I have 3 helmets at the moment: 2 HJC CL-15's (solid blue and Orbit graphic) and a Scorpion EXO-400 in matte black. My dream helmet, if I could afford it, would be the Shoei X-11 Lawson, although after reading cv_rider's review of how loud it is, even with earplugs, I might have to rethink that idea.
The 2 CL-15's are great helmets, although they do seem to have a problem with too much loosening after wearing them for a short period of time. What I mean by this is that they'll fit snugly when you first get them, just as a helmet should, but I've found that after wearing them for 3 to 4 weeks of riding, the padding seems to REALLY compress and they tend to become, for me anyway, too loose. I've tried moving to the next smaller size, but it's just way to uncomfortable in the beginning, even knowing that the padding will loosen up. I may try changing the pads out to the next smaller size and see if that makes a difference, but I don't think it will. Here's a shot of my Orbit graphic:
Next up is what I feel is the best bang-for-the-buck helmet on the market today. It's a Scorpion EXO-400 in matte black and I absolutely LOVE this helmet. It's extremely comfortable right out of the box, but fits just the way a helmet should. It also comes with the breath deflector standard and a TRUE fog free shield (although mine has the dark smoke installed), and both of these items really work as advertised. It's by far the quietest helmet I've ever worn, although I haven't had it during really hot weather, so I'm not sure how great the venting is. BTW, I wear earplugs religiously, so I think the noise factor of helmets is an overrated topic, although cv's review of the X-11 being loud even with earplugs has me concerned.
One of the biggest factors for me in choosing a helmet is the shield change mechanism. I thought there wasn't one better than the HJC design, that is, until I got my Scorpion. It takes just a little practice, but once you realize you're not going to break anything, it's simple. My only gripe about the Scorpion is that I wish there were a detent position that allowed you to just crack the visor open...there isn't. The first position is a full inch to two inches open and that's far enough to allow bugs or rocks to get through. It's the only thing my HJC has over the Scorpion.
Here's a shot of my EXO-400:
Again, my dream helmet is the Shoei X-11 Lawson. I don't know why, but this graphic just speaks to me...
