Arai XD-4 Helmet Review

The Arai XD-4 Helmet is certain to be one of the most sought-after helmets of the upcoming riding season as it replaces, and provides significant upgrades over, the leading dualsport helmet on the market, the XD3. Every serious ADV and dualsport enthusiast out there recognizes that the XD-3 is the pinnacle of this category, and Arai hopes to build on its success with the release of the Arai XD4 Helmet. With improvements to ventilation, fit and aerodynamics, we have no question that Arai has achieved what they set out to do.

Check out our Arai XD-4 Helmet Review:

Arai XD-4 Hi-Viz Helmet

Let's dive right into the upgrades that are found on the Arai XD 4 Helmet. Starting with ventilation, the venting at the face has been improved with redesigned chin vents and the addition of brow vents. Seen on other Arai helmets, these brow vents have been a hit amongst riders wearing the RX-Q and others. Channeling air directly to the forehead, these brow intakes are a significant improvement in overall ventilation. The chin vent has added two additional intake holes to draw even more air into the helmet. The side-of-chin vents feed the FFS (Free Flow System) which is designed to suck air around the lower portion of the helmet, increasing airflow and preventing shield fogging. The top-rear exhaust vents have been improved as well, the addition of two divots that help to pull more air through this lid.

Arai XD-4 Explore Helmet

Next up is the interior fit of the helmet. Using technology that we first saw in the Arai Vector 2 Helmet last year, the new XD-4 Helmet is using the FCS (Facial Contour Support) system in the cheek pads, which utilizes an additional 5mm of peel-away foam padding at each side to allow for a custom fit. This is also found at the temple pads of the comfort liner. By having a total of 10mm of adjustability at the temples and cheekpads, it allows the rider to avoid having to buy new cheekpads or a comfort liner if the fit is slightly off, making this helmet more accommodating to a wider range of head shapes. Both the liner and cheek pads are now using DryCool fabric, an upgraded antibacterial and moisture-wicking material. Everything is fully removable and washable, including the chinstrap covers.

Arai XD-4 Helmet - Solid

The shell has been redesigned for aerodynamics to allow for more stability at higher speeds when using this helmet on the street. A glance at the XD-3 and the XD-4 makes it easy to see that the profile of the new helmet is sleeker than it was previously. The shield now features a locking mechanism which further enhances the wind-cutting ability and reduces turbulence. The shell is the Arai CLC which is a combination of fiberglass and exotic fibers resulting in a lightweight yet strong construction. The new Arai XD-4 Helmet also features both DOT and Snell 2010 safety certifications. To us, it seems as though the best just got even better.

Don't miss our full line of ADV helmets by visiting our dual sport helmets page at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Arai XD-4 Helmet Preview
Arai XD-3 Helmet Review

AGV AX-8 DS Helmet: The New Enduro

The future of dualsporting is about to arrive on the shelves of RevZilla.com in the form of the brand new AGV AX-8 DS Helmet. Incredibly lightweight, resilient and built to the specifications required by the true ADV Touring rider, the AGV AX8 DS looks like it was designed for the enduro rider from another galaxy. Just look at the lines of this helmet, with its aggressive style, and you can see that it'd be a perfect match for a Ducati Multistrada or Hypermotard. Let's get into the reasons why this helmet is a game changer in the dual sport world.

The AX-8 Dual shares many of the same qualities of AGV Helmets' high-end racing helmet, the AGV GP-Tech. The shell construction is a woven Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber and Kevlar blend which equates to excellent strength and safety values in addition to maximum lightness. A medium-sized AX-8 DS helmet arrives at 1400g, just over 3.1lbs. Just to put that in perspective, the lightest helmet in stock at RevZilla.com weighs 1367g and is a full carbon fiber construction, built for aggressive street riding. The Arai XD-3 Helmet, one of our bestselling enduro helmets, comes in at the 1600g mark, a full 7 ounces, nearly a 1/2 pound, more than the AX-8.

The AGV AX-8 DS offers all of the functionality we've come to expect from a standout dualsport helmet. The eyeport is absolutely enormous for ease of vision on-road and off, there is a removable faceshield and peak for multiple configurations including shield off and pair of goggles on for all your dirt riding needs. The peak is also adjustable for aerodynamics. The ventilation scheme on the AX-8 is very similar to the GP-Tech; the difference being that the vents are even bigger on this helmet. With five large intakes, two side and two rear exhaust vents, the AX-8 will flow a ton of air to keep you comfortable during extreme rides.

The guts on the AX-8 Dual are completely removable and washable, utilizing CoolMax and Dry-Comfort technologies to create a comfortable moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial interior. The helmet is DOT and ECE 22.05 certified, with a double-density EPS that comes in four different sizes across the size range of this helmet. The shell itself comes in three different sizes to provide a superior fit as you go up or down in sizes. The Double-D ring retention system on the chin strap is made from titanium for durability and the mouth piece on the chin vent is completely removable and washable.

Beyond all the excellent functionality, the AX-8 is slick and will look great on a dualsport bike. We think it has the chance to be a true game-changer in the dualsport helmet market. Stay tuned for more info as we will deliver it as we get it.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dual Sport and Enduro Helmet Buying Guide
Shoei Hornet DS Helmet Review
Arai XD-3 Helmet Review