We’ve all seen the ad where the Most Interesting Man in the World says, “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.” Likewise, Arai doesn’t usually release new helmets, but when it does, it should work fine. More than 70 years of experience went into the development of the new Arai Contour-X.
As we wrote about previous review and in “our”The reason behind the Arai helmetIn particular, Arai maintains an unwavering commitment to crafting helmet shells that are round, strong, and smooth. As repeated experience between MotoGP, World Superbike and other riders has shown, Arai helmets are designed to “glance” at objects, allowing them to maintain absolute integrity, resist deformation and disperse the impact energy over the widest possible area. Every aspect of the Arai helmet’s exterior is designed to be detached so that the helmet itself doesn’t snag anything in the event of a crash or slip.
Contour-X offers excellent protection, comfort, ventilation and aerodynamics. It features a new Peripheral Belt Complex Multi-Layer (PB-cLc2) shell that’s thinner and lighter thanks to new fiber and plastic materials, but it’s just as durable as other Arai cases. The medium-sized Contour-X tested here, even with the optional Pro Shade visor and Pinlock anti-fog insert fitted, weighs just 3 lb, 9 oz – the same weight as the flagship Corsair-X.
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Related: Arai Corsair-X Helmet | Device review
Like the Regent-X, the Contour-X’s case flares out 5mm around the hole to make it easier for the helmet to slide in and out. The bottom of the case also features Arai’s Hyper Ridge, which improves durability and shock absorption, and has been reshaped for flatter edges to facilitate easy mounting of the communications system.
Related: Arai Regent-X Helmet | Device review
Arai helmets are always fun to wear, and the Contour-X takes it even further with a new odor-resistant, removable and washable brushed nylon inner, and cheek pads that can Adjustable Face Contour System (FCS-2) is removable for easy removal in an emergency. Inside, there are speaker pockets and a new neck coil pocket for the intercom. Through short rides, long rides, and multiple dressing and undressing, the Contour-X is break-in and stays comfortable.
Ventilation is excellent. The new system includes a total of seven air intakes, all of which can be closed when needed: a 3D Arai logo vent on the forehead, two F1-derived teardrop-shaped air intakes on the crown, two air vents eyebrows in the face shield and chin vent. There are also six exhaust pipes: one in the spoiler, two on the sides near the rear and three in the neck area. Arai says the Contour-X offers better ventilation than the Corsair-X at street speeds and I concur.
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The rounded shape of the Arai helmets helps them glide smoothly through the air, and the new XGR exhaust/spoiler draws hot air out of the helmet while enhancing stability and reducing vibration at speed. I’ve worn the Contour-X on a variety of bikes with and without windshields, and it’s still stable and comfortable.
The Arai Contour-X is a great cap in every way. It comes in sizes XS-2XL and prices start at $739.95 for five different monochrome colors (Blue, Matte Black, Diamond Black, Diamond White, and Light Gray) and $889.95 for two graphic options (Solid Red and Face Fluorescent Yellow).
For more information, see your dealer or visit Arai . Helmet Website.
