Rado, premetto di non essere un'azionista Arai, ma mi chiedo come un casco da 50 sterline possa avere una valutazione più alta di uno da 400. Ovviamente sempre che non si tratti dei caschi BMW che per definizione sono maggiorati del 800% per via del marchio.
Qui la risposta del distributore Arai UK che riassumo brevemente: SHARP ritiene il punto debole dei caschi Arai, il lato all'altezza delle orecchie, indicato nella figura che ha causato il basso punteggio. Arai replica, affermando che l'X Point non è un punto dove gli impatti possano avere un'alta probabilità di avvenire per il fatto di essere coperti dalla spalla che tocca prima, oltre ad avere la minor probabilità di impatti severi.
http://www.whyarai.co.uk/sharp.php
Quote:
Sharp Assessment Report
Thank you for contacting us and giving Phoenix Distribution (NW) Ltd a chance to give a response instead of just taking on board what you have read about the Sharp test results. It offers us the opportunity to explain why you have made, or will make, the right decision choosing Arai.
X Point
During the Sharp tests, all helmets are tested on five precisely described and positioned impact points. Every Arai helmet tested, scored exceptionally well on three of these points. Only the test results on the fourth and fifth, so-called “X-point” were less satisfactory. The position of this X-point is marked on the drawing.
We have however severe doubts about the location of this particular X-point. Doubts that are shared not only by other renowned helmet manufacturers, but by many leading expert journalists as well, as you can read in several motorcycle magazines and on internet forums.
This is because through many years of R&D, intense study of motorcycle accidents and immense racing experience, Arai are of the opinion that indicated X-points are less likely to suffer severe impacts. This point is well protected by the riders shoulder. In case of an accident, the shoulder would hit an object (ground) and therefore X-point is less likely to make contact.
To create sufficient room for the ears, Arai produces therefore a very strong outer shell, with a thinner piece of polystyrene inner shell around the ears. This construction allows the helmet to exceed all worldwide standard demands at X-point. But more importantly, it allows Arai to produce a very comfortable helmet around the ear with two important advantages:
* more comfort, the rider can concentrate on riding
* less restrictions of (traffic) sounds
Arai has deliberately chosen for these properties, without making any concessions to safety.
Please do also keep in mind that the final Sharp testing standards are still under development and in its current procedure pre-mature. The Department of Transport already announced that further testing procedures are under development.
Could Arai produce a helmet that excels in this particular testing point? Yes, absolutely. But then Arai has to make concessions that are not acceptable to Arai’s proven safety and comfort philosophy.
We are convinced that the test area as defined by Snell offers a more correct reflection under actual impact circumstances. This shows that total helmet construction philosophy and technology is more important than specific point testing.
Arai do have more objections against the test methods and impact points used, as they have the opinion that they don’t reflect real-world accidents or impacts. These are fairly technical matters and have been taken up directly with the Department of Transport.
On a final point we at Phoenix are, have been and always will be confident in the way Arai helmets are made.
Safe riding!
John Wakefield
Managing Director
Phoenix Distribution (NW) Ltd
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