Arai XD-5 Helmet Review: Dirt Ready, Highway Steady

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Friday, 23 Oct 2026 15:11 0 6 autotech

An adventure helmet needs to do four things that, for me, are non-negotiable. First, it’s gotta protect my head (duh). Second, it needs to work with goggles. I often serve as the sweep on group rides, which means dust. Lots and lots of dust. Third, the peak, that pointy bit that sticks out over the faceshield, needs to be functional. I do not need a plastic vestigial limb that does nothing to shield my face and eyes from the sun and errant rocks yet violently catches the wind like a jib sail. And fourth, it needs to be reasonably comfortable at both highway speeds and on slow, hot trails. This is a tricky balance of aerodynamics, noise, and ventilation, while somehow also satisfying the previous three requirements.

Safety First, Sharp Edges Last

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So what changed? Safety first, as it should always be with the piece of gear meant to save your brain from traumatic injury or worse. Set the XD-5 (or XD-4, for that matter) next to many competitor’s lids, and you’ll notice how compact it is, especially considering its Snell certification (US market only). That compact size is thanks to Arai’s unique single-piece multi-density EPS liner, which features varying levels and types of energy absorption tuned for specific protection where it’s needed most. Layered over that is the pièce de résistance, the updated PB-cLc2 (Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction, v2—we’ll stick with the abbreviation) shell, which is the same shell technology used in the brand’s top-tier Corsair-X racetrack-focused helmet. Handmade and hand laid on each helmet, it’s exceptionally strong, flexible, and lightweight. The end result is a lid that feels lighter and more balanced than its 3 lb, 9 oz weight (as tested, my size small) would suggest.

But what about rotational force injuries? A valid concern, and one that many helmet manufacturers address using some sort of added layer within or attached to the EPS liner that ostensibly absorbs and slows your noggin’s rotational inertia during impact. The trouble with these systems is they add weight and bulk, and speaking personally, I haven’t had much luck finding such a helmet that is comfortable enough for all-day wear. Arai solves this problem with a simpler approach that they call “Glancing Off.” It’s exactly what it sounds like: the helmet is designed to be smooth and rounded, like an egg, with minimal sharp edges and points that might catch on impact or during a slide.

This Glancing Off approach feeds into the rest of the XD-5’s feature list. The shell on my size small XD-5 is 10 mm wider at the chin bar than my XD-4 to facilitate easy on/off, and it’s been subtly reshaped to maximize glance-off protection. I was worried that less space between chin bar and face would translate to more heat when wrangling my 500-plus pound Tiger 900 off-road, but I honestly haven’t noticed much difference compared to the XD-4. Perhaps due to the larger chin vent, which Arai says increases airflow by 200%.

Air In, Dust Out: Vents, Visor, and Goggles

Speaking of ventilation, the XD-5 is the second Arai model to get the 3D logo vent, cleverly disguised as the forehead logo. There is another intake on the crown and exhaust vents at the rear covered by a redesigned spoiler. Remembering that “up” is closed on the logo vent and “forward” is open on the crown vent will probably vex me for years; I tend to just leave the exhaust vents always open. Ventilation performance is fine. I miss the small but effective forehead slits on the XD-4, but the logo vent works well. And of course, all of the above are designed to break away during impact to maximize Glancing Off.

In the closed position, the chin vent directs air up onto one of the XD-5’s biggest updates: a new, larger VAS-A visor that is now Pinlock-ready. A Pinlock 120XLT insert is included. Angels sing. Removing the visor doesn’t require tools, but in true Arai fashion it involves several steps that include removing the peak and side covers. I struggled the first time, but after actually reading the instructions in the manual (I know, I know) and doing it a couple more times, I feel like a pro. If I could change one thing about the XD-5, it would be the addition of a photochromic (i.e. Transitions) visor.

With the visor off (or even just in its uppermost open position), I am pleased to say that my size small XD-5’s eyeport accepts goggles. I usually wear 100% Barstows, and they seal all the way around and don’t press down uncomfortably on my nose. That being the case, it’s certain that larger sizes will accommodate a variety of goggles, should that be on your non-negotiable list.

The Peak: It Ain’t Pretty, But It’s Pretty Effective

Now let’s talk about the peak. Opinions abound, and here is mine: it’s not pretty, but it works really well. Like, really well. It’s long enough to actually function as a peak (remember my list of demands?), and even includes a strip of black adhesive on the underside to minimize sun glare. It’s adjustable, so if a sun shield isn’t your jam you can push it up out of your field of vision. It’s clear that Arai intends the XD-5 to be used off-road. But the XD-5 is also an adventure touring helmet, which means it needs to work at highway speeds too. No problem. My XD-4 used to catch crosswinds, making long rides exhausting and padding my massage therapist’s bank account.

The XD-5’s weirdly shaped peak performs much better, letting copious amounts of air flow under and around it, and that air is channeled effectively into the vents. Don’t want to mess with a peak at all? Remove it, no tools or even an instruction manual required.

All-Day Comfort and the Final Verdict (Spoiler: Boxes Checked)

Lastly, but not at all least, is fit and comfort. I mentioned this before, but even with a Snell certification, which adds a penetration test that tends to result in a heavier shell, the XD-5 carries its weight well. The compact size helps; I don’t feel like a bobblehead, and at the end of a long day bouncing along a rocky trail my neck isn’t screaming for relief. It is indeed easier to don and doff, and there is now space for comm system speakers in recessed pockets in the EPS liner. I tried to install a Cardo in my XD-4; I pulled over halfway through the first day’s ride and yanked it out. The XD-5 is much more accommodating. I’m not sure if it’s the redesigned shell shape, but I think the XD-5 (which is classified as an intermediate oval by Arai) fits more like a round oval than the XD-4. That said, dialing in the fit is as easy as adjusting the pads at the rear and temples, and/or peeling away a layer on the cheek pads if you need more space. The liner is soft and luxuriously cushy, as expected from a lid of Arai’s quality, and, of course, it’s removable and washable. You are washing your helmet liner on a regular basis … right?

So my list of demands is satisfied. My boxes are checked. The XD-5 has officially been crowned my ADV Helmet of Choice. Whether it is also yours is up to you, being the opinionated motorcyclist you are. But at the end of the ride, knowing I’m wearing a helmet that prioritizes protection yet still fits and functions exceptionally well is priceless.