Yep, just bought one over here in the US ($350 - nice) to replace my aging Tour-x 2 - wore it for the first time today, and like any Arai, it was comfy straight out of the box...

In photos they don't look all that different, but in the flesh, the T-X3 has a lot of changes - it has mesh covers on the chin bar vents, a flip down chin guard, emergency removable cheek pads (as I mentioned above) and much nicer vents on the top that blend into the shell, rather than just stuck on... The peak is also a different shape and more sturdy. The lining is also a different colour.

Otherwise they are pretty much the same - I wouldn't say the mk3 is much quieter than the mk2, other than the fact my lining was brand new and snuggly, so gave the effect of better sound proofing...

I still think Groombridge's in Sussex is the best price in the UK, not sure if they are doing the Mk3 at the same low price too though?

xxx

Don't
 

Don't buy one, theyre really **** on an unfaired bike, had one for 2 years then swapped it for a standard full face, ahhhh, thats better,

Arai pinlocks are not as moisture absorbant as other pinlocks on the market, hence they steam up, FAST.
Poor visor seal, always pissing in water,
Bad in gusty conditions, I trust you like having your head on your shoulders.
Noisy, due to large apertures and poor aerodynamics.

Sorry to all the guys who have one and love it, but I do not rate them, at least the Shoei hornet is a little smaller with improved aerodynamics and a Shoei pinlock, should absorb more moisture prior to misting up, bike used on, a V strom, due to have tenere delivered next week and I will be sticking with the XR1000 for forseeable future.

These are not the droids you are looking for...
 

Erm, I think it depends on what sort of speed you are doing? - Ewan & Charlie Wannabees who spend all their time on the road don't actually need a helmet in this style (even if it helps them look the part x) - they are not ideal for prolonged high speed riding... but the venting, visor aperture and MX peak all make a big difference slogging along on unmade roads, especially in hot climates...

You're right to highlight the Shoei as a good alternative though - I've heard it said a number of times that you either have a Shoei shaped head or an Arai shaped head - certainly when I've tried on Shoei helmets, the fit across the forehead isn't as comfortable for me...

xxx

I think your right Jmo,i have had an arai and it did'nt fit right so sold it asap ,i have tried on a shoei and the fit is fantastic but as i am a tight so and so and use it offroad so it would get scratched i bought a cheaper alternative (Marushin) as the visor is very handy when you are going throught tight woods ,also stops your face freezing up on the run home on the road,Also tested it out and the visor does'nt actully pull your head up until you reach 135mph (private road on an Aprilia rsvr )

I'm a novice... Bought a Arai x3 because everybody told me not to mess around when it came to safety. It's noisy(compared to some or other Baer i was lent), comfortable enough(never really tried to compare it) and, it should'nt be an issue, but apart from the Shoei, looks the part. But...

...on a dusty road behind other bikes, the visor is no good. I took the visor off, and got myself goggles?

Then on the other hand, all those vents you can open and close, and being down in Africa in summer time, i think that is a really big help!

I'd like to see it as a good all rounder, just like my XT!

paid 300 Sterlings at the NEC in december for my Arai Tour X3 in LWD red color.

I paid 450euros a year before for the Tour X2 that saved my head when I crashed in Morocco.

I really love the tour X3 that I use on a daily basis for 2x 50miles.
The Pinlock makes a huge difference.

I couldn't use the Tour X2 in cold/wet weather so misty it was :)
More details: here

You can wear goggles with the visor in place (flipped up) - that's the point!

The visor is great in the wind and rain, but as you say, in dusty off-road conditions, it's better to wear goggles or glasses, and keep the visor up...

As you say, it is a great all-round touring helmet, particularly if you ride in low sun and off-road in hot conditions, when the venting is truly appriciated...

xxx