Innovation in aesthetics and a refined design is what you’ll find in the 2012 Arai XD-4 helmet over the 2010 XD-3. Featuring an enhanced aerodynamic shape and a reduced ridge arc, it adheres to the rule of elegance and maintains its look with the times. But the upgrades do not stop there. There are a host of design improvements, a better ventilation system and attractive color schemes which will make the ADV or on-road tourer in you happier than you’d be back in 2010. Check price here.
Some of these improvements include additional vents on the visor and an entirely different, albeit effective upper diffuser function (which we shall discuss soon). All that and you still have your Snell M2015 and DOT approvals, as is expected from Arai. Safety in style? You bet!
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What Would You Love?
The FFS or the ‘Free Flow System’. All the inner riders in us know about the ‘Free Flow’ system in the exhausts, but the principle of operation is a little different when applied in this helmet. The addition of 10 mm vents to chimney vents and diffusers along with the ability to control the chin ventilation are among the major overhauls that can be seen in the XD-4 including the ability to adjust the fitting of cheek pads and the comfort liner.
The Top Features to Look Out For
So, what does the XD-4 bring to the table? Let’s have a look, shall we?
Shell
The aerodynamic shell now looks sophisticated enough; like it’s halfway there in making you look like an actual Transformer. If only the visor was a bit smaller…but that would defeat its purpose, wouldn’t it? Anyway, the shell’s fit is an intermediate oval, making it ideal for most consumers in the ADV touring category.
But this helmet is a dual sport one – for the off-roaders as well as the regular tourers. The balanced shape is great for protection in high impact incidents and the sweptback design is useful at higher speeds too.
One common complaint in helmets is the lack of adjustable fittings and shell sizes. Thankfully, the XD-4 comes with adjustments that allow you to have the helmet fit on your head as snugly or as loosely as you wish. This is in addition to the five shell sizes provided by Arai – XS, S, M, XL and XXL – the most common ones.
Weight-wise it is on the medium side with 3.66 pounds, although it can be a bit heavier for people with weaker tendons in their neck area.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Visors
For people who are familiar with the XD-3 and who have put a considerable number of miles on it, the face-shield on the XD-4 is noticeably wider than the XD-3. It also has a system wherein your fogging problem is taken care of with this new FFS ventilation with adjustable cowl vents, which removes the need for an anti-fogging coating.
The face-shield is issued with a standard UV-resistant, clear vision feature. It can be locked in instead of a snap-fit for that extra stability.
Ventilation
Coming to the features that make this helmet special is the FFS system mentioned earlier. Now there are ‘Brow-Vents’ on the face-shield near the peak. These vents allow the airflow to reach your forehead directly instead of an indirect loop allowing you to boast of a ‘wind-in-my-hair’ experience.
If you compare this one with your older XD-3, you’ll also find additional chin vents for an increased airflow. The tab used to operate the chin vents is larger too, keeping in view of the easier operation of the entire helmet while wearing gloves.
You then have your standard chimney scoops with the larger clickers too, but the actual difference between your XD-3 and XD-4 is the diffusers. In XD-4, the diffusers come with two scoops each at their front, which are supposed to increase the airflow at the top creating a vacuum. The result is that your diffusers will start sucking out the moist, warm air from the inside of the helmet and throwing it out. More comfort!
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Padding and Lining
There’s still a built-in chin-curtain (adjustable), but the real upgrades are in the cheek pads and comfort liners with softer fabric and more cushion. The foams used in these newer Arai helmets are more durable and contoured for your face. In XD-4, however, you can now remove the extra 5 mm padding on top of the existing ones, to save you from buying a separate set which is one size less. Same goes for the comfort liner.
Customer Reviews
Customers who have actually purchased this wonder are all praises at the moment. Most are satisfied (and a few are convinced) about the safety, comfort and style that this premium helmet offers.
What minor complaints they have are all regarding the fogging issue of the visor, which the FFS does not seem to take care of that efficiently.
Bottom Line
Stylish, comfortable, solid, secure and available in many sizes, this dual sport helmet is sure to catch an eye or turn heads with the right color. It checks all the above boxes and will not fail you in those categories.
While the face-shield might be an issue, there’s always Pinlock to the rescue. There’s an anti-fogging visor compatible with XD, XD-3 and XD-4 too. Needless to say, you’ll be compelled to put on more miles on this magnificent piece than your old XD-3.
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