arai x tour 3

Arai Tour X3 – helmet review

There are now several dual purpose helmets on the market, some starting at a fraction of the Arai’s hefty price tag. I’m sure many would match up in a quick comparison whilst standing in a shop, but I doubt any of the cheaper options would still feel as good, 3 years and 35,000km down the road.

The Arai, as with other top of the range brands certainly is a quality bit of kit. The outer shell is a fibreglass composite mix or Complex Laminate Construction as the official blurb states. The removable washable lining (part of it anyway) & cheek pads (slim line speakers can be fitted behind), effective air vents and quality D shackle strap all add to the pleasure of owning it. In fact with a bit of a wash, the lining still looks virtually brand new.

The X-3 has now been superseded by the X-4 (main improvements air vents and pin-lock anti-fog visor) but none of the niggles I’ve experienced have been addressed:

The major drawback of the helmet (except for the excessive wind noise & turbulence due to the peak) is the visor. To swap it for a tinted or yellow low-viz type is no clip on/off job as it with their ‘normal’ helmets. The X3 & X4 require a screwdriver and 10 minutes of fiddle-faddle.

Rain is a bit of a problem as well. The normal technique of turning your head at speed to ‘blow’ the drops off the visor just doesn’t work, wiping is the only way to clear the view. I guess this is due to the peak affecting airflow.  Another more annoying weird bi-product of the design is that drops actually get on the inside of the visor. Only a few make it in but to clear them you need to take the helmet off which is a real pain.

If you’ll be riding in dusty conditions and wearing goggles check that they actually fit into the small opening of the helmet, some don’t. Once wearing goggles however you can easily close the visor down over the straps so giving you extra protection from the elements that a motocross style helmet wouldn’t provide. The down side is that the dust gets in the visor hinge mechanism, making it stiff and clunky.

Overall for a ‘one style does all’ helmet, the Arai is a good bit of kit and in my mind worth the money. Weight is 1675 grams and even though this might increase, wouldn’t it be nice if they could incorporate a flip front into it as well? Hello, R&D, are you listening?

Price: The X3 is no longer available new but the updated X4 retails from £439.99 for the white one, to £499.99 for coloured models, but shop around.

Will Wilkins (author of Wollongong to Woolwich )

Shoei Neotec – helmet review

‘The University of Gravel Roads’ by Rene Cormier

Honda NC700X

Arai Tour-X 4 Review

Hirotake Arai was a successful hat maker in Japan during the 1950s. He was also a keen motorcycle rider, although it wasn’t the safest hobby to have at the time. With no legal standards for helmets, and no manufacturers producing helmets anyway, it was hard to keep yourself adequately protected when going out for a ride and even a minor spill could be a life-threatening affair .

Hirotake was a problem solver though, and he set about designing and constructing helmets for him and his riding mates with the sole intention of keeping their noggins safe. Fast forward 70 years and it’s clear he succeeded in doing that, and then some.

The mark of true quality is when your name becomes a recognised description. When you set a benchmark that all others in your field strive to achieve. Think commentators describing a goal as “Messi-esque”. And, in the motorcycling world, Arai is now synonymous with high standards of quality and attention to detail; the premium of motorcycle helmets.

Which leads us on to the adventure-styled Arai Tour-X 4. Arai’s range of adventure helmets have been firm favourites at ABR Towers, coming out top in the many helmet group tests we’ve conducted over the years and worn regularly by ABR staff at bike launches and on our ride outs since we first went to print. So, when the Tour-X 4 arrived on my desk in the new ‘Cover – White’ colourway, I was excited to see just what all the fuss was about.

Now, before we get started, it’s impossible to write about the Tour-X 4 without mentioning the elephant in the room. It’s an expensive lid. Arai have priced the colourway I’m reviewing at £579.99 and, while there are discounts to be found online, it’s undoubtedly a hefty sum.

So much so that, taking into account the rock-bottom fuel prices at my local Sainsbury’s, I could use the same amount to travel over 5,000 miles on a BMW R 1250 GS . The bottom line is, the Tour-X 4 needs to perform exceptionally well to justify that price and convince you to cough up your hard-earned cash.

Arai Tour-X 4 – First Impressions

Immediately it’s clear the Arai Tour-X 4 is a high-quality lid. It feels bulletproof and sturdy, there’s no clunkiness or cheap-sounding creaking as you get to grips with the components, visor and peak.

A quick play with the various vents (more on them later) also gives the reassuring impression of premium quality. The visor offers a vast field of vision and closes securely with a satisfying snap. It also comes Pinlock-ready with a Pinlock insert in the box, a touch which is much appreciated.

The initial evident quality of the helmet is hardly surprisingly – Arai helmets are built almost entirely by hand. Each takes around 18 man hours and passes five separate inspections before being boxed up for shipping. An unparalleled commitment to maintaining those lofty standards.

On the slightly superficial front, it also looks fantastic. Arai have really nailed the subtle styling of an adventure helmet with the Tour-X 4. It steers clear of the sharper lines and aggressive chinbars of competitors that scream ‘moto-cross hero’, instead capturing the versatility of our adventure bikes by looking ready to take riders on and off the tarmac.

The ‘Cover-White’ colourway that I have (pictured) combines a black/grey digital camo pattern with attractive white stripes. The only complaint I have is that Arai use their more artistic colourways to stick a couple of larger logos on the sides of the helmet, alongside the standard one on the peak.

It’s a minor grievance, I am splitting hairs, and dependent on what graphics you purchase (they’re not present in the plain white or black helmets) but it seems like an uncharacteristic departure from Arai’s usual subtle, premium styling.

Have a riding adventure from the comfort of your living room

Looking for your regular dose of travel inspiration, riding tips and gear reviews, without having to join the socially distanced queues on the high street? Look no further. A membership to ABR digital library will ensure that every issue ever published of Adventure Bike Rider magazine is delivered directly to your phone, tablet or computer.

The digital version of the magazine is exactly the same as the print copy, with the added bonus of access to all previous issues of Adventure Bike Rider. That’s a decade’s worth of adventure bike riding goodness at your fingertips!

We’re offering this all to you for half price at just £16.49 (usually £32.99). To take advantage of this offer SIGN UP HERE and apply discount code SUMMERSAVE50 at check-out.

Since slipping on the Arai Tour-X 4 for the first time I can confidently say, out of the many motorcycle helmets I’ve tested since starting at ABR, it’s the most comfortable yet. Perhaps I’m lucky enough to have the perfect head for an Arai, but it fits like a dream.

The 1.65kg weight (size M) is average for an adventure helmet, but the weight is distributed evenly across the top of the head, while the cheek pads combine with the cushioning at the back of the helmet to ensure that the helmet fit is just right, snug without ever feeling tight or uncomfortable.

This snug fit, particularly around the lower part of your face, is provided by the Facial Contour System. In layman’s terms this is a small foam spring support included in each cheek pad that compresses to shape around your face, providing just the right level of pressure to ensure safety and a comfortable fit.

It’s a testament to this intricate balancing act that the helmet feels much lighter than others in class, despite being the same weight. Indeed, it’s so comfortable and easy to wear that I popped it on as I began writing this review, and only took it off an hour later when I couldn’t find a straw to drink my tea. And, while riding, it’s easy to almost forget you’re wearing a helmet at all.

If the Tour-X 4 doesn’t fit perfectly out of the box straight away, Arai provides a number of options to tailor the fit to you. The cheek and temple crown pads feature a 5mm ‘peel-away’ layer to give you more width to work with, while all the interior parts are removable and can be replaced with alternative sizes depending on your head shape.

Performance from the saddle

Comfort doesn’t just come from the fit of a helmet though. When you’re in the saddle ventilation, noise and aerodynamic stability can turn an otherwise comfortable helmet into an unbearable one.

Once again, the Arai Tour-X 4 excels in these areas. It boasts more ventilation than a chemistry lab, seven drawing air in at the front and six exhaust vents enabling a delightful breeze to run through the helmet on hotter days. The brow vents, located at the top of the visor, are particular favourites, helping to avoid the soggy fringe that usually accompanies a day riding in the sun.

The main chin vent, and two smaller ones on either side, also help to compensate for the chin bar, which is less aggressive and doesn’t come out as far as those on other adventure helmets, by keeping your lower face cool. Every vent is closeable should the temperature drop, while an extendable chin spoiler directs wind away from your neck. And, if you’re getting into some gnarly trails, there is the option to lift up the visor and slap on some goggles.

For an adventure-style helmet it’s also pretty quiet, even with the vents open. I still wear earplugs when I ride (I do with all my helmets) but the usual rushing wind at motorway speeds is muted enough for me to comfortably listen to a podcast or music over my intercom system.

High-speed performance

Speaking of motorway riding, aerodynamically the helmet is stable and comfortable up to, and even beyond, legal speeds. The peak is barely noticeable, even during shoulder checks, and certainly one of the best I’ve ridden with. ABR editor Bryn reckons that the peak on the Arai Tour-X 4 is the best on the market (over the years he’s tested every adventure helmet going) when it comes to aerodynamics, and I’m inclined to agree with him.

I’m yet to hear the whistle that some users complain of, but there’s always the option to entirely remove the peak should you wish on those longer runs, transforming it into a mean looking streetfighter helmet.

You may want to keep it on though, as the peak is the only form of sun protection offered for riders, which is a slight disappointment. Unlike many competitors, Arai refuses to include an internal sun-visor. For them it represents an unacceptable compromise on safety.

To make life easier, the inner lining features neat cut outs that make it more comfortable to wear sunglasses all day while riding, but this could be a slight problem if you’re diving in and out of Alpine tunnels while touring. Still, above all Hirotake Arai emphasised the safety of the rider and if Arai says it’s better to not feature an internal sun-visor, I’m not going to argue.

Safety and protection

Rider safety has always been a hallmark of Arai helmets, and the Tour-X 4 is no exception.

The outer shell is formed of a Special Fibre Laminate (SFL) which is designed to disperse any impact energy over the widest area of the shell, while the softer inner shell combines three to five layers of EPS foam to then absorb the rest of the energy from an impact. There’s one shell size for each two sizes of helmet, so if you wear a small or a medium you won’t look like a bobblehead with a ‘large’ outer shell.

The core philosophy of all Arai helmets is evident in the clean, smooth lines of the helmet too. These are designed to encourage ‘glancing off’, meaning that the helmet will decelerate as little as possible upon impact with the road or an object.

Should a slide occur, the vent covers and external fittings will rip off with ease while the shell remains un-compromised. This helps to stop the rotational forces these could generate if they were fixed from being transferred to your neck. Finishing off this ensemble is a bulletproof D-ring clasp and an emergency release system.

Arai’s commitment to the safety of the rider extends to ensuring their helmets pass their own penetration testing, which involves dropping a 3kg test cone from a height of three metres (even though it’s not required for European safety standards).

The safety features included in all their helmets are the same as those worn by professional riders on the racing circuit, as President Mitch Arai says, “How can you say one person’s head is worth more than another’s?”

The fastening system for visor and peak is another area where the Arai Tour-X 4 has come under some criticism, but where the recurring theme of prioritising rider safety is evident. It’s fair to say it’s anything but ‘quick-release’; you need a screwdriver or coin to loosen the screws at either side, but after practice it’s easy to do.

Loosening the screws allows you to adjust the angle of the peak, or you can remove it altogether as mentioned earlier. There’s no quick release system, as seen in other helmets, as any recesses in the outer shell naturally require a compromise in shell thickness or foam density, something which Arai were not prepared to do.

ABR Verdict – Arai Tour-X 4

If you were a fly on the wall in the ABR office on any given day you’d witness a phenomenon that I like to call ‘the grab test’. It’s the kit each rider instinctively, and subconsciously, grabs when they head off on a quick blast, perhaps to grab some lunch or even for a quick photo run. In the evenings we may deliberate for longer on what we’ll ride home in to assess and review, but for those quick jaunts we’ll naturally grab what we favour and what’s most comfortable to us.

With my riding time agonisingly reduced recently, us British riders have spent the majority of the last three months under varying forms of lockdown, most of my rides have fallen into this quick jaunt category. And, for every single one of them, I’ve instinctively grabbed the Arai Tour-X 4. It’s been my go-to for everything: shopping trips, supply runs and longer blasts down to south London to have a socially distanced chat with friends and family.

Ultimately, it performs excellently in a number of key areas. It’s the most comfortable helmet I’ve worn, the ventilation is fantastic and well-appreciated during the recent heat wave and Arai’s commitment to rider safety and confidence in their approach is reassuring.

Sure, it’s not perfect, but boy does it come close. For the very few downsides, there are clear explanations and workarounds. The fiddly peak and visor system undoubtedly helps it stay stable and perform well at speed and the ease of slotting in a pair of sunglasses partly makes up for a lack of internal sun visor. Yes, it’s expensive but as ABR Editor Bryn once wrote during a group test of adventure helmets:

“Put simply, if money is no barrier, the Tour-X 4 is a helmet that you’ll be proud to own and happy to wear. If money is tight, then get yourself a piggy bank and save up, you won’t be disappointed.”

For more information about Arai helmets and their commitment to higher standards of rider safety, check out the video below:

Related posts:

Register For This Site

A password will be e-mailed to you.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Reviews Home
• Motorcycle Reviews
• Product Reviews
• Racing News Home
• Road Racing
• Features Home
• Advanced Riding
• Motorcycle Track Guides
• Buying Advice
• Sell Your Bike
• Product News

Arai launch Tour X3 McGregor and Boorman replicas

THE NEW Arai Tour X3 and replicas of the Tour X3, as used by Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor in the BBC TV series Long Way Down, are now in UK Arai dealerships.

The new Tour X3 has a re-designed peak with reinforced ridges and a new enlarged visor/peak holder pressure plate. Both of these new innovations give the helmet better stability at speed. The peak is detachable for more road based riding, leaving the visor only. Conversely, the visor can be removed if you prefer a more `off-road' type of look and wish to wear goggles. The Dry Cool(R) interior is fully washable and removable and uses the new Emergency release tab cheekpads which ensure the helmet can be removed quickly and easily should the need arise.

There's a variable airflow vent in the chinbar section, which can be set to direct air up the inside of the visor, to help de-mist in damp or humid weather, or set for a side exit flow to draw the rider's breath away. Keeping your face and head cool, plus your visor clear, when adventure riding means you're more alert, relaxed and therefore a safer rider. A Pinlock(R) insert also now comes with every Tour X3 to ensure clear vision at all times.

The Arai Tour X3 helmet is available in sizes XS-XL and a range of colour schemes, from Diamond White/Black, Aluminium Grey (RRP £299.99), Motard Silver, Motard Black (RRP £349.99) to Long Way Down replicas in blue or red (RRP £359.99).

• Privacy Policy

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

• RX-7V Race FIM
• Freeway Classic
• Full Face Helmets
• Open Face Helmets
• Off Road Helmets
• Sports Touring
• Official IOM TT Collection
• Motorcycle Spares Booklet
• Motorsport Spares Booklet
• Visors & Visor Stickers
• Interior Pads
• Accessories
• Helmet Bags
• Fact Sheets
• Car Approval Specification

Spares & Accessories

• Home Page >
• Latest Media >

MCN Kit Review - Arai Tour-X3

Rollover to zoom

Click main image to enlarge

MCN's Richard Newland takes a look at his Arai Tour-X3 after 7500/30 months use. "The Tour-X3 is a real cross-over helmet, treading the line with impressive neutrality between a full-on road lid and a full-face motocross one."

Latest Media

Arai feature the new renegade v in practical sports bikes, check out arai’s new arrival in mcn, arai’s latest lid featured in ride magazine, the new renegade v ad.

• Featured Products
• 50 years and counting
• Ambassadors
• Terms and Conditions
• Shipping and Returns
• Privacy Policy

Arai Helmets UK

TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ON THE LATEST LAUNCHES, EVENTS, NEWS UPDATES AND COMPETITION GIVE-AWAYS.

Arai Tour-Cross 3 Helmet Honda Flat Black

Track Package

Coerce carbon fenders available for Ninja1000

WR's Type-M rear sets for VFR1200F

Coerce carbon fenders available for Bandit 1250/S

WR's Type-R rear sets for Ninja 250R

Moriwaki parts for vintage Z1's

WR's Type-R rear sets for ZRX1200

VTR250 Coerce sprocket guard fit for all year model

XJR1200/1300 Coerce sprocket guard

Please email us, we will respond as soon as possible.

home - products - policies - about us - contact

Copyright © 2003-2023 MAX MC DIRECT. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Ecommerce Templates .

📣 ₱10,000 OFF ON STOCK X-GUANG HELMETS | PROMO CODE: XGUANG10K 📣

Item added to your cart

• Open media 1 in modal
• Open media 2 in modal

Arai Tour Cross 3 - Vision White

Couldn't load pickup availability

The ARAI TOUR CROSS 3 must be one of the most versatile helmets out there: adventure, grand touring, off road or street. No matter the riding conditions, the Tour Cross 3 is ready for it. You can configure in multiple ways: without visor, with goggles or without peak. Still looks cool any which way you choose to rock it.

• PB e-cLc shell construction
• R75 Shape for glancing off effect
• Multiple vent configurations for optimal airflow
• FCS or Facial Contour System for maximum comfort and noise reduction
• Removable, washable and adjustable anti-bacterial liner
• Padded chin strap with D-ring closure 
• SNELL 2010 approved

Edition:  Japan

Shape:  Round

Fitment: True to size

Weight:  1500 +/- 50 grams

Collapsible content

Metro Manila via Lalamove (cut-off 3pm)

Provincial via LBC (cut-off 12nn)

No shipping on Sundays and Holidays.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAILS

Be the first to know about new collections and exclusive offers.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Arai Tour-X 5 review: Does this latest adventure lid still have the X-factor?

The Arai Tour-X 5 is the latest version of the iconic Japanese manufacturer’s versatile adventure touring motorcycle helmet . It features a raft of improvements over the previous model, the Tour-X 4 , which was already a very highly regarded lid and one that has long been my personal favourite from the Arai stable.

I’ve covered 3,100 miles over the past three months in the new Tour-X 5 to see how it stacks up against its predecessor and the competition.

Arai Tour-X 5

The materials used ooze premium plushness and quickly wick sweat away, plus the entire liner can be removed for a full wash and refresh when needed. There is a downside to this luxurious lining though, and that is how vulnerable it is to Velcro or other hook and loop style closures. It’s only really an issue along the bottom edge where it can come into contact with jacket fastenings, but I’ve snagged mine numerous times on a storm collar and it’s starting to look a little tatty.

What sets the new version apart significantly are the redesigned cheek pads, which are noticeably firmer and provide a snug, cushioned fit around the jawline. This makes the T-X 5 feel more like a race helmet – a ‘wide aperture’ RX-7, if you will – which adds to the appeal of running it in the peak-less configuration.

Donning and removing the T-X 5 has been made easier too, thanks to a flare in the base of the shell that gives an extra 5mm either side, bringing it in line with the Quantic, Provile V and RX-7. This also means that Arai’s optional ES (‘egg shaped’) chin curtain (£29.99) can be fitted to reduce wind noise and prevent turbulent air from entering from the face area.

I’ve tried it by switching the one over from my RX-7 and it makes a big difference on colder rides. The built in retractable chin spoiler isn’t as effective, but does help with cooling, so I’ll most likely revert to that when the weather is warmer.   

The Arai Tour-X 5 is fully prepped for specs, allowing the arms to slip down sculpted channels by the temples. I’ve worn glasses for every mile I’ve ridden in it and have never had a moment of discomfort. Unlike some helmets that can press the arms against your head and hold frames at a fixed angle, the T-X 5 has been designed to let them sit naturally on your nose and ears.

I have worn some peaked helmets that suffer from buffeting, particularly in conjunction with a screen, however this has certainly not been the case with the Tour-X 5. I’ve covered hundreds of miles on a KTM 790 Adventure wearing it and felt no adverse effects whatsoever. The aerodynamic design slips cleanly through the air, and I’ve been barely aware it’s there, even on a naked bike.  

How good is the Tour-X 5’s visor?

The most stand out feature of the T-X5 is the new Variable Axis System (VAS-A) visor system, developed from the the RX-7V, which includes quick release side pods for rapid visor changes. Unlike the old model, where the peak and visor were attached to the shell with screws at either side, the T-X5’s peak and side pods come away as one unit at the push of a button, after which you just rotate the visor upwards to lift it off. Installation, as they say at Haynes, is simply the reverse of removal – and it really is that easy. The mounting position has been lowered too, providing a smoother surface across the temple area for improved ‘glance off’ ability in an impact.

The visor is larger and more curved than that of the outgoing model, providing a clearer view at night (the more pointy T-X 4 visor had a tendency to reflect light in odd patterns at times) and allowing rain to roll off better. A clear one is fitted as standard and comes with the all-important Pinlock anti-fog insert, although different tints are available, including a snazzy rainbow iridium coated item.

It’s also the first Arai visor that I’ve seen not to have integrated flaps for brow air intakes, a consequence of the redesigned ventilation system, which is great because I’ve broken a fair few of those in the past. As is traditionally Arai, there are no stepped positions to the opening mechanism – it operates smoothly from open to closed and, at slow speeds anyway, can be set to any position desired.

There’s no lockable mechanism to keep the visor closed, however a small plastic catch does the job perfectly well. When shut, the visor sits tight against its seal and I’ve yet to suffer any leaks despite subjecting it to some pretty serious rain. Even with it cracked open to allow a little airflow for my spectacles, there’s been no sign of water ingress.

The aperture itself offers a fantastic field of vision in all directions and is one of the aspects I’ve always loved about the Tour-X range. The T-X 5 boasts the biggest yet, providing a pleasant sensation of space around your face and no restriction to peripheral view.

What is the Tour-X 5’s ventilation like?

Ventilation was never wanting with the T-X 4, but Arai has managed to find some improvements in developing the 5. The chin vent is double the size of the previous version, and it certainly does let a large volume of air through, enough for Arai to omit the additional mesh vents of previous versions. It has adjustability both inside and out to regulate the flow and direct it either onto your face or up the inside of the visor.

Front and centre is the innovative Arai 3D logo duct, as already seen and proven on the Quantic. This sits over twin 10mm ports in the shell and draws air in when operated via a single slider at the top. It has two positions, closed when the slider sits proud of the logo and open when it’s clicked in. The airflow is noticeable as soon as it’s open, even at slow speeds, plus there’s a further three position vent at the top for even more.

With all this air coming in there needs to be an exit, and the T-X 5 has two permanently open exhausts at either side towards the back. Above those are three 10mm holes hidden by the spoiler and covered by a three position lever. With everything open you don’t need to go too quickly to feel the effect of fresh air passing through, and above 40 mph it’s like having air conditioning.

When worn back-to-back with the T-X 4, there does seem to be an increase in airflow, however both helmets are so incredibly efficient in this department that it isn’t easy to separate them.

Is the Tour-X 5 noisy?

I always ride in earplugs, so unless a helmet is unduly noisy, I tend not to notice. What I can say is that the Arai Tour-X 5 doesn’t have any localised areas of wind roar, and there’s little difference in general noise between riding with or without the peak.

Although I haven’t tried it with an intercom as yet, it is worth mentioning that due to the redesigned interior it’s now possible to fit speakers without having to remove the cheek pads. There are also flat surfaces either side to mount an intercom unit and a pocket in the neckroll for tucking away wires.

Does the Tour-X 5 look good?

Arai’s philosophy of the smooth, round shell shape being the safest profile for a helmet due to its ability to ‘glance off’, means that the Tour-X 5 keeps the clean, organic look associated with all their products. With the aerodynamically sculptured peak fitted it has a purposeful, dual sport appearance, and with it removed takes on an aggressive streetfighter style.

The more rounded shape of the T-X 5 is closer to the RX-7 than to its predecessor, and that makes it particularly attractive in peak-less mode – especially when paired up with a dark smoke or rainbow iridium visor.

Four graphic schemes and seven solid colours are available, making 19 variations to the range. The helmet on test here is in ‘Discovery Red’, which features a sparkly lacquered finish that makes it look custom painted. It’s easily one of my favourite factory designs from any manufacturer.

How well-made is the Tour-X 5?

Every Arai helmet is hand made, but it wasn’t until a recent trip to the factory that I realised what that actually meant. There is no automated production line – it’s a completely manual process, from the person who pulls the first strands of fibre together to make the laminate weave, to the guy who ties a knot in the helmet bag and seals up the box. The only robot in the factory is the one which laser cuts the front aperture – and that’s only for the sake of ultimate precision.

All in all, there are 27 stages to production which means that every helmet passes through at least 50 pairs of hands, whether it’s to form the shell, fit the EPS, drill vents or attach the visor seal. Every Arai employee cares deeply about what they do, and there’s no difference between the helmets raced at the top level of motor sport and the ones you can buy off the shelf.

Each helmet is subjected to five quality control departments during its 18 hour construction, and checked twice at each inspection, so it should be of little surprise that the finished article is built to such a high standard. Even so, one should step back to appreciate the care and skill that goes into making every single unit, and it’s that unquantifiable input that makes Arai products so special.

The Tour-X 5 is of course no exception and a shining example of that process. In addition to the basic construction, all external fixtures and fittings are suitably robust and easy to use, despite the fact that they are designed to break away easily in an impact. The hand applied paint and decals are absolutely on point and as mentioned previously, the interior is suitably plush and cosseting.

Is the Tour-X 5 good value for money?

Arai helmets are not cheap, in fact they’re up at the premium end, but when you look at what goes into production – and what the ultimate goal is, the best protection possible – they offer excellent value for money.

The Tour-X 5 uses Arai’s Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction for the shell to give it both strength and flexibility. In essence this involves different layers of fibre matting (Arai’s Super Fibre Laminates) that are bonded together in a sandwich by a special resin, with a reinforced band that runs across the top of the front aperture for additional strength. (As a side note, it’s that resin which gives Arai helmets their distinctive perfume.)

This technique means that the shell can be thinner and lighter, whilst still offering the impact protection needed to exceed ECE 22.06 regulations. Having seen Arai’s in-house testing first hand, I have no reason to believe that it wouldn’t do the job it’s designed to if called upon. Arai is also the only manufacturer to use a multi density EPS (the softer, inner layer that cushions your head in an impact) formed in a single piece, so as not to have any weak spots.

Much of the value is in the years of development behind the Tour-X 5, making it the company’s most advanced product to date. Arai’s philosophy is all about making the safest helmet they can, whilst keeping it practical and effective, for the track, trail or everyday use. Advancements come slowly through careful study and evaluation, not just in the lab but of real world situations – Arai has always had a close relationship with the top levels of motorsport.

There are a couple of features that some might expect to find on a premium helmet which aren’t present on the T-X 5, namely a drop down visor or integrated comms. The reason is simple, and it goes back to Arai’s unwavering commitment to safety, where any additional construction would be considered a concession to that.

The Arai Tour-X 5 is a well constructed, comfortable and versatile helmet. It brings together some of the best features of the current range, such as the RX-7’s visor system, Quantic’s logo vent and Profile V’s wider base, along with improvements of its own, to stand as a testament to the company’s commitment to safety through measured evolution.

With the peak fitted the T-X 5 is ideal for adventure touring, boasting ample room to flip the visor up and wear goggles if needs be, and with it removed makes a smart and practical alternative to a traditional full-face lid. In a previous review I said that the T-X 4 could be the only lid you’ll ever need, but with its quick-change visor, improved shape and enhanced ventilation, the Tour-X 5 takes that versatility to the next level.

Arai Tour-X 4

Shoei hornet adv, schuberth e2.

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us .

By Justin Hayzelden

Product Specialist for MCN and global adventurer.

• Search bike reviews
• Search all bikes
• Search new bikes
• Sell your bike
• Latest news
• Motorcycle Live
• Accessories
• Base Layers
• Communication
• Riding tips
• Learn to ride a motorbike with MCN
• Electric motorbikes
• Maintenance
• Travelling touring
• Insurance guides
• Buying and selling
• Inspiration
• Members' Content
• The Newspaper
• Latest Issue
• #Ride5000miles
• Buy Official MCN Merchandise
• MCN Festival
• London Motorcycle Show

• Harley-Davidson
• Royal Enfield
• Adventure & Dual-Sport
• Sport Touring
• Retro/Vintage
• Trikes, Sidecars & Scooters
• Buyers Guides
• New & Cool
• Electronics
• Parts & Accessories
• Books, DVDs & Other
• Latest News
• Tips & Tricks
• Rallies & Clubs
• Learning To Ride
• Other Features
• Favorite Rides
• Midwest U.S.
• Northeast U.S.
• International
• Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition
• Rider Magazine
• Rider Enewsletter
• American Rider
• Woman Rider
• Powersports Business
• Market Research
• Consumer Panel
• Subscriber Login
• Customer Service

Arai Contour-X Helmet | Gear Review

We’ve all seen the commercials where the Most Interesting Man in the World says, “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.” Likewise, Arai doesn’t often release a new helmet, but when it does, it gets it right. More than 70 years of experience went into the development of the new Arai Contour-X. 

As we’ve written about in previous reviews and in our “ The Why Behind Arai Helmets ” feature, Arai maintains a steadfast commitment to building helmet shells with a smooth, strong, round shape. As repeated experience among MotoGP, World Superbike, and other racers has shown, Arai helmets are designed to “glance off” objects, allowing them to maintain sheer integrity, resist deformation, and spread impact energy over the widest possible area. Every exterior feature of an Arai helmet is designed to break away so that the helmet itself will not catch on anything during an impact or slide. 

The Contour-X offers excellent protection, comfort, ventilation, and aerodynamics. It features a new Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction (PB-cLc2) shell that’s thinner and lighter thanks to a new fiber material and resin, yet it is just as strong as other Arai shells. The medium-size Contour-X tested here, even with the optional Pro Shade visor and Pinlock anti-fog insert installed, weighs just 3 lb, 9 oz – the same weight as the top-of-the-line Corsair-X. 

Related: Arai Corsair-X Helmet | Gear Review

Like the Regent-X, the Contour-X’s shell flares out 5mm around the opening to make the helmet easier to slide on and off. The bottom of the shell also features Arai’s Hyper Ridge, which improves strength and shock absorption and was reshaped for flatter sides to facilitate easy mounting of a comms system. 

Related: Arai Regent-X Helmet | Gear Review

Arai helmets have always been a pleasure to wear, and the Contour-X goes even further with a new odor-resistant, brushed-nylon interior that’s removable and washable and features adjustable Facial Contour System (FCS-2) cheek pads that can be released to ease removal during an emergency. Inside, there are speaker pockets and a new neck-roll wire pocket for a comms system. Through short rides, long rides, and repeated donning and doffing, the Contour-X required no break-in and was comfortable at all times. 

Ventilation is fantastic. The new system includes a total of seven intakes, all of which can be closed as needed: a 3D Arai logo vent in the forehead, two F1-derived tear-drop intakes on the crown, two brow vents in the faceshield, and a chin vent. There are also six exhausts: one in the spoiler, two on the sides near the back, and three in the neckroll area. Arai says the Contour-X offers better ventilation than the Corsair-X at street speeds, and I concur. 

See all of Rider ‘s motorcycle helmet reviews here.

The round shape of Arai helmets helps them slip through the air smoothly, and the new XGR exhaust/spoiler pulls hot air out of the helmet while also enhancing stability and reducing buffeting at speed. I wore the Contour-X on a variety of bikes with and without windscreens, and it remained steady and comfortable. 

The Arai Contour-X is a fantastic lid in every respect. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL, and pricing starts at $739.95 for five different solid colors (Blue Frost, Black Frost, Diamond Black, Diamond White, and Light Grey) and $889.95 for two graphic options (Snake Red and Face Fluorescent Yellow).

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Colorado legalizes lane filtering, aerostich messenger bag review | gear, 2024 adventure bikes with kevin duke (part 2) | ep. 69 rider magazine insider podcast, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

CURRENT ISSUE

News & reviews, 2024 adventure bikes with kevin duke (part 2) | ep. 69..., bmw motorrad days americas returns to barber vintage festival, oct. 11-13,....

• 7760 France Avenue South, Suite 810 Bloomington, MN 55435
• Phone: (763) 383-4400
• Subscribe to Rider Magazine
• Subscribe to Rider eNewsletter
• Contact Rider
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 - Rider Magazine. All rights reserved.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• HKD - Hong Kong Dollar
• JPY - Japanese Yen
• TWD - New Taiwan Dollar
• RUB - Russian Ruble
• SGD - Singapore Dollar
• ZAR - South African Rand
• KRW - South Korean Won
• AED - United Arab Emirates Dirham
• Create an Account

Arai Tour-X5 - Review and Road-Test

So, now that we’ve gotten the results of all of our testing, time to put them into perspective. It started relatively slow on material and weight, where it earned 3.5 stars for material and 3 stars for weight. Then the TourX5 did manage a series of respectable scores, earning four stars for its visor thanks to its stellar visor mechanism, and with an average measurement of 100 decibels it earns a nice 4 stars for noise isolation. It also performed well on ventilation, managing a difference with the outside temperature of about plus one degree Celsius. Then, as the only adventure helmet ever, it earned the full 5 stars for comfort, which was very impressive. And finally, for features, it earned 4 stars which is great, especially in the adventure helmet category. But, here comes the kicker. With an average of almost 4 stars, it has the highest price per star value. Obviously that comes from its high price tag of 880 euros. But then again, if you leave out the Value for money it has the highest score of all Adventure helmets. Aside from the price we honestly couldn’t find any weakness and everything is so well engineered. Arai is almost obsessed with safety and you can tell from pretty much all of the safety tests where they very often come out on top. And yes, that quality comes with a serious price tag. So with the Tour X4 seen by many as the best Adventure helmet available today, Arai has managed to even improve it and earn better scores on different aspect. SO if you have the money and you’re looking for the absolute best Adventure helmet available today when it comes to quality, then this is the helmet for you .

That’s it for the TourX5 road test. I’m curious to what you guys think of this helmet, let us know in the comments down below. Also don’t forget to check out champion helmets.com where we have the lowest price guaranteed and very sharp discount bundles. Like & subscribe for more content just like this, ride safe!

• Studio Review
• Buying Guides
• Top 10 Best Entry Level Helmets of 2024
• Nolan N100-6 Review and Road-Test
• HJC RPHA-71 Carbon - Review And Road-Test
• Roof Boxxer 2 Carbon Review and Road-Test
• Scorpion EXO-GT SP Air - Review and Road-test
• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• October 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• November 2022
• October 2022
• September 2022
• August 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• September 2020
• August 2020
• February 2020
• January 2020
• December 2019
• November 2019
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019
• February 2019
• January 2019
• December 2018
• November 2018
• October 2010
• schuberth c5
• shark evo gt
• agv tourmodular
• bell qualifier dlx
• shark spartan gt carbon
• shoei gt air 2
• arai rx-7v racing vs arai rx-7v evo
• klim outlander gtx
• dainese freeland gtx
• Motorcycle Clothing
• win a valentino rossi signed helmet
• shark skwal 2.2
• dainese x-tourer
• dainese tempest 3 d-dry
• scorpion exo r1- fabio monster replica
• alpinestars rt-8 gore-tex
• dainese metropolis d-wp shoes
• roof boxxer carbon
• dainese super speed 3
• alpinestars fusion leather jacket
• shark spartan rs carbon skin
• klim badlands pro a3 review
• revit spark air
• how to install insyde in the tourmodular
• shoei neotec 2
• revit expedition gtx
• top 10 best sport-touring helmets of 2022
• revit parabolica jacket
• the best helmets of 2022
• agv pista gp rr
• shoei nxr 2
• icon airflite
• When to replace a helmet
• how to measure motorcycle gear
• dainese atipica air shoes - review
• BMW R1300GS
• x-lite x-1005 ultra carbon
• nolan n100-5 plus
• copper pro denim pants
• klim k fifty
• How to determine helmet size
• torque 2 h2o

Warning message

The arai 2023 brochure is here.

• Motorcycle & Powersports
• Protective Gear

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Arai Tour-cross3 Detour (61-62cm(24-24 3/8in)-XL, Blue)

About this item.

• ■ standards: SNELL / JIS
• ■ cap body: PB-cLc
• ■ Interior: High fitting cold, dry interior (adjustable at options - patent) / FCS

Product information

Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, looking for specific info, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top review from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Start Selling with Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share by Email

Pinehurst #10 opened last week. Want to play it?

Masters Par-3 Contest: Who stole the show in golf’s cutest event | Rogers Report

The stars were out on Wednesday at the Masters Par 3 Contest

Getty Images, Jordan Spieth

Hello, friends, and welcome to my Super Bowl, Christmas Day and Roman Empire all in one: Wednesday at the Masters .

To me, it’s the happiest day of the year. The players at Augusta National are able to take a few hours away from this week’s grind to spend some quality time with family and make lifelong memories at the Par 3 Contest . And lucky for golf fans, we get to see it all. On Wednesday at Augusta National, it doesn’t matter whose kid is grounded, which players are on which tour or what infant is crying. It’s an afternoon set up to go so well that there’s no chance for it to be anything but wholesome. And that’s exactly what it was.

My coworker and GOLF photographer extraordinaire Darren Riehl and I headed over to the Par 3 Course early Wednesday afternoon. It’s our second year watching the contest together and while there’s a case to be made for each day being the best to attend the Masters, I really am a massive fan of Wednesday (the day of the week and the Netflix show). You can walk the course in the morning and take in all the family time in the afternoon at the Par 3 Contest. The Par 3 Course is a much easier walk — it’s way less hilly and you can walk the whole thing in well under an hour. If you’re ever attending the Masters with young kids or someone who maybe can’t put in 20,000 steps a day, the Par 3 Contest is the best place to see your favorite players (and their loved ones!) up close.

There’s also a mini-merchandise shop on the far end of the Par 3 Course, which carries all the essentials: hats, sunblock, chairs and food. Everything you need for an afternoon at the Masters.

The winners

I’ll get to Strokes Gained: Wholesome in a minute, but I’ll give a shout out to the players who really brought it on Wednesday afternoon.

First ace of the day from Augusta’s own Luke List! pic.twitter.com/8vfpAsk649 — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 10, 2024

Take a bow, @GaryWoodland 👏 This is his first hole-in-one in #theMasters Par 3 Contest. pic.twitter.com/fYsiau8VwQ https://t.co/tjTTxYz6LL — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

The third ace of the day on the 6th hole belongs to Viktor Hovland 🎯 pic.twitter.com/2UkJFFeVlR https://t.co/E2quFyqDx0 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

Ace for @SeppStraka ! His reaction says it all #theMasters pic.twitter.com/KxECCece48 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

There were a handful of aces from the pros, which are impressive, but not as impressive as the putting performance that both Jessica Hadwin and Dakota Watson put on today.

A putt here, a putt there, Dakota Watson holed putts from everywhere. #themasters pic.twitter.com/75AYEPn0oF — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2024

Imagine if I had Dakota’s putting https://t.co/EPrJJMsDBG — bubba watson (@bubbawatson) April 10, 2024

Brad Faxon’s gig as Rory McIlroy’s putting coach could be in jeopardy if Dakota Watson keeps this up. I’ll reach out for comment on her hourly rate and get back to you all.

Jessica Hadwin also drained a clutch putt during the event, partially thanks to her husband for the read.

Might be the only time I’ve ever listened to @ahadwingolf and would you look at that, I made the putt 😎 https://t.co/C6TZUB6S69 — Jessica Hadwin (@jessicahadwin) April 10, 2024

And finally, congratulations to Rickie Fowler on not only having one of the cutest kids at Augusta this week but also on the Par 3 Contest win.

The 2024 Masters Par 3 Contest champ, Rickie Fowler 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NG83pqeBC2 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

Okay, on to the good stuff.

Special memories are being forged on Wednesday at #theMasters pic.twitter.com/aBuKfeCYou — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

The fourth ace of the day! Lucas Glover played this perfectly at #theMasters pic.twitter.com/XhcfZhb8S1 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

The real winners

Okay, okay. Enough about good golf shots and low scores. Let’s get to what really matters at the Par 3 Contest: the caddies. I hung out by the Par 3 practice green for a while, where Frankie Fleetwood and Iris Lowry put on a show. Little Fleetwood seems to have a bit of Charlie Woods in him. He was walking in putts, fist pumping and throwing a finger up to the sky when he drained one. He was taking the practice seriously. Then Iris Lowry walked over and asked if she could have a turn with the putter. From there, the two hit alternating putts while their parents caught up off to the side. The patrons went wild when each kid holed one.

JT and Jordan this! Cantlay and Schauffele that! Let’s talk about the real best friendship in golf: Iris Lowry and Frankie Fleetwood pic.twitter.com/xlkFpBSxRJ — claire rogers (@kclairerogers) April 10, 2024

By the power bestowed in me by the Rogers Report, I hereby declare Frankie Fleetwood as the Chief Good Vibes officer of the Par 3 Contest. This should come as a surprise to absolutely no one who has been paying attention to this event over the last few years. This was him in 2022.

Pace of play is important. Just ask Frankie Fleetwood. pic.twitter.com/epRujEkBul — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 6, 2022

Little Frankie also has some serious game.

Frankie Fleetwood ladies & gentlemen!! #themasters pic.twitter.com/YEAQRpT4e6 — Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) April 11, 2024

Not only do I love the friendship between Iris Lowry and Frankie Fleetwood, I love the friendship between their dads.

Next up we have the Schenk family. They’re enjoying their first time at the Masters this week, and I am a massive fan of Kourtney. If you’re looking for someone to root for in events, Adam is your guy.

We were terrible caddies but we had the best day ever with dada. Thank you @acschenk1 for this magical week! We are so proud of you! pic.twitter.com/3EeN7xfhmn — Kourtney Schenk (@Kourtney_Schenk) April 11, 2024

Okay folks, buckle up. We’ve got a lot of babies to discuss. We will start out with Cam Homa, who was rocking an incredible pair of Nike kicks with a green swoosh. These kids have some serious style.

Max and Cam 🥹 pic.twitter.com/pNJe4dUkla — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

@lacehoma You win some | you lose some 🤷🏻‍♀️ Cam refused to nap today and I knew it was about to be a wild ride! Thank goodness Team Koepka & Team Clark were so sweet! Hopefully we get another try next year! #golf #par3 #par3contest #themasters #masterslooks #masters2024 #masters #masterstournament #augustanational #golfer #golftiktok #golftiktok #dayinmylife #wifelife #golfwife #fyp #augusta #themasters ♬ Ain’t It Fun – Paramore

To know the Masters Par 3 Contest is to know that Sammy Spieth stole the show last year, which he and Maya Fowler did again this year. Annie Spieth was pregnant at last year’s Masters, and this year, Sophie Spieth made her official debut at Augusta National.

Sophie's first Masters 💚 pic.twitter.com/ft14YCGb9n — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

One of the cool things about being the child of a professional golfer (I think, anyways. I’m not one of them) is that you can learn from the best. Sammy Spieth had his dad lining him up on the tee today and Fred Couples checking out his putting.

Swinging with the Spieths ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DZ1vczlPOT — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

Lessons with a legend. pic.twitter.com/m1FnukBTiB — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

The Sammy Spieth and Maya Fowler content was some of my favorite of the day. The second generation of the Baker’s Bay spring break crew is shaping up well!

Bring your kids to work day ❤️ https://t.co/A9YasYXmy1 pic.twitter.com/Sqsvlr4ShX — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 10, 2024

No better place to learn the game. #themasters pic.twitter.com/HoRBvHy9nh — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2024

Crew Sims Koepka’s face was put on display for the fist time today at the Masters Par 3 Contest, and Jena Sims decided to have some fun with it.

@jenamsims Simba?? #masterspar3contest #par3contest #masterscaddy @The Masters @ESPN 3:23pk tee time. ♬ The Lion King: Circle Of Life – Geek Music

@jenamsims Who’s your caddie #masterspar3contest #par3contest #augustanational #caddiejumpsuit @caddieuniform ♬ Run It! (Remix Instrumental) – Chris Brown

The photos of Crew with his parents are so, so cute.

Shout out to my coworker Darren for getting my favorite photo of the day below.

And for the grand finale, I present to you all the best video of the week so far. If Tony Finau ever decided he didn’t want to continue playing golf, he could one hundred percent make it as a content creator. I’m obsessed with all of the Finau family content, but this video is extremely creative and they got an army of five kids to cooperate for it. That in itself is nothing short of a miracle.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by TeamFinau (@finaufresh)

Wednesday at the Masters kind of feels like a Sunday to me. It’s a nice fun day to relax before the work week really starts, and it’s always bittersweet when it ends.

Latest In News

Why tiger woods' masters might have just gotten a whole lot tougher, masters 2024: new first-round tee times posted after weather delay, masters weather: first round delayed due to storms in augusta, masters live coverage: how to watch the 2024 masters on thursday, claire rogers.

• Author Twitter Account
• Author Instagram Account

Related Articles

Masters mvps, superlatives, champions dinner | rogers report, a heartfelt augusta reunion, secondhand masters merch, the press building | rogers report, scottie scheffler's neck, relatable rory mcilroy | rogers report, pga tour superlatives, a caddie competition, rory's record | rogers report, forehead autographs, the presser of the day and looking for jon rahm | rogers report, hideki matsuyama's caddie goes viral, jim nantz lays down the law | rogers report, tour winner saves a life, tiger wds and a hilariously nsfw wag tiktok | rogers report, texts from tiger, an epic shank and golf's outrageous valentine's day | rogers report, josh allen and tiger tee it up, a caddie saves the day | rogers report.

T: 028 3085 0911

Free Shipping Over £60

Fast UK Delivery

Full Order & Delivery Tracking

Custom Fit Arai Helmet Specialists

Authorised Dealer

• Description
• Price Match Request

Genuine Arai Helmet parts

Internal Lining to fit:

Arai skull liners or interior pads are the reason your Arai helmet is so comfortable, but did you also know it is the key pieces to making your helmet fit properly? Because we all have different sized and shaped heads Arai have developed their skull liners to allow a truly tailor fitted comfort and ultimate safety. This innovative design ensures that your helmet sits not too tight and not too loose on your head. Arai helmet skull pads are the interior comfort pad at the top of interior of an arai helmet, they come in various thickness and also sized according to the shell size. To check the size needed for your helmet, remove the current interior (usually 4 poppers, 1 at each corner, note some older arai helmets did not have removable interiors). The interior has a white tab which will give its thickness in mm, and the shell size in roman numerals.

Sizes Range from 5mm which are the thinnest skull liners for larger heads, and up to 12mm to cater for the smallest of head sizes.

Electrostal History and Art Museum

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.19 mi) Elektrostal Hotel
• (1.21 mi) Yakor Hotel
• (1.27 mi) Mini Hotel Banifatsiy
• (1.18 mi) Elemash
• (1.36 mi) Hotel Djaz
• (0.07 mi) Prima Bolshogo
• (0.13 mi) Makecoffee
• (0.25 mi) Amsterdam Moments
• (0.25 mi) Pechka
• (0.26 mi) Mazhor

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.