ARC Roadster BelAir Helmet - Unboxing and Review

It's time to replace my 5 years old Givi helmet (primary user is my family) and a quick trip to Sentul motorbike town leads me to a brand locally known as ARC. It is not foreign to many local riders and the price point has always been pocket friendly. My initial plan was to replace it with another Givi (model is M30.3) with double visor but the pricing was about RM300. Which is a bit steep for a helmet that is worn once or twice by the kids and wife. We don't put a price on life (or head), so I was ready to commit to the White Givi M30.3 and that was when I decided to see what else were there on the rack with certification and most importantly, made in 2022 (helmet has lifespan)

Click Here For The Unboxing Video

The sales person at the shop was really helpful and brought a few helmets for our viewing and trying. The ARC Roadster caught Missus' eyes as it was simple and yet striking in design. The other two (Gracshaw and SGV) were put aside as we prefer something with micro-lock and not Double-D rings to secure the helmet chin strap. The ARC Roadster priced at RM250, which is slightly cheaper than Givi M30.3, and to our surprise the manufacturer is having a promotion and has placed the price of RM180 for a limited time. It was a no brainer decision then.

FS-720 in XXL

What it comes with

• Box
• Microfiber mixed polyester drawstring helmet bag
• Helmet
• Clear visor (installed)
• Sunvisor (installed)
• ARC tag
• Hex-key to tighten/remove the visor

A bag, A helmet, A one-sheet instruction, A hex key and well, a box

I was hoping for a 40 pages manual. I love to read them

First Feel

The finishing is pretty good. Color (White) was even and with Red lining which were made of silicon. Not entirely sure why, as I am sure this will degrade fast especially for people that rides under the weather most of the time. But I put trust that the manufacturer will make it last the useful lifespan of the helmet (which is max 5 years). 

XXL @ 62cm - Fitting is slightly different compared to the same measurement Givi XL @ 62cm

Air-vent on the top via sliding mechanism

A nice touch with "Bel Air" which gives the impression of exclusivity. Silicon textured finishing. There is two smallish airvents at the bottom left and right

Rear View - White with Red-stripes gives really good look

ECE and JPJ sign off

Side view with visor down

The inner liner was good. I would say I was surprised it was textured and removable for washing. The cheek pad was thick, a good indication for both protection and sound (wind) isolation. I do ride with ear plugs if the journey is longer than 30mins.

Pretty good quality liner.

One other reason for choosing this ARC Roadster is because it comes with the sunvisor - this is singlehandedly a must have for me. Riding into sunlight or sunset is tough. Worse if it rains (well, it does rain and still have the sun shinning back at us). While it is missing a Pin-lock insert, you can get a generic liner to manage any fogging if you ride a lot in the rain.

With main visor up and sunvisor down

D-Rings or Ratchet system?

I much prefer micro-ratchet

The traditional system uses the Double-D ring, which requires a bit of work to get it secured. I've used both of them and has been spoilt by the micro-ratchet system which is easy to use and fast to remove. The structure of the system looked solid and doesn't seems like it will disengage not on purpose. Same reason why I invested in a Nolan N91 which is a flip-up and locks securely. You do not want the buckle to fail (or the flip to open) when you fall. Tested and secured system. Like them.

The Visor and locks

Anti-Scratch visor and with UV protection 

The Notch

If there is one thing that can be improved for the more premium feel is that the visor flipping system should have micro-adjustment which meant it will be secured at any position and not flip up or down depending on the wind-pressure. I noticed the ARC system uses a simple "lock-notch" which is automatically engaged when you press the visor down - and to move the visor up/open, you will need to put some pressure on the this lower left part and push up outward and upward... after a few practices, it became easy.

lower diffuser at the bottom of the helmet

Something that I was surprised to see was the diffuser at the bottom of the helmet. Some may think it's some pattern, but I believe these were well thought off to diffuse the air and keep the head stable and not tired in a long ride. The bottom of the visors too, has a notch that resemble an aerodynamic lip that will lend stability. ARC failed to capitalize on these features!

Time to peel the stickers off and lets go for a ride!

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Tumi Cameron Commuter Review

The Cameron Commuter

Tumi. A brand specializing in bags and luggage. Often a lifestyle brand and on the high side of pricing. My wife surprised me with a Tumi backpack, and this prompt me to write a review, as I believe this backpack deserves a mention.

Tumi Cameron Commuter.

This is a low profile and sized at 29cm(W)x12cm(D)x43cm(H) which is significantly smaller footprint when compared to the (office) standard issue HP backpack at 36cm (W)x9cm(D)x51cm(H).

Wifey’s intention was to prevent me from lugging everything I can as my everyday carry (EDC) when I go to work or travel (for work). Volume wise, the Cameron is 23liter vs HP a 25liter pack. 

The Cameron Commuter is a very well built bag - you don’t expect anything less at the (high) price you paying for. 

Size comparison visually

Coming almost to the same price point as my Camelbak Kudu 18, the Cameron are certainly more refined and business-like. While my Camelbak made statement due to the bright colour, the Cameron blends in elegantly without shouting “I have a Tumi”. If you seen how one of the Tumi bag model are common among business travellers, you will know what I meant - and why the leather patch with your initial is essential (because many are carrying the same bag model from Tumi!)

The most subtle indication it's a 
Tumi on the Cameron

When I first got the Cameron, I transferred all items from my HP bag and realized this Tumi swallowed up all the items, and still have a lot of space. So, I removed all my items again, unlike the HP when I can’t put anymore stuff into the front pocket compartment as the main compartment already filled up (and pushed against) the outer compartment.

From experience (of having many bags, bagpacks, messenger bags), having many pockets and compartment doesn’t meant they are all usable (maximized) due to stackability - and the Cameron 12cm depth vs HP 9cm deep is a dead giveaway why this Cameron fits more than it looked.

That was when I decided to test, and document what this Cameron can do, hence worth the trouble for this review. Below is my usual travel EDC. These items are essential (some say I overly prepare) and they include headlights and red blinkers inside the yellow Camelbak tool case.

A little about my EDC, the larger black pouch carries the laptop chargers, phone wall charger and phone cables, and the Kensington lock. The small black pouch has my wireless mouse, earphones for conference calls, wiping cloth(I hate fingerprints on screens) and 12feet of paracord. I bring my Bose QC25 for travel to make the plane ride more enjoyable, and I always have a power bank, my pencil case (which is a Camelbak tool bag), a camera (Panasonic FT4), a foldable jacket (Salomon), an additional earphone (JVC no less) and a waterproof bag. Other items such as extra ziplock bag, cable ties are dependent but as important for travel. When I am not travelling, the charger pouch, passport and Bose stays home. It is then replaced with another pouch that carries other “survival” EDC. 

Field test

The shoulder pad were sufficiently padded and able to manage the load full. Due to the smaller footprint, it doesn’t feel particularly big, or uncomfortable. Weight distribution is neutral for typical commute/travel. Unless you plan to have this behind you whole day long, something with better air circulation (to separate the physical bag and your back such as those available on hiking bags) may be a better choice.

The bag zippers were smooth. No indication of brand (as YKK is often synonymous with durable zips). The main main compartment zipper will end in either one of the side pockets, it is a bit troublesome to “dig” it out especially if you have the side pockets filled. I do not leave my zippers in the middle of the bag, as it may actually pry open or opened when you are commuting/travelling in crowded spaces.

Both zipper ends in the side pocket

The inner pockets were functional except the name card holder. It’s too shallow to hold anything except your name card, and if you have a card holder, it won’t fit in there as well. Maybe it’s just meant as a slot to place your contacts card should you misplace or lose your bag, which brings me to the next paragraph.

The pocket closest to this caption is the card holder.

Tumi Tracker - it’s a feature that Tumi included in this bag that may potentially make it possible for you to be reunited with your bag should you lose it because of your own carelessness. It’s not a GPS chip embedded type of function so there are limitations. There is a 20-digit code unique to each bag and if a Good Samaritan finds them, and decided to do you a big favour, call the US number, give the 20-digit number, you may get your bag back. I will hold this hope with humanity.

You only need to register once - and you have the number back to your email. So don’t worry about having to remember the numbers; as it actually make more sense to keep your bag close to you. However, if you do own the luggage bag (to check in), this may be an additional insurance should the airline misplace your luggage .. and the airline tag gets separated... maybe.

The two front zip - Left and Right Pockets

The two-front zipped compartments were impressive. Tumi did some magic and made them both highly usable instead of just aesthetic. One side has a phone sleeve able to fit my OnePlus2 5.5inches. A 16k mAh powerbank, a Buff and a reflective vest all fits in with space to spare.

Powerbank, Phone, Camelbak tool Bag

And still have space for this two items!

The other side slips in my tags, earphone in a casing and a folded dry bag, with space to spare.

And still with space to spare...

Inside the Cameron, there is an inner zipped pocket that runs 3/4 height of the bag - which I have not utilized. It also have a padded slip pocket for tablets, which I am unlikely to utilize except maybe as a separate compartment for passport and boarding passes. There are two more slide pocket deep and wide enough for an external HDD each.

Interior

How it all fitted in

Right pocket with lining for cold drinks that may condensate

Left pocket for other utilities.

There are three daisy-chain loop that you can use to attach anything, including a metal buckle - perhaps a touch to make you feel it’s an exclusive (read: expensive) bag. The other two daisy chain is at each of the strap which is useful to clip blinkers perhaps?

You can hang marketing stuff here if you want

Loops for you to secure other items

One more nice touch to the bag is a hidden compartment behind the bag that is secured with magnetic closure. The size fits a passport and boarding pass very nicely. I supposed this, together with the Bag-sleeve (where you use it to hang/secure the bag to your carry-on luggage completes the "commuter" tag this Cameron lives up to. Nice touch Tumi.

Secret Compartment

able to fit my passport and the leather cover

where the passport is relative to the size of the compartment

the luggage sleeve

Wrapping it up

It’s a very nice bag that is not loud. Something you don’t see often as the market is flooded with the monogram series. My wife choice (I am one of them) were perfect. While she bought this hoping I won’t put all the items above, as I do have the tendencies to put everything I think I need, the Cameron surprised me and her that it holds everything I need and don’t need.

If there is two things I wished it had, a leather patch for my initial (isn’t that why people get a Tumi?) and the material to be Cordura (hardier and self healing) instead of Nylon - because Nylon does not reflect the exclusivity of the brand.

leather detailing on the bag

Size comparison against a 21inch Echolac carry-on luggage

side profile vs 21inches Echolac

Specification (from a few sources online, as Tumi does not have much info surprisingly):

Dimension (approx): 29cm(W)x12cm(D)x43cm(H)

Weight: Approx 750grams empty

Laptop dimensions: up to 15 inches (my office issued laptop is a 14.4inch and fits nicely)

Other Details:

- Two zip pockets on front

- Double zip top closure

- Open pockets on sides

- Bag sleeve on back to slide onto luggage handle

- Adjustable padded straps with leather detailings

- Double Nylon grab handle 

- Hidden pocket with magnetic closure

Interior:

- One Zip pocket

- 4 slip pockets

- One pen holder (which is really a pocket, not explicit "pen" loop, which is great!)

- One padded slip pocket (for tablet?)

- One key sling with clip

- Tumi Tracker ID sewn 

Construction:

100% Nylon outer

100% Polyester lining inner

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Malaysia Airlines - New Business Class Seats on A330 Aircrafts

For the past 12 months, I've been travelling a fair bit and was fortunate (very in fact) to experience flying on Business Class (BC) for flight more than 4-hours (in total) due to company policies. Happy to report that I am a big fan of Malaysia Airlines (MH), choosing to fly on the National Airline as first choice. Only when the route is not supported by MH, I will opt for the One World alliance airlines so I could continue to enjoy the benefit as an Enrich member. 

My first Business Class experience - MH16 March 2015 onboard B777-200

Most recent Business Class experience - MH002 March 2016 onboard A380-800

My regional travel are mostly less than 4 hours (Manila, Hong Kong, Chennai is a 3:50, 10mins short of 4hours to experience BC ;-)) and I will not likely to experience the new A330-300 Business Class. However, the good PR people in MH has shared with me a short write up so I could share this with you readers in return. My thoughts on the new seats, based on my limited flying experience will be included as TS - [Comments] in the write up below. 

Hopefully, that will help you understand the differences. For comparison, I will pull the two planes I've flew BC with MH, the A380 and the B777.

Please also bear in mind that the other two planes services longer haul aka >10hours. The business strategy for MH has now focused more towards regional travel, hence, the introduction of A330.

Malaysia Airlines - New Business Class Seats on A330 Aircrafts

On Tuesday, 22^nd March 2016, Malaysia Airlines unveiled its first A330-300 aircraft fitted with the new Business Class seats at its Engineering Complex in Sepang. The new seats has taken off on its first flight, MH141, from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney on 23 March 2016.

The launch event was officiated by Malaysia Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Simmons, who was joined by the airline’s staff, invited guests as well as members of the media. All guests were given the opportunity to experience the fully revamped Business Class cabin.

Here are some cool facts on those seats;

· Measures at 44 inches, with a width of 20 inches, and a length of 76 inches when it’s laid out flat. 
TS - A380 is 72inches (pitch), 22inches (width) and 74inches (flat). B777 is 62(P), 18.5(W) and angled seat (meaning not real lie flat, but the seat comes with an attachment to raise the leg rest up, appearing to be laying flatter. 

· One of the best received business class seats in the industry. 
TS - A few frequent traveler says it reflect the Aer Lingus BC ;-)

· Come with increased working space, with 90% of all seats having direct aisle access. 
TS - from the PR photos, it appear to have more space compared to both A380 and B777, Hopefully with more privacy too. The forward facing seating doesn't allow much privacy, and it's evident if you are seated at the Aisle. Even with the  privacy screen in-between the seats up, your work are still visible by the person across the aisle.

· 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 seat layout. 
TS - A380 is 2-2-2 and B777 is 2-3-2. All are forward facing. A reverse herring bone would be nice for privacy and space. This will reduce the numbers of seat by at least 10 and potentially raise the price of BC significantly.

· Extra stowage space for personal items. 
TS - hopefully, as both the A380 and B777 is not as generous if you sit on the aisle side. Window seats has ample, in fact too much storage on the A380.

· Each seat is equipped with a 16 inch touch screen inflight entertainment system. 
TS - A380 is 17, B777 is 10.4

  

The new Business Class seats are available on Malaysia Airlines’ A330 flights between Kuala Lumpur and Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China and India from March 2016 onwards.

Some photos taken from the MH page, specific to the A330 new BC configuration of 1-2-2 seating. 

MH has uploaded a video of the BC as well. Enjoy.

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Amazing Landscape Over Arctic Circle

My flight back from Toronto via CX829 took the scenic route and flew over the top of the world literally, aka Arctic Circle. The landscape is amazing. Frozen Arctic Ocean, buttery smooth snow covering mountains, shadow casted by the sun (almost 24hours!)  from the other side...and i just flew through my second sunset (once over Canada Arctic Bay and now into top of eastern Russia towards Ulaanbator).

I took a 2mins video and sharing it here at my YouTube channel. Enjoy the sight; I know I did.

http://youtu.be/MHHPtchDQ9U

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