Vivid colors emphasize sportiness
The open-face helmet offers a stress-free fit and a sense of openness for touring and everyday use. The VZ-RAM, the flagship model in the Arai open-face helmet lineup, is a model that fully pursues the safety performance that the company claims to offer within the framework of an open-face helmet.
The newly added graphic, “OGURA,” incorporates the personal graphic of Japanese rider Ai Ogura into the open-face design. Last year, he won the Moto2 class championship, and this season he will be making his debut in the top MotoGP class with the Track House 1 MotoGP Team (Aprilia).
He is the only Japanese rider to compete full-time in MotoGP, and is making rapid progress. The graphic is elaborate, weaving the traditional Japanese beauty of “indigo dyeing” into lines that exude a sense of speed. It symbolizes a young rider taking on the world. While open-face designs tend to be more adult and subdued, there are few colors with an aggressive impression. This is perfect for riders who seek both a sense of freedom and sportiness.
Ogura
Ogura
Ultimate safety for open-face helmets
The VZ-RAM is a new generation open-face model that is the first to feature the “VAS-Z Shield System” (described below) for improved protection.
Since there is a limit to the amount of energy any helmet can absorb, in real-world situations, the only option is to deflect large amounts of energy. Therefore, Arai has adopted a smooth form that easily deflects impacts, along with a strong shell. To further improve impact deflection, the shield mounting point has been lowered by approximately 14 mm, based on the proven Snell standard test line, and the side of the helmet has been redesigned to have a smoother form.
To achieve this ideal form, the VZ-RAM is equipped with Arai’s newly developed shield system, the “VAS-Z Shield System.” Lowering the position of the shield system means lowering the shield mounting part to a position where it would normally not be possible to open or close it. The previous model, the SZ-Ram4, had a single shield rotation axis, but the VAS-Z uses a unique rotation axis structure that combines a virtual shield rotation axis that should normally be at the top with the original rotation axis. This allows the shield to be opened and closed while lowering the position of the shield system.
The helmet body uses SFB protection, developed from F1 helmet technology. Arai’s proprietary super fiber belt is placed parallel to the upper window cut line to enhance rigidity. In the event of an accident, this special belt prevents cracks from spreading when the opening receives a strong impact.
The main material for the shell is the latest, expensive super fiber, which is six times more expensive than regular glass fiber. It’s Arai’s latest proprietary material, an improved version of a special glass fiber with a higher fiber density and 40% higher tensile and compressive strength than regular glass fiber. Furthermore, the lightweight organic AR mat (internal material) that is combined as a composite material has been improved to adhere better to the super fiber, further increasing strength. The same resin as the flagship RX-7X model is used, achieving both strength and lightness. Highly skilled shell experts carefully assemble each shell by hand, resulting in the ultimate shell, achieving rigidity, lightness, and toughness.
One of the features of the VZ-RAM is that the center of gravity has been rebalanced in millimeters, making the helmet feel lighter. During the design stage of the helmet and liner, the front and back were widened by approximately 2mm and the liner roof was widened by 2mm (57-58/59-60 sizes) compared to the previous model SZ-Ram4, and the center of gravity balance was re-analyzed. Although the VZ-RAM weighs around 1,400g (59-60 sizes), the helmet’s center of gravity is located around the center of gravity of the head, so when worn it feels much lighter than its weight suggests.
The diffuser is the same as that used on the RX-7X, developed for racing, and is installed on the open face. The spoiler function, combined with a fixed aero fin, has been improved to further reduce turbulence behind the rear at high speeds. Intake efficiency is improved by 19% compared to the Diffuser Type 10 (SZ-Ram4).
A large switch allows precise adjustment of the air intake volume when fully open or half-open, and soundproofing and rainproofing when fully closed have also been improved, resulting in both quietness and ease of operation.
The aero fins, which are extremely effective at regulating turbulent air behind the helmet, work in synergy with the racing diffuser, which significantly improves quietness and intake efficiency, reducing helmet wobble and improving stability. The shape, angle, and position have been carefully considered to maximize the rectification effect required for touring, improving comfort and reducing strain on the neck. The helmet is also equipped with ventilation that efficiently guides air around the forehead, improving cooling and providing a refreshing feeling, and the NE nozzle side duct 7, which uses negative pressure while riding to expel hot air from the back of the head while also suppressing turbulence.
The interior is made of a fully adjustable system that maintains the same weak acidity as bare skin and has antibacterial, deodorizing, and stain-resistant properties. It also comes equipped with ear cups that are compatible with an incom, providing comfort approaching that of top-end full-face models.
<Main features>
– Uses a tough “PB-cLc2 (Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction Square) shell”
– Sleek form that easily deflects impacts
– New shield system “VAS-Z Shield System” that lowers the shield mounting position while improving safety without sacrificing functionality – “Aero Fin”
that regulates turbulent air behind the helmet –
“Racing Diffuser” that significantly improves intake efficiency –
“IC Duct 5” with a large switch that allows for reliable operation and adjustment of air intake volume when fully open or half open –
“Aero Fin” that regulates turbulent air behind the helmet –
“Side Duct 7” and “NE Nozzle” that improve the cooling effect above the ears –
Newly developed full-system interior “Eco Pure Interior” with antibacterial, deodorizing and stain-resistant properties
– “Adjustable System Interior” that allows for more precise adjustment of the fit around the head –
Space is secured within the system pad to store an intercom speaker
– Head and cheek sizes can be adjusted with options
Overview of Arai Helmet “VZ-RAM OGURA”
■ Price: 70,400 yen (tax included)
■ Color: Ogura
■ Size (cm): 54, 55-56, 57-58, 59-60, 61-62
■ Standards: SNELL, JIS
■ Structure: PB-cLc2
■ Shield: VAS-Z Blow Shield (Light Smoke) included as standard (Anti-fog Pinlock sheet sold separately)
