(Daytona Beach, FL) - How do you add more features to a helmet model famous for its less-is-more appeal, and still be faithful to the original’s concept? That’s the question Arai answers with its brand new Vector-2 for 2011.
Like the original Vector model introduced four years ago, Arai’s new Vector-2 is created for the rider who doesn’t want or need a lot of bells and whistles, but who still wants the quality, fit and performance that have been a hallmark of the Arai brand for over 60 years.
Arai says it concentrated on the key areas of ventilation, interior fit, field of view, and shell features to create significant improvements in the Vector-2 with only a modest price increase. These allow the Vector-2 to remain true to the original Vector’s mission of Complex Simplicity, combining the complexity of Arai’s construction (that emphasizes protection and performance “in the real world of unpredictable streets rather than just in the controlled world of testing labs”) with Arai’s build-philosophy that emphasize a helmet’s function instead of flash and fashion.
New ventilation features include the ACF-2 front intake vent with a more complete closure mechanism, and the ACR-2 rear exhaust vent/wing combination. The combination of the three front air inlets on the leading edge of the rear vent are tuned in Arai’s wind tunnel to accelerate air movement over the shell’s exhaust holes to “markedly improve ventilation performance and efficiency in interior-heat removal.” The Vector-2 also has the fully-removable interior liner of Arai’s more expensive models, versus the fixed liner of its predecessor.
A new comfort and fit feature that could mean a lot to the Vector-2’s popularity are its unique peel-away cheek and temple pads. Now, rather than having to buy optional pads of varying thicknesses to custom-tailor the Arai fit and comfort even more precisely, the Vector-2’s cheek and temple pads have 5mm peel-away layers that allow the rider to do it individually if needed.
The new wider eyeport, borrowed from Arai’s latest Corsair-V and RX-Q models, gives 5mm more peripheral vision per side for a wider view and awareness of the world around the rider. This shield’s mechanism also improves the shield system’s functionality.
Shell improvements on the Vector-2 include larger side exhaust ports that increase airflow while keeping noise levels to a minimum. A new chinvent design and placement within the chin bar gives the Vector-2 its own distinctive look. The newly-designed Hyper-Ridge encircles the shell bottom to enhance strength while providing a larger bottom opening to make it easier to take the helmet on and off—all without increasing shell size or weight.
The end result of these Vector-2 features is a new model that Arai says offers the unequaled benefits of its three-generation-long obsession with rider protection, comfort and performance, while still remaining at the lower end of its price range.
The new Arai Vector-2 is available in many solid colors and graphics, in sizes XXS through XXXL. Prices range from $479.95 for basic solid colors, to $609.95 for graphics.
Complete information, images of all the Vector-2 colors and graphics, and the location of your nearest Arai retailer can be found at www.AraiAmericas.com