’ ve been running Arai ’ s Tour-X helmets for a long time . I had the original way back in sometime around 2003 , then I wore the Tour-X3 for about 7 years ( I think that one was called the XD-3 ), but different markets get different names . That gave way to the Tour-X4 which I ’ ve been using for the last three years for tens of thousands of kilometres . Now , Arai has launched its replacement - the Tour-X5 , which you see here . This isn ’ t a review of the new helmet , that will come once I ’ ve put some decent kilometres on it . This is a first impressions having taken it out of the box and compared it to my oh-so-comfy but gettting worn out Tour-X4 .

WHAT ’ S NEW The new lid meets the latest helmet standard , the very vigorous ECE R22-06 regulation , and Arai says the Tour-X5 is an all new helmet to meet the new standard . It doesn ’ t take me more than a quick glance to confirm it . It ’ s clearly a completely updated helmet . The shell shape , visor retaining mechanism , peak and vents are all new . Sat side-by-side my old Tour-X4 the differences are even easier to see . There was something about the new helmet that seemed very familiar , and when I put it alongside the Arai Quantic [ read the review here ], I could see where the new look has come from . The forehead duct and other vents are very similar to the Quantic , so should the new lid should have exceptional venting - and the X4 is no slouch in that department ( a cooling blast is felt across my head when I open the vents on that on a hot day ). The lining can be removed for washing , which is a must on any helmet that ’ ll see dust and dirt . I popped the two helmets ( both size small ) on my kitchen scales to see if there ’ s a difference , and there is . The older helmet came in at 1700g ( 20g heavier than the sticker , but within the + - 50g on the label , while the X5 tipped the scales at only 1630g , some 20g less than on the sticker . It ’ s only 70g , but less weight in a helmet is always better . The X4 ’ s visor mechanism needed a coin or screwdriver to change the visor , which has always been a faff . The new one is tool free . I decided not to read the manual , just to see how intuitive the new mechanism is ... and five minutes later I ’ d figured it out and taken the visor off and replaced it .

KIWI RIDER 91