The Profile-V is a brand new lid from Arai and Nick has been putting it to the test on his daily commute and out on the twists. Here's what he thinks so far of the new helmet. Words and Pics: Nick Ware

I’ve been cruising and cranking with the Arai Profile-V for three weeks now (250km per day) and I can safely say this is the nicest piece of riding gear I’ve owned. It’s comfortable, small, light, and wicked to look at. Arai, you’ve converted me. It’s time to start saving…

Arai Profile-V Regent-X Bend Red

Starting with the design, it’s brand new from Arai. They use a strong outer shell designed to redirect any impact forces while maintaining the solid integrity and safety the brand is known for. PB e-cLc (Peripherally Belted e-Complex Laminate Construction) to be precise! The inner liner is a soft, multi-density EPS, designed specifically to absorb and diffuse impact energy. It just looks good.

The Arai looks the part – it’s much smaller and hugs much higher than a couple of helmets I own from competing brands. It feels like a proper GP helmet. While the smaller styling and shape may mean it loses that aggressive look that many competing lids have, you still have an Arai — so who cares? 

The matte finish is nice, however, I can’t imagine it would fare too well with a drop or scuff, so let’s just keep it in the carry bag while it’s off hey? I always say that and end up losing the bag after a week, but not this time. This brain cage, starting at $749.95RPP, won’t see a desk or table without a carry bag. 

The first ride was nice with the Profile-V – an hour and a half/125km commute to Uni meant I got a feel for how it sits and hugs the head. I opted for the large which is my regular choice for lids, it fits snug but I can’t help but wonder if the XL would have been a little more forgiving for the forehead.

It does seem a little tighter than my other helmets and the red lines across my face for the next two hours only reinforce my prior thoughts. The Arai loosened after a day or so and their Facial Contour System (FCS) proved to work a treat – I reckon my sweaty face had something to do with it. I’m eager to see if it’ll need another break-in after washing the inner linings. I may change the padding to a larger fit in the future.

For ventilation, you’ve got as much or as little as you need. The visor has two small ports that can be flipped up or down (not easily with gloves) while the front ventilation and rear exhaust ports give me plenty of icy air to breathe. Without a pin-lock, I’m still experiencing some fog and condensation at slow speeds and traffic lights. I’d usually just flip the visor up, but this brings me to my next point.

'If it’s not broken, not a hassle, not a pain in anyone’s arse… don’t fix it...' Nick not impressed with Arai's latch system.

‘If it’s not broken, not a hassle, not a pain in anyone’s arse… don’t fix it…’ Nick not impressed with Arai’s latch system.

If it’s not broken, not a hassle, not a pain… don’t fix it. The visor locking mechanism on the Profile V honestly has to be my only con for the helmet. From the moment I took it out of the box, I questioned the usability of the little gadget while riding with gloves. 

I’m not sure if I got unlucky and this one, in particular, is tight/a little out of whack. But far-out! It’s a nightmare to get the visor up with gloves on, even with two hands. As you push up on the little release lever it pops the visor forwards and allows you to lift it. In my case, it doesn’t work without two hands and no gloves. It doesn’t quite reach over the catch and you’re left having to pull it forward and pop it up manually. According to Arai, it’s a design taken straight from Formula 1 – I’d say leave it there!

For how annoying the visor has been, I really can’t complain about the field of vision. It’s perfect for me and my eyesight. Inside, you’ve also got room for some speakers and/or headphones.

Overall, I love this sports touring lid and can’t imagine purchasing anything else for the immediate future. Grab a pin-lock to sort out the visor fog, check the visor latch system before you leave the shop and you’ll be stoked… No doubt about it! More updates soon. 

You can also Check out Paul Bailey’s Profile V Review Here, where it scores 9.5

Arai Profile-V Features

  • Outer Shell Construction: PB e-cLc
  • Variable Axis System (VAS)
  • Front Ventilation: Dual intake
  • Front Ventilation: Standard brow vents
  • Front Ventilation: Three position chin vent
  • Rear Ventilation: Neck exhaust vent
  • Rear Ventilation: One-piece rear exhaust
  • Rear Ventilation: Side exhausts
  • VAS Max Vision Visor with De-Mist option
  • New shield latch system
  • Replaceable Cheek pads/Ear cups
  • Semi-removable Liner
  • Speaker pockets
  • Facial Contour System (FCS)
  • Approval: ECE 22-05
  • Five times inspected
  • Washable interior
  • Handmade
  • Penetration tested
  • Double-D ring device
  • Smooth shape, better protection
  • Strong outer shell, soft inner shell
  • Organic shape
  • 5-year limited warranty
  • Different outer shells

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