New helmet choice Nexx XR1R Carbon or Arai Chaser V

[inversteve]

Looking to change my helmet for the new season.

I ride a FZS Fazer 600 and looking to replace my Shoei xr1000 with a Nexx XR1R Carbon or Arai Chaser V.

I have a budget of around £300 and would like to know of anyone who has experience of either of these helmets.

Thanks

[Smokin Joe]

No-one can advise you on helmet choice because fit and comfort is everything. The best helmet in the world will be a liability if it doesn't fit properly and everyone's head has a different shape.

The only way is to try them on and see which one suits you.

[Tango]

Errr......looking at your location I guess popping down the road to the local bike shop to try on these lids isn't really an option......

Dunno about these lids........I have a Bell M5X which I love......bit noisy at speed.....but light, well ventilated, decent visor......and fits my bonce perfectly......

[uk190]

I have always been an arai man. My current is the josh Hayes rep arai chaser and thought it was really good. Til I bought the shoei xr1100.

The xr1100 is brilliant. Especially with a whisper kit fitted. I hardly ever wear the chaser now.

[Stuno1]

Probably a bit late but thought I would add my experience of moving from Arai to Nexx XR1R carbon...

Update on Nexx XR1R Carbon Vs Arai Viper GT.

Comfort:

The nexx really is a very well made lid, very comfortable. Due to the light weight I give it the edge over the Viper GT. Both are very well made interior wise and feel great and snug with well made comfy materials.

Viewing port:

Compared to the Viper GT the nexx lid viewing port is mahusive!!! REALLY big, noticeably bigger than my viper GT lid. This makes doing life savers a lot easier, view of the road ahead when tucked in is great and peripheral vision is great as well.

Buffeting:

I get less buffeting with the nexx lid than my viper GT due to the more narrow and more aerodynamic shape of the lid. The Viper GT has a rounder flatter shape than the nexx so more susceptible to wind buffeting. Also the Arai pushed it's self in a bit at high speed and the breath deflector touches my nose. I don't get that at all with my Nexx lid.

Wind Noise:

Noise level is pretty much the same as my viper GT. Air flow inside the helmet isn't quire as good as the Arai when the air ports are open but it is still good and you notice the difference when the nexx ports are open. I get less wind on the lower portion of my face with the nexx lid. The Viper GT lets wind in under the lid and drys my lips but the nexx has a very good skirting that hugs the neck closely and a wind stopper (under the chin) that comes close to the neck skirting so almost no room for air to come through. I get similar amount of wind through the top of the visor from both lids BUT I have adjusted the nexx visor (moved the points it attaches to the lid further back) so that it now hugs the helmet more closely and this has reduced the amount of wind coming in through the top of the visor and is now better than the Arai. This is something that is not possible with the Viper GT.

Build quality:

I do think the Viper GT is a better built lid and you can see that in some areas. Don't miss-understand me, the nexx lid is top notch but the aria is that little bit better when it comes to the way the vents are incorporated in to the helmet, the way the interior poppers in to the helmet etc. Velcro interior is good and does allow for more flexibility but you can't help but think it was done for cost as opposed to flexibility.

Overall:

The nexx lid is a fantastic bit of kit and looks the nuts, it is mega light and well made. I am very very pleased with it. For £300 I really don't think there is a better, lighter, good looking helmet available. I may buy aria again in the future BUT if nexx keep developing lids like this that I like the look of then I won't buy aria again. The only thing that would take me back to aria is the volume of designs on offer.

Hope some folks find this useful.