Arai Introduces The CT-Z Touring Helmet
List of unique features and benefits highlight new open-face helmet model’s emphasis on long-distance touring comfort
Arai’s marketing lead-in for its just-introduced CT-Z touring helmet pretty much sums up the new model’s focus: “More miles in more comfort. What more could you ask for.”
The special edition open-face CT-Z is designed to satisfy long-distance riders: “The objective was a helmet that’s truly all-day comfortable, one that combines this extra level of comfort with light weight, stability, strong ventilation, a peak, and the convenience of a flip-up faceshield. Plus, it has the added benefit of meeting or exceeding the Snell 2010 standard, which modular helmets don’t have at this point.”
The Arai CT-Z borrows the shell shape and function of Arai’s current open-face XC® models, models which the company says redefined open-face helmet design and function by giving riders the added protection of more facial coverage in the jaw area without sacrificing traditional open-face helmet feel. The CT-Z helmet then adds a distinctive peak design that both channels air into the helmet and provides day-long shade.
Highlighting the interior is Arai’s patent-pending FCS cheekpad design that uses an innovative and exclusive spring-support built into the cheekpad that actually cradles and supports the head. The spring-support adds just the right amount of pressure when needed while being worn, but then easily moves out of the way for easier helmet on-off. The design is also said to offer the benefit of an exceptionally quiet ride by muffling more wind noise coming in from below the ears (the main source of helmet noise). FCS also has Arai’s exclusive 5 mm peel-away custom-fit layer, giving the rider even more ability to craft the perfect fit and comfort for his or her individual face. In addition, the comfort liner is fully removable for faster easier cleaning at the end of a hot day.
Ventilation comes via the upper-vent diffuser system from Arai’s top-of-the-line race helmet, the Corsair-V. The advantages of this are greatly-improved airflow and helmet stability. A vented neck roll uses the airflow under the rider’s neck to further enhance ventilation by extracting more interior heat and stale air.
The new CT-Z helmet has Arai’s organic shell shape that follows the smooth, linear, naturally-reinforcing shape of the egg, “one of nature’s strongest shapes.” Arai says this shape “flows” better in the wind, conforming more to the head’s natural shape–smaller and less bulbous–and seals better to further reduce wind noise. The interior shape is Arai’s Intermediate Oval (IO) interior shape.
It is available in sizes XS-XXXL, in five solid colors, at a suggested retail of $609.95. Because it is a special edition model, the CT-Z won’t be carried by many Arai dealers. Interested riders should check with their local dealer.
