The Arai Chaser-X is Arai's sport-touring full-face, below the Quantic and above the Profile V, from €599. It is a sensible middle ground: it inherits the VAS visor and RX-7V-style ventilation without its price, with 4 stars from SHARP; the trade-offs are stock availability and pads without quick release. Score: 8/10.
Shell and shape
The outer shell uses SFL2 fibre (Super Fibre Laminate) with Arai's Z Mixture resin formula — a fibreglass composite the brand builds by hand. It follows Arai's rounded, edge-free shape philosophy, intended to slide across a surface in an impact rather than catch or transmit rotational force. Weight is not published as a single official figure: independent retailer and reviewer measurements place solid-colour versions at ~1,450 g (Motoblouz, Xenon graphic) and around 1,500 g ±50 g in size S (ChampionHelmets, Motoblouz general spec sheet), varying by shell size and graphic.
Visor and ventilation
The Chaser-X carries Arai's VAS (Variable Axis System) visor mechanism, which the brand describes as enlarging and smoothing the shell area above the SNELL test line versus the older VSS system, for a better glancing-off surface. The clear visor includes anti-scratch and anti-UV treatment, and a Pinlock MaxVision insert is supplied in the box; there is no drop-down internal sun visor. Ventilation is a multi-position system derived from the RX-7V: a three-position chin intake, two brow vents, a three-position adjustable top intake and rear exhaust vents via the spoiler and neck area. Independent noise testing by SHARP measured 14 dB above the ambient control reading, which SHARP's methodology treats as a quiet result.
Interior and fit
The lining uses Arai's Facial Contour System, with removable, washable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic padding. Cheek pads use the Peel Away layered system for adjustment, and the interior includes pockets for intercom speakers. Retention is by double-D ring. Motoblouz lists the range from XS to XXL depending on graphic; SHARP's tested unit covered 6 shell/pad size combinations.
Safety testing
The Chaser-X has been independently tested by the UK's SHARP programme, which awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. This is a third-party physical impact test, separate from the ECE type-approval every road helmet must carry regardless of SHARP score. This review does not claim an additional physical road test of its own. The Chaser-X is homologated to ECE 22.05, the standard before 22.06: it is still legal in Spain, but it does not include the 22.06 tests, which is worth bearing in mind when comparing it with newer helmets.
Price: €599
In the Spanish market, solid colours are typically listed from €599, rising to around €719 for replica graphics referencing riders such as Kevin Schwantz, Nicky Hayden or Colin Edwards (Motociclismo.es). Availability varies by graphic and retailer — several solid and replica colourways were out of stock across Spanish retailers at the time of writing, which is common for a model this far into its production cycle.
Pros and cons
Pros
- VAS visor system: a larger, smoother shell area above the SNELL line, with Pinlock MaxVision included as standard.
- RX-7V-derived ventilation: a multi-position intake and exhaust layout inherited from Arai's flagship, independently measured as quiet by SHARP.
- Positioning: race-oriented technology at a lower price than the Quantic or RX-7V Evo, with a 4-star SHARP rating.
Cons
- No emergency release cheek pads: unlike newer Arai road models, the Chaser-X's generation lacks a quick-release system for the padding.
- Availability: several colourways are hard to find in stock at Spanish retailers, a sign the model is later in its lifecycle.
Verdict
The Chaser-X is a sensible middle ground in Arai's road range: it inherits the VAS visor and RX-7V-style ventilation without the RX-7V Evo's price, and SHARP's independent 4-star result backs up its safety credentials. Stock availability and the lack of quick-release pads are the clearest trade-offs against newer, pricier Arai models.
Score: 8/10
