Arai Tour X3 vs. Shoei Hornet...

[BLUEJAY]

I tried to use the "search button" but no clear answer to my query came up

I am up to get a new Helmet and would like to go for one of these two...

I saw them both and liked them....so it's really down to their performances, which I can not test before I buy

Depending on you Boys....

 

[andy586]

Hi ...bought an X3 a month ago ....not regretted it at all ...was expecting to get my head torn off at motorway speeds doing life savers, but no problem at all ..... finish interior and exterior is excellent .....only thing slightly worrying me is how warm it will be in summer (my own fault though i bought a black one ) .....though the venting on the top of the head doesnt seem that "strong"?

a.

 

[Onwalkabout]

The X3 is very good, comfortable and has good vents. At motorway speeds the peak picks up a little wind but, as it's easily removed if your screen does not have sufficient adjustment, this is not really a problem (and anyway, it's not that bad). I would recommend the optional breath guard if you are going to use it in winter as mine did fog something terrible despite having good ventilation.

 

[Big Nick]

I have the Shoei and think its a great lid.

I don't think there's much between them, I went for the Shoei after I had had road helmets in both Arai and Shoei and the Shoei lasted far better cosmetically than the Arai

Best to try both on and go with the one that fits and feels the best on.

There's plenty of both types that come up for sale on here nearly new

 

[stef25]

ive got the hornet and love it. i used it while biking for 2 wks in costa rica (hot as balls) and the vents are quite good, especially on the top of your head.

at highway speeds it catches quite a bit of wind. when overtaking a car that then started drifting towards me, i had to do a quick glance over the shoulder, the wind caught and that nearly ripped my head off. at least it felt like it, didnt actually hurt my neck at all. so best remove the peak on the highways.

ive got the extra visor-layer-thingy inside that works perfectly against fog. i believe its just a little cheaper than the tour-x. i highly recommend it!

 

[captainpugwash]

ive got a shoei hornet ds and i love it , i tryed both and the hornet fitted better , ive been up to 100mph and it was fine with the peak on, you can also take the peak off as theirs a little fitting kit to do this so two helmet in one

 

[MayaMonkey]

I've got an X3 and it's a great lid. Unlike some I've had no problems at high speed with it - I don't know if I'm getting better wind protection at speed from the bike than others.

Wind noise is about the same as my other Arai lids, but it's no problem if you use ear-plugs.

The only downside is the amount of time it takes to change the visor, which isn't a quick process by any means. I've been used to quick 10 second changes with other sports-bike style lids that I've owned. Now it takes about 3 minutes and is a bit of a phaff! I don't know if the Shoei is any better, but I'd imagine it uses a similar method...

Overall great lid, bit pricey but you can get some good deals if you shop about. Highly recommended.

 

[oldrascal]

Well lucky old me. I may just be in a perfect position to give a meaningful answer.

I've had a Shoei Hornet DS for a couple of weeks and have also just managed to find a virtually new Arai Tour X-3 for such good money that I couldn't resist. The idea is test them both on the same route and conditions, keep the preferred one and sell the other on this forum.

That said, its worth while remembering that, at this level of build quality and design, there is no 'right' or 'wrong' helmet because everything plays a part in the rider's perception. Firstly the fit, which is probably the most critical factor in noise generation and comfort. Its amazing how many people buy helmets that are either the wrong shape or too big.

Then there's the bike, your riding position, the screen, your height, arm length etc. which all affect wind flow, resonance and comfort. So this is just one man's experience. I should point out that I ride a 2008 GSA with a Touratech screen extender and the screen at maximum vertical. I am also 6ft 3in and have the seat on is lower position - all of this may or may not be relevant to you but it sets a baseline for comparison.

Here is what I have posted on another thread:

"I went out for brilliant blast this morning to test out the newly arrived AraiTour X-3 and just revelled in the thought that we will have a brilliant weekend. Having done about 15 miles with the Arai, I went home, swapped for the Shoei Hornet DS and did the same circuit. ​

I'm buggered if I know which I prefer (so which one to sell). The Arai has a much nicer visor action and I like the longer peak for its sun/glare blocking superiority but the Shoei's is 3-point secured as opposed to 2-point for the Arai. Both peaks seem equally resistant to being 'wind grabbed' and I did a number of life-savers in both to check at up to 90mph. No problems with either. ​

The Shoei is a deal lighter and more compact as a helmet and comes with an under chin removable fabric wind blocker which makes it toasty when its cold. The day was too warm for the lack of the same on the Arai to be a problem - that said, when I got home I discovered a built-in pull-down curtain beautifully incorporated into the Arai's chinguard which, if my old Quantum F is anything to go by, is quite effective.​

So I am going to try the Arai again when I get the new tyres fitted on Tuesday because its a good 20 mile motorway blast each way. I will carry the Shoei in the topbox and swap around for the return. That should identify the winner. "<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->​

I will post a definitive view after my ride on Tuesday but I hope this has been of some help at least.

 

[Arsey]

I had a Hornet back in 03 and then switched to a Tour X in 06.

I went back to a new Shoei Hornet last year.

I guess it's down to what fits better,but I much prefer the latest Hornet.

It's lighter,comfier,especially when worn on a week long 2000 mile trip and is quieter at speed with less vibration/buffeting.