Arai Corsair Ultimate Guide

The 2024 Ultimate Guide To The Arai Corsair

Summary

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Arai Corsair Ultimate Guide Summary
“We do not build a motorcycle helmet. We build an Arai.”

The Arai Corsair is arguably the best racing and riding motorcycle helmet on the market, and has been for a long time. Is it stylish, but not overdone. The family-owned company is too busy focusing on safety to bother with flash. The Corsair offers the best in protection: DOT, Snell, and other standards are baseline starting points for the Arai Corsair, not an end goal. Each helmet is handmade and put through several rounds of inspections and tests by skilled professionals before it leaves the door.

The fact of the matter is, more professional racers wear the Arai Corsair than any other helmet, and that speaks volumes about the brand that has been known for decades as the highest market standard in helmet quality, comfort, and protection.

The Arai Corsair is the top-of-the-line helmet in motorcycle racing and riding, and comes in a wide variety of styles and special editions - both replicas and seasonal variants. Its safety features, however, are what drive so many riders around the world to choose the Corsair.

In this guide to the Arai Corsair helmet, you will find everything from safety features and protection data, testimonials from professional racers, and specifications of the helmet’s features like ventilation, visors, and interior liners, to how each Corsair is made, the history of the company and the future direction of the helmet with the new Arai Corsair-X.

History of Arai: Humble Beginnings to Global Leader

Founded by Hirotake Arai in Japan after World War II, Arai has been a pioneer of the helmet industry since the beginning of safety equipment itself, and all with one goal in mind: create the most protective helmet for riders to wear. The three-generations-old family company has a personal stake in the protection of their helmets; they not only have their family name on the front of each helmet, they have their own heads inside them as well. All three generations of Arai have been motorcycle riders themselves, as are the trained experts who hand-craft each helmet.

Hirotake Arai was born in 1905, the son of a hat maker in Tokyo. During World War II, Hirotake began designing headgear for police and officials that was both protective and heat-repelling. After the war, he continued making protective headgear, this time for construction workers. However, it was his personal hobby of motorcycle racing that led him to design and construct the first Arai motorcycle helmet. Thus, in 1952, Arai (then named Arai Hirotake Shoten, Co.) began making the first motorcycle helmets in Japan.

From the beginning, Arai was focused on exactly one thing - protection. Hirotake developed the method of making helmet shells with heat and resins for a solid construction. That was the first of many innovations to come from the company to advance the safety and protective standards of the motorcycle helmet.

A New Generation Introduces New Innovation

Michio Arai, Hirotake’s son, studied in the United States before returning home to Japan to work for his father and expand the family business, growing it into an internationally recognized leader in motorcycle helmets. A number of innovations took place over the next few decades, including the introduction of brow vents in the visor - designed to maintain the structural integrity of the helmet, putting the vents where the visor hole already existed instead of drilling into the helmet shell - as well as the introduction of the movable chin piece, the one-touch to open and close the face shield mechanism, and the diffuser ventilation system, which would come to be the industry standard.

Hirotake Arai was honored with a decoration by the Japanese Emperor in 1978. Sadly, Hirotake passed away in 1986. It was then that his son, Michio Arai took over the business and continues as president of the company to this day. His son, Akihito Arai, is the third generation of Arai and also works for the company, building it even larger and better for the future.

The journey from the first Arai safety helmet to the Arai Corsair racing helmet took several decades, with many innovations along the way, but those innovations were natural and progressive in manner. Keeping the company squarely focused on safety and protection, along with refusing to compromise the natural egg-shell shape, the Corsair-V was eventually released in 2008, with a number of variants to follow.

Completely Handmade to Exceed All Safety Standards

While some safety standards test only specific areas of the helmet for protection (possibly allowing some helmet manufacturers to make those areas more protective than other parts), Arai knows that real-world crashes can result in a helmet hitting the ground or an obstacle at any point on the helmet, so the entire shell must be equally secure.

To that end, the Corsair is subjected to a number of quality and safety tests. In fact, Arai itself helped develop the Snell guidelines and standards for helmet safety. Helmets are tested for strength, impact resistance, force displacement, and durability over time. These tests include dropping the helmet from various heights onto anvils in different positions and speeds. Flat anvils are used to simulate the direct impact of the helmet on the road or a track, while rounded anvils simulate rocks, guardrails, and other objects. A pointed anvil is also used to test impact resistance throughout the helmet’s shell.

Individually Inspected & Repeatedly Tested For Protection

Every Arai helmet is inspected part by part during each step of the process in its creation, and then the final product is put through the tests mentioned above. On top of the inspections at the end of each step of the helmet-making process, the finished product is inspected by two separate professionals. These experts look at every facet of the helmet to make sure there are no defects, weaknesses or flaws to the helmet before it is ever made available for sale.

During the quality and safety testing, helmets are put through a battery of tests and inspections to make sure that they do what they are supposed to do, and that each individual helmet meets the Arai standard. It has been asked whether Arai gives special treatment when making helmets for professional racers versus the everyday motorcycle rider. In the words of Arai’s President Michio Arai:

“Arai has only one standard. All Arai helmets are made the same, whether for a world racing champion or a street or dirt rider. How can you say one person’s head is worth more than another’s?”

— Michio Arai, President of Arai

The Corsair Helmet: Elements of a Masterpiece

While Arai helmets have evolved over time, certain aspects of them have remained constant despite changes in overall helmet design and especially in spite of industry trends. The shape of the Corsair is modeled after an egg shell, something that was picked up by studying the natural shock absorption and impact displacement. While some helmet lines have changed shape over time, either for industry fads or simply changing for the sake of change, Arai has stayed true its own standards.

Shell - Five Years and Twenty Seven Steps to Master

Chief among those is Arai’s standard of quality. From the very first protective headgear made by Hirotake to every racing helmet today, each helmet is handmade by skilled “Shell Experts” at the Arai headquarters in Japan. It takes up to five years to earn the right to become a certified Arai Shell Expert, and there are only 15 of them at one time in Arai’s factory. Each expert has to master all steps, up to 27, that it takes to make an Arai.

Fiberglass segments are woven together in a basket or bird’s nest manner and bonded with a special resin before being heated properly to create the outer shell of the helmet. The basket design ensures that the shell has no weak points, and its strength and durability are consistent throughout the entire shell body, not just in one or two key areas. According to Arai, it takes approximately 18 hours to create just one Arai helmet - and every single helmet is made by hand to meet the “Arai Standard.”

The inner shell of the Arai Corsair is a styrofoam liner that has been developed to have different levels of density at different places, while still remaining a single, solid piece of styrofoam. While this may be more costly and time consuming, Arai prides itself on cutting no corners with the Corsair - or any of its other helmets, for that matter. The multi-density styrofoam inner shell allows for maximum shock absorption while keeping the helmet wearer’s head safe and secure inside the helmet.

Shape - Developed to Give the Most Comfort

As previously stated, the Corsair has an oval, egg-shell shape to its design, and this is one of the key factors that makes the helmet the industry leader in safety and protection. Also known as R-75 (stands for the 75mm radius of each helmet), Arai uses this particular shape to keep a smooth helmet all around. The oval shape being consistent throughout the entirety of the helmet allows for the same impact resistance no matter where the helmet is struck in the event of a collision. The smooth, round shape also allows the helmet to more easily glide over obstacles during a crash without creating a rotation, which would add to a rider’s injuries.

The refusal to change the egg-shell shape has also led to another one of the Corsair’s unique features, the side pods. While many other helmets’ visors attach to the exterior of the helmet with various mechanisms that are designed for ease and accessibility, the visor on the Corsair attaches underneath a small pod on the side of each helmet via the Variable Axis System (VAS). Considered to be cumbersome by many customers, the VAS is another example of Arai not compromising the integrity of the shell for easy use or looks. The design of the VAS is essential to making the Corsair safe, according to Arai.

Ventilation - Cooling Air Directed to Critical Areas

Another instance where Arai has preserved its shape in the Corsair comes in the ventilation system. Most racing and riding helmets’ ventilation holes can be found above the visor. Michio Arai combined innovation with simplicity in developing the brow vents for the Corsair. Believing that holes should not be drilled into the helmet (creating weak spots), Arai put the brow vents in the pre-existing hole in the helmet - the visor hole. Thus, each Corsair helmet has ventilation holes in the visor itself instead of above or to the side of them. These brow vents work in tandem with the rest of the ventilation system on and in the Corsair, creating ideal air flow through the helmet for the rider.

Along with the two brow vents in the visor, the AirWing ventilation system includes vents in the chin, on both sides, and on the top of the helmet. The top vents are designed to work in three positions: in a straight riding position, in a half-tuck, and in a full-tuck racing position. The vents open and close with ease, even when wearing thick riding or weather gloves. Brow vents duct air onto the brow and temple of the rider, while hot air is expelled out the sides and back of the helmet for the rider’s comfort. The other vents are located in naturally designed grooves along the outer shell to increase the airflow and allow for better air intake and output, giving the rider comfort inside the helmet and expelling hot air out the back of the helmet.

Interior - Custom Made Comfort and Fit

The interior of the helmet has a facial contour system consisting of 17 different parts and padding to create a snug and comfortable fit for each rider. The lining has removable parts, and even comes with the ability to remove sections of the padding in 5mm increments to create the perfect fit for each rider’s individual head shape. The neck roll is also removable on the Arai Corsair.

Designed by Arai, and a feature in all Corsair helmets, is an Emergency Release Tab system. This bright orange tab at the base and side of the helmet allows emergency responders to quickly and easily remove the interior lining and pads before removing the helmet itself. This gives paramedics and other emergency responders the ability to safely remove the helmet without much movement to the rider’s head in the event of a crash. That safety feature is designed to protect against potential or further damage to the neck and other areas that might be pulled on when a helmet is removed.

An Arai Corsair Is Worn On The Head Of More Professional Racers Than Any Other Helmet

The popularity of the Arai Corsair around the world is impossible to argue, with more than 50 percent of Formula 1 racers using it, NASCAR legends like Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Juan Pablo Montoya, and a long list of MotoGP champions like Nicky Hayden, Joey Dunlop, Josh Hayes, and so many others. Even celebrities like the world famous car and motorcycle collector Jay Leno wears an Arai Corsair!

Some of the current professional racers who wear Arai on the track include:

  • Nicky Hayden

    MotoGP World Champion (2006) and AMA Superbike Champion (2002) Nicky Hayden has long been sponsored by Arai. With a two different replica Corsair helmets, the Arai Corsair-V Limited Edition Nicky GP Camo Full Face Helmet and Arai Corsair-X Nicky-6 Hayden Replica Full Face Helmet, you can bet that Hayden is an Arai Corsair fan.
  • Josh Hayes

    AMA Superbike Champion (2010-2012, 2014) and MotoGP racer Josh Hayes has long been a supporter and wearer of the Arai Corsair. In fact, Arai surprised Hayes with his very own Arai Corsair-V Race Carbon helmet in 2014! Worth a whopping $4,295.95, Hayes’ Jolly Roger Corsair-V Race Carbon is another gem produced by Arai.
  • Danny Eslick

    Danny Eslick, Two-time winner of the Daytona 200, is another one of many professional racers that sport the Corsair-V on the track. Eslick was the winner of the 2014 Daytona 200 for the Riders Discount Race team.
  • Geoff May

    Geoff May, professional AMA Superbike racer and wearer of the Corsair-V, won his very own Arai Corsair-V Nicky Hayden Replica as his prize for winning pole position in the 2015 Daytona 200.
  • Mike Lafferty

    8 time National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty is no stranger to Arai. With a 20 year racing career, Lafferty only wore Arai. In an interview during his final year racing, Lafferty talked about why he only raced with an Arai helmet. “It’s just the fit of an Arai, it’s like no other,” said Lafferty.
  • Taylor Knapp

    Taylor Knapp, AMA and Daytona top-ten finisher, who also races wearing the Corsair-V, said, “I’m really happy with Arai. It’s always kept me safe. I’ve had tons of crashes, and never had any head injuries, knock on wood.” He added, “I love my helmet.” When asked what he would say to other riders looking at helmets, Knapp said, “You get what you pay for. I wear Arai because, I believe, it’s one of the best helmets.”

With endorsements like those it’s no wonder why Arai is the standard in premium motorcycle helmets, but it is the Arai philosophy and history that speaks even louder than that.

The Arai Corsair Lineage: A Complete List of Variants

The Corsair line has a rich history, with each variation improving on the model previous. Every model of the Corsair comes with a variety of different graphics, including race replicas of famous racing professionals. A “replica” helmet is not merely a decorative piece, but is hand made with the exact same safety features and graphics as the original.

RX7-RR4

Titled the RX & RR4, this helmet was the birth of what would become the Arai Corsair. While it was the beginning of that line, it was also in fact the culmination of decades of refining and perfecting the manufacturing of racing helmets. In fact, the release of the RX7-RR4 in 2001 was the beginning of what would be one of the most successful premium helmet lines in the world.

RX-7 Corsair

Considered to be the most lightweight and technical helmet for sport riding at the time of its release in 2003, the RX-7 was a revolutionary helmet for not only Arai, but for racers and riders alike. It was an updated version of the RX7-RR4, made stronger yet more lightweight with a number of other technical improvements for safety, ventilation and comfort.

Corsair-V

Released in 2008, the Corsair-V was an amazing improvement on what was already considered one of the greatest racing helmets on the market, the RX-7 Corsair. Lighter, faster, and more comfortable, the Corsair-V would quickly become to be one of the most popular helmets used at the professional level.

Nicky 5 Corsair-V (discontinued)

The Corsair-V Nicky 5 fullface helmet is a replica helmet with the design worn by MotoGP World Champion and AMA Superbike Champion racer Nicky Hayden. This helmet is very bright with orange, green, and silver colored graphics. The Nicky 5 has a unique mixture of both gloss and metallic, including a ghosted #69 over silver metallic on each side of the helmet. The back includes a gloss & metallic green camouflage and Nicky’s signature “Kentucky Kid” logo.

Nicky GP Camo Corsair-V (discontinued)

As if one replica helmet wasn’t enough, Arai in 2015 came out with another Nicky Hayden Corsair. The Nicky GP Camo helmet has stunning graphics on the whole of the helmet, starting with a camouflage pattern on the top, sides and back. Wrapping around from the sides of the visor is a faux goggle strap graphic, behind which are large bullet casings. A cartoon Nicky Hayden in soldier attire adorns the back of the helmet, which also features a peace symbol and flower. Another unforgettable graphic on the Nicky GP Camo is a graphic of Hayden himself from the nose down on either side of the helmet with chin strap. The overall look is that of Hayden wearing an open face helmet, which the rider is in fact inside the full face Corsair-V.

Harada Tour Corsair-V (discontinued)

The Harada Tour Corsair-V is a tour edition to honor Moto2 champion Tetsuya Harada. The Harada Tour helmet is pearl white and black with a gloss finish. The top of the helmet features blue racing stripes, where the sides are pearl white with gray outline of a world map.

Japan-native Tetsuya Harada won the Moto2 Championship (formerly called 250cc) in 1993 while on team Telcor Yamaha Valesi. Later Harada also competed in 500cc.

Rea 3 Corsair-V (discontinued)

This red, white, and blue graphic helmet was made with Jonathan Rea, MotoGP and Superbike professional racer, in mind. The striking design incorporates both glossy and metallic blue, as well as pearl white. The side pods have that metallic blue “pop” as well.

Ireland-born Jonathan Rea started in the British Superbike Championship, then moved to compete in the World Superbike, Supersport, and MotoGP Championships. In 2008 Rea placed 2nd in the World Supersport Championship.

Russell Replica Corsair-V (discontinued)

If you know anything about racing you’ve probably heard of Scott Russell. Also known by his nickname, “Mr. Daytona,” Russell has had an incredible career as a racer, and Arai wanted to celebrate that when they created the Russell Replica. The white helmet features Russell’s signature “Screamin’ Chief” logo, just the the original created by Russell’s friend and artist, Troy Lee.

Scott Russell earned his nickname “Mr. Daytona” after winning the Daytona 200 a record five times. Russell also won the World Superbike Championship in 1993. Now Russell works as the lead motorcycle road racing analyst for SPEED TV.

Joey Dunlop Corsair-V (discontinued)

Arai made this Limited Edition Corsair-V to commemorate the incredibly famous racer Joey Dunlop. Although simple in graphic design, this helmet is sure to turn heads on the track. Black and yellow with a glossy finish, this helmet also features his sponsor’s logo, as well as his name and birth/death dates.

Joey Dunlop is considered to many a racing legend. Dunlop competed in 25 Isle of Man TT races, one of the most dangerous races in the world. Of those 25 years he won 26 races, setting the record still held today. Additionally, Dunlop was Knighted, which is indicated on his helmet. He passed away in July of 2000.

Jason DiSalvo Replica Corsair-V (discontinued)

The Jason DiSalvo Corsair-V replica is striking, just like the original. The helmet has orange, black, and gray graphics all around and a glossy finish. The signature side-stars on the side pods stand out against the bright orange.

Jason DiSalvo has competed and placed in several AMA Supersport and Superstock races over the past twelve years.

Nakagami Replica Corsair-V (discontinued)

The Nakagami Corsair-V is an exact replica of the famous Japanese Moto2 racer Takaaki Nakagami. The striking red, orange, gray cover the sides of the helmet, and the pearl part of the design features orange paint splatter. The back part of the graphic is a laurel wreath design and the top has the Japanese flag rising sun design.

Takaaki Nakagami is currently a rider for Idemitsu Honda Team Asia in Moto2. Previously he competed in 125cc World Championship for two different teams: the Harc-Pro Honda Team and Italian I.C. Team.

Haslam Track Replica Corsair-V (discontinued)

An exact replica of Leon Haslam’s track helmet, the Haslam Corsair-V features two WSBK tracks in the UK: Donnington Park and Silverstone. The top of the helmet has a Union Jack British Flag design, where the sides show each track, one in gold metallic and the other in silver metallic. The rest of the helmet has a glossy finish.

Son of racer Ron “Rocket” Haslam, Leon Haslam has earned the nickname “Pocket Rocket.” Born in London, England, Haslam has raced in both the British Superbike Championship and the Superbike World Championship. He has ridden for the Stiggy Honda Team and currently ride for the Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils.

Edwards Tribute Corsair-V (discontinued)

This Colin Edwards Tribute features striking yellow metallic reflector paint entwined with orange, black, and blue gloss. The top/front of the helmet has a Texas Lone Star, honoring Edward’s home state. The Edwards Tribute Corsair-V is bright and eye-catching both on and off the track.

Colin Edwards, also known as the “Texas Tornado,” was a MotoGP and World Superbike racer, in which he won the Superbike World Championship twice in 2000 and 2002. After retiring mid-season in 2014, Edwards went on to be a factory test rider.

Rabat Corsair-V (discontinued)

The Rabat Corsair-V is a bright graphic made to honor professional Spanish rider Esteve “Tito” Rabat Bergada. This helmet features bright orange, green, and silver metallic graphics. The entire helmet has a light reflective shimmer finish. The top has a Pacman-like image, which is encircled by a double chainlink design.

Esteve “Tito” Rabat, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a Moto2 racer. He won the Moto2 World Championship in 2014 while racing for the Marc VDS team, which is still races for.

Arai Corsair-V RC (Race Carbon)

Corsair-V RC (Race Carbon)

Considered by some as the most elite/premium helmet money can buy, the $3,995.95 special order only Corsair-V RC is every rider’s dream. Made out of 11 aircraft grade carbon-fiber layers, the Arai Corsair-V RC is around six ounces lighter than the regular Corsair-V, while still extremely durable and comfortable. Sound appealing? You have to place a special order for the Corsair-V RC since Arai does not make them until an order is placed. Since it takes one skilled Arai craftsman a full day just to make one outer shell, we understand why it is considered to be the best. To order one call us at 1-866-931-6644.

Limited Edition Isle of Man TT 2015 Corsair-V (discontinued)

The Isle of Man TT: the world’s oldest, most prestigious, and considered by many to be the most dangerous motorcycle race in history. Racing legends such as Joey Dunlop and John McGuinness have competed in the thrilling Isle of Man TT. Each year Arai designs a limited edition helmet to commemorate the race.

Pictured is the 2015 IOM edition of the Corsair-V. It features red, white, blue and gold colors, as well as the signature Isle of Man TT triskelion, which is also found on the Isle of Man’s flag. The top has “Isle of Man” and “Ellan Vannin,” the native name for the island, written on it.

Previous Isle of Man TT Corsair-V Grahpics

Arai Corsair-X

Corsair-X: The Next Generation of Corsair

Just when riders thought it couldn’t get any better, Arai went ahead and made an improved version of the Corsair-V: the Corsair-X. Never settling for less, Arai researched and developed the Corsair-X to have all of the favorite features of the Corsair-V, while addressing customer complaints and improving it for more protection.

The Corsair-X is very similar to the Corsair-V, but has some very important changes (though they could be, in fact, more correctly labeled upgrades rather than changes). The Corsair-X keeps the R75 shape, named for the helmet’s continuous convex curve with a radius of 75mm from the base. Arai has taken criticism for not changing its shape while other manufactures come out with new models and shapes, but the industry leader sees no reason to change what it believes is already the best shape for protection just to appeal to market fads.

What’s The Difference Between Corsair-V & Corsair-X?

Perhaps one of the biggest changes between the Corsair-V and X is the lower side pod. 24mm lower, the new side pods help achieve the Arai signature smooth, egg-shaped shell. The new design helps increase protection by providing a smoother surface that will be able to redirect energy in the case of a crash. In addition to the new side pod location, the shield locking mechanism has been upgraded on the X. This new Variable Axis System (VAS) is easier to use than the Corsair-V. The latch system on the VAS has also been improved to hold the face shield in the closed position more effectively.

The PB SNC2 Shell of the Corsair-X is much lighter. In fact, it is 30% lighter than the V. This is greatly attributed to the synthetic fibers and special resin formula that Arai has developed. Arai has not abandoned their special R75 shell shape, however. A lightweight, aerodynamic, and protective helmet is very sought after by racers, and Arai certainly has delivered.

The ventilation system on the Corsair-X has several improvements. First, the Type 12 Air Diffusers on the X are 20mm longer than those on the Corsair-V, increasing the helmets airflow efficiency by 19%. These diffusers and not only longer, but are also straighter and adjustable (3 different positions). When completely shut, the diffusers have a tight seal blocking out unwanted noise and water. The center IC Duct5 forehead vent allows for 11% more airflow than the Corsair-V and is easy to adjust, even when wearing gloves.

The Arai Corsair-X Is The Perfect Helmet Inside and Out

The inside of the Corsair-X is just as impressive as the outside. With a new Eco Pure Liner that helps maintain the skin’s natural acidity levels, the X is much more comfortable. The liner is also softer than that in the V, and it is completely removable and washable. The cheek pads in the X have the same Emergency Release Tab feature as the previous version, which helps emergency personnel remove the helmet from an injured rider without putting added strain on the neck and head.

5mm peel away ear pockets on the Corsair-X allow riders room for a communication system. Per customers’ requests, Arai lowered the chin bar by 3mm for extra comfort (great for riders that use a microphone) and upgraded the chin curtain and neckroll to help block out unwanted noise and help improve ventilation. The chin vent is now replaceable by the owner, rather than having to send in the helmet for replacement.

The Corsair-X comes with a VAS V MV Shield, which is a clear anti-fog Pinlock shield. There are several tinted shield options available for purchase as well. Being both Snell 2015 and DOT certified, you can be sure the Corsair-X offers the best protection that a premium helmet should.

Corsair-X Available Colors & Graphics

Standard Solid Color Corsair-X

The Corsair-X has taken helmet technology and rider protection into the future. Incorporating the latest in technology and materials, the helmet is specifically designed to minimize the effect of direct and ‘glancing’ impacts. The stronger shell and smoother shape is more likely to redirect impact energy than absorb it. This decreases the force transferred to the body.

Helmet Pictured is Black Frost. Available in white, black, black frost, and aluminum silver solid colors.

Dani 4 Corsair-X (discontinued)

Riders can now wear their very own Pedrosa helmet thanks to the Dani 4 Corsair-X. The detailed red, white, silver, and blue design is both bold and unique. The sides of the helmet have are blue with a light swirling pattern that stretches to the back. Pedrosa’s #26 is found on both sides of the helmet near the top. The entire helmet has a slight metallic shimmer.

Dani Pedrosa is a professional motorcycle racer from Sabadell, Spain. Pedrosa is the youngest world champion in 250cc Grands Prix, and has won a total of two 250cc and one 125cc races. He currently races for Repsol Honda in the MotoGP.

Nicky 6 Corsair-X (discontinued)

With two Corsair-V helmets, it’s no surprise that when Arai announced the new Corsair-X that a Nicky Hayden graphic version would be available. The Nicky 6 Corsair-X features a striking red, white, and blue American Flag style graphic on the sides with his signature #69 near the bottom of each side. The top ties in the green color we’ve seen on previous helmets, and leads into the famous Nicky “Kentucky Kid” logo on the center back part of the helmet. With all of the new features of the Corsair-X and this special graphic, the Nicky 6 is a truly spectacular helmet.

Vinales Corsair-X (discontinued)

The Vinales Corsair-X is a sweeping red, white, and blue design that wraps the entire helmet and catches the eye. Maverick Viñales’ name and #25 is located above both sidepods and larger on the back of the helmet.

Maverick Viñales is a professional motorcycle racer from Spain. Although young, Viñales is not to be underestimated. He won the Moto3 World Championship in 2013 while on Team Calvo at 18 years old. He now races for Team SUZUKI ECSTAR MotoGP in the MotoGP.

Spencer 30th Anniversary Corsair-X (discontinued)

The Spencer 30th Anniversary Corsair-X Helmet is just as spectacular as the race season that it commemorates. With classic red, white, and blue graphics, the Spencer Corsair-X is a timeless design. The helmet has gold detailing to outline the design. To further celebrate, the helmet features a special Spencer 30th anniversary graphic on the back.

American rider Freddie Spencer is considered one of the greatest professional motorcycle racers from the 1980’s. In 1985 Spencer won not just one, but three different titles in the Daytona 200. To this day Spencer is the only racer to win all three titles in the same year.

Nakasuga Corsair-X (discontinued)

When wearing the Nakasuga Corsair-X helmet on the track, you will definitely turn heads. Featuring a very detailed yellow, orange, and red raptor on the right hand side and Katsuyuki Nakasuga’s #21 on the right hand side, you will feel and look like a professional racer. With all of the features of the Corsair-X, this helmet is the best of the best when it comes to premium motorcycle helmets.

Katsuyuki Nakasuga is a MotoGP racer from Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. While racing for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team, Nakasuga won the All Japan Superbike Championship in both 2008 and 2009.

Statement Corsair-X (discontinued)

Italian designer Aldo Drudi designed the “Statement” graphic specially for the Corsair-X. The design is simple yet eye catching, featuring clean lines and blocks of color. It is available in both a red/white/blue and black/red/white color scheme.

Aldo Drudi is a world-famous designer, known for his work on MotoGP racers’ helmets and leathers. Drudi has designed gear for racers such as Kevin Schwantz, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez.

KR-1 Corsair-X (discontinued)

The KR-1 graphic features Kenny Roberts' simple, yet iconic 'Bald Eagle' logo, which wraps from side to side, connecting in the back of the helmet. The Corsair-X KR-1 is available in either a yellow or red color scheme.

Kenny Roberts was the first American to win the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing World Championship; in fact he won it three years in a row (1978-1980). Roberts is also one of only four riders in AMA racing history to win the AMA Grand Slam, and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

Mick Doohan Star-2 Corsair-X (discontinued)

The Doohan Star-2 graphic features red and blue stripes, along with stars and the Australian flag to honor Doohan's home country.

Australian-born Michael “Mick” Sydney Doohan is a former professional motorcycle racer who won five consecutive 500 cc World Championships (1994-1998). The first turn at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is named after the motorcycle legend. In 2009 Doohan was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Limited Edition Isle of Man TT 2016 Corsair-X (discontinued)

Pictured is the 2016 IOM edition of the Corsair-X. It features a red, black, and white color scheme with a checkered flag pattern and "TT" in red on both sides. The lower sides and top of the helmet have the signature Isle of Man TT triskelion, which is also found on the Isle of Man’s flag. The top has “Isle of Man” and “Ellan Vannin,” the native name for the island, written on it. On the back of the helmet is an outline of the race course.

The Isle of Man TT: the world’s oldest, most prestigious, and considered by many to be the most dangerous motorcycle race in history. Racing legends such as Joey Dunlop and John McGuinness have competed in the thrilling Isle of Man TT. Each year Arai designs a limited edition helmet to commemorate the race.

Jonathan Rea Corsair-X (discontinued)

This graphic was designed for Rea by the world-famous designer Aldo Drudi. It features bold lines that wrap around the helmet for a striking look on the track. The color scheme of the Rea-4 is red, black, and white.

Curve Corsair-X (discontinued)

The Curve graphic features bold stripes and lines that wrap around the entire helmet. It has both metallic details and a glossy finish to create one eye-catching helmet. The Curve Red has a red/white/blue color scheme, and the Curve Blue has a blue and white color scheme.

Josh Hayes Corsair-X (discontinued)

Designed for Josh Hayes by Beam Designs, the Corsair-X Hayes X-15 graphic has an aviation themed design, and more specifically, draws inspiration from the iconic X-15 aircraft. The blue, green, and black helmet features a matte finish. "JH001" is found on the sides, mimicking an aircraft tail number.

Scott Russell Corsair-X (discontinued)

The Russell graphic features an eye-catching "diamond blue" base that stands out in the light. On top of the base color is Russell’s signature “Screamin’ Chief” logo, created specially for Russell by his friend and artist, Troy Lee.

Leon Haslam Corsair-X (discontinued)

The Haslam Corsair-X’s right side had a white base with a large black "H" outlined in red and blue, and the left side features a black base with a large white "H", also outlined in red and blue. Centered on the back is a Union Jack British Flag design with Haslam’s number "91" angel and devil logo.

Arai Nicky 6 Corsair-X

Arai Makes The Best Helmet Money Can Buy

It’s no secret that the Arai Corsair is the top-of-the-line helmet for both racing and riding, but what keeps many riders away from the brand is the sticker price. With many Arai Corsairs floating around the $1,000 mark, it’s not going to be a whim purchase for any rider. However, if safety is the utmost concern for you, then the price does not matter, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Our closeout deals on Arai helmets can save you hundreds of dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Arai Corsair

Is the Arai Corsair worth the premium price? Our answer is an absolute “Yes.” From the helmet’s safety features to its long-standing reputation for consistency, safety and quality, the Arai Corsair not only lives up to its hype, it exceeds it. In the end cost is not the most important element, your safety is.

How does it compare to the Shoei X14? Both brands make great helmets, and you really can't go wrong with either. Give us a call and we'll be happy to review the Corsair vs the Shoei X14 based on your needs!

Do you have a link to Arai's current documentation? Sure do! You can find a PDF specifications for all Arai helmets on the Arai web site.

Is Riders Discount an Authorized Arai e-commerce retailer? Yes!

Riders Discount is proud to sell the entire Arai Corsair helmet line at the best prices anywhere. We have certified riders on staff who can easily guide you through the process of picking out your perfect helmet - the Arai Corsair. Our expert sales team is here for you by phone Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at 1-866-931-6644 or by email anytime at support@ridersdiscount.com.

You can click here to shop our full line of Arai helmets, or call us at 1-866-931-6644.

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