help! Arai (corsair) vs Shoei (GT-air)

bboySushi

bboySushi

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My girlfriend bought me a Shoei GT-Air Journey for our anniversary (awesome present!). However she bought a small but the Shoei size is smaller than usual so it doesn't fit my head. I am going to return it. However, this is the dilemma now:

1. My friend offered to sell me a brand new Arai Corsair V (Takahashi) for $700 (the price of the GT-Air)
2. I found a local shop that sells the GT for cheaper, so I could save $80

Can anyone give their opinion on what I should do? My girlfriend has a corsair V small, and it fits snug. I will try it again tonight just to verify.

The Shoei GT-Air was impressive when I opened it though, vents are very easy to use and look huge, very nice unique shell shape, the bottom of the helmet looks very enclosed by the padding to keep out noise, comes with a sick sun visor (dunno if you think its lame but i think its AWESOME and super functional), and a pinlock fog visor. My bike is also the same colour, black/red.

The Takahashi is probably more advanced in terms of helmet technology (this is an assumption) and my gf's helmet is several years old so I'm not sure how different the new ones are. The weight is about the same IIRC. Colour scheme works, but isn't the perfect match, not that it's super important.

Does anyone know how these two might compare? The Arai is a great deal, especially if I can convince him to throw in an spare tinted/mirror visor if he has one, but is it better than the GT Air and $80?

How is the noise level in the corsair? I heard the GT-Air has excellent noise reduction.
 
Since you have access to both can you take each one for a quick boot to see how they feel at speed?
 
If your just using for touring type street use I'd say the gt air is more practical.

If your more spirited and a track rider get the corsair v.

FYI I have a corsair V and I'm 100% content.
 
Well, I can't take the GT air for a spin because the one I have is a size too small. I do neither really...I like spirited rides once in a while, but I don't do track (yet) but I also don't tour. I commute mainly with the bike. But is it worth passing up a good deal? I mean practically I can choose between the two for the same price. I will go for a spin in my girlfriend's corsair tonight though, that could change things.

Are there ANY cons to the corsair or GT-air that you guys know about other than head shape?
 
Corsair was made to go fast. If you're doing legal speeds then you are not taking advantage of the helmet. It's designed to be in the tucked position. Noise level I cannot comment on cuz I wear ear plugs and I've only owned a corsair rx-7 and both were the same.

Ps. The corsair v shields are stupid expensive especially in Canada. Over $100.
 
GT-Air with the pin-lock visor and sunshield looks like a deal...
 
I really like my RF-1100 -- Had the GT-Air been out when I bought it would have been tough to choose even between those two.

Note the GT-Air has emergency release tabs for the cheek pads (for removal after a crash). Arguably that's something I'm definitely looking for in my next helmet.
 
conundrum said:
I really like my RF-1100 -- Had the GT-Air been out when I bought it would have been tough to choose even between those two.

Note the GT-Air has emergency release tabs for the cheek pads (for removal after a crash). Arguably that's something I'm definitely looking for in my next helmet.
Click to expand...

So does the Arai
 
The Corsair V also has the emergency tabs.

I've been running an Icon domain II and I am 100% sure either of these helmets will do wonders (even by just holding them and comparing them to my current helmet).

Does anyone know if the GT-Air works well in a tucked or SS forward position? It is primarily a sport-touring helmet I believe, not sure if there's ample clearance between the helmet and my neck/back in tuck and with a backpack.
 
They're different helmets. Both in different class. So get the appropriate lid for your riding style. Mind you the gt is not snell so no track days
 
I rode this morning with my girlfriend's Corsair, fit well, was considerably light, afforded more range of motion in the neck/head, sound was noticeably reduced with the exception of a crack in the side of the visor that whistled on one side when I looked to the left (may have been due to a helmet drop). The only downside I saw was though the FOV was wider, I could see the bottom of the helmet padding on the top/front, which kind of bugged me. Otherwise it was a great helmet, well balanced, did not feel any force no matter which direction my head was turned.

This being said, I think I will go with the GT-Air (it is not Snell) just to give it a try. I do really like the aesthetics of the helmet as well, and I will have this corsair as a backup if need be on a track. My girlfriend is phasing out of riding and getting a car.

Thanks for the opinions, once I get the medium in I will post up a real life comparison for anyone interested.
 
Corsair V and GT Air are different class helmets.

My head fits better in Arai than in Shoei, so I can be biased. Although I have both a Corsair V and a Shoei X-Twelve.

I find the Arai is a comfortable all-day riding helmet, as compared to the Shoei which is more of a snugged fit. My only complain is the stupid visor-locking mechanism that Arai has in which everytime you want to swap the visor, you feel like something is snapping.

I tried on the GT-Air, felt comfortable. My concern is the drop-down visor mechanism which seems to be made with cheap dollar-store plastics. It felt like it's going to wear off sooner than you need to replace the helmet. (it could also be the showroom model that got played around too much)

Anyways, I ended up picking up a new Shark S700 with the built-in visor. For $350 shipping included, you can't beat the quality and the built. I like it even more than my Arai Corsair V.
 
I got a GT-Air in the spring. Love the flip down visor and pinlock but I find it whistles above 80 km/h unless I turn my head slightly to the side.
 
Thanks for the input. Unfortunately the graphic/size I want isn't available until November 15th...bummer..hahaha no way I am putting down money to get a helmet 3 months later at the end of the season.

Looks like back to the drawing board...may consider looking at an RF or just wait 'til next season to see what comes out and what goes on sale. I was staring hard at some RF1100s and I must say, the level of detail on those helmets is astounding.

I do really like the icon graphics and styling as well though...are any of them comparable in terms of noise and air flow?
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