It’s been a long time coming, but Arai has finally released the fifth-generation XD-5 adventure helmet. The family-owned Japanese brand released its popular predecessor (the XD-4) back in 2012, remaining largely unchanged until now. With protection as priority, Arai says the XD-5 is a completely evolved lid with numerous new features that boost comfort and safety.

First up, although the interior fit shape is still intermediate oval, the fresh helmet features an all-new shell that is rounder, stronger and smoother than before so that it can more easily ‘glance off’ impact energy in a crash. The forehead area of the shell is reinforced by a Super Fiber belt which is similar to the way in which bands strengthen a barrel. Moreover, Arai says the PB-cLc 2 shell is meticulously assembled using an assortment of materials so that it can be not only strong, but also lightweight. 

Complementing the shell’s safer profile, the VAS-A shield system of the new lid has been lowered to further improve its ‘glancing off’ ability. With the same safety goal, the temporal region of the XD-5 has been smoothed out more than its predecessor. 

Yet the VAS-A shield system is not only safer, it is also more practical. The system now allows for easier and faster shield swaps without the need for any tools, plus the peak utilizes only one screw on each side for removal or installation. This makes it much easier for the XD-5 to convert into three distinct configurations. Use just the shield for street use, just the peak for off-road use, and the shield and peak for Adventure riding. 

According to Arai, the all-new peak is also designed for more effective ventilation, increased high speed flow-through performance, greater range of adjustability for blocking the sun, and reduced buffeting — all of which leads to an overall more comfortable riding experience. A new aerodynamic spoiler is set in an optimized position for adventure riding, reducing fatigue from turbulent air throughout long rides. Plus it works to draw out hot air from the crown area.

Ventilation has also improved through the mouth-shutter, which has doubled in size compared to the XD-4’s. Thanks to the evolution in shell strength from the previous generation, the aperture could be made larger and the mouth shutter could be made to flow more fresh air, without the need for the mesh vents as seen on its predecessor. 

Working in conjunction with the mouth shutter, the inner shutter allows you to adjust the amount of airflow entering the helmet. If the inner and outer shutters are both open, the air will be directed towards your mouth. If the outer shutter is open and the inner closed, the air will be directed towards the shield to help reduce fogging

The new helmet now also features a 3D front logo with an included duct that allows air to flow no matter the riding position. “Thanks to advances in shell technology, we can add holes in the forehead area for this vent, without compromising the helmet’s ability to protect,” adds Arai.

Moreover, the new max-vision shield is larger for increased visibility and comes Pinlock ready with a Pinlock lens included to better resist fogging across the entire field of view. To further reduce shield fogging, the retractable pull-down spoiler reduces wind intrusion into the bottom of the helmet and helps to pull out hot and humid exhaled air around the sculpted leading edges of the cheek pads. 

The XD-5 utilizes an interior liner that has the same level of acidity as bare skin, along with odor-resistant and stain-resistant properties. The head-liner is equipped with a removable foam layer on both the left and right , allowing you to remove 5mm of foam from each side if desired for micro-fitting.

For device compatibility, the lid’s Hyper-Ridge has been re-sculpted to provide a flat surface on the sides, allowing for the easy installation of a wide range of communication devices. This increases the bonding surface between the device and the helmet, while helping to reduce buffeting or possible slip-offs. 

Speakers can be installed directly to the provided hook & loop panel without the need to remove the cheek pad covers. Both ear pockets are deep and wide, designed to accommodate even the thickest helmet speakers with plenty of room to position them for increased comfort.

A pocket to tuck away excess wiring and connectors, as well as holes to easily run wires from side to side, have been incorporated into the neck roll to prevent wires coming loose while putting on or taking off the helmet. These features provide a smart way to tackle cable management inside your helmet. 

Pricing and Availability

The new Arai XD-5 is DOT and Snell M2020 approved and available for purchase in sizes ranging from XS to 2XL with an MSRP starting at $839.95 USD. 

The new helmet tips the scale at a claimed 1673.7 grams (3.69 lbs) in a size Medium (+2 oz heavier than the previous version). Although the XD-5’s head shape is intermediate oval, multiple interior-fit shapes to better address the infinite variety of riders’ head shapes and sizes are also offered.

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