February 8, 2013 – The new Arai Defiant helmet was announced today. The helmet appears to be a U.S. DOT/Snell version of the Japan-market Arai Rapide-IR.
Information on the new Defiant is slow in forthcoming, but the helmet is based on the Arai RX-Q (review), a “Round Oval” helmet and the only near-round helmet left in the Arai lineup.
The Defiant is a street/sport oriented helmet and it has the Arai “Facial Contour System” cheek pads, along with a new ventilation system. Otherwise, it has a very Arai family resemblance.
We’ll know more as the information becomes available and we’ll also complete an Arai Defiant review as soon as possible.
Here are a few photos of the Japanese-market Arai Rapide-IR, which appears to be identical to the Defiant. The Defiant name will be used in North America.
Arai Rapide-IR (aka Arai Defiant). Arai Rapide-IR (aka Arai Defiant) rear view. Arai Rapide-IR (aka Arai Defiant) top view.