Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1524889
P124 PRODUCT REVIEWI ARAI XD-5 HELMET A rai'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. The Arai XD-5 helmet is 100 per - cent hand-made in Japan, where Arai has been making helmets for more than 70 years. Built using multiple layers of pro - prietary materials, Arai con- tinues 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 sys - tem 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 soft - est 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 con- sistently without compromise. The EPS liners in the new XD-5, like all Arai liners, are designed specifically for each model and size. 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 ab - sorbing impact energy and "glanc- ing off" obstacles to reduce the rai'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 The Arai XD-5 helmet is 100 per - cent hand-made in Japan, where Arai has been making helmets for more than 70 years. Built using multiple layers of pro - prietary materials, Arai con- tinues 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 Arai's internal EPS liner sys - their outer shell strength priorities, Is the XD-5 the new standard in ADV/multi-use helmets? We think so.