Arai Debut

Arai Debut - Page Red

The Arai Debut motorcycle helmet is a full-face crash helmet touted as the perfect entry-level helmet. Let's see, shall we?

Safety

The Debut is made from an extremely lightweight but durable SFL outer shell just as you'd expect from an Arai helmet. The visor is a clear premium standard SAI Max Vision Visor for optimum vision. The Debut is approved to ECE 22-05 safety standards for use on roads and is ACU Gold approved for use on the track. All Arai helmets are handmade and checked fastidiously, so you can trust in them for premium quality and handmade precision.

Arai Debut - Union

Styling

Available in a choice of colours and designs, the Debut has a style for most people. As this is a more affordable Arai, the Debut's styling isn't highly ostentatious or ultra-aggressive like a lot of fashionable helmets, but the design is simple and sleek. Classic Arai.

Arai Debut - Page Silver

Comfort

The shell is ultra-lightweight for lack of strain on the neck and added aerodynamics. Arai's FCS face contour system provides maximum comfort with a full ventilation system with centre top vent and brow vents and neck and side exhaust vents, three-position chin vent and replaceable cheek pads. Personalised to suit you.

Arai Debut - Union

Practicality

As an entry-level Arai, this doesn't come with all the higher-priced models' whistles and bells, but it does have some great practical features. The ventilation system is easy to use and personalise quickly. The replaceable cheek pads make this very easy to change to another size if needed for comfort. The visor is very easy to replace, if necessary, and the side pods keep the shell's thickness all the way around for optimised aerodynamics. As this is ultra-lightweight, it is easy to wear and easy to carry.

Arai Debut - White

Negatives

The Debut can be a little noisy as it's pretty much the only helmet company to still use side pods (also this is a positive due to it keeping the same thickness of shell all the way around). It also uses the older SAI visor which can be prone to breaking the side pods and the visor clip snapping. Arai now uses the VAS system on other models, however, to keep costs down, Arai used the SAI on the debut because it is an entry-level model. The Debut is also based on an older design as it's the replaced the Access line, but again this isn't necessarily a bad thing as it is a proven design. The fixed headliner is not removable - which isn't a deal-breaker - but people do like to take their helmet lining out to clean. One final negative point is that the Debut doesn't take intercoms brilliantly compared to some competitors, which is a big turn off.

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Verdict

It is an Arai. It is a fantastic helmet that is highly protective - handmade and hand-checked, you have peace of mind knowing that your head is safe. As this is an entry-level helmet from a premium brand, you will find that some luxurious items you would get on the more premium models aren't available - these are obviously sacrificed for the lower price. Yes, you can get those features on other brands for a similar price to this, or even less, but they are not Arai helmets. The Debut is.

Until next time, stay safe,

Alex