Incorrect about Snell. Motorcyclist Magazine did a report on DOT only vs DOT/Snell helmets. The DOT only helmets out performed the DOT/Snell helmits. Snell requires a very hard shell that in certain instances is not the best to have. Go to Motorcyclist website and check it out, I'm sure they still have it posted.
But to answer your question, Full face better than anything else. Brands to look for are HJC, Shoei, Arai. Best prices would be with HJC. ICON has some good helmets but they are more for the sport bike crowd. If you can find a Shoei on sale then get it. Arai are hard to find under 350.

 

You really need to go to a metric dealership and try on some different brands. I say a Metric dealership because they tend to have a greater selection. Find the brand that fits you best. Do your homework on the internet for pricing and colors. Get it wherever you can get the best deal. They say there are 2 different head shapes for humans. One is a Shoei head and the other is an Arai head. SHoei heads can ware HJC, and ICON from my experience.

 

I picked up this Full Face Modular Helmet at HD for me and my wife. It fits well, is very comfortable, well ventilated, and is made by HJC: http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/m...bmLocale=en_US

I bought this jacket, which has an outershell that zips off for hot weather, leaving a mesh body. Zip it back on for cooler weather. Zip in a water proof liner for wet weather. It also has shoulder, arm, and other armor that is removeable so you can wash the jacket. In warm weather w/the outer shell off, it allows a lot of air to flow through and is very comfortable. http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/m...bmLocale=en_US

I do have this HD flat black 1/2 helmet for those ocassional cruisin' days, especially if you're at a rally or riding w/a lot of people where being seen or traffic cutting in isn't a huge threat. http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/m...bmLocale=en_US

I know I risk not being waived at for wearing too much safety equipment (as per other threads), but it's my melon and my money, so I guess I can do it my way. Ihave three split tails that depend on me, so if this is what I need todoto ensure I make it home, I am down with it. We eachhave to managethe risk in a way that makes us comfortable. I personally think if you're going to ride so as to create any real wind, then a full face is much more comfortable. If I am getting warm, I just flip up or crack the shield for a short bit to let some extra air in. Even if I am wearing my full face, I have my Oakley's on, so w/the face shield up for a few, I still have eye protection.

I like the notion of a good pair of riding jeans, I think that might be next.

 

It all depends on what type of riding your going to do.

Ride in the rain.
Ride long distances.
Ride in winter.
Ride on the Super Slab.
Ride in hot hot Temperature.
Ride around town.

It's all about pros and cons

 

How much you spend depends on the value of your head! The problem is finding that million dollar helmet. I haven't found it yet, so get what's legal, fits, has air vents, doesn't fog, doesn't cause loss of perpheral vision, and allows you to talk, hear, see clearly, and block bugs to your satisfaction. The cheaper the better; when it gets old, buy another.

 

Yesterday was the first time since I bought my Shoei FF that I took an extended trip up the Interstate. I noted that a lot of HD riders are wearing helmets (probably 50:50) and many have FF's on.A lot waive and many do not...I think if a person is inclined notto wave at you, it won'tmatter if you have a helmet on or not.Its nice to be polite but does it really matter?

 

I was being sarcastic about the wave part... After reading some of the wave threads, I thought it was worth mentioning...

 

Whatever you buy make it a white one. I believe that they are easier for those with failing eyesight to see! Just my opinion - I have no data to prove it.

 

Only if Parts Dept Unlimited or Tucker/Rocky distribute them. They've done a good job in shutting out most of the competition, The reason why the commonality between HJC and Icon exist is because Icon IS HJC. They're just marketed to the sportbike/rapper/hip-hop set. To enlighten on the other brands, Arai has 3 shapes, not 2. Round, slight oval and more ovoid. The Italians (Nolan and AGV) use even more pronounced oval, the Taiwanese have the most round (THH, M2R). Good luck on finding the latter, Western Powersports has the same obstacles I do. Shoei's and Arai's will give you the same top quality as mine, just higher priced and without the features that make mine unique. Only those who have owned others would appreciate them.

 

I have NOLAN flip up helmet, ITS GREAT! very well ventilated & I can flip it up when I want to talk, or eat, or if i am in traffic to increase airflow.

As far as other equipment I have the HArley FXRG Nylon Suit. Its padded rainproof & the jacket has a removeable cold liner that is very effective in chilly weather. The pants are waterproof & zip up the side for ventillation in hot weather. i wear them instea of jeans because of the ventillation feature & waterproofing, the suit isnt cheap, its about $650, but if you compare it to the aerostitch suit its very simillarly priced good luck & good riding