Arai Defiant Helmet

[RidersDiscount]

Just like the bikes we ride, motorcycle helmets are designed fulfill different needs based upon where and how they will be used. Some are meant to offer uncompromising performance and maximum airflow under racing conditions, and others will provide a quieter, less hardcore experience that is much more comfortable on the street. The Arai Corsair-V pretty much defines the first category, while the new Arai Defiant falls into the second.

 

The Arai Defiant has a construction that is loosely based on the RX-Q, meaning that it has all the build-quality and safety features one would expect from Arai. The outer shell is made from hand-laid fiberglass that has been shaped into a smooth, spherical shape that has been engineered to transfer stress evenly across its surface in the event of an impact. The shell also features peripheral belting in across the forehead and the patented Arai Hyper-Ridge around the base for increased strength with a low center of gravity. Underneath this shell is a multi-density EPS liner that is specifically designed to absorb impact energy in a way that is similar to the crumple zones of a modern car or truck.

 

One area that the Defiant differs from other helmets in Arai’s line-up is the way that it manages airflow. This is because Arai’s inspiration for the Defiant was actually the latest crop of high-performance naked bikes with a slightly more upright riding position and less wind protection. Both of factors lead to a higher volume of air hitting the helmet at any given time, and Arai used its MotoGP program to develop a new type of flared chin spoiler in order to combat the issues this can cause. This addition reduces lateral movement, lift, buffeting and wind noise. A more familiar rear spoiler and pair of stabilizers at the back round out the aerodynamic feature-set at the back.

 

Ventilation also received a significant amount of attention for the same reasons as the aforementioned aerodynamic features, and the resulting ventilation system is one of the best we have encountered. All of the vents are brand new for the Defiant and not only flow tons of air when you need it, but also create an amazingly quiet seal when closed. At first glance, the most noticeable of these is the chin vent. It has a 3-stage switch that you can use to toggle between directing air to the face, the shield, and to close it completely. Intakes on top of the head are a slick new style that close very tightly and are easy to operate with a gloved hand. Two that are easily overlooked are the vents in the shield. They look like those found on other Arai’s, but instead of venting to the forehead, the air is channeled around to the temples and ears. According to Arai, this cools the blood flowing to the brain through the temporal artery. We lacked the medical equipment to test this claim, but we can say that it does feel great to have airflow in this normally stuffy area.

 

Inside the Arai Defiant you will find a plush lining and cheek pad system that surrounds your head in soft, premium materials. Dry-Max fabric keeps sweat from soaking into the cheek pads, while Dry-Cool fabric and 3D-mesh in the rest of the liner quickly dissipate heat. Further moisture control comes from a new type of water-resistant neck roll that helps keep you dry on rainy days. The fit of the Arai Defiant is similar to the intermediate oval head shape of the RX-Q, but it it also has layers of 5mm foam in the temples and cheek pads that allow you to customize it to your liking. Vision through the wide, SAI eye-port is excellent and features the absolute best in anti-fog technology. The Defiant comes standard with a clear, Pinlock Max-Vision shield and insert that creates a fog-free seal that covers the entire field of vision.

 

With the Defiant, Arai set out to develop the ultimate helmet for naked bikes, but the features make it one of the best street helmets out there regardless of the type of bike. The new aerodynamic and ventilation features that were meant for riding without the wind protection of a fairing actually make for a quiet and stable ride on any bike.

 

Interested in the Arai Defiant helmet? Get in touch with Nathan for expert sizing advice or to place an order. He can be reached at 866.931.6644 ext. 809 or through this forum. If email is more convenient, feel free to send one to FORUM at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

 

The Arai Defiant is shown here in the Hayes Jolly Roger-2 graphic.

 

 

 

 

 

The new chin vent has a 3-stage switch that you can use to toggle between directing air to the face, the shield, and to close it completely

 

 

 

Brow vents in the shield channel air around to the temples and ears instead of to the forehead. According to Arai, this cools the blood flowing to the brain through the temporal artery.

 

 

 

The new top vents are aerodynamic and create a tight seal when closed. They are very easy to operate with gloved hands.

 

 

 

Arai used its MotoGP program to develop a new type of flared chin spoiler in order to lateral movement, lift, buffeting and wind noise.

 

 

The rear spoiler provides stability and houses two adjustable extractor vents that pull the stale air out from around your head.

 

[Steve Butters]

Been looking at these for awhile now... Gonna go to pony tomorrow and try one on if they have any and see how it feels... Actually have an excuse to buy one now, took a small tumble and smacked the ol bell on some rocks... These are getting a lot of mention on naked bike forums

[RidersDiscount]

We have all the Defiant graphics available except for the Chronos, not just the Jolly Rogers pictured here. 

Edited December 18, 2013 by RidersDiscount