The all-new Arai RX-7 GP is the most extensively race tested helmet ever
The successor to the legendary RX-7 Corsair has been developed during MotoGP and Grand Prix races
Tested at high speeds on the straights of international racetracks
Designed for and used by winning professional riders
One of the first helmets to exceed both ECE22.05 and Snell M2010 standards
Peripherally belted SNC (Structural Net Composite) shell
Enhanced hyper ridge strengthening in lower section
Larger opening for increased ease when taking helmet on or off
Quintuple density, one-piece inner shell
Air intake stabiliser diffuser - increases airflow through the helmet
Five position air wing - reduces drag, turbulence and buffeting
Airflow spoiler - directs the airflow around the bottom edge
Free Flow System (FFS) - reduces draft and wind noise
Wider aperture/larger Aerodynamic 3D Pinlock® ready visor for better peripheral vision
Improved breath deflector
Aeroflap - reduces wind noise and turbulence
Emergency release cheek pads
Fully washable and removable Dry Cool® interior
Lever release visor removal system (LRS)
Patented visor brow ventilation ducts
Double 'D' ring fastening system ensures correct strap tension at all times
Pinlock® visor insert included
Sizes XS-XXL
Helmet review by Michael Neeves, Senior Tester MCN: "5 out of 5 stars!"
MCN runs a weekly feature where editors and test riders give feedback on items they are using and how they perform in real life:
Miles covered: 10,000
Time owned: 24 months
Best thing about it: Fit, quality, ventilation, looks and visor mechanism are all superb, but most of all the crash protection is brilliant. I didn't go down hard on my head in this crash, I just grazed it on the track towards the end of my slide, but I had no injuries at all. After consulting the Arai service technicians at Thruxton, the British Superbike scrutineers deemed the damage to be minor and allowed me to race in it.
Worst thing about it: I'm just miffed I've ruined my nice paintjob!
Helmet review by Michael Neeves, Senior Tester MCN: "I've been wearing the RX7-GP, Arai's new top of the range helmet for the past couple of months. Although it looks similar to the RX7-Corsair it replaces, it's new in most departments. As ever, the interior is classy, comfortable, cosseting and velvety (and grey, istead of blue for the first time ever!). The wider aperture visor gives slightly more peripheral vision and if you compare the old and new lids carefully, you'll see that the reinforced new chin bar is much deeper on the GP and protects more of your chin from the elements.
Wind noise is slightly less, the ventilation is much improved and the bigger tabs for the vents are easier to use too. The extra aerofoil scoop at the top of the helmet looks cool, but honestly whether it actually does improve stability at speed, I can't tell.
A new shell structure has more protection around the front of the helmet, and the cheek pads and neck roll can be pulled out via an easy to reach tab in an emergency. In my mind, there wasn't a lot wrong with the Corsair. It's a beautiful thing and hs protected my bonce a number of times. I just hope I don't get to test it any time soon."
"As ever, the interior is classy, comfortable and cosseting and velvety. In my mind, thre wasn't a lot wrong with the ARAI Corsair (predecessor model). To live with and to own the GP is even better."
"The RX7-GP, which replaces the Corsair, is far more than just a new lick of paint. Everything is new, inside and out. The shell now has a wider opening, making it easier to put on. The visor aperture now extends 5mm further on each side, for better lateral vision. The ventilation system has been substantially revised. The shell is stronger. The lining is a different grey, instead of the familiar blue. The neck pad is now removable and the cheek pads follow the lead motocross helmets in being removable in an emergency, making it easier for a medic to take the helmet off. And, there's an adjustable wing on the crown. Have they blown it? We've only tried it briefly so far, but the RX7-GP is, without doubt, a fantastic helmet.
Once it's on and you're riding, you forget how different it is. Yes, it's easier to put on and spectacle wearers will find it easier to slip their glasses in and the new visor does make it easier to glance sideways, but despite all those changes it actually feels like the Corsair. It has the same snug, reassuring, well-balanced feel that's built to last.
The five-way adjustable Air Wing is designed to reduce buffeting, particulary when you sit up during breaking. Does it work? We'll have to get back to you on that. We'll also need to try the helmet some more to confirm out first impression that it's quieter, too."
