My Arai "Quantum/f" helmet gets a lot of comments because of the graphics. Many people ask if I had it custom painted, and they are surprised when I tell them I purchased it off the shelf. Up until recently Arai limited their sales to motorcycle shops to ensure that you actually try on the helmets to make sure you get the best fit. A business decision was made to start selling their helmets to mail-order catalogs as do other helmet companies. Arai still believes that the best fit is obtained by actually trying on the helmet as opposed to ordering it from a catalog. Sizes vary between manufacturers and even within the same company there are varieties of the shapes of the shells (oblong, round, narrow) to fit all different head sizes and shapes. It may affect sales numbers a bit, but the riders who purchase Arai helmets are willing to pay a premium to have the best protection possible. Protection shouldn't be sacrificed for the sake of looks, and an ill-fitting helmet can do more harm than good. Arai's helmets are all handmade, and once you wear one you're hooked. I can wear my helmet all day whether it's hot or cold, or rainy and wet and never have hot or cold spots, soreness from ill-fitting areas or a sore neck from the weight of the helmet. I had all of the above mentioned problems with my previous brand's helmet. I can ride all day in this helmet and have no uncomfortable areas of hot/cold air, no sore neck, and no squinty eyes from a cheaply made visor. Arai helmets are definitely worth every penny, and since you only have one head your choice of helmet is just as important, if not more, than the bike you ride. Your neck and skull aren't areas in which you should necessarily get the cheapest "lid". I would very highly recommend Arai helmets to anyone looking for a well built, safe helmet, and their customer service is excellent. Their warranty is 5 years from date of purchase, or seven years from date of build. I recently had a piece sent to me free of charge almost 7 years since my purchase with no questions asked and speedy service- who else would do that? (No, I am NOT paid by Arai to sing their praises- but I'll take another one of their helmets for doing so...) Photo taken July 2006.