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About Arai Helmets The
history of ARAI goes back a long way, starting in 1937 when founder Hirotake Arai produced
his first helmets for the domestic market. His son Michio 'Mitch' Arai, the present
president of ARAI Helmet took over the family business and introduced the now worldwide
known new oval logo of ARAI. In the past the helmets were branded 'H.A.', the initials of
the founder. Nowadays these helmets have become treasured collectors items!
The success story of ARAI in Europe started in 1981, when Ferry Brouwer visited the ARAI
factory in Japan, determined to get the company to Europe. As former racing mechanic for
world-champions such as Grand Prix racers Phil Read, Bill Ivy or Takazumi Katayama, Ferry
Brouwer noted the sheer quality of the ARAI helmets that just began appearing in the
paddocks. As ARAI only exported to Australia and the United States, he succeeded in
convincing ARAI to start the export to Europe and ARAI Helmet Europe was established on
27th of February 1983.
Today ARAI Helmet exports helmets to more than 40 countries with a workforce of about 25
people. ARAI quality, safety and design is trend setting for the market. Not only in
motorcycle and car racing, but also among our most valued relations: our customers.
These ARAI Tecs pages will introduce you to the philosophy, craftsmanship, research and
development that are essential to the renowned quality and fit of every handmade ARAI
helmet. At ARAI we are proud of every helmet made and these pages will show you how much
effort, practical science and production control are needed to achieve the famous ARAI
quality.
A good example of this dedication is the production of the shell, the heart of a helmet
system. It is made of several kinds of resins and superfibre formulated in special
combinations developed with exclusive ARAI know-how. The on-going search is for ways to
make it stronger, while making it also even lighter. To reach these opposite goals ARAI
keeps investing, testing and researching everyday. When we see an iceberg, we notice only
30 percent of their actual size, 70 percent is hidden below the surface and therefore we
only see the top. The same is true for an ARAI helmet, you cannot see the development that
was needed to create such an outstanding helmet, but it is good to know that it is there.
Arai has remained in top form! If you want the top helmet made in the world, you
won't go wrong with Arai! |