Product Comparison: Shoei Hornet X2 vs Arai XD4

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Shoei Hornet X2 Street Bike Racing Motorcycle Helmet

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Arai XD4 Flare Dual Sport Helmet-Red-XL

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General Specifications

Brand

Shoei

Arai

Model

Hornet X2

XD4

Origin

Japan

About the Product

Striking the optimal balance between on-and-off-road form and function, the Hornet X2 offers serious dual-sport enthusiasts the perfect helmet for all corners of their journey. Designed to maintain peak performance in every condition thrown its way without compromising the core values of a long distance touring helmet, the all-new Hornet X2 is a true all-road, all-weather helmet.

The Arai XD4 is world renowned for being one of the best ADV touring helmets on the market and one of the few that achieves a Snell safety rating. The XD4 incorporates all of the same great qualities found in Arai's other helmets including the comfort liner and cheek pads that feature 5mm peel-away pads that allow riders to tailor the fit. The shell of the Arai XD4 Helmet has also been aerodynamically tuned and, in concert with the removable floating peak, funnels air into the redesigned vents, improving overall ventilation and mitigating buffeting at speed.

Key Specs

Type

Dual-Sport

Shape

Intermediate Oval

Safety Rank

DOT

SNELL, DOT

Shell Material

Hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass with organic fibers and resin

Polycarbonate

Interior Material

3D Max-Dry System II

Removable/washable anti-bacterial

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Shoei Hornet X2 Street Bike Racing Motorcycle Helmet

It's a great helmet, but there's not enough venting if you're riding in warm weather or exerting yourself on jeep trails.
I find myself wearing this helmet for hours at a time when with previous helmets i could only wear for 20 minutes at a time before feeling strain and stress.
The quality of this helmet is outstanding. I returned a Bilt helmet that felt cheap as soon as I opened the box. I was very uncomfortable.
I have a harley and just picked up a BMW 1200GSA and wanted a helmet that fit well with both bikes, so my harley one didn't work well. I liked the idea of a visor and the fact this helmet is a new design.
This helmet has extremely good aero for a DS. I can run the peak on the highway and it is very neutral at 70-80mph looking ahead.
I think the previous model is more suited to dual sport.

Arai XD4 Flare Dual Sport Helmet-Red-XL

Typical Arai quality. It had been a while since I'd purchased a helmet, and I see that Arai has further defined the head shape game. Best bet is to always try one on first- I have gone from a round Shoei to a more oval Arai over 20 years.
First off, I loved this helmet well before my accident. The field of view is fantastic, the fit is incredible.
Since this is one of those "dual sport" type of helmets with a visor, those riding are at some point going to get on a highway and get up to highway speeds.
The XD-4 is my second helmet. I began riding just over a year ago and had been using a friends Bell racing helmet until I purchased the Arai. I've gone about 14,000 miles in the XD-4 and it's great!
Arai has the reputation of first rate quality and protection which should be primary in a helmet choice, and I wanted an ADV style helmet for the new bike, overall I am very happy with it so far.

Size & Weight

Size

Medium

X-Large

Weight

3.92 lbs.

3.66 lbs.

Weight
Size

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Shoei Hornet X2 Street Bike Racing Motorcycle Helmet

This helmet fits my head perfectly. I purchased the Hornet II based on reviews (especially the Revzilla review), and after never having seen, or even tried on the helmet.
Comfort is phenomenal, I don't know how I lived without a peak (as my commute takes me straight into the rising sun, and at least lets me screen out the sun when it's a few degrees above the horizon).
The overall fit is snug, I thought too snug at first because it's tight getting on and off, but once it's on it's very comfortable.
Quite comfortable although the back edge of my ears get sore after a few hours of wearing it.
Comfort is exceptional. Quality is very nice. A solid feel and a good feature set and accessories.

Arai XD4 Flare Dual Sport Helmet-Red-XL

Great fit, light ,comfortable! Tried several other dualsport and street helmets.
I replaced my XD3 with this XD4 (pulled the trigger after the 2016 update happened with the new Snell 2015 rating came out). It fits perfectly.
Excellent condition, quick delivery. Helmet is light weight and fits snugly.
On receiving the XD-4 I can say the fit was perfect! It was initially quite snug! I really had to pull it down over my head however after a couple rides and a few hundred miles the pads have shaped to me perfectly and is now extremely comfortable.
This helmet meets that standard in almost all aspects. Starting with the fit - I absolutely love the conforming fit of the cheek pads.

Features

Shield

CNS-2 Shield, Wider and Taller Field of Vision, Large field of vision protects from 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, 3D injection-molding ensures a distortion-free view throughout entire field of vision, Innovative rib on top edge improves rigidity and eliminates bending, Comes equipped with Pinlock® EVO fog-resistant system

Brow vent faceshield, Improved shell shape for better aerodynamic stability at higher street speeds

Ventilation

Four (4) air intakes and seven (7) exhaust vents

Dry-Cool technology

Liner

9 mm

Cheek Pad

35 mm

Extras

V-460 VISOR

FCS® cheek pads, Arai’s exclusive peel-away side/temple crown pads, Arai’s Dry-Cool® technology, Emergency cheek pad release system

What customers say about "Features"

Shoei Hornet X2 Street Bike Racing Motorcycle Helmet

The quality of the parts and the fit. Can't wait to take it out.
Sunglasses fit well with the helmet on.
The visor snaps down tight against the eye port gasket, something the previous model did not do well.
The ear cutouts fit my Sena smh10 speakers except I had to cut off the plastic trim on the speakers in order for them to lay nice and flat in their cutouts.
The visor locks down nice and really creates an airtight seal, I have been through a couple small rain bursts but nothing to really make claims of it's waterproof ability, but so far all dry.
To noisy, and definitely the missing dark visor is no so good when you like touring rides

Arai XD4 Flare Dual Sport Helmet-Red-XL

In any case, this helmet is like all my Arai (and you can now peel away some layers from the cheek pads to customize fit), there are no compromises, absolute top quality construction, light weight, almost indestructible visor (will NOT scratch if you are cautious) and functional venting.
Vents and airflow abound, as with everything moto-related you'll get hot standing still, but once moving-- this helmet lets in a good amount of air. I would definitely buy another.
The top visor is easily adjusted with a coin or flat screwdriver and seems to be well built.
Road noise is not bad and have zero complaints about it.
The helmet accepts my Scala Rider G9x easily, the recesses in the cheek pad have ample room to fit the speakers behind the soft covering.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

5 year(s)

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download

MSRP

594.99 $

739.95 $