Arai is a leading helmet manufacturer that stands out for offering multiple interior head shapes to ensure a perfect fit for every rider. The right fit is crucial for both performance and safety.
A $1,000 helmet that fits poorly will be less safe and perform worse than a $200 helmet that fits perfectly.
The most common head shape in North America is intermediate oval, which is slightly longer front to back than side to side.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best full-face motorcycle helmet for you? Let’s find out!
Arai Signet-X
What Customers Think
- A Quiet Helmet
- Very Comfortable
- Face Shield Hard To Open With Gloves
Who is the Signet-X for?
The Signet-X helmet is ideal for those who consistently experience discomfort or hot spots around the temple area when trying on new full-face helmets.
This often indicates that there’s too much space on the sides and a long oval head shape. If this is the case, the Signet-X is specifically designed to provide a comfortable, life-changing fit.
Versatility of Use
The Signet-X suits any street ride and all racetrack racing levels. As an Arai helmet, it offers the same level of protection and performance found in their top-end Corsair-X helmets.
This helmet is Snell certified, which means it meets stringent safety standards. Depending on the production date, it may have either Snell 2015 or the more recent Snell M 2020 certification.
Weight
Weighing in at 3.6 pounds for a size medium, the Signet-X provides a lightweight and comfortable experience.
Helmet Shape
The Signet-X features a long oval interior shape designed to accommodate riders with a more narrow, elongated head shape.
This distinct shape sets it apart from the intermediate oval shape found in most full-face helmets sold in North America.
Glasses Compatibility
The Signet-X is comfortable for wearing glasses, providing an easy on/off effort and allowing the glasses to sit properly on your nose.
Ventilation and EPS
The ventilation system in Arai helmets is well thought out and effective. The intake duct on the shield vent and exhaust ducts on the back is designed to keep the rider cool and comfortable.
The EPS has ventilation built into it, with two intakes up front, three holes for exhaust in the rear, and two holes for an exhaust that line up with the venturi-style vents in the rear of the shell. The chin bar also has an intake in the mouth area.
Ventilation is vital for any helmet, and the Signet-X offers an effective ventilation system. It includes:
- Two-position intake vents on the top of the helmet
- Vents in the brow area, with ductwork that channels air to the temples
- A two-position chin vent that helps with demisting and airflow in the viewport and mouth area
Exhaust ventilation is managed through venturi vents on the side, an active neckroll venturi, and a multi-position exhaust vent. These vents work together to expel heat and moisture from the helmet, ensuring that the rider stays cool and comfortable throughout their ride.
Shell Construction and Sizes
The Signet-X uses five different shell sizes, providing a wide range of options for riders:
- Extra Small (XS)
- Small (S)
- Medium (M) and Large (L) share the same shell size
- Extra Large (XL)
- 2X Large (2XL)
Arai Helmet Sizing
| SIZE | HEAD (CM) |
| 2XS | 51 – 52 |
| XS | 53 – 54 |
| SM | 55 – 56 |
| MD | 57 – 58 |
| LG | 59 – 60 |
| XL | 61 – 62 |
| 2XL | 63 – 64 |
| 3XL | 65 – 66 |
The shell is handmade in Japan by skilled craftsmen using high-quality materials. The round design of the shell provides excellent aerodynamics and crash protection. The round shape reduces the likelihood of catching on imperfections in the pavement, reducing the chances of tumbling or twisting during an accident.
Multi-Density EPS Liner
Arai’s unique multi-density EPS liner is crucial to its safety philosophy. The different colors and materials in the liner help manage energy in various impact situations. This combination of a strong shell and a multi-density liner provides excellent protection for riders in small, medium, and large impacts.
Aerodynamics and Noise Reduction
The Signet-X’s sleek exterior design and aerodynamic performance contribute to a quieter ride. The helmet also features a larger chin curtain, which can be removed if desired.
This chin curtain helps direct wind away from the bottom of the neck roll and creates a better seal around the rider’s face.
As a result, the helmet reduces road noise and keeps the rider more comfortable. Additionally, the chin curtain helps direct the rider’s exhaled breath out through the chin vent, maintaining a clear and well-circulated atmosphere inside the helmet.
Face Shield
Arai helmets come with a pin lock insert as well as a clear shield. The pin lock is known for its fog-free performance and is a benchmark in the industry.
Most riders have probably used a helmet with a pin lock shield and can attest to its effectiveness. Arai also offers a range of mirrored shields, tinted shields, dark tint, and light tint options.
A drop-down inner shield is a common feature in many helmets these days. However, Arai refuses to compromise the safety of their helmets by reducing EPS to accommodate this feature.
Instead, they developed the Pro Shade system. This is another purpose-built clear shield with exterior hinges to accept a tinted drop-down screen that lives on the outside.
It’s available in many shades, including mirrored drop-down and smoke shades. The Pro Shade system works really nicely and locks in the upward position.
Shield Removal and Replacement
To remove and replace the shield, raise it all the way to the upward most position and look for the trigger with an arrow that indicates pushback. The side pod should jump off, and you can repeat this on the other side. Then, rotate the shield forward, and it will jump off the helmet.
To reinstall the shield, slide it over one side at a time and get the little brass insert to jump in the channel. Rotate it up until it dips into the channel, and then engage the side pod cover, making sure to hear an audible click. Actuate it a few times to ensure it’s secure.
Interior
Arai helmets come with high-end fabrics that feel super comfortable against your face. The cheek pads use something called the FCS (Facial Contouring System), which folds out of the way at the bottom when you’re taking the helmet on and off and cradles your face when you have the helmet on.
Arai also offers five-millimeter peel-off layers that you can use to tune the shape and fit of the helmet. You can remove the top pad and pull peel-away layers from the temple area or cheek pads to make it a little more open in those areas. This feature is unique to Arai helmets.
You can also install optional top pads and cheek pads that can be thicker or thinner than what is found in the helmet as it ships from the factory.
The interior of the helmet is fully removable, washable, and replaceable. The chin curtain is removable and has multiple positions to help calm and quiet the wind.
The cheek pads are emergency-release ready, and you can simply pull on the tab to release them. The neck roll is removable, and the top pad has two snaps in the back and front to release it.
Features and Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Multiple Interior Head Shapes | Arai offers multiple interior head shapes to ensure a perfect fit for every rider, increasing both performance and safety. The Signet-X helmet is designed for people with a more narrow, long oval head shape, providing a comfortable, life-changing fit. |
| Versatility of Use | The Signet-X suits any street ride and all racetrack racing levels. As an Arai helmet, it offers the same level of protection and performance found in their top-end Corsair-X helmets. The Snell certification ensures that it meets stringent safety standards. |
| Weight | Weighing in at 3.6 pounds for a size medium, the Signet-X provides a lightweight and comfortable experience. |
| Helmet Shape | The long oval interior shape accommodates riders with a more narrow, elongated head shape, distinguishing the Signet-X from the intermediate oval shape found in most helmets sold in North America. |
| Glasses Compatibility | The Signet-X is comfortable for wearing glasses, providing an easy on/off effort and allowing the glasses to sit properly on your nose. |
| Ventilation and EPS | Arai offers multiple interior heads shapes to ensure a perfect fit for every rider, increasing both performance and safety. The Signet-X helmet is designed for people with a more narrow, long oval head shape, providing a comfortable, life-changing fit. |
| Shell Construction and Sizes | The handmade shell construction with a round design provides excellent aerodynamics and crash protection. The Signet-X uses five different shell sizes, providing a wide range of options for riders. |
| Aerodynamics and Noise Reduction | The sleek exterior design and aerodynamic performance of the Signet-X contribute to a quieter ride. The larger chin curtain directs wind away from the bottom of the neck roll and creates a better seal around the rider’s face, reducing road noise and keeping the rider more comfortable. |
| Face Shield | Arai helmets come with a pin lock insert and a clear shield, which is known for its fog-free performance. The Pro Shade system is another purpose-built clear shield with exterior hinges that accepts a tinted drop-down screen that locks in the upward position. |
| Shield Removal and Replacement | The shield is easy to remove and replace with the side pod cover that clicks audibly to ensure it’s secure. |
| Interior | The efficient ventilation system in the Signet-X includes intakes and exhausts designed to keep the rider cool and comfortable. The multi-density EPS liner manages energy in various impact situations, providing excellent protection for riders in different impact levels. |
What Our Test Rider Thought
Although we’re confident that you’ll love the Signet-X helmet, we want to be honest about a few minor issues that I found.
The face shield mechanism can be a bit difficult to use, especially with one hand or while wearing thick gloves. The liner is not as comfortable as previous Signets and can feel a bit scratchy.
The helmet is also a bit louder than average. Finally, the chin curtain can be a bit of a pain, I noticed that this helmet sits higher on their head than in previous versions.
Overall, I believe that the benefits of the Signet-X helmet far outweigh any minor issues.
Conclusion
Arai helmets are among the best full-face helmets in the world and for a good reason. Their commitment to producing safe, comfortable, and effective helmets is unmatched. Arai helmets are expensive, but they are worth the investment.
Arai Signet-X
What Customers Think
- A Quiet Helmet
- Very Comfortable
- Face Shield Hard To Open With Gloves
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