I’ve just left a fulfilling long-term relationship with my Arai Quantic helmet. Like most breakups, it was a sad affair because I loved my Quantic and it rates highly on my list of all-time favourite helmets. But, in my line of work, helmets wear out fast, and after a couple of years, it was time for a fresh lid. What to get next? I was so happy with Quantic life that I was keen to stay with the Japanese brand. If you’re after the ultimate performer, it’s nearly impossible to overlook the brand’s range-topping RX-7V Evo. It’s everything a great helmet should be— lightweight, comfortable, race-proven, bristling with ventilation, and still handmade to this very day.

If you’re familiar with the previous iteration of the RX-7V, you may have noticed that the two models look virtually identical. Underneath the glossy paintwork, the composite shell structure is the same. Arai maintains that its lids exceed industry safety standards, and it’s hard to argue with that. The previous model passed ECE R22-05 standards, and the RX-7V Evo, which, as I said, runs the same shell structure, passed the far more stringent ECE R22-06 standard. There’s far more that goes into making an RX-7V Evo than I have room to tell you about here, but a few key points to RX-7V Evo’s performance swagger are the shell shape and peripheral belt above the eye-port, and its unique single-piece, multi-density EPS liner. These elements work together to improve protection for your grey matter. Arai makes no bones about the fact that they value safety above all other considerations. I could waffle on for days about what makes the RX-7V Evo so special from a construction point of view, but I suspect what you’re really interested in is how it performs in the real world.

(you can read more technical details on the RX-7V Evo here) I wanted next-level venting in my new helmet and with the 6 intake vents and 7 exhaust vents, the RX-7V Evo is a no-brainer. The RX-7V puts enough air in your hair to keep even the sweatiest beast cool but despite the extreme venting, it is quieter than a race-style lid has any right to be. In back-to-back tests with my Quantic, the RX-7 isn’t noticeably louder.

The RX-7’s washable comfort liner is plush, and the fit is snug, it feels like it’s holding onto more of your melon which is especially good at high speeds. Combine that with the aerodynamic shell shape, you have an extremely stable helmet. It’s worth taking note of the snug fit though. I’ve heard it said that, depending on the shape of your bounce, you may need to go up a size. Having said that I have always worn an extra-large helmet, and I’m no different in the RX-7V.

It's early days, but after a couple of thousand kilometres and two track days, I’m stoked with the RX-7V Evo. The fit is amazing, the venting next level, and it looks mint, especially with the clear rear diffuser ($109.95) and iridium visor ($129.95) fitted up.