VOLUME ISSUE AUGUST , P125
shield plus VAS-A system inte-
grated into the shell. The shield,
now available in tinted and mir-
rored 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 communi
-
cation 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 Pack
-
talk Edge speakers, wiring and
mount installed (but no de-
vice) weighs 1814 grams/3.99
pounds.
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 thick
-
nesses of cheek pads available
from 15mm to 40mm.
The obvious visual update
here is the all-new off-road
inspired peak and MaxVision
Off-road mode, engaged.
Maximum aero for street miles.
