered, I’ve been waiting a month! Jumping from a Shoei GT-Air to this bad boy, can’t wait!

[@lestelie4410]

I bought the Arai Defiant. Definitely a great helmet for ventilation, important for the Aussie summers. The big downside is the wind noise. OMG my ears would be ringing after a ride with the Defiant. I have to wear earplugs now. My previous helmet, the Shark Vision-R 2 was a hot house in summer, but MUCH quieter. Maybe the truth is you can't have it all in a helmet. Maybe the price we pay for excellent ventilation is increased wind noise.

[@Timmicillo]

How does the defiant X fit compared to the newer Regent X?

[@touchthebacon5447]

Just got one today and I have to save going from an HJC I10 this helmet is amazing. The HJC was nice but I was getting some small pressure points in the front/top of my forehead but the Arai just fits like a well tailored glove and it's so lightweight.

[@joeglenn7323]

I was glad to see this new Arai for the naked/cruiser set. I actually tried on a couple of Arai's yesterday. The only reason to wear a helmet is safety. First I want it to protect my head and it's contents in an accident. Second, if the accident it bad enough, I want the emergency responders to be able to remove it without causing any additional injuries. That means I want a helmet with an emergency cheek pad removal system. At $600 this helmet should have that. Sadly, I have to take this one off the list.

[@joeglenn7323]

I kept shopping and decided to order one anyway. Every helmet I looked at had something I didn't like about it. I'm still not happy that it doesn't have the emergency cheek pad removal system. I'll comment on it once it arrives and I have had a chance to ride with it.

[@tessthemess786]

I just ordered one as well. You know the thing is, a lot of first responders don't know about the safety functions of these helmets. When I wrecked in 2013 I had Scorpion's best lid with a emergency release button, they didn't use it and I was knocked a bit senseless so I couldn't tell them to. I do remember them hurting my neck when they pulled it off but they still did a great job at keeping my head and neck stable. I have faith that this helmet will do it's job well and first responders are great at what they do so not much worry there either.

[@muhammadafiq2702]

maybe u have to spend a buck for another arai cheek pad ready emergency puller....that what I thought..hope this help u

[@predatoria_aquatica]

With the 5mm tear offs for fitment.. can u make the fit more for round oval heads? I know there’s the quantum x but the defiant x has more/better graphic designs.

[@RevZilla]

Yes, the 5mm tear offs in the top liner would help open up the sides of this helmet ever so slightly. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our customer service Gear Geeks! - Pat

[@dannycalifornia17]

Looking to buy my first real quality helmet... I liked the quantum-x, fit me great but this looks awesome and is around the same price point.... which do you believe is the better bang for my buck? I appreciate any feedback Thanks!

[@RevZilla]

Both are very similar in that regard, as they have very similar features and very similar prices. However, the Defiant-X fits just slightly narrower than the Quantum-X. If the Quantum-X fits you well, you might want to stick with it. -DrewZilla

[@VTECheart]

No emergency cheekpad removal? What is Arai thinking? It was somewhat understandable, yet deeply frustrating, that the DTX didn't get it, but the Defiant is supposed to be playing with the Signet and Quantum which both have it.

[@jx7230]

What retro styled helmet would you recommend other than this one? I wanna get this one really badly howevet its out of my price range.. Im also not a very big fan of the bell bullit.

[@RevZilla]

You might consider the Nexx XG100 Racer or AGV X3000. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/nexx-xg100-helmets *www.revzilla.com/agv-x3000-helmets

[@Lovesalluneed]

Are you able to say what the weight is of the Defiant X? Many thanks.

[@RevZilla]

1:11 It's 3 pounds 8 ounces (3.5 pounds). Hope this helps! -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-defiant-x-helmet

[@Lovesalluneed]

Apologies - i realise you state this at the beginning of the clip. Metric Translation (for anyone) 1.59kg

[@kayz9730]

should i use it for sportbike riding?i don't usually hit the track btw

[@RevZilla]

Yes, you can use it for sportbike riding. -DrewZilla

[@TheMrWaby]

Like the look over my soon to be retired Defiant, but is it still a great helmet for naked/street fighter bikes?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, it is still an excellent choice for naked bikes. -DrewZilla

[@TheMrWaby]

RevZilla Thanks!

[@simroga]

Does Arai goes with better style with less exclusives feature for naked bike riders on this one ? No more extendable chin curtain, multi position vent switched for these open/close wiskers ? I was considering buying a new defiant but the goal behind the concept seem to have change is it just me ?

[@noname-fw4iw]

Please Revzilla : Is the Arai Defiant X quieter than the Bell Star ? Thanks.

[@RevZilla]

The Bell Star is quieter than the Defiant-X. -DrewZilla

[@KidScipio]

so the shoei RF-1200 has really saved me in the real world - is this arai defiant-X a good replacement - or are they comparative. seems shoei is getting ready to phase out rf-1200 because they're not releasing new designs etc.

[@RevZilla]

Yes, the Defiant-X is an excellent replacement for an RF-1200. -DrewZilla

[@ridingwithsam]

Does this honestly make a huge difference on a naked bike in comparison to say a HJC RPHA 11, that would warrant the extra money spent?

[@RevZilla]

No, it's not a massive difference. If you like the RPHA 11 Pro, go with that. -DrewZilla

[@ridingwithsam]

RevZilla perfect thank you!

[@RevZilla]

You're welcome! -DrewZilla

[@motosessions]

Interesting trade offs as I have the previous model that DID come with the emergency cheek pad removal, but didn't come with the new vents OR shield release mechanism.

[@94PeterQ]

I think that fit of this helmet is not the same like Defiant. Fitment in Vector 2 and DT-X is very diffrent. My size is small and Vector 2 is good for me but DT-X i fell pressure on the temples so new model is more oval.

[@Invis_Space]

It would be AMAZING if Revzilla did a video showing off the Arai shield options. Maybe on a base white rx7 or something. Show off all the smoke rings and mirror tints. I haven’t found one channel do this! Thanks Revzilla!

[@sindocanales7564]

Is there space or cut-aways for a comm unit?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, there is space to mount a comm unit and space at the cheek pads for speakers. With Arai helmet cheek pads, they have removable cheek pad covers. On the backside of the cheek pad covers, there are specific pockets for speakers. Once inserted, you just put the covers back over the cheek pads and reinstall them in the helmet. -DrewZilla

[@beetlex80]

Is the new Defiant compatible with the Pro Shade visor?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, but there's a specific version for the VAS-V shield (different than the previous SAI shield). See below for the version that fits the Defiant-X. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-vas-v-pro-shade-system

[@michaelgrieff8689]

How does it perform in dusty conditions?

[@RevZilla]

We recommend closing the vents in dusty conditions, but it does well in those conditions. -DrewZilla

[@thejonpeter]

First! btw did you guys slow down the intro? I can understand Anthony!!!

[@stealthion]

will this helmet fit a sena 10u?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, it will accept the 10U for Arai Full Face Helmets. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-10u-bluetooth-headset-for-arai-full-face-helmets

[@CTohdbld]

How much does it weigh?

[@RevZilla]

1:11 It weighs 3 lbs. 8 oz. (1600g) in size large. -DrewZilla

[@achiu75]

welcome back...much better

[@davidacevedo4511]

Will a pack talk slim fit?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, the PackTalk Slim fits. -DrewZilla

[@greynearing4822]

@@RevZilla how do you install the speakers for the pactalk slim? The interior ear area is fabric and does not have a place to apply the adhesive Velcro. Is there a trick? Also, the rear vent gets in the way of the unit in the back - is there a trick to that?

[@AdaLubell]

cant decide between this or defiant.. D:

[@christianvinciguerra7864]

I can't pull the trigger on this helmet due to the visor lock

[@Lyminton]

My Rebel is going to the skip. Hand to hand with it's shade pro visor....

[@ronleon62]

I went from a Shoei GT-Air to this helmet. Nice fit, great shield mechanism, comfortable and cool with good ventilation. BUT it is significantly louder than my GT-Air. I can barely hear my Sena at highway speeds. Very annoying for an expensive helmet like this.

[@cyde01]

Damn that thing is boss!

[@buttertones]

Great game

[@unkindguy88]

no emergency release cheek pad for $600!? obviously not a lot of R&D went into it. Deal breaker.