You get what you pay for. The full faces may all be just as safe in a crash but with price comes better luxury and face shields with no optical distortion.

Except for an initial HJC, I’ve never strayed away from Shoei after my first one. My head tends to fits Shoei helmets better than Arai. Current Shoei are an RF-1200 and an X-Fourteen. The RF-1200 fits great but had to change out to thinner cheek pads on the latter. Favorite of all time was the old Shoei RF-1000 just because of the fit. Helmet comfort makes a huge difference in ride enjoyment.

I also sport a couple different DOT mushroom-head half helmets, including a Sena Cavalry (decent helmet) for when I want bluetooth, and a novelty helmet ($29 Biker Access helmet from Amazon) when the mood strikes.

 

This is a timely thread. I am currently looking to buy a full-face helmet. Originally, I ordered Naotec II, but it was too large so I returned it. But now, I am looking at couple of other, not modular helmets. X14 is high on the list, followed by Bell Race Star and then, Sedici Strada II Carbon. Sedici is very enticing because it's half price of what the other two are. So, I am still contemplating...but I am pretty sure I will go with X14. I just love Shoei's quality. Back in a day, I would only ride in Arai helmets...even had one signed by Nicky Hayden. Those were the days...

Does anyone have any real world experience with any of the helmets I listed?

 

Shoei and Arai are the highest quality and highest price helmets with Bell being close behind and lower priced. Don't go cheap--cheap helmets are for cheap heads!

The best helmet is the one that fits you the best--comfort, fit and adjustable air flow will ultimately determine your long-term satisfaction. Before you go to the store to buy your helmet, look at the You Tube video on helmet fitting. The video will give you a good starting point for size and shape to consider. Don't assume that just because 90% of riders wear a "long oval" shape that it will fit you; I am best fit with a "round oval". Also, most of the high quality helmets come in different prices due to the graphics. BUT, the helmet is same; you can save a lot of money just getting the plain color helmet in the model that fits you best.

My final tip is to buy it locally and take your time. The experienced people at Cycle Gear really helped me in getting the correct fit. You need to plan to wear the helmet you think you want for at least 30 minutes in the store; all helmets will fit a little tight at first but will form to your head fairly quickly. (BTW: Being patient in the store resulted in me identifying that I needed the "round oval".)

Good luck.

 

For me it Arai.
but I’m guilty of a half helmet at times. Ironically I feel much more comfortable with the full face

 

My full face arrived few weeks ago. I really like it. Great stability and quality is really fantastic.

 

I like my Biltwell Gringo.

 

Bell helmets are made in China.