Arai RX-7V Evo motorcycle helmet test: hard shell, soft core

Contents

Like all Arai helmets, the top model RX-7V Evo is characterized by the credo: Hard shell, soft core. The Japanese manufacturer has always strived for maximum safety. Originally, Hirotake Arai, the inventor of the full-face helmet, wanted to give racing drivers more protection in the 1950s. This has not changed to this day and to ensure the highest quality, all Arai helmets are still handmade in Japan. Arai relies on a hard shell made of fiberglass laminate, which can hardly be pierced by objects and is also absolutely smooth so that the helmet cannot get caught and tear the rider's head around. All attachments on the RX-7V Evo, such as the spoiler and the air ducts, are only glued on at the top and tear off immediately on contact with the ground so that the helmet can glide over the asphalt. The helmet shell has a very specific curvature, known internally as "R75", because a 75 mm long template determines the angle of curvature during production.

Meets strict EU standard

The Arai RX-7V Evo complies with the new, stricter EU standard R22-06, according to which helmets must now be able to withstand higher impact speeds in the impact test, among other things. In size L, the RX-7V Evo weighs 1550 grams and is therefore well within the average range. The padding fits tightly on my cheeks and forehead without pinching. That's good, because the helmet fits perfectly without slipping. It is fastened with a double-D fastener – Arai distrusts the stability of ratchet fasteners. The visor of the RX-7V Evo can be pushed up continuously and provides a large field of vision, especially upwards. The reason for this is the stooped posture with the head on the neck on the race track. The visor locks securely into place and cannot open while riding. To open it, a small lever must first be pressed with the thumb, a movement that quickly becomes second nature.

Fog-free

The helmet is prepared for a Pinlock visor as standard, i.e. a second visor that is attached to the inside of the main visor to prevent fogging. Thanks to a clever bracket, the visor can be removed quickly without tools and the Pinlock visor clicked into place. The main ventilation is provided by a lockable flap on the chin section, which provides fresh air and also directs the airflow to the inside of the visor.

Bild 1 von 10

Arai RX-7V Evo Test (10 Bilder)

At the same time, a small rubber bulge at the lower edge of the helmet cut-out directs the breath from the nose downwards and two small openings on the sides allow the used air to circulate to the outside. This works excellently, I had no problems with fogging throughout the season, not even at temperatures just above freezing.

Cool head even in the heat

Cooling is provided by the five closable openings on the helmet, one large one in the middle, two small ones on the sides at the front and two at the back, which direct the airflow to the top and back of the skull. There is also a ventilation opening in the tight-fitting padding at the back of the neck. The visor has a special feature at the upper edge with two small, closable openings that direct additional air onto the forehead if required, but not into the eyes. The ventilation of the helmet proves to be very effective overall, which is a great relief in hot weather. The RX-7V Evo is completely draught-free when the visor is closed, and a lined fabric section under the chin keeps unpleasant draughts away from the head.

High wearing comfort

While riding, the RX-7V Evo is very comfortable to wear, I never had any unpleasant pressure points after many thousands of kilometers. In fact, I have rarely tested such a problem-free helmet that you don't actually feel at all when riding. In terms of volume, the Arai performs well, even if it is not one of the quietest helmets on the market. Sensitive ears can use earplugs, which fit perfectly into the cut-outs in the helmet.

Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt

Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.

Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden

Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.

For use on the racetrack, the RX-7V Evo has a special feature in the form of an adjustable spoiler at the back of the head, which is designed to prevent annoying turbulence. This actually works, but is only noticeable at very high speeds – so the head can be kept a little quieter. An advantage that should not be underestimated on the racetrack.

Not cheap

Thanks to the ERS emergency release system, the cheek pads on the RX-7V Evo can be pulled out in one go after a crash. The pleasantly soft inner lining can be easily removed for washing. Arai offers various tinted visors and a flip-up sun visor as accessories. There are also diffuser extensions for improved aerodynamics and tear-off visors for racing use. The RX-7V Evo is available in 21 different paint finishes from brightly colored to pure white and in sizes XS (53/54) to XL (60/61). The RX-7V Evo is top quality and rightly the brand's flagship model, with prices starting at 950 euros for plain paint finishes and 1100 euros for elaborate decors. That's not cheap, but you're certainly saving at the wrong end when it comes to the helmet.

(mfz)