Shoei X Spirit 3 vs Arai RX-7V Road Test - ChampionHelmets.com

You can find the X Spirit 3 in our online store at: www.championhe...
You can find the RX-7V in our online store at: www.championhe...
X spirit 3
the Shoei X-Spirit 3 helmet targets track enthusiasts and sportbike riders that want a high-end Full-Face helmet. The starting point for Shoei was that they had to improve the original X-Spirit 2 which was one of leading models amongst luxurious full-face helmets. So they took rider feedback from across the globe and translated that into high quality Japanese manufacturing. And that comes with a price tag. This model is being worn by none other than 7-time motoGP World Champion Marc Marquez. Shoei co-developed this helmet with Marquez's requirements into consideration and this resulted in developing the ultimate racing helmet. The x-spirit III has been designed for high-performance use and they gave everything to reach maximum safety. The x-spirit has been tested in the Shoei's wind tunnel to measure how the helmet behaves at high speeds. And the stability of the helmet at high speeds has become even better than its predecessor. The x-spirit III has a new cheek vent system. This system is a noticeable difference between the new and old X-Spirit 2 helmet. It ventilates the lower side of the helmet and has airflow enter the helmet from the chin side, in addition to the top ventilation, to keep the whole head cool. They brought it down on the helmet to reach a more streamlined aerodynamic design. They also improved the rear spoiler. It is designed to let loose in case of an accident. The rear spoiler is an important part of the aerodynamically streamlined design.
RX-7V
Years of knowledge and experience with Arai in the field of Race Helmets, have come together in this top helmet, the Arai RX 7V. Several aspects of the RX 7 GP, the predecessor of the RX 7V, have been improved upon with the RX 7V. The VAS-V visor is the most important point of improvement. The lining has also been renewed with characteristic features. The ventilation system has been improved and optimized. Furthermore, this full-face helmet has the stricter SNELL M2010 certification, in addition to the ECE 22-05 certification. Arai has also released this helmet in Carbon. The carbon version is also the lightest helmet in the world that ever received a SNELL M2010 certification. It is a very exclusive helmet, because only 300 Carbon versions are produced per year.

[@ThemadViking793]

I got both of them, and they are both awesome helmets. The highest safety standards, the best materials, extremely comfortable, nice designs, a very high level of craftmanship. It's a tough choice to say which one is the best, but if you are able to spend the money on one of these bad boys, there's no way to do anything wrong, no matter what you choose.

[@impact0r]

Which was has more space for chin? In X-spirit III, my chin almost touches the front of the helmet which can't be good in a crash.

[@ThemadViking793]

@@impact0r the X-Spirit III is a little longer in the chin area.

[@impact0r]

@@ThemadViking793 thanks. That saves me trying.

[@hjkhhjkh3635]

@@ThemadViking793 hey man. I’ve got an oval head. I tried the Arai Rapide/Concept X and I found it too “round” shaped. Is the RX7V more oval?

[@ThemadViking793]

@@hjkhhjkh3635 no, not really. The difference is hardly noticeable.

[@achr6522]

Bothe are really good helmets. I would go for the X-Spirit III because of the brutal look

[@wolfgangrubio4631]

Actually they have 4 sizes in the Arai going all the way down to XS in case smaller heads apply. Also there are two additional exhaust vents on the back not mentioned.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the addition, we appreciate it! The RX-7V definitely does come with an impressive ventilation system that goes beyond the two side exhausts including the two upper adjustable exhausts and the neck roll exhaust. What did you think of how the two helmets compared out on the road?

[@demonsoldier602]

Arai is the best

[@phelan771]

I have both helmets mainly for track use. The Shoei is about 2.5 years old and Arai is 4 years old. The Arai feels more stable on the track and vents slightly better while the Shoei feel a bit more comfortable. Main difference between the two is the durability. My Shoei's inner liner started deteriorating and became powdery making it necessary to buy new a liner for the Shoei. No such issue with the Arai liner. Both helmets are used about 4 times on the track and equivalent street use only per year. Shame on you Shoei!!

[@hakim7894]

Marah betul ni bang

[@GPRracing52]

What a bunch of bullshit

[@TheBrokenBMW]

I'm on my 4th Shoei, and only Shoei... :)

[@Marius-Gvr]

I would like to see a comparison between my 2 favorite looking helmets: the x spirit 3 and the bell race star. I really like how informative your videos are.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately, we don't currently sell Bell helmets so we haven't been able to road test them. However, we'd be very curious to see how the two helmets stack up as well. How do you think they would compare?

[@Marius-Gvr]

@@Championhelmets Well, from what I've heard from other reviewers, the bell might be quieter. However, this is all subjective, since none of them have gone to the extent that you are going during your comparisons and testing the helmets with a db meter. I'm expecting the build quality of the shoei to be a bit better, since I've seen reports of the bell's 'spoiler' thing on the back coming loose. Also, when it comes to cooling, I see the shoei coming ahead again, due to its cheek pad cooling technology. But we can only speculate on which areas each helmet might be better than the other until we see a fair review with technical data being recorded, such as the ones you're doing.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for letting us know! We'll keep our fingers crossed that at some point we'll be able to take some Bell helmets out on our road test

[@pribumimaju2194]

In Asia's market ( JIS and snell standard) arai is less weight and less price than shoei x14.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for letting us know! It's always interesting to see how these small things vary so widely in different markets. Since the X14 version of the X-Spirit 3 is similar to the one sold in the USA, it makes sense that it also weighs more since it has been designed for a slightly different set of standards. Besides weight, what are your thoughts on the two helmets?

[@pribumimaju2194]

@@Championhelmets for commuter or daily use (Especially on a hot day or summer) Arai is better ( cooler ventilation ) because my temple are always sweat when wearing x14. But for track/race use ( high speed) the ventilation of both is almost as good, but x14 is better stability and aerodynamic ( stock helmet). If you want more stability and aerodynamic from arai, you must buy diffuser extension ( DF-X2 ). Last, For design I will choose x14.

[@Championhelmets]

@@pribumimaju2194 Though at the moment we test our helmets on the street, the ventilation of race helmets will almost always show a better performance on the track. Nonetheless, we were impressed with the ventilation ability of both helmets, not to mention their strong all around performance and safety. Thanks for the thorough reply, we appreciate it!

[@jdc1101]

Sir what the difference between rx7x and rx7v and corsair x thankyou

[@cashflownpv]

I know Arai makes excellent helmets. My only complaint is the oval egg shape that pertmeates their entire line.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the comment! Arai have also made a name for themselves by providing a wider range of internal head shapes alongside their round outer shell. They do this not only to give a better fit but to help the helmet glance off in an impact. What do you think of the X-Spirit 3?

[@doobiescoot554]

I have both , sorry Arai fans but the Shoei is Superior in every way but the Snell rating and neck vent The Shoei has a better visor mechanism , Visor , Visor lock, is an inch narrower in the base so much less interference with a suit , the interior is out in 5 seconds so much easier to wash , the vents are easier to use, the helmet bag is better (bigger) , and it weighs more than 200g less which is huge.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for sharing how you found your X-Spirit, and we're glad you're enjoying it! Have you had a chance to compare it to any other race helmets?

[@doobiescoot554]

@@Championhelmets I like the AGV pista as a Track only helmet , but again because the visor is either open or closed with no in between adjustment and the vents use plugs, the Shoei beats it as far as versatility goes for both Road and Track.

[@Championhelmets]

@@doobiescoot554 That makes sense as far as AGV's dedication to the track goes. Thanks for sharing!

[@jeweetzelftoch]

Why is 4 shell sizes better?

[@TomDrummer95]

It means that more sizes have their own shell. Small sizes aren't in an extra-large shell, as an example, which helps keep a good ratio of shell, EPS and liner. It also means you don't have to ride around with a giant helmet on, that's always a win.

[@ryuvw6879]

Please do race r pro vs x14/x spirit

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the suggestion! However, for the moment, the X-Spirit 3 is more comfortable and does better for the visor (since it comes with the pinlock insert and is tear off prepared).Other than this, the two helmets are about equal though the Shoei has a much better value for money and has a higher final score. What do you think of the two helmets?

[@ryuvw6879]

@@Championhelmets I've been wearing shoei X14 for about 2 years now and the weight is the worst part of the helmet. Other than that it's just about perfect. Upgrading into X-spirit is bit pricey in my place, that's why I wanted you guys to review the race r pro as it's hella cheap here.

[@Championhelmets]

That's fair, though we haven't road tested the Race-R Pro, we have tested the Race-R Pro GP. The only difference between the two is the spoiler and, depending on the helmet, the shell material, so they will perform very similarly. You can see how it did on our test here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6elc2VuqtyGmbM.

[@babbittron]

How are these helmets different than the X14 and corsair x?

[@Championhelmets]

Different way fo testing but they are almost identical.

[@daystate123]

I have the X spirit 3 and my nose is close to the front of the helmet, could you envisage that being a problem?

[@Championhelmets]

The main thing to keep in mind for a helmet is the fit, since this will have he greatest impact on your safety. If the fit of the helmet is correct and your nose does not yet touch the front of the helmet, then you shouldn't size up and it shouldn't cause a problem. Thanks for the question! Aside from the length, how have you found the X-Spirit 3 so far?

[@baggelispapageorgiou8546]

You have a large nose

[@kierenmoore3236]

He 'feels' the aerodynamics are slowly worse with the Arai ... hmmm, yup: cause (human) 'feelings' are known to be super-reliable ... 😏

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback, we're always trying to improve our road tests! While the true test of a helmet's aerodynamics is out on the track, we do try to get a basic impression out on the highway. Which of these helmets would you go for?

[@campbecd]

@@Championhelmets maybe go out on a naked vs with the windshield?

[@wolfgang6012]

Just a question.. which is the Snell result of the two helmets? This is, IMO, the only way to say “..this is the best..”

[@Championhelmets]

Both US versions of the helmets have passed the Snell M2015 and the M2020D certifications. Both helmets also scored 5 stars from SHARP, though the RX-7V scored slightly lower for impact force transferred to the sides of the head. Thanks for the question! What are your thoughts on the 2 helmets?

[@wolfgang6012]

@@Championhelmets Thanks for your response! IMO, I feel better and sure with ARAI. The RX-7V is the third Arai helmet in my life, I've tried SHOEI first.. but since the first ARAI, this is my choice.

[@Championhelmets]

@@wolfgang6012 Our pleasure! That's fair enough, and Arai always make great helmets, not to mention their complete dedication to safety and quality. If you have any further questions, we're always happy to help

[@moralrevulsionLive]

Which one is more suited for riders wearing glasses? (Not sun glasses:p)

[@Championhelmets]

Both actually come with glasses grooves, so neither should pose any problems as far as pressure from the temples. As far as glasses fit goes, the Arai RX-7V will be the most versatile since it not only comes with space for glasses, but 5mm peel away foam pads in the cheek pad that let you get a bit more space if required. Thanks for the question! What are your thoughts on the two helmets?

[@moralrevulsionLive]

@@Championhelmets i had an arai sold it im long time pista and corsa user. But ive made an operation which will require to ride with glasses anymore and i commute daily hways all types of weather on a supersport. And pista/corsa simply dont work for glasses...as much as it hurts me. Shoei i never had one but seems arai is more suited for the comfort of everyday long trip commuter arai it is again then

[@moralrevulsionLive]

@@Championhelmets how about the qv? Same features for glasses as rx7v? Comfort wise?

[@Championhelmets]

@@moralrevulsionLive Hopefully, AGV is listening and will one day add this to their sports helmets. But in the meantime, though we haven't had much experience with the QV Pro, the QV will have the same features as the RX-7V for glasses. So, it comes with a glasses groove, the 5mm peel away pads, and it has an EcoPure liner. Though one thing to keep in mind between the QV Pro and the RX-7V is that the QV comes in a long oval head fit while the RX-7V is closer to a round oval fit. So, if possible, it is always a good idea to see if you can try the helmet on locally to check the fit.

[@moralrevulsionLive]

@@Championhelmets ah ok thank u so much rx7v for me. Qv looks really huge and heavy. Yeah agv needs to listen. I mean i have 2x pistas and 2x corsas which none can put on glasses in and is so frustrating such a high end amazing line of helmets for me better the pista vs arai by far.. anw is really sad that they lack so many features vs arai. But i guess italians made em that way for pure race use only with limited features to save weight also

[@skybono]

Arai Rx-7x

[@Titot182]

I've always been a devout Arai and Shoei rider and regularly switch between the two brands. However, in terms of comfort, venting and vision, the X Spirit 3 wins it for me and my Asian skull shape. With plugs in my ear, I can't tell the difference with noise. I've had every RX7/Corsair since the 05 variant and can vouch for their crash protection. Good objective review with data though to confirm my subjective experience with both.

[@Championhelmets]

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your experience, it's always helpful for any other viewers out there especially since these are both top tier helmets. How did you find the RX-7V in terms of weight?

[@Titot182]

@@Championhelmets - for me it's all about weight distribution when riding and stability. So for the Arai RX-7V, it's noticeably heavier than the RX-GP, but on road and track when you're riding tucked or in the 3/4, both feel the same on the neck. It does feel stiffer than the RX-GP in my opinion. However the Corsair (05 model) has the slimmest shell profile. The worst helmet I've ever ridden in was a KBC AR-1 about 13 years ago (because it looked like a corsair but couldn't afford one when I was 19). I also have an AGV Corsa, which is the lightest lid I have, but prefer the weight distribution of the Arai for the majority of riding I do. Corsa works well on the R1 on a track day in summer, less so commuting in british winters with wind buffering on a Fazer 1000. But Shoei, yeah, once I got used to the idea that I can also live with a X Spirit, it's now my lid of choice.

[@Championhelmets]

@@Titot182 Great to hear your experiences and thanks for sharing again, that's quite a journey to the Shoei

[@LinkxUSMC87]

EarlOfEasycore good to know! Love my shoei rf1200 always trusted them but have been considering giving arai a shot or even agv, but come summer I guess I’ll be picking up that x14 I’ve been eyeballing after all 😁 thanks for sharing!

[@Titot182]

@@LinkxUSMC87 I used to have an XR1100 myself (see my ooold youtube video recorded on a potato from 10 years ago!). That felt tighter than the Arai RX7 in the same size (M). However, for the X14/XSpirit, I've gone up a shell size to make it more comfortable for me. XR1100 used to buffet like hell when I rode it 3/4 on my FireBlade. However, the X Spirit doesn't suffer anything of that sort. I would say now Shoei all the way (Arai convert)

[@reinaldo1504]

the only way to know which helmet is better is to crash it, just pull the data with rider who used arai and shoei that have accident, how many alive and dead using each brand.

[@Championhelmets]

Hey there! We're also curious to see how much better one or the other perform. Though we're still in the research phase of how to test this without having to replace our rider. Until then, since both are top tier race helmets, they've been designed with as many safety features as possible and both earned 5/5 stars from SHARP. Which helmet are you thinking of going for?

[@reinaldo1504]

@@Championhelmets lol without replace the rider 🤣, i just mean data from the past, right now im using arai rx-7x Cal Crutchlow, i used it from 2017 til now, maybe in america the name is corsair X while in europe rx-7v, my wife doesnt allow me to buy helmet beside arai, because shes watching all rider crash in arai all is fine (idk maybe theres someone died too), tomizawa and kato died while wearing shoei, this is why im intrigued about the fact each helmet, i hope you can find all the data about arai vs shoei crash in the past and tell us in your next video which brand save most of them rider. thx, sry for my english, im from asian and english is not my 1st/2nd language.

[@Championhelmets]

No worries and thanks for the suggestion, we'll look into the subject! For the moment, it would be difficult to say which helmet since any situation would vary significantly. While the Arai focuses on being as tough and round as possible, Shoei's AIM+ is generally a little more elastic so the two helmets absorb will impacts differently. But we are curious to look into the question ourselves as well

[@sinsinsss5216]

😅

[@daniell274]

Ms88 is better!!

[@cameronbromley9768]

The arai vents are holes drilled into the helmet… like cheaply. They’ve used the same shell shape for 30+ years. They are embarrassingly Horrible helmets… yes they are comfortable, yes they are strong and protective, but they are far from a good helmet and definitely not worth over 800

[@missydee6085]

They really aren't "embarrassingly horrible helmets". I've tried plenty of other lids over the years - and I always go back to wearing an Arai (who made the first helmet I ever owned). God only knows why you think they're so bad: considering you've praised them for being comfortable, strong & protective. Maybe you spend too much time admiring your reflection when wearing a non-Arai alternative?

[@slacker2586]

Horrible enough for Moto gp and world superbike racers

[@GoldenProductionTE]

Idiot comment

[@TheBrokenBMW]

I'm on my 4th Shoei, and only Shoei... :)

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the comment! What Shoei do you currently ride with?