Some companies make helmets for different shaped heads. I specifically got an Arai Profile becase it's made for a "long oval" head. Most comfortable helmet I've ever had. Last FF helmet I had, a few years ago, was definately made for a rounder head and would become painful to wear after an hour of so. Doing group rides it's tough to talk to folks with a FF, and it's getting warmer here finally, so I bought a Harley 1/2 helmet yesterday.

 

+1 on Shoei RF1100, it's lightweight, tons of air venting. Only issue I have with it is the wind is louder with it than with my Scorpion EXO 400. If I'm gonna be nosed into the wind for a ride longer than a half hour or so I usually wear earplugs now.

 

Thats why I said Snell M2010 and ECE and not Snell M2005. There are a number of articles in motorcycle magazines and on the net about this issue.

From what I've read, apparently the Snell M2005, and earlier Snell standards, standard specified a high puncture resistance which mandated a stiff shell. As I understand it a stiff shell is not as effective at absorbing impacts and transmits more force to the foam underneath. The ECE and Snell M2010 standards specify the lowest force of any of the helmet standards that can be transmitted through the helmet to the head. This does however require a softer shell which means less puncture resistance. According to the safety experts who have commented, this is a good real world trade off as helmet punctures are less common than brain injuries from force of impact. The other reason for the new Snell standard is so manufactures can now market the same helmet in Europe as North America. Previously they could not build a helmet model that would meet both the ECE and Snell M2005 standard because of the differing requirements. The new Snell M2010 standard starts with the requirements of the ECE standard so a helmet that is M2010 approved will also meet the requirements of ECE and the loose requirements of DOT plus meet the more rigid requirements of Snell.

 

How do you find the venting on the Profile. It is the one helmet I've tried that fits me perfectly.

 

Other’s all have given good advice. One additional point to consider is ventilation which is important for fogging and comfort as well. I am on my 2nd Shoei X11 and am very pleased with it. You may also want to check out: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm

 

Definitely the Shoei. I saw quite a few videos on YouTube demostrating their helmets. Not bad stuff at all and I think they are reasonably priced.

 

+1 on RF1100, +1 on Cycle Gear and their awesome return policy.

 

I personally like the shark helmets ece rated and the better ones do not fog up I have ridden at 34 degrees and did not fog up. still not a cheap helmet and they have a different profile similair to aria.

 

It sounds like you have a good idea of what you want. The only thing i would add is to try the helmet before you buy.
I just bought a new helmet that had all of features i was looking for. After using it a dozen times i realized it buffeted much more than my other helmet. Now it just sits in the basement all nice and new.

 

I can feel the air blowing on my face and moving through the helmet, with the shield closed tight. It's pretty good for a FF. The shield seals up so good that I have to leave the main vent slightly open on cold days so it doesn't fog up.

I got it through www.helmetshop.com *, list price of $490 got it for $392 and free shipping, delivered to my PO box here in under a week.

*Sorry if that's against any advertising rules. I don't know anyone at the store, just got great service from them. Especially with stores that won't ship to a PO box, let alone an overseas military address.