Arai RX-Q owners, top vent problems?

swimmer · Jan 25, 2011

I bought an Arai RX-Q helmet in december. I really, really like the helmet. However, since new the top left vent button does not stay firmly in the closed position so it rattles a little. Stays locked open fine. Now yesterday the right top vent button completely lost its ability to stay locked open or closed. It just floats around. So, it tends to blow open and when its cold out and that is not so good. The helmet needs to be repaired/replaced.
I submitted a "ticket" through Arai's website since they don't seem to want to give out their phone number. I also left a message with the place where I bought it from. Have not heard back from either yet.
Since both of my vent buttons have had problems (one terminally) I am just curious as to if this is a wide spread problem with the RX-Q. Knowing that may help me in how I resolve my defective helmet. After 4 years of heavy use my Quantum2 had never given me a problem.
Any other RX-Q owners have this problem? Did you get it fixed or resolved one way or another? Thanks

swimmer · Jan 25, 2011

Heard back from Arai. They are sending me replacement vents. Still interested to hear if anyone else has had this problem.

rbrsddn · Jan 25, 2011

This is my next helmet(I think!), so please post any additional issues. Arai are pretty good with the CS.

Anticyclone · Jan 25, 2011

I've had mine since October or so. No problems other than finding a pinlock visor had been difficult. Anybody got a source? I love the helmet, but haven't been wearing it much lately because of the fogging.

swimmer · Feb 10, 2011

Just though I would follow up.

Arai replied to my inquiry within one day and sent out two replacements vents right a way. The replacement vents dont seem loose the way my one functional vent is. Disappointed to have had any problem at all but Arai quickly responded.

T · Feb 10, 2011

Mine stays closed with no rattle. I hear an audible click when it shuts...

Helmetexpress has the Pinlocks.

4eyes · Feb 10, 2011

Good to hear! This will be my next helmet.

Ape76 · Feb 11, 2011

I received a RX-Q with a misaligned chin vent in the box which after careful inspection could not have been from the delivery box so I returned it. :huh I thought Arai's fit and finish was unmatched?

Anyway nothing fits my head better so I ordered a Vector 2 which was fine & actually fit better than the RX-Q. Now when is Spring so I can try it out...

ncbuckeye · Feb 14, 2011

I've had mine since last fall, and have never had a problem with any of the vents- I've been impressed since day 1. I'm thinking about adding an XD-3 too!

TSPAraiGuy · Feb 15, 2011

Ape76 said: ↑

Anyway nothing fits my head better so I ordered a Vector 2 which was fine & actually fit better than the RX-Q. Now when is Spring so I can try it out...
Click to expand...

We just started stocking the Vector 2 and selling them at the last few indoor shows we have been at, give some feedback on the helmet when you start using it! Alot of people are loving the fact that it now has that removable liner, but still fits like the old Vector. I wear the regular Vector so when its time for my upgrade Ill be trying the Vector 2, now I cant wait till my other one wears out Let us know how you like it!

vtbob · Apr 3, 2011

Got my RX-Q in perfect shape...works fine.
I have a fat face and the optional "thin" pad are not thin enough..had to kludge the cheek pieces so I didn't bite the inside of my cheek.

Other than that best fit yet and light. Quietest helmet I've ever had.

donnymoto · Jan 31, 2012

I'm on my 3rd top vent switch now. Both sides have broken once, now the left again which is the replacement. Getting a bit annoying, haven't used the switch in a couple months and this morning I feel cold air coming into the top (about 30 degrees outside) commuting to work. Bad design for sure, seems like the plastic is too thin inside for the part that switches.

swimmer · Jan 31, 2012

donnymoto said: ↑

I'm on my 3rd top vent switch now. Both sides have broken once, now the left again which is the replacement. Getting a bit annoying, haven't used the switch in a couple months and this morning I feel cold air coming into the top (about 30 degrees outside) commuting to work. Bad design for sure, seems like the plastic is too thin inside for the part that switches.
Click to expand...

Another one of mine has broke as well. Sent a request for a replacement and asked if a re-design was in the works since this is common.

swimmer · Jan 31, 2012

I got a response with regards to any changes that might be in the works to fix this issue. I was told that the new vents are designed to fit closer against the helmet to prevent the vents from breaking/starting to flap around. Ive got a replacement for my broken one on the way. Hopefully it's a permanent fix.

Ranger Ron · Feb 1, 2012

I've had my RX-Q for almost a year. When I first rode with it there was a rattling noise that made me crazy. I always wear ear plugs, btw. It was the loudest sound I have ever heard coming from a helmet. After doing some "hand over the vents" test, I realized it was the top vents rattling in the wind. Like you, I did the Arai ticket thing. They sent me two new ones right away. I've had no problems since.

Ron

scootertrog · Feb 2, 2012

I've had my RX-Q since May, '11. Zero issues with it, although I do wish the covering on the chin strap was a little longer.

vato_loco · Feb 8, 2012

I've posted elsewhere about the excessive wind noise with my RX-Q (which has nothing to do with the top vents). The problem lies with the ear pockets. If you wear earphones or use some sort of communication system, you're in business. Otherwise, the large gaps between the cheek pads & liner provide the perfect environment for wind noise.

The solution is simple. I went to the hardware store and bought some foam strips, cut them to size, and filled up those ear pockets. Went for a test ride today on an elevated section of freeway -- always windy -- and the wind noise has been greatly reduced. I might experiment with a thicker, denser foam but for the time being I'm happy.

Overall the Arai RX-Q is a fine helmet. I love the fit and looks, and the finish seems top-notch so far. But I'm disappointed that this $500 helmet, which is advertised as being quiet, is anything but, at least in stock trim. My AGV GP-Tech, a race helmet, is way quieter than the off-the-shelf RX-Q.

KerwoodDerby · Mar 12, 2012

I have the same issue with my RX-Q. I got quick help from Arai, and I just received the new vents today after talking with them on Thursday. My issue: All I received was a box with the new vents and an blank invoice. No instructions, hints, tips . . . no glue.

How did you remove the original vents and how do you install the new? I'm flummoxed.

Thanks,
Kerwood

KerwoodDerby · Mar 12, 2012

Well, I'm an idiot and have bad old-guy vision. With better glasses, I can now see that there's a peel off adhesive on the bottom of the replacement vent.

Do you just yank off the original vents?

After a little over 300 miles with the helmet, I have to say I'm very impressed. Aside from the clicking top vent, which I hope to soon be fixed, the helmet is extremely comfortable, and looks to be very well made. Coming from an HJC Sy-Max II, I can't really say how quiet the RX-Q is other than it's a lot quieter than the HJC. I have always worn earplugs, however, so your results may vary. One vent related item worth noting, with the HJC I have joked that the vents had two settings, Texas and closed. I've never ridden when it was cold enough that I needed to close the vents - a few trips in the 30's, and a lot in the 40's. I had assumed that the plow sized fairing on my ST1300 contributed here, as well as the generally mild winters. My first ride with the Arai, however, and the 45° weather had me shut down the vents until I got up into the mid 50's in the afternoon. The air moving over my head was amazing. I'm going to love this helmet by the end of May.

Despite Arai's claims, though, the Sy-Max has slightly better peripheral view and a much larger vertical field of view. For the former, the difference is small enough to not really matter in practice. For the latter, I don't know that there's a big advantage to being able to see my gas cap lid without tilting the helmet down. In the RX-Q, I can still see the controls well, and what really matters after that? The tradeoff for the slightly smaller viewfield is a huge increase (in perceived, at least) protection. With the modular HJC, I always felt that if I faceplanted on concrete, I might not abrade my face off, but I'd still likely smash my face flat in the impact. The Arai seems to provide much greater protection in the front. I don't really think that's the fault of HJC so much as the limitations of a modular helmets open face design.

I tend to agree with the comments about the chinstrap cover, though it's a small concern.

For the price I paid, $399 for a closeout design (Urban) through Revzilla (they matched motorcyclecloseouts.com price), it was cheaper than I'd pay for a graphic Qwest (the only other serious candidate), and the Arai's removeable liner (Shoei's main liner is fixed, only the earpads can be removed) pushed it over the top.

swimmer · Mar 12, 2012

KerwoodDerby said: ↑

Well, I'm an idiot and have bad old-guy vision. With better glasses, I can now see that there's a peel off adhesive on the bottom of the replacement vent.

Do you just yank off the original vents?
Click to expand...

Yes, just pry the old ones off. Can be tough but they'll pop off. Then clean the junk off the helmet and put the new ones on.

Log in or Join

Arai RX-Q owners, top vent problems?

swimmer armchair asshole

swimmer armchair asshole

rbrsddn 3banger

Anticyclone Out

swimmer armchair asshole

T --------------

4eyes Adventurer

Ape76 Gear whore

ncbuckeye Adventurer

TSPAraiGuy CBR600 Chick

vtbob wanderer

donnymoto Long timer

swimmer armchair asshole

swimmer armchair asshole

Ranger Ron Been here awhile

scootertrog Jedi Fart Master

vato_loco Sometimes good guys don't wear white

KerwoodDerby n00b

KerwoodDerby n00b

swimmer armchair asshole

Log in or Join

Useful Searches

Arai RX-Q owners, top vent problems?

swimmer armchair asshole

swimmer armchair asshole

rbrsddn 3banger

Anticyclone Out

swimmer armchair asshole

T --------------

4eyes Adventurer

Ape76 Gear whore

ncbuckeye Adventurer

TSPAraiGuy CBR600 Chick

vtbob wanderer

donnymoto Long timer

swimmer armchair asshole

swimmer armchair asshole

Ranger Ron Been here awhile

scootertrog Jedi Fart Master

vato_loco Sometimes good guys don't wear white

KerwoodDerby n00b

KerwoodDerby n00b

swimmer armchair asshole