Arai XD-4 Review

by Alex Meyer

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The Arai XD4 is a versatile helmet that has three different configurations you can use, giving it a modular feel and design that can fit just about any riding preference or environment.

This is a dual-sport helmet that looks like a dirtbike helmet but is excellent for taking both on and off road. Let’s dive more deeply into its high-end features, performance and versatility.

Arai XD4 Helmet (Black, Medium)

Ratings

Comfort:

90%
Comfort

Visibility:

94%
Visibility

Ventilation:

96%
Ventilation

Quietness:

79%
Quietness

Specifications

Outer shell material : Polycarbonate

Shell size : XS,SM,MD,LG,XL, 2XL, 3XL

Liner : moisture-wicking lining

Weight : 1.56Kg

Pinlock : No

Strap System : Double-D ring

Safety Ratings

DOT : Yes

ECE : Yes

SNELL : No

SHARP : 3 stars


Shape and materials

The Arai XD4 helmet is a substantial step up from the XD-3. Arai greatly improved the balance and aerodynamics of this model to make for lower wind resistance and a more comfortable fit. 

They have added brow vents to the shell of the XD-4 to give you an increased level of ventilation through the front of the helmet making it great for either cool or hot weather riding.

The shell is made of Super CLC, which you are also going to see in many other Arai models. It is made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and a variety of resins that make the helmet lightweight, and incredibly durable and protective. 

The great thing about Arai helmets is that the base construction and shell components don’t vary that largely from model to model with just slight tweaks and changes to accommodate different types of riders.


Things I liked

  • Excellent ventilation.
  • Premium comfort liner and padding.
  • Versatile design and configurations.
  • SNELL and DOT safety ratings.

Things I don’t like

  • Fairly loud.
  • Lots of moving parts.

Overall comfort

Arai's newer style cheek pad gives a softer and more comfortable coating. Arai XD-4 uses multiple densities and layers of foam in the cheek pads to give you a more contoured seal around your face. You even have a 5 mm range of adjustability to be able to tune the cheek pads to the perfect fit, without having to go up or down in the size of the helmet.

Another upgrade to the comfort of this helmet other than the cheek pad is the high-end comfort liner. They incorporate another 5mm of comfort foam in the comfort liner to give you even more padding and comforter. It also has really nice wicking material inside of the helmet that you can clean or rinse off easily and quickly.


Visibility

The Arai XD4 helmet comes with a full UV-resistant locking face shield that gives you plenty of visibility through the mask. You have plenty of visibility out of the top and bottom of the shield as well as the peripherals. The only drawback to the shield is that you can only have it fully open or closed. It does not have the ability to keep it partially open.


Quietness

Anytime you see this kind of ventilation on a motorcycle helmet, you can expect it to be loud. Even with the comprehensive ventilation system that this helmet incorporates on virtually every exterior and interior surface, the thick interior padding still keeps the Arai XD4 helmet relatively quiet.


Ventilation

A nice addition and upgrade to the XD-4 are the brow vents. These provide ample ventilation that filters right into channels that push air directly to the far head. 

Arai also added two extra vents on the chin vent to let even more air in through the front of the helmet. They have some nice chimney scoops on the top of the helmet that make it easy for you to open or close, adding additional ventilation and airflow through the top of the helmet.

You will notice two large diffusers at the back of the helmet that cover two separate 10mm vent holes. These vent holes suck cool air through the front of the helmet and give it a clear passage to escape at the back. You even have winglets on the side that provide for extra aerodynamics and stability while adding more additional ventilation to this helmet.

You have an adjustable chin curtain for both comfort and protection. You also have a slider inside of the chin piece that you can slide open to give you even more ventilation for pulling warm, moist air out of the helmet.


Safety

The Arai XD4 helmet is both DOT and SNELL rated. It provides a maximum amount of protection while still affording the rider both durability and comfort. The thick comfort liner along with the cheek pads add plenty of additional protection for the rider on the front, top, sides and back of the helmet.

Conclusion

The Arai XD4 helmet is a versatile and high-performance helmet, suitable for a lot of riders, terrain and styles of riding. If you are an aggressive off road rider, this model is loaded with ventilation all-around the helmet to keep you cool and refreshed while providing plenty of protection for your rides.

Where to buy this helmet :