Arai XD-4 Explore Helmet
4.7
5
27
27
Thanks Revzilla for the video
If I had tried this helmet on in a shop chances are I wouldn't have purchased it. I've always been an "Arai head" so took a punt on this as local suppliers are hard to find. When I tried it on the first time I thought I'd made a huge mistake, it was tight and gave me immediate discomfort. I rewatched the Revzilla video in particular the part about removing part of the comfort liner (feature, not a hack) and my helmet went from oh-no, to oh-yeah.
Yes it's a bit noisy, but a) it's a dual sport helmet and b) I find Arai's are like that anyway. But the comfort factor alone makes up for that. Bang for buck? Well, it is a lot of buck, but after a couple of decent outings and an expedition to come I'm glad I splashed out.
May 14, 2013
Very happy with my choice, always liked Arai
Gave my local dealers first shot selling this helmet but no one had it in stock. Revzilla beat their best price by a lot and shipped it to me in 24 hrs. The helmet fits perfect, far quiter than my existing dirt bike Arai helmet. The color matches my F800GS, I couldn't be happier.
May 6, 2013
Arai XD-4 Explore Helmet pattern and color
The color: the photo is not the same from my order.
Arai XD-4 Explore Helmet: Pattern does not look good, can't suitable to oneself special style stickers.
April 3, 2013
Mostly good with two flaws
This is my first Arai as I have always thought it would be the best Adv. Touring helmet.
The graphics and paint are beautiful. The padding is good but not superior to my older Shoei hornet. Vision is much better than the Hornet. The peak is also much better than the Shoei, with very little buffeting. Fresh air venting and adjustment is super when you need it, but when you don't that is my issue below.
The major issue I have, so much I turned in a help ticket at Arai, with no response , is at the bottom rear of the shield (just above the logo) I have quite a gap that no matter what I do cannot keep the cold air from coming in. I can slide at least three sheets of paper into the gap area to give you a idea of the gap. This is not a problem when you have a tail wind but in 40-50 degree temps with headwind or most noticeable side winds and on a longer rides it will become very annoying. I have to have my neck gaiter pulled up over my chin to try to stay warm. It took me a while to determine determine where this draft was entering. My first thought it was coming from the neck area, not the face shield. Now confirmed.
There is not a recess in this area for the shield to seat in and the rubber gasket just can't make the seal. This is with all the vents closed by the way.
My other issue is the hopelessly short chin strap on the D-ring side. Even with thinner gloves it is hard to manipulate the strap through the D-rings. A glove off situation. I checked yes I would recommend this product but only as a warm climate or two season long distance adv/touring helmet. Also disappointed in the lack of response from Arai. As cool at the whole dirt helmet style looks. My year round helmet will be a different helmet that starts with the letters SCH.
March 23, 2013
Typical Arai- But fogging
So I have only had this for a short time. This is my second Arai, my first being a street helmet. The XD-4 fits me better, is very comfortable, I love the peak for keeping the sun out of my eyes, and I have no problem at speed with buffeting. The only negatives are fogging on cold days, and the visor seems to have a little distortion because of the bend. This is not a huge problem on most rides, but I will have to see when it gets warmer and I take more 10 hour rides.
March 11, 2013
Expensive but very nice helmet !!
I've been using inexpensive lids since I got my KLR650 last year. I know I wanted a quality helmet but was overwhelmed by all the choices. I finally decided on the Aria XD-4 and I am not disappointed. Very comfortable and good vision, quiet compared to my open face I was using.
My fit was between medium and large so I got the large and it fits perfect. This helmet is not cheap but you get what you pay for and I expect this to protect me for a long time !
January 6, 2013
Great helmet with good features
This is overall a great helmet with some really nice features. Very comfortable and well ventilated. A little noisier than I had expected given the price point; however, doubt that there really are any perfectly silent helmets (sans ear plugs).
December 17, 2012
Great Helmet
My first DS helmet. It fits well and I really enjoyed wearing this helmet on 2K mile trip in Chile and Argentina last week. It is louder than I expected, but I don't think that is avoidable in a DS helmet. Expensive .
December 13, 2012
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