Product Comparison: Arai Vector-2 vs Shoei Rf-1200

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Arai Vector-2 Helmet Black, Medium

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Shoei Rf-1200 White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

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General Specifications

Brand

Arai

Shoei

Model

Vector-2

RF-1200

Origin

Japan

About the Product

The Arai Vector 2 Helmet is the successor to Arai's hugely popular Vector model. Features for the Arai Vector 2 Helmet include an SAI face shield which provides a wider field of vision. A replaceable interior liner has been modified to improve air flow around the head and to provide a more comfortable fit eliminating pressure points.

The latest generation in the most prestigious pedigree of premium full-face motorcycle helmets, the RF-1200, like its many RF predecessors before it, is the new pinnacle of helmet performance and technology. A lighter, more compact and streamlined helmet with next-level functionality, SHOEI's RF-1200 rules every aspect of the road, and then some. But don’t just take the critics' rave reviews for face value; it’s your turn to experience the excitement of riding in an RF-1200.

Key Specs

Type

Full Face

Shape

Medium Round

Narrow

Safety Rank

DOT, SNELL

DOT

Shell Material

Complex Laminate Construction (CLC)

Fiberglass with organic fibers and resin

Interior Material

Removable/washable anti-bacterial

3D Max-Dry

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Arai Vector-2 Helmet Black, Medium

If you are looking for a high quality helmet, and the Arai brand fits your head, I would definitely consider the Vector 2.
The cheek pads were very snug on my cheeks but this is normal from what I hear. A cool thing about this helmet are the custom fit cheekpads, you can remove an extra 5mm of padding in the cheeks and temples.
This helmet is outstanding for the price! It fits snug without feeling tight. I rode for 3 hours with stops for fuel & snacks and didn't feel the need to remove it at all.
The finish is very delicate, I find scratches from it sitting in it's bag.
Most of the materials are quality but the assembly could have been improved. For example. here were gobs of the glue exposed from the air vents.

Shoei Rf-1200 White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Love this helmet!!! Got it in white for the summer heat.. also added a ponytail because why not?
Bought this for my husband for fathers day and he loves it, says with all the vents it is so much nicer then his old 1974 Bell . This was well worth the money invested in it
Great helmet. Everything I expected it to be. Much less wind noise compared to my HJC helmet. Very pleased and would recommend this helmet.
This is my first helmet so unfortunately I can't compare it to anything else but I love the helmet. It's exactly what I was waiting for after weeks of research and watching the awesome videos here on all the different helmets.
This helmet is light, comfortable, has good vents, and finish! Break in period is quick and you do not experience fatigue after a couple hours of riding.

Size & Weight

Size

Medium

X-Small

Weight

3.53 lbs.

6 lbs.

Weight
Size

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Arai Vector-2 Helmet Black, Medium

This helmet fits well and is worth the price. It is quieter than the one I already own. Great product and lightweight enough.
First let me say that this is a beautiful helmet! The fit and finish are all I would expect in an Arai.
It's a very comfortable helmet. It is reasonably light. I really like the way you can adjust the padding by removing the tear-off layers of foam.

Shoei Rf-1200 White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Purchased this RF-1200 to replace my old X-11. The fit is perfect for me ( just a tad more snug than the X-11 when new ).
Lightweight design substantially decreases rider fatigue and allows for easier rear checks when changing lanes, turning etc. My neck often hurt after long days of riding with my the other helmet which was about 6 lbs or more, the RF-1200 is half of that and it makes a difference.
The fit and finish are top notch and you can just feel that it's a high quality helmet.
The fit to my head (which is right between oval and round on the helmet scale) is superb, with no hot spots. I can wear this helmet for hours.
Extremely comfortable and with a great range of colors and designs

Features

Shield

Anti-scratch, UV protection, SAI face shield

Protects from 99% of the sun's damaging UV rays, 3D injection-molding ensures a distortion-free view throughout entire field of vision, Improved shield locking mechanism, Integrated/Removable, Comes equipped with Pinlock® EVO fog-resistant system

Ventilation

Brow Vent Face Shield Ventilation System

Wind tunnel-optimized adjustment

Cheek Pad

35 mm

39 mm

Extras

Tuned rear vent/wing - Air inlets provide improved interior ventilation and heat removal, Larger side exhaust ports to increase airflow and minimize noise, Dual pivot chin vent to direct air to the rider or the shield for de-misting, Reinforced shell ridges with integrated side exhaust vents, Larger bottom opening for easier on and off, Removable/replaceable cheek pads with 5mm peel-away layer, 5mm peel away temple pads, Arai's exclusive multi-density, single piece hybrid EPS liner

Smaller,lighter yet stronger shell design, Dual density EPS liner accommodates more compact design without compromising ventilation flow, Includes breath guard and chin curtain Ventilation System, Large lower 3-position vent,3 upper vent intakes and four uniquely positioned upper exhaust outlet vents, 3D Max-Dry System II Interior

Liner

13 mm

Cheek Pad

What customers say about "Features"

Arai Vector-2 Helmet Black, Medium

Fits great and I added a SENA wireless headset which fit quite easily. Wife loves it and I can talk to her from my bike with the SENA wireless headsets.
Very little wind noise when travelling at high speed, and the vents keep your head cooler then most helmets in the summer heat.
The helmet fits well and is very comfortable. There are lots of vents in it for warm weather riding.
Venting... here is where my disappointment comes in. This helmet vents great. But the down side to that is, it is VERY LOUD. I would NOT recommend this helmet if your are planning long rides.
I wish this model had the removable neck roll like more expensive Arai models do. I think this should be standard in all premium full face helmets.

Shoei Rf-1200 White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Wind noise is minimal compared to the X-11. The chin mounted wind buffer/screen really helps when installed.
I've always appreciated this helmet for its features and felt that it was worth the price, but after last Saturday I'm a Shoei guy for life! I'm ordering another one right now!
Maximum air flow from numerous well placed vents around the helmet decrease heat in summer and block cold air in cold weather.
Sealed and insulated helmet creates quiet riding atmosphere. I had no idea what I was missing til I wore this helmet. With the vents closed and my ear protection in the wind noise is noticeable but not bothersome by any means.
Ordered this as a step up from the Shoei Qwest. I really liked the Qwest but had significant wind noise (no whistle, just wind noise). The RF-1200 is much quieter and I get no buffeting when turning my head at speed.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

5 year(s)

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download

MSRP

485.99 $