shoei j cruise 2 vs arai ram x

Where Are Shoei Helmets Made?

Shoei Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, and can be traced back to 1954 when it was Kamata Polyester Co., and it manufactured construction helmets.

To date, all helmets are still manufactured in Japan, though they are distributed around the world. Shoei has manufactured their own wind tunnel in their factory to perform accurate testing instead of computer-based testing.

History of Shoei

Though the company can be traced back to Kamata Polyester Co., founder Eitaro Kamata started making motorcycle helmets in 1959. A year later, in 1960, the company began making helmets to meet the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). 

1965 proved to be when they hit their big break. Honda Motor Co. began using Shoei’s helmets as their official or genuine helmets. This increased Shoei’s popularity, demand, and availability, not only across Japan but worldwide.

Photo credit: Shoei-Helmets.com

Though the company mass produces many helmets and is revered by many as the top of the line, the company remains pretty small, with just around 500 employees worldwide. 

With a background in construction helmets and a large following in the motorsport world, it’s surprising that Shoei strictly makes helmets for motorcycles and parts to go with them. They have not gotten into the accessories or gear game, nor have they gone back to their roots and started making better PPE.

Types of Helmets and Other Accessories by Shoei

Shoei has a few different motorcycle helmets; however, they do not produce any accessories at all. 

The X-Series is the flagship model of Shoei’s premium lineup. It has earned the praise and respect of many of the world’s top racers.

The RF-Series is the longest-standing and most decorated full-face helmet model in the Shoei lineup. The newest version uses an extensive array of proprietary material.

The GT-Series was Shoei’s premiere full-face touring helmet , where functionality and performance meet.

Neotec Series

When you want the go-to helmet for everyday riding, the convenient flip-up versatility of a true two-in-one will have you loving this hybrid helmet design.

Photo credit: Hayabusa.org

Price/Value

When it comes to price, both Arai and Shoei tend to be on the pricier side; however, Arai is still a little pricier than Shoei, though, those who own Arai helmets swear they are worth every penny.

Both Arai’s and Shoe’s warranty coverage lasts from seven years from the manufacturing date and five years from the purchase date.

Customer Satisfaction

More people are happier with their purchase of an Arai helmet as many find the Shoei helmets difficult to fit. People say that either the Shoei’s fit you or they don’t, and there isn’t much you can do. Most people have an intermediate oval head, which Arai fits best. Shoei fits a rounder head best.

Variety/Fit of Helmets

Both Arai and Shoei have safety at the forefront of their minds; however, both companies go about it differently. Shoei considers convenience and comfort as part of safety, whereas Arai feels that some of that could interfere with the safety design. Arai’s has a higher safety certification for more of its helmets than Shoei does.

Top Pick Between Arai and Shoei

Our top pick between Arai and Shoei is Arai, though, we were impressed that Shoei has an agreement with Honda Motor Co. Arai’s sponsorship with Formula One is nothing to laugh at, but we’re just looking at motorcycle helmets here, and not car helmets for the time being.

We are impressed with the safety and quality standards of the handcrafted helmets, and that Arai ensures the shells go through two quality checks before moving to the next phase of production.

Hi, my name’s Troy. I started riding motorcycles with Clay mid-2020 and soaking up his vast knowledge of bikes. I have been writing for a few years and decided it was a good time to start writing about what I’m passionate about - motorcycles. No matter how bad your day is, a bike will always make you feel better, that’s my motto.

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Motorcycle Helmet Battle: Shoei vs. Arai

So many people who rent with Twisted Road ask me about helmets. They want to know if helmets are provided when they rent a motorcycle (they may be) and whether we require helmets for all renters (we don't).

When I started writing this article comparing Shoei and Arai helmets, I thought it would be easy. After all, we had already completed reviews on Quad Lock vs RAM Mount and Sena vs Cardo . But the more I researched, the more I realized that choosing the best motorcycle helmet was going to be a long and thankless task. I felt like I was embarking on one of life’s never-ending debates: Coke or Pepsi? Nature or Nurture? Good or Evil? And now, Shoei or Arai?

Shoei and Arai have become the best motorcycle helmet brands for a reason.

So much of comparison depends on personal choice. I’ll compare some key elements of each helmet so that you’re well educated—and know the right helmet for you—when you go to purchase one.

Motorcycle Helmet Safety

Let’s start with the most important category of all: safety. The primary function of a motorcycle helmet is to protect your head during an accident. In fact, there are two regulatory agencies that have specific requirements to ensure that the helmet is doing its job: The DOT (Department of Transportation) and the ECE (Economic Commission for Europe). There is a third set of standards—“Snell rated”—that is more rigorous than the DOT specs, but not as dialed-in as the ECE. In fact, the ECE standards combine DOT and Snell standards and add some more of their own. 

So which helmet is safer? Well, both helmet manufacturers comply with the local safety standards. But once you get past there, it gets a little tricky to identify the best motorcycle helmet. Arai makes sure that the helmet is as safe as can be when a rider goes down. For example, they know that when a helmet collides with an object, it may absorb the full energy of that impact; however, dispersing this energy to different parts of the helmet may be safer. So as they design their helmets, they are considering this, rotational impact, and “glancing off” energy.

Shoei considers other broader elements in their definition of safety. Specifically, Shoei tries to minimize rider discomfort and fatigue. For example, if the helmet is lighter, it doesn’t strain your neck muscles, so you feel more comfortable riding. The way I understand this, if you aren’t fatigued riding, you have a lower chance of dropping the bike. Right?

Shoei’s definition of safety allowed them to innovate with the coverless face shield. This enables the plastic visor to be recessed into the helmet without being covered on either side of the helmet. After they created this integrated shield, almost every other helmet manufacturer followed suit, but not Arai. This competing manufacturer stated that this innovation compromises safety.

It has yet to be proven whether or not Arai’s claim is true, but I have to commend them for refusing to make a change because of safety. It subtly raises their status in the market while knocking down their key competitor. Smart move.

Fit of Motorcycle Helmet

This is a tough one, because everyone’s head has a slightly different shape. We suggest trying on various helmets before you choose one that’s right for your noggin. 

Arai has more flexibility with their head shape options. The company offers three different options: long oval, round oval, and intermediate oval. Not all head shapes are available in all models so make sure you try the model on to see how it fits. Arai also offers a significant range of internal liner and cheek pad options, so once you find the best fitting model, you can tune the fit by adding thicker or thinner interior components.

Shoei offers one head shape: intermediate oval. This should fit 75-85% of the American riders’ noodles, but for those with more extreme head shapes, Shoei might not work. Having said that, Shoei does have a variety of interchangeable internal options so you can also fine-tune your helmet to fit you.

Motorcycle Helmet Shell Construction

Each helmet has a shell and a liner. The shell is the outside of the helmet, and the liner is the foam part inside of the helmet.

Both Arai and Shoei have proprietary shell construction methods with multiple layers of fiberglass. Arai builds theirs by hand (yes, every one!) and Shoei uses more modern manufacturing methods.

The difference in the shell design is very difficult to tell apart for someone like me, who doesn’t have a degree in chemical engineering or structural fiberglass properties.

EPS Liner on Motorcycle Helmets

EPS stands for expanded polystyrene, and as stated above, it’s the interior foam part that absorbs the energy during an accident or other impact. When the EPS liner takes on this energy, the cells of the liner are crushed, which absorbs the energy and minimizes the amount that is transferred to your head. However, this liner is more like an airbag and less like a sponge, and once the cells have been compressed once, they can’t absorb energy again. 

That’s why everyone suggests that you replace your helmet right after it’s been in an accident.

OK—so how are these brands' liners different from each other?

The Arai liner is a single piece of construction with different densities of EPS in different parts of the helmet. By varying the densities of the materials, the helmet can perform well under different types of conditions. For example, the transfer of energy from a low-speed crash with side impact is much different than a high-impact, top of helmet compression.

Shoei’s EPS features a dual-layer, multi-density design. The top portion of the inner EPS liner is composed of a softer density foam for immediate impact absorption. Shoei continues to innovate, and in 2018, they launched an update to their motorcycle helmet liner. The new version claims to reduce rotational energy by 15%.

Motorcycle Helmet Weight

There are many different helmet models to choose from with these two manufacturers, so it’s important to compare similar models to best understand weight differences.

Our initial review shows that Arai helmets tend to be slightly lighter than Shoei's, but again, you should verify this.

Price of Motorcycle Helmets

Both brands tend to be premium-priced helmets, which is understandable with all of the safety and innovation they bring to the market. Having said that, Arai’s helmets tend to be slightly more expensive than comparable Shoei models.

After buying a motorcycle, your helmet is probably the most important purchase you’ll make. Choosing the best motorcycle helmet for you is paramount.

Safety : Arai wins for potential collisions; but consider Shoei for long rides where fatigue could put you at risk for an accident.

Fit: Arai offers three different fit options for ultimate flexibility.

Shell construction: Tie, they are indistinguishable.

Liner: Tie, both offer options that address safety and comfort.

Weight: Arai is slightly lighter, but varies by model; try on both brand models for comfort.

Price: Shoei is slightly less expensive, though both are premium brands.

The bottom line is that you can't go wrong with either brand. We encourage you to try on different helmets. Experiment. See what suits you the best. Then buy one. Put it on. And ride.

Austin is an experienced business leader and passionate rider. In his former life, he ran companies with recognizable brand names, making everything from boats and furniture to kitchenware. But, he traded in freshly-shined shoes for beat-up boots and has never been happier. With Twisted Road, his goal is to connect riders worldwide — to create new experiences and friendships, and most of all, to build a community.

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Shoei J-Cruise 2 Review and Road Test with Video

Following on from the Shoei J-Cruise 2 jet helmet review of several weeks ago, we’ve decided to test out its new features on the road.

The Shoei J-Cruise 2 helmet is a new version of the popular Shoei J-Cruise open face helmet. The original Shoei JCruise was already one of the most advanced jet helmets available. With the Shoei JCruise 2 jet helmet, Shoei have outdone themselves. helmet is made for city riders who are looking for a high-quality Jet Touring helmet for daily use, and who do not want to lose any comfort and safety. This helmet is also coming in at about 480 Euros, and this means it’ll be competing with the Schuberth M1 Pro and the Arai SZ-R VAS .

The Shoei J-Cruise 2 is a new version of the popular J-Cruise. The original J-Cruise was already one of the most advanced jet helmets available. With the Shoei J-Cruise 2 they took this a step further. This helmet is made for riders who are looking for a high-quality Jet Touring helmet for daily use, or city use who do not want to lose any comfort and safety. The original J cruise already had some nice features and several innovative aspects to it. It was the first jet helmet with an integrated sun visor that had been certified as actual sunglasses according to European guidelines. So, the sun visor would protect your eyes. But we will see what has changed with the J Cruise 2.

The J-Cruise 2’s Advanced Integrated Matrix shell consists of several layers of high-quality composite and organic fibers. The combination of these lightweight materials gives this outer shell a shock-resistant capacity. Another feature of this combination of materials is the low weight of 1370 grams. All this coming in at about 480 Euros, or about 530 US Dollars, and this means it’ll be competing with the Arai SZ-R VAS and the Schuberth M1 Pro. This helmet also comes in 3 shell sizes, which isn’t bad. The Shoei J-Cruise 2 is equipped with an updated stainless-steel micrometric ratchet clasp. Another change with the Shoei J Cruise 2 is that they made the shell more aerodynamic. They did this with help from wind tunnel testing so it’s already great to see so much effort going into this jet helmet since often these extra tests a more concerted effort to give you a quality helmet. According to Shoei, wind buffeting has been improved by 43%, reducing the resistance of the helmet.

Ventilation

For ventilation on the J-Cruise 2, there is always the air coming in through the bottom of the helmet, which will already cool you very well. On the top of the helmet, we have 3 adjustable vents that are adjustable in 3 positions as opposed to the 1 large scoop on the previous J-Cruise, which is a great addition that gives you more cooling. Shoei have also done away with the two adjustable rear exhausts, instead giving us an always open exhaust.

If we look at the visor, we see that it has a wide view and a lip at the bottom of the visor, preventing wind noise and wind turbulence. Also the visor is pinlock prepared, the pinlock is not included in the box, as well as being treated with a scratch-resistant coating. The integrated sun visor has also been updated. It falls 5 mm lower and is 5 mm extended at the top. This brings the visor a bit lower so the sun is blocked more than before. The internal sun visor has been tested according to the DIN EN 1836 standards. The visor mechanism has also been updated on the J-Cruise 2. This helmet features a new visor system. So this gives you extra ventilation which contributes to a wonderful driving experience, especially if you are riding in the city. There is also new ventilation at the top and at the back of the helmet. To take the visor off, it’s very easy. You just need to have it in the open position and pull on the lever until it snaps out. It will give you a wide field of view and putting it back in requires lining it up with the groove and it should go in with a snap.

Now we will continue with the lining. As you can see, the 3D Max Dry lining is completely removable and also washable, antibacterial and is absorbent. Sweat or no sweat, the lining feels nice and dry and comfortable. The liner also contains ear pads to reduce noise. They can also be replaced by the SENA SRL-2 communication system, which is that controversial Shoei Sena deal rearing its head again. But this integration is convenient and you are getting the installation tool in the box with the helmet. Removing the liner of the Shoei J-Cruise II is just as easy as it was on the Shoei J-Cruise. First, you need to remove the cheek pads. There are two buttons at the front and back and an insert that you need to pull out. It all looks good and comfortable so nothing to complain about here. Taking out the other cheek pad, and it’s the same high quality Shoei delivery as always. You can see the micro-ratchet chin strap there. Now, for the inner liner there are two buttons in the back and sliding inserts in the front of the forehead. The lining looks good on this helmet with plenty of holes for ventilation. This helmet also has two ear pads on either side for noise isolation and it’ll be where you can put the Sena SRL 2 comms system. The Shoei JCruise 2 has plenty of EPS channels to help with ventilation and you can see the cutouts in the ears for the SRL2.

Shoei J-Cruise 2 Road Test

Just a quick reminder for how we measured our data. We measured the helmet’s internal temperature in degrees C through a thermometer placed in the central ventilation channel. For noise, we used decibel meter taking readings based on a microphone near our rider’s ear. Lastly, we used an anemometer to measure the day’s average wind speed.

We tested the J-Cruise 2 out on long stretches of highway at 130 km/h. The day’s average wind speed ranged from 110 km/h to 130 km/h. The day’s external temperature was about 5 degrees C, while the helmet’s internal temperature was about 6 degrees C, so that’s a difference of 1 degree Celsius. Lastly, for noise, the helmet came in at about 106 decibels, which is loud, but this is expected with a jet helmet.

It was a cold wintry day but we still found the J-Cruise 2 performed very well and it’s ventilation and EPS grooves already proved to be working well. Though most of you won’t be riding with jet helmets out in the winter, the temperatures speak for themselves, it’s great to see this reconfigured ventilation system already showing its merit and it will do well for the warmer riding season. For a brief note, we actually found the Shoei slightly more comfortable in the Arai SZ-R VAS and the sunshade came in especially handy with the day’s low winter sun, which produces a lot of glare.

Our rider found the helmet was comfortable and very user friendly in terms of both the visor and the sun visor. He also said it ventilated well and the biggest failing was that the Shoei JCruise II did not come with the anti-fog pinlock insert in the box. It was also a noisy helmet, though this is not surprising for a jet helmet.

Shoei J-Cruise 2 Champion Helmets Ranking

For material the Shoei J-Cruise Two is made of Shoei’s AIM material and comes in 3 shell sizes, so that means 4 stars for material. For weight as well, since this is a jet helmet, the J-Cruise 2 did well with 1370 grams, so that’s 5 stars. For the visor, since this helmet is pinlock prepared, but the insert is not in the box so that’s 3 stars. For ventilation, this helmet did well with a 1-degree Celsius difference, so that’s another 4 stars. For noise, unsurprisingly this helmet was loud. They don’t call them jet helmets for nothing, so that’s 1 star. Lastly, for comfort, this helmet did very well, getting 4 stars. This brings the J-Cruise 2 to a total score of 3.5 stars at 23 Euros/star, which is a decent result from a premium helmet though it is a shame this doesn’t include a pinlock insert lens in the box.

If you are interested in the Shoei J-Cruise 2 , you can always find it in our webshop at ChampionHelmets.com where we guarantee the lowest price and you can always find great discounts in the product bundles.

The Shoei J-Cruise 2 is a very good jet helmet that gives you a great performance out on the road with its strong ventilation and wide field of view. The lining is completely removable and is very comfortable so you can truly enjoy your ride. Other than not coming with the pinlock insert in the box, this is an excellent jet helmet. If you have any questions, you can always check out our Shoei J-Cruise 2 Review and Road Test Video and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up to date on all the latest gear.

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Shoei J Cruise 2 helmet review

Published on: 11 March 2020

CLICK SHOEI J-CRUISE HELMET TO SHOP WITH FREE UK NEXT DAY DELIVERY

It was in 2013 that Shoei first introduced the world to its J-Cruise helmet. It replaced a helmet called the J-Wing that had, in turn, been in the Shoei range for many years. But, for 2020, Shoei has improved and updated the J-Cruise with an upgraded model called, somewhat unimaginatively, the J-Cruise 2.

But the motorcycle world is fast changing, and today the bike park is full of the kinds of bikes that were unheard of 10 years ago. Which begs various questions as to whether the J-Cruise is still a relevant style. What exactly is the J-Cruise? Who wears one? And why? What kind of bike do the people who buy the J-Cruise ride? And how and when do they ride those bikes?

These seem to us to be valid questions because helmets like this and the Schuberth M1 are hybrids that are difficult to categorise and pigeon hole. Clearly, a helmet like the J-Cruise falls short when it comes to considerations of safety and protection. Obviously, such helmets are going to provide greater protection from the elements than a traditional, café racer style, open-face helmet, but in an accident you cannot expect the external visor to provide much by way of physical protection as far as the face and chin are concerned. In fact, there’s a scenario in which a broken visor could even exacerbate injuries.

We understand, of course, that most motorcyclists understand the risks they are taking whenever they throw a leg over a bike, and that we all have different attitudes to risk. For me, personally, I’m prepared to wear an open-face helmet only when I deem the danger threshold to be low; when I’m riding locally, when I know that I won’t  be on the bike for that long, and when I know that I won’t be exceeding, say, 50 mph. If these conditions don’t apply, then I’ll only put my faith in a full-face helmet.

Of course, some who ride in open-face helmets simply have not contemplated the dangers involved in their headwear choice. It’s possible that some lack the imagination to recognise the potential consequences of an accident. For others, of course, a classic, open-face, café-racer style of helmet is a statement; a fashion statement, perhaps. And we have no issue with this. Dressing up, these days, is part of biking. And most of us will acknowledge that considerations of style have played at least some part in the way that we dress for the bike.

But a helmet like the J-Cruise is scarcely a fashion statement. It is not a trendy style of helmet, and helmets like these are not bought by fashionistas. It is, we would suggest, a helmet for those who fully recognise and acknowledge the risks they are taking by wearing an open-face helmet. We are talking about the kind of biker for whom a full-face helmet represents almost an attack on their sense of personal liberty. These riders are prepared to trade the inherently increased risk for the wind in your face feeling that a full-face helmet simply cannot provide.

These people tend not to ride sportsbikes. Nor are they part of the hipster brigade, for whom an authentic look is sacrosanct. Commuters, other than those who ride almost exclusively in the urban environment, would not usually wear a helmet like the J-Cruise. And clearly you wouldn’t wear a helmet of this type off road.

We are aware that some people like to tour in helmets like this. They are also popular with some of those who ride cruisers. And we do often see riders of high capacity scooters in them. To wear a helmet like the J-Cruise is, once again, to make a statement. It is to raise a finger to conventional wisdom, to declare that whatever the logical reasons for not wearing an open-face helmet, the wearer wishes to assert the right to ride a motorbike in the manner that he or she wishes.

And, politically incorrect as it might be, we fully support the right of any biker to make such a choice. We cannot be so sanguine when we see people riding their sportsbikes in shorts and flip flops. By and large these people are simply dim. But the people who buy a J-Cruise are not dim. They are grown ups who know what they are doing, and they are prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

There was nothing wrong with the original J-Cruise, and there still isn’t. But time waits for no helmet manufacturer. Technologies change, materials improve, customer demands do not stand still. Recognising all these factors, Shoei set about improving the J-Cruise. And as is often the case in such circumstances, the new product does not differ markedly from its predecessor, although it is still the case that the J-Cruise 2 is undoubtedly an improvement in just about every respect.

Whilst visually very similar to its predecessor, the new helmet features a totally new shell. The design of the shell has a bearing on almost every aspect of the helmet’s functionality, but to the casual observer all that can be discerned is slightly more compactness and a differently profiled rear end that now acts more as a spoiler. But the new shell, apparently, contributes to the helmet generating less lift and drag. It also makes a contribution to the fact that with the new helmet there’s a 43% reduced yaw effect at speed, (sideways pull).

What is unchanged is that the J-Cruise still uses Shoei’s multi-composite AIM shell. Also unchanged, in concept, is an eps with different densities in different parts of the helmet.

Shoei will tell you about the differences between the softer fabrics and the more moisture-absorbing fabrics that are used on the internal surfaces of the new helmet. And about how the lower edges now look more like real leather. But all that really interests us is that you can still change both the headlinings and the cheekpads to help improve the fit.

The drop-down sun visor is now deeper than it was on the old J-Cruise. And, fascinatingly, we are told that the cut-out for the nose is also 5mm deeper. But the most interesting change in and around the internal visor is that Shoei has reduced the depth of the cavity into which the visor recesses in order to reduce noise.

The new CJ-2 visor is, of course, grade one optical quality. And it now has a thicker bottom edge to reduce buffeting. In truth, misting up doesn’t tend to be a major issue on helmets like this. Indeed, the J-Cruise 2 is one of the very few Shoei helmets that does not come with a Pinlock in the box. In reality, all you normally need to do to demist a helmet like this is raise your head a little. The incoming air tends to immediately eradicate any condensation. But, even so, Shoei has built into the new helmet a ‘crack’ position that effectively does the same job.

The visor locks down into position when riding, but you simply push on the lower left edge to release it. Historically, Shoei has often used a double-lip construction to seal the visor to the helmet, but on the J-Cruise 2, they have introduced an airtight window beading, which they claim is far more effective. There weren’t really many problems on the original J-Cruise, but let’s not be difficult; better is better.

Getting air onto the face in a J-Cruise is not, as we have suggested, a great challenge, but keeping the head cool is always important, and so, on the new helmet, an extra air intake increases airflow by 30%, whilst wind tunnel work on the top outlet has allowed up to 20% more air to be exhausted from the helmet.

One of the most visible changes to the new J-Cruise 2 is that it’s now configured to take Sena’s SRL comms. system, as already fitted to the Neotec 2 and GT Air 2. (This is not the same system as fitted to the new Shoei Neotec 3 which takes the SRL-03). Based on the Sena 20 unit, it’s a state of the art package. There’s no unsightly box on the side, and the boom mike is so discrete as to be barely noticeable.

Most of the other stuff that there is to talk about would come under the heading of detail. A ratchet system for the strap. Four shell sizes. Six actual sizes. Three different thicknesses of headliner per size. Three different thicknesses of cheekpad. And so on. 

The old J-Cruise was a great helmet. Clearly, the expectation is that the new model will be even better. Shoei doesn’t tend to mess up when they bring out a new helmet. Evolution rather than revolution tends to ensure that forwards is always the direction of travel. 

But for us at Motolegends, the issue on any helmet is always fit. If a helmet fits properly, if the fitting has been professionally conducted, and if the helmet fits the way it should fit then you will have a great experience with your J-Cruise 2. But, even today, there are not many retailers who know how to professionally fit a helmet. There are even fewer who can be bothered. And fewer again who carry all the internals to enable the job to be done.  On the J-Cruise 2 alone a dealer would need to hold more than 20 different lining pads. And very few dealers want to do so.

All we would say is that there’s no point in spending a lot of money on a premium quality helmet like a Shoei if it fits poorly. You might as well save money, and buy a cheaper helmet. A helmet that is too generous in its fit in either the cheeks or the forehead will move around and can block your vision. A generous helmet will be less quiet and will not do its job properly from a protection perspective. A helmet that is too tight can cause headaches, will exacerbate condensation issues, and will likewise not do its job properly from a protection perspective. 

If you want to make sure you get the fit right on your J-Cruise 2, we recommend that you come to see us in Guildford. Here at Motolegends, we will always hold in stock the J-Cruise in all sizes, although not necessarily in all its colourways, although if ever we are out of stock of a design it can normally be obtained the next working day. And, of course, we will always carry the internal liners.

Finally, price. The J-Cruise costs £429.99 in white, but you can pay up to £519.99 for the most complex graphics. The SRL comms. costs £259.99, but you will save 20%, (£43), if you buy it at the same time as the helmet.

We do not, by and large, clutter the market with promotions, special deals, loyalty discounts and voucher codes. But our 10% Price Beat guarantee means that we will always be 10% cheaper than anybody who discounts any product we sell. And it seems to us that you cannot be fairer than that!

For more information and to order online, click Shoei J-Cruise 2 helmet .

Want some more? Please click here to return to our editorial menu.

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MO Tested: Arai Ram-X Review

Three-quarters of helmet, 100% Arai

Arai’s latest lid to be brought into its North American line-up is the three-quarter Ram-X. The new helmet takes the freedom and convenience of a three-quarter helmet and incorporates some of the technology and ventilation from its top of the line Corsair-X race helmet. Freedom and convenience. If there’s one thing we ‘Mericans love more than convenience it’s Freedom with a capital F *cue bald eagles screeching*.

The Arai Ram-X shares its shell construction with the Quantum-X and Signet-X helmets using Arai’s proprietary Z-compound resin. The Z-compound resin achieves higher adhesion and therefore requires less resin to be used in the manufacturing process, making the helmet lighter. Four shell sizes are used spanning six sizes from XS to XXL.

As with other Arai helmets, the Ram-X uses a multi-density one-piece EPS liner. According to Arai, “A one-piece liner, integrating different densities according to the volume and position of each given area, allows Arai to make the shell shape more like a human head and enables the development of a compact shell structure.”

Ventilation diffusers are borrowed from the Corsair-X with a revised stationary aero stabilizer wing said to improve helmet stability and further reduce rider fatigue. Arai claims the diffusers each take in 19 percent more air than the previous generation, and the center duct takes in 11 percent more air than the previous generation, as well.

Arai has put a significant focus on shell balance. The aim here is to keep the lowest center of gravity possible for the helmet in order to reduce rider fatigue during long stints in the saddle. This coupled with Arai’s pillowy soft interior padding delivers an all-day comfortable user experience. Like much of America’s Arai lineup, the Ram-X is built for an intermediate oval head shape.

I primarily found myself using the Arai Ram-X helmet around town to run errands after the launch of the helmet in Ojai. Typically, I prefer the extra protection a full-face helmet offers, though after cruising around in the Ram-X, I was reminded of how enjoyable a three-quarter helmet can be.

To give the Ram-X a more thorough test, I decided to wear it on a 750 mile trip through the California desert and mountains to see what touring with the Ram-X would be like. It felt odd taking a three-quarter helmet on a long ride. I felt I had to remind myself to be more cautious and vigilant through LA traffic, as if I’m not already being as careful as possible. My thought was that the large shield would prove to be more tour-worthy than your garden variety shieldless three-quarter lid. So, I set off. I made a beeline from the coast to the desert and headed up highway 395 to higher ground.

To my relief, and as expected, the Ram-X vents quite well. The hottest temp my steed showed on the TFT dash was 113 degrees F. Enough to get a sweat going, for sure. When I popped my head out from behind the windshield, I was met with a blast of air coursing through my helmet cooling my sweat-drenched scalp. I did happen to notice that the ventilation actually works best in a forward canted position. Somewhere between a sportbike and an aggressive standard bike riding position. Not too much of a surprise since the diffusers were lifted from the Corsair-X, but I assume folks using this helmet are more likely to be sitting upright than being bunched over on supersports. The vents work while upright but not as good as when one is leaned forward.

The long shield was what had me considering using the helmet on a long ride in the first place. It worked quite well, letting a little wind in the bottom, but not so much to dry out my eyes or allow debris to blow into them. The Pro Shade system works well with the helmet and is easily adjustable up or down.

As mentioned before, the helmet is very comfortable, and I had no issues with my medium in terms of fitment versus any other Arai on my shelf. Spot on intermediate oval. One thing I notice more when moving the helmet around than actually wearing it is its heft. It’s not exactly light. I have one other three quarter helmet on my shelf, and granted it’s carbon fiber (Troy Lee Designs); it weighs in at 2 pounds 2.7 ounces for a medium. The Arai Ram-X weighs 3 pounds 6.7 ounces for a medium. For another reference, my medium Shoei X-14 weighs 3 pounds 8.3 ounces. Again, it doesn’t bother me while wearing the helmet, but the Ram-X has some heft to it.

I installed a Cardo Packtalk Bold into the Ram-X for my trip, and it worked fantastic. The helmet has large cutouts for comm systems, and the shield provided plenty of wind protection, making the system easy to listen to and communicate through.

There was only one hiccup I came across during my travels with the Ram-X. Once I was on my way home, I had the shield flipped up as I donned my gloves and got set to go. A little ways down the highway as speeds ramped up, I grabbed the middle of the bottom edge of the visor, and the entire shield, Pro Shade system and all, came off in my hand. I tucked it under my arm and pulled over to the shoulder to see what had happened. Nothing was broken and everything seemed to be fine. The helmet hadn’t sustained any drops or impacts of any kind. I’m not sure what happened, but I got the shield back on and rode the rest of the way home keeping it in the lowered position.

After getting home, removing the shield, and attempting to reattach it, I have yet to be able to get the thing to mount correctly. I’ve had no issues with the Corsair-X or XD-4’s shield mechanisms, but the Ram-X has been giving me a hard time. Admittedly, I haven’t had the time to sit there for hours trying to figure it out, but the time spent messing with it already is slightly annoying. Maybe it’s just me.

While it’s not the lightest, the Arai Ram-X is the most comfortable and, when the shield was attached correctly, convenient three-quarter helmet I have used. It is also, by far, the most expensive. At $680, the Arai Ram-X places itself atop the heap of expensive open-face helmets. The Arai quality and craftsmanship is evident, but nevertheless, that’s a chunk of change.

Shop for the Arai Ram-X here

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works .

Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.

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Join the conversation

Glad to see Arai get in the game but $680? I've got the Schuberth 3/4 which is a little round for my long oval head but it works for short stints on my Moto Guzzi. I wear my full face Arai on my BMW since my speeds tend to be much higher when I'm riding that.

• See 2 previous

How much was the Schuberth?

I’m not sure what the MSRP was but my local BMW dealer had a large mark down on them apparently because they weren’t moving off the shelves. I think I paid less than $400 and also got a discount on the CRC system as well.

Good deal. I was at Laguna Seca this weekend and saw this beautiful HJC RPHA-11 helmet that Tony Elias wears in WSBK and was surprised to find that it was only $600 ($540 on Revzilla).

By contrast, my KTM Arai XD-4 was $750 four years ago.

https://uploads.disquscdn.c ...

So it gets 8 out of ten for design and innovation but you can't re-attach the shield. Innovative.

• See 10 previous

" You can't re-attach the shield". Motorcycle editors are busy people and don't have the time to figure out things.

"Busy" evaluating products that that are not easy to use - but uprating those products anyway.

Watch a Revzilla vid. It takes about 3 seconds.

Arai's shield mechanisms are a deal-breaker. For damn near seven hundred dollarydoos I shouldn't have to practice how not to break the mechanism just to get the visor on and off.

To watch the vid, yes. To mount the shield, maybe. I only ride Arai but the shields are a total PITA to mount. I lucked out I think once over the years to where both sides go in without issue. Isle of Man visor swap, those guys must practice all year...

The older ones were a mess for sure. I had to fix my wife's once in the Monongahela forest in a monsoon. Now, you just line up a couple dots and press a button.

I can swap out visors on an Aria way faster than other brands.

That people brag about it on the internet speaks to my point.

That it is simple?

https://youtu.be/gmpAVw7p50k

Pretty inexcusable to post the review without determining whether the shield was malfunctioning somehow or simply a PITA, I agree. Unfortunately the deadline was such that I honestly didn't have time to sit and mess with it any longer.

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Shoei J-Cruise Review

Shoei J-Cruise Helmet Review

The new Shoei J-Cruise replaces the popular and long-lived Shoei J-Wing helmet.

The J-Cruise feels just like a full-face helmet…but without a chin bar.

In other words, it has all of the features and build quality you’d expect from a Shoei helmet.

This includes the outstanding ventilation that has become a Shoei trademark, also implemented on the  Shoei GT Air (review)  and other recent Shoei helmets.

The J-Cruise includes the excellent internal sun visor system found on the GT Air, which is enclosed in a special chamber in the brow that doesn’t reduce the thickness of the EPS protection in that area.

And the sun visor uses the same optical-grade polymer that Shoei uses in the GT Air, which makes a big difference in visual quality.

The bottom line? The Shoei J-Cruise is by far the most solid-feeling open-face helmet we’ve reviewed by far.

It’s a full-face helmet in an open-face shell. Motorcycle riders who don’t like the feeling of a full-face helmet will find a lot to like.

We don’t review many open-face helmets on webBikeWorld, simply because most of the evaluators and reviewers don’t usually wear one.

But that may change with the new Shoei J-Cruise.

It’s basically a full-face helmet in an open-face shell; in other words, you give up the protection of a chin bar but there really aren’t any other compromises to be made.

The J-Cruise replaces the Shoei J-Wing, a helmet we never did get to review. But the J-Cruise is new in every way and it incorporates all of the latest Shoei design themes and technology found in helmets like the  Shoei GT Air (review) , the  Shoei Qwest (review)  and the  Shoei Neotec (review) .

In fact, the Shoei helmet lineup probably has more consistency in terms of design than it ever did before…right down to the “Shoei fit”, which is what we call a “Slightly Narrow” profile.

The Shoei J-Cruise: Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality

Our J-Cruise in Anthracite Metallic has the same outstanding Shoei quality we’ve come to expect from the brand. It’s one of the features you pay for but the difference is noticeable.

This particular helmet in this color reminds us of the Shoei Qwest and Neotec we reviewed.

The features carry the same design and styling themes and the Anthracite Metallic color is used in several other Shoei helmets.

The movement and feel of the vents and the large face shield all have a quality feel that makes this helmet special.

And the same plush Shoei liner and padding is included.

Shoei seems to be a bit coy about the shell construction on the J-Cruise.

But the paint quality is outstanding also, with a thick-feeling clear coat that should provide good protection for the entire five-year warranty period and beyond.

Also, the new internal sun visor design that we described in the GT Air review has also been incorporated into the J-Cruise.

The sun visor is optical grade quality and that makes a big difference. The clarity is definitely noticeable and makes all other internal sun visors seem cheap in comparison.

And Shoei listened to our gripes about “on/off” sun visors; this one uses a simple friction design that allows the sun visor to be stopped in any intermediate position, while still providing enough coverage fully lowered.

Score : The Shoei J-Cruise gets an “Outstanding” rating for paint and overall quality. See the Summary Table at the bottom of the page for a description of our rating system.

Shoei J-Cruise Fit, Sizing and Internal Shape

The term “Shoei fit” has been thrown about in the past by motorcyclists but we didn’t think that there really was such a thing until recently.

But we’ve noticed that the GT Air, the Qwest, RF-1100, Neotec and other recent Shoei helmets all seem to have what we call a “Slightly Narrow” internal shape and they’re all similar enough that this can now indeed be termed “the Shoei fit”.

This is both good and bad news, however. It’s good news for “Neutral” to “Slightly Narrow” head shapes (the majority), but bad news for “Round” head minorities like me (Rick).

My head is widest at the temples, and the recent Shoei helmets just don’t fit as comfortably as I’d like, which is a real shame.

“Burn”, however, is a Shoei-head through and through…as is the majority, apparently. But I do wish Shoei would recognize the fact that there are head shapes like mine and make helmets to match.

For more information on human head shapes, be sure to read the interesting report on the Hohenstein Institute head shape study  we published recently, or the webBikeWorld  Motorcycle Helmet FAQ  and  Motorcycle Helmet Shapes list .

Anyway, the J-Cruise has a very comfortable (and removable) liner with the same plush fabric and padding used by Shoei for many years. The helmet fits and feels just like a full-face Shoei — and that’s a definite plus.

Like the GT Air, Shoei lists a 59-60 cm for the size large J-Cruise and that seems accurate. We also tried a size XL J-Cruise, which is listed as fitting a 61-62 cm head, and that seems accurate as well, so our assumption is that the helmet runs true to size.

The shell is fairly stiff, so there’s not as much play or stretch as there might be in some of the less expensive open-face helmets. So if you’re on the borderline, we’d suggest ordering according to the Shoei size charts.

The internal shape is biased towards the “Slight Narrow” part of the spectrum (as described in the webBikeWorld  Motorcycle Helmet Shapes page ), with narrower sides and lots of fore/aft room in the top.

Also similar to the GT Air is the design of the “bump” on the forehead to house the internal sun visor. This new Shoei design allows the full thickness of EPS in the liner to be maintained for safety and protection.

And the inclusion of the internal sun visor doesn’t intrude on the room inside the helmet either; in fact, there is plenty of forehead or front-to-back room up top with this design, so riders who experience forehead pressure may be pleased with the fit of the J-Cruise.

The EPS in the ear pockets has round cutouts for speakers but — like the GT Air — I’m not sure which speakers exactly will fit. Perhaps Shoei is considering a partnership with an intercom manufacturer? The ear pockets are very nicely lined and sized correctly.

Also like the GT Air, a “Round” head may have some problems fitting a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses inside the J-Cruise, due to the narrower fit at the sides. But “Burn” has no problem at all.

Overall, we rate the Shoei J-Cruise as very comfortable and it should fit the average head shape.

More information on helmet fit can be found in the webBikeWorld  Motorcycle Helmet FAQ  page, along with the chart that lists the  helmet weights  of webBikeWorld reviewed helmets and also by shape on the webBikeWorld  Motorcycle Helmet Shapes page .

Score : The Shoei J-Cruise gets an “Outstanding” rating for comfort and liner materials and padding and a comfortable fit.

Shoei J-Cruise Face Shield, Visibility and Internal Sun Visor

Buy Now revzilla jpcycles amazon

Shoei said that the CJ-2 face shield on the J-Cruise was completely redesigned, making it wider and taller than its predecessor on the J-Wing.

Having no experience with the J-Wing, we can’t comment on that. But there’s no doubt about it — the visibility from the J-Cruise is virtually unlimited, and that’s one of the main advantages of going to an open-face helmet.

It makes a big difference to be able to see so much more in front and below — especially for some cruiser owners whose rides have the speedometer and other instruments on the fuel tank.

The face shield provides near full-face coverage also in terms of wind protection and Shoei says it blocks 99% of UV light. The bottom of the face shield or visor is nearly even with the bottom of the chin; much better than most of the other open-face helmets we’ve reviewed.

The face shield also has a locking tab or button at the lower left that has no moving parts. The visor has a small molded indent that fits over a dimple in the receiver on the shell.

Push out slightly on the face shield and it pops out and can then be lifted upwards through its one detent travel. The single detent is right at the top of the travel, which keeps the face shield from closing if you’re traveling with “shields up”.

The clarity and optical quality of the face shield is outstanding; Shoei also said that a special molding process is used to eliminate distortions across the wide surface.

Ditto for the internal sun visor, which is optical grade sunglasses quality, claimed by Shoei to “exceed the ANSI Z80.3-2010 Standard for non-prescription eyewear”. This makes a real and noticeable difference.

The sun visor also rotates down far enough and it’s a very useful addition to the helmet, especially with that huge outward visibility provided by the big face shield. This is quite different from the Arai approach taken with the  Arai CT-Z (review) , which had some glare issues as we noted in the review.

The J-Cruise face shield is also ready to accept a  Pinlock anti-fog insert (review)  which, surprisingly, is not included, even at the lofty list price of the helmet. It’s also interesting to note that there’s a sticker on the J-Cruise face shield that reads “Daytime use only with Pinlock”.

The top of the face shield is molded with a lip that seals against the rubber gasket to prevent water from entering along the top of the eye port. The visor removal system is very easy to use and is illustrated in our video below.

Score : The Shoei J-Cruise gets an “Outstanding” rating for the overall quality and operation of the face shield and the quality and operation of the internal sun visor.

Ventilation

Yet another similarity between the J-Cruise and the GT Air is the outstanding ventilation system provided by the similar-looking top vents on both helmets.

Inspecting the top vent on the J-Cruise doesn’t reveal anything unusual; in fact, the design appears at first glance to have a lower profile than many of the upper vent systems we’ve seen.

But it really works, and the air is directed down on to the rider’s head through two huge vent holes through the EPS. The liner is also specially designed to match the vent holes, and the system does the trick.

In fact, like the GT Air, the J-Cruise is one of the few helmets we’ve ever reviewed which flow so much air that we actually have to close the vent in cool weather!

That seems logical but it’s actually very rare, simply because most motorcycle top vent systems are pathetic, to say the least.

The flat slider on the top/front vent has two positions, as do the dual rear exhaust vents, which can be left open most of the time whether the front vent is open or closed.

The J-Cruise does have a lot of air flowing in from under the face shield, as expected for an open-face design. But the face shield is also very large and the air coming in from underneath doesn’t feel much different from the average full-face helmet without a chin curtain.

Score : The J-Cruise ventilation system gets an “Outstanding” overall rating overall.

Shoei J-Cruise Noise Levels

Open-face helmets are almost always louder than full-face helmets. The open bottom and sometimes too-short visors can create a lot of noise.

The large face shield and the solid shell design of the J-Cruise helps to reduce this to a minimum though, at least for an open-face helmet. We think the noise levels are somewhere near the average for full-face helmets, which is a positive in this case.

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When riding behind a windscreen with the top of the helmet out in the air flow, the ventilation still works well and it’s quieter than expected.

Some engine noise echoes up from underneath the front of the face shield and when wearing the J-Cruise on a motorcycle without a windscreen, the air noise around the bottom can be heard.

The vents are very quiet though, especially considering the amount of air flowing in. So overall, we rate the Shoei J-Cruise as quieter than average for an open-face helmet, especially when riding behind a windscreen.

Note that our helmet evaluations are a combined effort of several riders over time on different types of motorcycles with and without windscreens.

Evaluators wear correctly fitted, high quality ear plugs (even when evaluating motorcycle intercom systems).

Always protect your hearing when riding a motorcycle. See the wBW  Earplug Reviews  for more information on choosing and wearing earplugs.

Note also that perceived noise levels will vary, depending on the individual.

Noise can be caused by many factors, including helmet fit, the type of motorcycle and windscreen, wind speed and direction and even the rider’s clothing.

For more information on helmet noise, visit the wBW  Motorcycle Helmet Noise  page.

Score : The Shoei J-Cruise gets an “Excellent” rating for noise control.

Helmet Weight

This Shoei J-Cruise in size large weighs 1610 grams (3 lbs., 8-3/4 oz.), roughly the equivalent of full-face helmets we’ve reviewed such as the size XL  Roof Boxer V8 (review)  (a flip-up) at 1609 grams; the  Shoei RF-1000 (review)  in size XL at 1610 grams and the  Arai Vector 2 (review)  in size L at 1611 grams.

The J-Cruise is the heaviest open-face helmet we have reviewed, with the  AFX FX-50 (review)  in size L weighing 1525 grams and the  Arai CT-Z (review)  in size L weighing in at 1564 grams.

More webBikeWorld.com  open face helmet weights can be found here  in the separate table for open-face helmets (which are not included in the graphic on the Helmet Weights page).

Otherwise, the balance is very good and, like the GT Air, considering the fact that an internal sun visor is included, the weight is reasonable.

Note also that all of the helmets reviewed on webBikeWorld have been weighed and the weights are available on the wBW  Motorcycle Helmet Weights  page, along with a chart that lists the helmets by weight and shape on the wBW  Motorcycle Helmet Shapes  page.

Score : The Shoei J-Cruise gets a “Very Good” rating for its weight and good balance.

Miscellaneous

The J-Cruise has a double D-ring chin strap retainer. The padding feel and length is comfortable.

The new Shoei J-Cruise has to be one of the nicest open-face designs we’ve reviewed. It feels substantial and other than the absence of a chin bar, it feels very similar to a Shoei full-face helmet — and that’s probably about the best compliment that can be given.

Touring riders or cruiser owners with a “Slightly Narrow” head shape should be very pleased with the J-Cruise.

And although we never got a chance to review its predecessor, the J-Wing, the J-Cruise is one nice open-face helmet and it’s also a helmet we would consider wearing on a regular basis.

Like other Shoei helmets, it’s expensive. But also like other Shoei helmets, it has all of the details that and a build quality that give one confidence, especially compared to some of the less expensive open-face helmets we’ve tried.

Owner Comments and Feedback

From “G.J.” (August 2013):  “This helmet doesn’t work for me as my ears begin to ache and continue down to the jawbone after about a half hour or so of riding I’ve never had a helmet do this before including other Shoei’s that I’ve owned.

I usually ride with ear plugs and even tried riding without ear plugs.

Plus, I also tried removing the ear inserts in the helmet but this didn’t work either and it doesn’t matter what kind of bike I ride naked or faired I still have problems with my ears hurting mostly on my right side from wearing this helmet.

No other helmet that I have gave me this kind of problem.

I have a similar Shark RSJ helmet that works just fine but doesn’t flow as much air which is why I bought the Shoei. The Shark was on closeout at 150.00 and I tend to wear this helmet more while the more expensive Shoei is back in a box sitting on a shelf.

Plus I found the Shoei noisy and the vents will whistle with the shield up. I rate this Shoei a big disappointment.

From “J.W.” (May 2013) : “In my one crash, I skidded across the pavement on my stomach, face down. The chin bar on my full face helmet was clearly abraded. Without a full face helmet, I would have sustained some very serious disfiguring injuries.

Open face helmets may be great but only if you know how you are going to land.”

There is no substitute for a full face helmet. Daily I see riders with cheap or no helmets riding 20000 dollar cruisers. If only they were educated to the risks. Your face is what you present to the world, why not put “your best forward”?

Actually it’s $30k+ cruisers. Don’t crash and you’ll be fine. Unless you’re riding too aggressively or not paying attention. Then by all means wear your full race getup.

Yeah ok Ken. Go buy a car mate.

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Our Arai XC vs. Shoei J-Cruise Comparison for 2021

If you’ve been on the market for a new helmet, you’ve probably seen many Shoei and Arai models. The two brands are acknowledged as leaders and have much to offer in terms of quality, performance and of course, safety.

So far you’ve probably noticed the ongoing battle between their two helmets, the J-Cruise by Shoei an XC by Arai . The two models bring supreme technology and safety but how to choose between them?

We tested and compared the two in order to help you choose, so continue reading as we discuss their design, features, and safety.

Comparing Design, Features, and Construction

Shoei j-cruise design and shape.

J-Cruise is an open face helmet that comes in several sizes and colors. It has an intermediate oval shape, and it’s aerodynamic.

The shell is made of hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass, organic fibers and resin. It weighs about 3.75 pounds. The general shape makes it easy to carry around in hands if you’re not a fan of leaving it on the bike.

J-Cruise has a wider and taller field of vision, so the entire shape of the helmet gives you better peripheral vision as a whole. It protects you from UV rays, and you can always flip it when you need to.

The integrated air dam reduces turbulence inside the built-in shield making it more comfortable for long-distance rides. Overall, the design is quite modern especially if you opt for the black model.

Arai XC Design and Shape

Arai XC looks completely different. It’s also an open-face helmet but provides more coverage than most others on the market. The lower jaw-cheek area is extended which is the biggest design difference between the Arai XC and J-Cruise.

It has a medium round shape and comes in several sizes and shades. The face shield flips allowing you to use the helmet in two different ways. It’s a nice design feature that makes it easier to talk to people or even eat without taking off the helmet.

The shell has intake and exhaust vents as well as brow ventilation ducts. It’s the similar ventilation system you’ve probably seen on their RX-Q model. The helmet weighs about 4.6 pounds.

Comparing Safety Certifications

Shoei j-cruise safety.

We’ve already mentioned that the J-Cruise is made of layers of fiberglass and resin. It’s durable and scratch-resistant which are the two qualities to look for in a safe helmet.

Another feature that adds to the overall safety is the distortion-free CJ-2 shield and a built-in internal sun shield. Its advanced ventilation helps prevent fogging while also maintaining a constant temperature in the shell. It prevents heat to build up as it’s always keeping the fresh air flowing.

The 3D Max-Dry interior system is comfortable and ensures your head is tightly in place. J-Cruise is DOT certified.

Arai XC Safety

Arai XC provides a comfortable and tight fit, so your head is secured into place. The cheek pads are removable so you can adjust them to achieve an even better fit.

The shield is scratch-resistant, so you’ll always see clearly through it. Plus, thanks to the brand’s original ventilation system, there’s no fogging messing with your vision as you ride.

Its shell is made of super fiber laminate with multiple-foam padding. The helmet is certified by the Department of Transportation as well as SNELL for its safety and reliability.

Learn more about ratings for safety .

Which Should I Buy?

Buying one of the two is often tricky since they both offer excellent safety and comfort. Both of these Japanese brands are reliable and have experience in the field.

However, they do have slight differences that can help you figure out which one is more suitable for your needs.

You Might Like the J-Cruise If...

You’re looking for outstanding airflow – J-Cruise has a large upper vent shutter for easier maneuverability when wearing riding gloves . It also has the first ever integrated air dam that does a lot for the entire construction. There’s no fogging, and the air within the helmet doesn’t warm up but remains fresh.

You want the best fit – the sizing is true to the chart, and the removable interior lining allows even more adjustability. The liner is 5mm thick while the cheek pad is about 31mm in total. It’s comfortable and fits just tight if you get it in the right size.

You want a versatile shield – this one provides a broad and tall field of vision with a shield that protects you from 99% of damaging UV rays. The 3D injection-molding provides a distortion-free view throughout. Its integrated air dam we mentioned earlier also reduces turbulence inside the shield.

See the Neotec review for another model from this brand, or the GT Air .

You Might Like the XC If...

You want simplicity – Arai XC is quite simple and easy to use. The medium round shape makes it equally as easy to carry around especially because it’s also lightweight. It has a very classic shape, and it comes in simple yet long-lasting colors.

You’re looking for a custom fit – helmets have to fit perfectly in order to fulfill their purpose. For this reason, Arai made sure to make this as customizable as possible. The helmet comes with multiple-foam interior material and removable cheek pads. You can work these around to find the best fit for the shape of your face, which is also convenient if you’re sharing the helmet with someone else.

You want more versatility – it’s an open-face helmet, but the brand improved the overall design for better looks and protection. XC has bigger coverage in the lower jaw-cheek area when compared with similar models on the market.

Hopefully, we managed to show the fundamental differences between these two industry-leading helmets. These Japanese brands are among the biggest names on the market, so you can’t go wrong with either quality wise.

It’s a matter of thinking about your preferences and needs. Think about what you want from a helmet and see which one of these two has that to offer. Consider their safety ratings and certifications as well as overall comfort and ease of use before you make the final decision.

Additional Resources:

Our arai gp-6s vs. arai gp-5w comparison for 2021.

• Shoei RF-1200 vs. AGV Corsa R – Is There a Winner?
• Shoei RF-1200 Helmet Ratings and Review for 2021 – A Good Value?

6 Highest Rated Motorcycle Track Day Tires Reviewed

Motorcycle Gas Tank Removal - Our How-to Guide for 2021

Road Racerz Team

The team at Road Racerz aims to be a source of knowledge for all riders, whether they are beginners, intermediate, or have been riding for 20+ years. We want everyone to enjoy safer rides and have access to rider-specific content to get the most out of every mile.

Our Biltwell Gringo vs. Bell Bullitt Comparison for 2021

Shoei RF-1200 vs. AGV Corsa R – Is There a Winner?

Which Helmet Brand is Better, Arai or SHOEI? A Comparison Review of the Two Major Helmet Brands!

Pick up a review of Arai written by SHOEI user!

Review summary.

I have been using Arai's MZ, and I was thinking of Arai's VZ-RAM PLUS next, but when I tried on the J-CRUISE II at the store, the fit was better, and the inner sun visor and micro-ratchet chin strap were easy to use, so I decided on SHOEI!

Would you recommend this product to a friend or acquaintance? ⇒ YES! I can recommend it.

I wanted to buy a full-face SHOEI or Arai sooner or later because I had switched to a new model, but I couldn't take the plunge because it was expensive and I kept worrying and finally bought the SHOEI Z-7 of my dreams. I was troubled with GT-Air because I almost only ride it to work, but I decided on this one because of its design and lightness.

I used to wear the Arai RX-7RR5, but after 3 years of use, I had to replace it, and since my father wore the SHOEI when he was riding his bike, I was curious about it and it became my first SHOEI helmet. Arai's RX-7RR5 felt like it wrapped around my whole face, but the X-14 felt like it was wrapped tightly around my head and held my cheeks in place.

The wind noise is slightly less than SZ-F. I realized that the introduction of wind has always been Arai.

I considered Arai and others, but I bought this one because of its streamlined design and inner sun visor like aero parts.

Many SHOEI users also chose it by its fit after worrying about it. And some of them chose it by the design of the cap and the presence or absence of accessories. Many people may have decided that this manufacturer is the right match for their head, just like the slang term "ARAI head" or "SHOEI head".

SHOEI also seems to meet the user's ideals in terms of safety, and I don't see any negative comments about it.

After all, the majority of people choose a helmet based on "fit". Only a helmet that must be worn when riding a motorcycle is not allowed to be uncomfortable to wear. And more importantly, you don't want it to be a headache.

Webike review has a number of reviews that summarize how the new helmet compares to the one you were wearing before, and if you find the helmet you're wearing now, it may help you to find the next one you'll buy!

I was looking for a new helmet to buy when my longtime favorite, the TOURCROSS 3, came to the end of its life.

On the next page, I would like to introduce the helmet I bought after a half-year of consideration and my reasons for buying it. What would I have bought, having been an ally for many years? Find out the right answer on the next page!

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• Shoei J-Cruise vs Arai XC

Product Comparison: Shoei J-Cruise vs Arai XC

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• Shell Material
• Interior Material
• Love the helmet and zero regrets. In case you need a comparison, I ride a 2015 Ultra Limited, V&H Dresser Duals with Monster Ovals, 7” windshield, hammock seat, I’m 6’ tall with a standard upper body length.
• Great helmet. Just ordered one for my girlfriend tonight. Get the size right and most people will love this helmet.
• All in all, this is a fantastic touring helmet. I feel safe with it on my dome, and can enjoy my tunes and CB radio so much more than ever before.
• The Shoei fit is legendary and this helmet is no exception. Removable interior lining is typically Shoei-plush too.
• This is the best open face helmets I have ever had. The sizing is true to the measurement chart and as described in the Revzilla video. The quality of this helmet is what you would expect from shoei products.
• The fit and finish of the helmet is top notch(as it should be for the price). The visibility is outstanding and the airflow is excellent.
• The helmet feels like a full face, but the open chin realy lets the air flow. It's more comfortable than my full face helmet for city riding with the shield up or down.
• Great helmet with the perfect fit for long oval head shapes. The best open face helmet made!
• I have heretofore Resisted buying an open-face helmet, but finally bit the bullet with this one. I'm glad I did! The helmet comes forward around the chin area, giving fairly good protection for the lower face.
• I give it a 3 star because it does have an impressive safety rating for a 3/4 helmet and I didn’t get to wear it on the bike because I am returning it.

• Large has been a perfect fit for me but a LG J-Cruise was unbearable. Pressure points at the frontal and high temples. This was not going to go away with a 10% break-in.
• Fitting a J&M Elite 629 headset was a bit of a chore, as the molded-in pockets were not deep enough to accommodate the speakers without some judicious trimming.
• This helmet is a great fit for those that need a little more forehead room. My head measured a tad over 22in. so I ordered the medium and it was true to size.
• It's an intermediate oval M, but so is my full face Arai RX Q. But the Arai never hurts. It's a very comfortable fit, for the short or long ride.
• It is beautiful, functional and is very comfortable. However, we expect that and particularly for the price.
• It is light and comfortable, surprisingly quiet, and does not press uncomfortably on my ears like so many others.
• I bought this helmet for my fiancée. She loves the comfort, fit and the weight.
• Helmet is light and feel very comfortable, I like the way the ear fit you can add in intercome and don't feel any bump on the ear.
• It has a full face shield that protects you from 99% of the sun’s UV rays. The shield locks firmly in place when closed and nothing rattles going down the road at 80 mph.
• The sun visor stays well clear of my nose and provides great relief.
• As good as it gets save for a bluetooth system like N-Com. The optics on the shield and visor are stellar.
• Ventilation is good. Comfort of the liner and chin strap are top-notch. Easy to install a com-system.
• I can’t leave my helmet on top of my mirror any more. Guess I have to start securing it in my Tour Pak. I do hear the engine resonating in my helmet but not to the point it’s bothersome.
• It's a terrific helmet for a passenger, it offers full face feel and protection with a bit more comfort and airflow and great visibility.
• The helmet comes forward around the chin area, giving fairly good protection for the lower face. I love the flip-up face shield! Plenty of room for glasses.
• Wider view love the openess , yet still feel very safe with it on , great ventalation for those hot days , yet still keeps your head warm and safe on the cold days.
• The chin strap is too short first of all and really annoying to snap. I don’t like the chin pads-too bulky. It gets really hot in the helmet.
• Expensive helmet and then you have to buy the cheek pads that you think will fit and they are not in stock. Buying helmets online comes with risk.

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Other reviews

• J-Cruise II
• RJ-Platinum-R
• SHIELDS & PARTS
• CASUAL WEAR
• INSIDE A SHOEI HELMET
• PRODUCTION & QUALITY 
• SHIELD TECHNOLOGY
• Personal Fitting System
• Service & Support
• Helmet Maintenance
• Helmet Manuals

ONE WITH THE ROAD

Not your average open-face helmet, the j-cruise ii is compact, lightweight, aerodynamic, and packed full of innovative technology..

J-CRUISE II LINE UP

TECHNICAL FEATURES

VENTILATION PERFORMANCE

AERODYNAMICS & NOISE REDUCTION

INTERCOM READY DESIGN

SHIELD SYSTEM

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Metallurgicheskii Zavod Electrostal AO (Russia)

In 1993 "Elektrostal" was transformed into an open joint stock company. The factory occupies a leading position among the manufacturers of high quality steel. The plant is a producer of high-temperature nickel alloys in a wide variety. It has a unique set of metallurgical equipment: open induction and arc furnaces, furnace steel processing unit, vacuum induction, vacuum- arc furnaces and others. The factory has implemented and certified quality management system ISO 9000, received international certificates for all products. Elektrostal today is a major supplier in Russia starting blanks for the production of blades, discs and rolls for gas turbine engines. Among them are companies in the aerospace industry, defense plants, and energy complex, automotive, mechanical engineering and instrument-making plants.

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