Arai Profile-V: the TEST of the new helmet from the Japanese company

Those who love the world of two wheels know this, Arai has always been a leader in the safety sector regarding the production of its helmets. With the launch of the new helmet Profile-V, the Japanese company certainly did not disappoint expectations. Consistency and constancy are the two key words of this company which continues to compete - without ever missing out - with rival manufacturers who often focus more on aesthetics than on what a helmet is designed for. The safety of those who drive.

With 70 years of experience, seeking continuous improvements, the benefits can only be multiple. From a commercial point of view, although the helmet improves in many small details, it is very difficult to make it perceived by the end user who is often more intrigued by the new model than other brands with more angular or captivating lines.

Arai Profile-V: what it looks like

It is often thought that his lines may be boring, always the same old ones, with that egg shape which however hides Arai's strong point. His not following fashions - such as the spoilers placed behind the shell with the various air deflectors or more angular shapes - allow his helmets not to have to absorb blows, but rather to deflect the energy of a possible impact without going against unforeseen events, getting caught in some obstacle and thus creating unexpected gravitational forces. Made of PB e-clc (Peripherally Belted “e” Complex Laminate Construction) superfiber, the shell has 11 air vents, 5 in the frontal area and 6 in the rear area. Overall it weighs 1,5kg. It's light, but we know that Arai doesn't focus solely on this aspect.

The large space used for the Vas visor (Variable Axis System) makes us participate well in everything that happens around us and leaves us with excellent visibility of the instrument panel, in any situation. This is available in multiple versions, classic transparent, with the possibility of Pro Shade System, and black. Both are prepared for the Pinlock Max Vision.
We also talk about comfort, because Arai especially revised that one. Now it's much easier to wear the helmet which no longer squeezes our ears in the fit and wraps our cheeks and forehead very well without getting tired or feeling oppressed inside it. A further advantage of this new helmet is that, even after hours of use, you still have the sensation of not wearing it thanks to its low center of gravity. A real step forward, not to be underestimated.

As far as the interior perimeter, they are completely removable through a velcro system which therefore avoids the problem of having automatic buttons as well as rigid elements inside the helmet. Moving on to silence, we are not at top-of-the-range levels, but let's remember that we are talking about an Entry Level helmet that still offers respectable quality. Thanks to BER Racing Europe, we had the opportunity to try it in preview, on a day in which the wind accompanied us throughout the journey, making itself felt and giving us the opportunity to perceive every air intake on the helmet.

Arai Profile-V versions and prices

What amazes us remains the price, reduced compared to what we would expect. We are talking about an Entry level, which in reality is closer to a Top Level. They will vary depending on the model, starting from €479 for the glossy solid colors and €489 for the matt solid colours, while they will rise to €589 for the more detailed models with graphics.

The date of launching of the Profile-V is scheduled for April 2019 for the White and Frost Black colors and for the Tube and Copy graphics. Following this, the Gun Metallic Frost and Black colors and the various Bend graphics will also land on the market in May. The available sizes will range from XS to XXL.