Myself for winter ridding I prefer a full face. I have a Shoei RF 1100. Super quiet with the vents closed and lots of air with them open, very comfortable.
All the other helmets I wore a 2x, in the Shoei I wear a XL.

The only draw back I have with this helmet is because it is so quiet its design will amplify loud pipes to a defining level. Stock pipes for me in the winter.

There are lots of places that sell helmets on line with reviews, but you really need to try them on.

 

i like my harley ultra jet. it's a 3/4 and vents well. it also comes with a visor and a clear face shield. i only use the visor. you can go to any harley shop and try one on, and then order that size from zanottis or chicago harley. i have 6 or 7 helmets, but the ultra jet, for me is the most comfortable and is great quality. it wasn't too pricey either.

 

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm

 

I have owned many helmets, but none better than Shoei. I have two , RJ Platinum, 3/4 helmet, very quiet, quality everywhere, good vents. The other is the ST Cruz half helmet. Doesn't cover the ears so no noise reduction, but good quality and great on a hot day. Check Helmet City, about the best prices I could find.

Good Luck.

 

Pretty much what everyone else said, especially the Shoei recommendations. Cold weather/long trips I much prefer my RF1000. It's not as stylish or freedom-inspiring but it is far more pleasant of an experience.

Around town, for short trips, I wear a bell drifter half helmet with some form of eye protection. Buffeting behind the windshield is objectionable without goggles or something over my glasses.

Definitely try a helmet on first before purchase, as mentioned the sizes aren't very consistent from one manufacturer to another.

 

Great info guys thank you all so much. I realy like everything i've read about the Shoei.s. So I just need to find a local dealer that hass some to try on, and of coarse if their price is at least close to on line I will buy localy. Thanks again for all of your help.

 

Hate'em all! Am forced to wear one by the commies that run the state where I live!

 

Lots of great ideas and posts here. One thing I don't recall seeing anyone mention is that one big thing to consider for your decision is what type of bike you'll be riding and fairing/shield you will have in front of you. Riding an ultra with a chin to nose high shield in my opinion doesn't require as much facial coverage on the helmet as a bike with just a shield. I've ridden both with various helmets. If your going to be riding in cold or rainy weather very much you obviously want full face, versus 3/4 or half helmet being plenty for fair weather. Like you I have a large head and I've found the most comfortable for me to be the Fulmer 665 open face for cold or rainy conditions and a half helmet for daily commuting. I recently noticed a new model on their website, the 9b that has a built-in retractable sun visor that I may have to try for my next replacement.

 

I also like the Harley Ultra Jet (made by HJC) 3/4. Fits me well, and cuts down on some of the wind noise but still gets wind in my face. I am also looking for a 1/2 helmet that I like; I have the Shoei St Cruz which I don't like at all. Think I'm going for the Scorpion EXO 100 next. I also have a Shoei FF, which I do like when it gets colder, but the 3/4 is my favorite - feels safer than the 1/2, and more fun than the FF. Super comfortable too.

 

I too spent many years between riding street bikes.

I loved Bell helmets 20 yrs ago.

They were crap in the 90's and maybe even later.

But I bought a Bell Star in 2008. I like it better than my brothers Shoei.

I am once again in love with a Bell helmet.

It has great ventilation.

But, the bottom line is how it fits on your mellon. Try them on over and over again. I found a big indi dealer that would let me wear the helmet for 30 min. inside the store. If you don't develop hot spots after 30 min. it is probably a good fit for you.