Jesse Ziegler | August 7, 2024
Arai’s all-new XD-5 helmet is the latest multi-configuration helmet from the Japanese manufacturer. It’s 2024 launch follows a decade-long run for the previous and popular XD-4 version, which in turn replaced the XD-3 launched in 2008.
Is the XD-5 the new standard in ADV/multi-use helmets? We think so.
The Arai XD-5 helmet is 100 percent hand-made in Japan, where Arai has been making helmets for more than 70 years. Built using multiple layers of proprietary materials, Arai continues to craft helmets using complex shell laminates, beginning with their own exclusive Super Fiber fiberglass shell forms, claimed to be 30 percent stronger than traditional fiberglass. Bonded by exclusive resin and layered with Arai’s non-woven AR Mat, the result is Arai’s intentionally strong shell, optimized for weight, without compromise. The Arai XD-5 is certified by Snell M2020D and is DOT-approved.
Arai’s internal EPS liner system for the new XD-5 follows their tradition of using one-piece, multi-density EPS liners. These single-piece “absorption liners” are also made by hand and feature unique densities of EPS foam in areas of greater energy absorption needs. Arai says it strives to use the softest densities of EPS foam wherever possible, as that is the first contact point for a head in an impact (other than the comfort liner). Thanks to their outer shell strength priorities, Arai says they can do this more consistently without compromise. The EPS liners in the new XD-5, like all Arai liners, are designed specifically for each model and size.
Off-road mode, engaged.
Arai’s helmet construction and energy management philosophy has not changed because, as they say, a helmet’s job has not changed. Their protection priorities come from absorbing impact energy and “glancing off” obstacles to reduce the amount of energy sent directly into the helmet to be absorbed. The XD-5 is built to these same standards.
The XD-5 is designed to be the ultimate multi-purpose helmet. Not just for ADV use, Arai says the helmet can shift from off-road to street and excel in all. It starts this task by featuring an all-new shell and shield layout for the XD family, built to increase smooth shell surface area in critical impact zones above the pivot point for the shield by 20mm – Arai calls this the VAS-A system. The entire helmet shape is more egg-shaped on the exterior while keeping its Intermediate Oval interior shape/fit. The entry to the helmet is roomier with a wider bottom chin and is 5mm wider at the cheek pads. Arai’s interior liner is finely adjustable via cheek, temple, and crown peel-away comfort pads. There are also seven different thicknesses of cheek pads available from 15mm to 40mm.
The obvious visual update here is the all-new off-road inspired peak and MaxVision shield plus VAS-A system integrated into the shell. The shield, now available in tinted and mirrored finishes from Arai, follows the contour of the shell using an “optically correct constantly changing radius.” The Pinlock insert fits into a cavity on the inside of the shield.
Versatility is the XD-5’s game and its three configurations of use around the peak, shield and off-road goggles can be set with your bare hands. No tools required.
Ventilation is claimed to have increased significantly, with 200 percent more airflow coming in the chin vent, which is twice as big as the XD-4’s. A higher intake vent behind the logo on the front of the helmet aids flow up top. The XD-5’s new peak/visor is built for maximum airflow, too.
Comfort is set with an odor-resistant liner and communication convenience is built in to the XD-5 via a re-sculpted Hyper-Ridge with a flatter surface for mounting a device. Internally, speaker pockets in the ears and pre-installed hook-and-loop make speaker install easier and a wire channel in the neck roll ensures connections stay out of sight.
The Arai XD-5 tested here in the Discovery Black Frost graphic and with Cardo’s Packtalk Edge speakers, wiring and mount installed (but no device) weighs 1814 grams/3.99 pounds.
The XD-5 is a little easier to get on and off than the previous XD-4.
Lowdown | Arai XD-5 Helmet Review
List Price: Starting at $839.95 for solid black or white and up to $949.95 for graphics.
Outstanding comfort
Outstanding field-of-vision clarity
Great ventilation
Quiet and stable in the wind
Versatile one-helmet solution for many bikes
Mirrored and tinted shields–nice!
No photochromic shield options
Arai recommends removing the shield completely for off-road use with goggles. We just flip it up and run the goggles underneath the shield. When we do this (against their recommendation), you can see the shield in the top of your goggle view.
Done correctly, changing the faceshield is easy; done wrong, not so easy.
Rider Analysis | Arai XD-5 Helmet Review
The entire staff at Cycle News has been wearing this helmet and is now very familiar with it. We do a lot of ADV and standard-style bike tests and guess which helmet makes it easy to always have the right helmet on? This one. We even had a contributor ripping Indian cruisers in this thing. Despite being an easy choice, Arai has undoubtedly improved upon the very popular XD-4. Every small complaint we ever had about the XD-4 has been addressed with greatly improved comfort, ventilation and vision taking the best-of podium for the new XD-5. The now-roomier chin zone lets you literally breathe easier, and the welcomed airflow makes every ride more comfortable. Airflow on the top of your head is better now, too.
Nothing beats the faceshield clarity improvements, though. It is simply one of the best helmets for vision on the market with virtually no distortion or glare even with the Pinlock installed. Plus, Arai’s optional tinted and mirrored/tinted shields are top-notch and a welcome addition to the lineup. Now, we just need an auto-tinting photochromic option.
Maximum aero for street miles.
The fit is making fans across our staff, as well. I’m in between a medium and large for most on-road helmets and the medium Arai fits me like a custom unit after a few pad movements. With their micro-adjustable liner pads and vast array of cheek pad thicknesses. You can likely get an Arai to fit you well, too.
When asked for complaints from our staff, I received none other than the shield blocks our goggle-wearing view off-road a bit when we simply flip the shield up. Arai suggests you take the shield off for goggles, which eliminates this issue. In our defense, riding with the shield flipped up is just how it’s done in ADV land. Like locking knees, daytime LEDs and drinking cappuccinos, having goggle straps stuffed under a flipped-up shield is ADV high-fashion and shows you’re a serious off-road ADV guy/gal. As such, we will continue to do so. In Arai’s defense, it’s sort of silly to just have a dusty shield to deal with when you get back to the pavement and want to flip it down for some miles. And in our defense, again, where will we keep the shield if we take it off? As you can tell, I’m searching for something to complain about here.
After some practice, I can now remove the visor and shield and put it all back together in less than a minute. Arai says, “If it’s hard, you’re doing it wrong.” And they’re right. It’s fun to have a bullet helmet for street bikes, I guess. But the peak/visor on this helmet flows air with so little restriction I just think I’ll keep it on all the time regardless of the bike I’m riding.
The Arai XD-5 is a fantastic new standard for ADV/multi-purpose helmets. Even though we were big fans of the XD-4, the XD-5 is even better. It’s truly a great helmet from the most premium helmet brand. You will see me in it often.CN
To learn more, visit https://www.araiamericas.com/xd-5-variation
