Arai sets new standard with ECE 22.06 Quantic

Arai’s new sports touring helmet is the first, and so far the only, helmet to pass the rigorous new ECE 22.06 standard. The test was introduced last year and significantly raises the bar compared to the old standard.

The outgoing ECE 22.05 test required dropping the helmet against a flat anvil at a set speed (7.5m/s) and measuring the impact with six sensors. The new test requires a test at 7.5m/s, 8.2m/s, 6m/s and an oblique blow on a 45 degree anvil at 8m/s to measure rotational forces. There are also 12 sensors across the helmet to get a greater impression of various impact points.

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Arai have had to design the new helmet from the ground up, including a new multi-density single piece EPS liner for improved impact absorption. The results are impressive, with the ECE test setting a maximum transmitted force of 275g, while the Quantic transmits just 210g.

The oblique ‘rotational’ test recorded forces of just 1/3 of the maximum allowed. This new style of construction has enabled Arai to introduce a forehead vent for the first time, with a reinforcing ‘super fibre’ belt from F1 helmets for strength in this critical area.

“It’s much tougher for helmets to pass this test,” says Eelco van Beek, from Arai. “In particular the low velocity impact as the liner must be ‘soft’ enough to absorb it and not just transmit it through.”

Arai also say they’ve done work to reduce the weight, including a new resin that has helped shed 30g, however the Quantic is still hefty – measuring 1633g on MCN’s scales (including Pinlock). Without another ECE 22.06 helmet on the market it’s hard to draw an exact comparison but it’s certainly no lightweight.

The Quantic is arriving in dealers over the next six weeks, with prices starting from £499.99. Keep an eye on weekly issues of MCN for a long-term review in the coming months.

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2021 Arai Quantic currently undergoing ECE 22.06 testing

First published on 17 December, 2020 by Dan Sutherland

Earlier this week, Arai announced a new Quantic sports touring helmet, which according to a statement, was said to be ‘the first Arai full-face to go through the new, more rigorous ECE 22.06 standard.’

However, the helmet company have now added a second release, stating the Quantic is actually planned to meet the new criteria, however has not yet made the grade. The new lid, which begins at £499.99 and will be available in 2021, is undergoing the testing process as we speak and it is hoped will pass soon. You can read more about the helmet below.

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New lid on the block: 2021 Quantic is first full-face Arai to meet ECE 22.06 standard

First published on 15 December, 2020 by Dan Sutherland

Meet the all-new Arai Quantic: A fresh sports touring helmet for 2021 and the first full-face option from the luxury lid manufacturer to pass new stringent ECE 22.06 safety regulations.

Where the existing ECE 22.05 test involves impacts on to a flat anvil, the new system will also measure rotational acceleration inside the helmet when dropped onto an anvil at a 45-degree angle. This is because research has suggested the twisting motion of a glancing impact can cause significant damage to brain tissue without any obvious external trauma.

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Released alongside the rest of the Japanese firm’s 2021 range, the Quantic will be available next year and sit between their sportiest RX-7V and more basic Profile-V as a helmet designed for ‘the enthusiastic, sports-touring long-distance rider.’ Plain white retails at £499.99, with colourful designs are available for £599.99.

Aiming to provide all-day comfort, the new design boasts frontal venting in the forehead, integrated behind the Arai logo, plus slots within the chin and visor. There’s also a racing-inspired one-piece rear spoiler/exhaust for increased airflow. In total there are 12 ventilation ports: six intakes and six exhausts. 

An intercom system is also said to be easily attached and graphic designs are provided by Aldo Drudi. Although Arai don’t produce any intercoms in-house, the more stringent ECE testing means all official accessories like intercoms, which may impact on a helmet’s safety, are now also included in the crash-testing the process.

One extra not currently meeting the new standard is Arai’s VAS Pro Shade external sun visor. The firm say they have prioritised other components for the new rules first and will test the sun screen at a later date.

Equipped with a laminate shell and multi-density EPS liner, the Quantic has also passed a number of in-house tests, including those for impact and penetration against a hemispherical anvil. Although not required by law, the process sees a 3kg test cone strike from a height of three metres.

Also looked at more thoroughly is the visor, which comes with a Pinlock insert. To ensure it passes 22.06 and doesn’t shatter upon impact with a foreign body, a steel ball is now fired at the visor at 60m/s – impacting where the right and left eye would normally be.

Away from regulations, the Quantic also features an integrated wire pocket, allowing you to store excess cable in the neck roll, without compromising comfort or safety. Cheek pads can also be removed easily for cleaning and/or adjustment.