When we learned of the numerous upgrades to the new Arai Corsair V helmet at the Indy MotoGP event, we couldn't wait to put the company's flagship racing model through its paces. With many innovative features that have been copied over the years, the latest Corsair sports Arai's newest developments in comfort and performance.
The Corsair V features a five-way adjustable "AirWing"---to work with various riding positions, from upright to full race-tuck---on the back to reduce turbulence and buffeting at speed. The oft-copied Diffuser has also been slightly revamped with enhanced air inlets and an additional air intake slot in the middle of the diffuser body, plus a redesigned center top vent to accentuate the venturi effect and help "pull" stale air out of the helmet interior. The upper vent toggles are now larger to enable easier operation with gloved hands.
New cowled side vent exhaust ports not only help venting, but also are claimed to increase lateral stability at speed. Also contributing to this is a new outward-flaring Hyper-Ridge reinforcement band on the bottom of the helmet shell and a peripheral reinforcement band extending across the forehead area (devised from Arai's Formula 1 racing experience) above the eyeport. The Corsair V's eyeport is 10mm wider (5mm at each side) to improve peripheral vision.
The faceshield brow vents now direct airflow to the rider's temple area where arterial blood flow can be cooled. The shield itself is not only changed to cover the larger eyeport, but the entire shield, sidepods, and eyeport area have been redesigned to be more flush against the helmet shell for improved aerodynamics. Arai's Emergency-Release Cheek Pad System (designed to allow medical personnel to more easily remove the helmet from an injured rider) has now been incorporated into the Corsair V. Prominently marked pull tabs on the cheek pads allow easy removal. The neckroll is now removable and replaceable as well, and has an additional exhaust vent to help internal airflow, while the new latest generation Dry-Cool liner (still removable and washable) has repositioned rear mounting snaps for more secure fit.
If there's one aspect of Arai helmets that will always be consistent, it's their unrivaled comfort. The liner and padding are soft and cozy, yet firm enough to keep the helmet snug and securely positioned. All the revisions to the venting system have made a marked improvement in its performance, especially at slower speeds, with a very perceptible cooling effect on top of the head when the vents are open. Although not quite displacing the Shoei X-Eleven for most efficient helmet venting, the new Corsair V is a very close second. While 5mm extra space on each side of the eyeport may not sound like much, it's a difference in peripheral vision that's very noticeable when wearing the new Arai.
The AirWing makes a huge difference aerodynamically at triple-digit speeds. Instead of the helmet encountering significant lift from the negative pressure area created at the lower rear on the old model, the Corsair V stays much more stable on your head. There are a couple of helmets that are a little better aerodynamically, but they don't have the comfort of the Arai.
The Corsair V sells for $769.95 for solid colors and $899.95 for racer replicas. Log onto www.araiamericas.com for more info.
Arai America
www.araiamericas.com