When I first got my bike I bought the cheapest helmet I could find, the Bell 3/4 with the snaps across the top. My head is in between sizes so I went with the little bit roomier version. I figured here in MN I could always wear a stocking cap if I need to. I got the snap on face guard pretty quickly. All this worked out pretty well, if a bit noisy with the wind coming in all those little gaps.

The first time I decided to make a long trip (4,400+ miles) I decided to get a better helmet. I ended up spending around $140 for a full face model with the flip up chin guard. I bought it in a local shop so I paid more than if ordered, but as everybody seems to agree, trying it on is the best way to spend the money happily. It's kinda the best of both worlds. With the guard up it's passable open faced, if somewhat heavy. And in the chill I can still crack open the visor to keep the fog down and the nose warm. Of course the little vents they put in them are useless for their stated purposes. And there's room for speakers if I ever get tired of that strange thumping noise I keep hearing when I'm out on the road.

Jack

I have a small skull, hat size ,, 6&7/8ths. I wear a small helmet & after wearing it a few months it loosened up. I cut some foam rubber & slipped it into the liner in places.
I also noticed that with the helmet shaking from vibration & wind, my glasses were being shifted a bit, making the world wiggle. I opened the part up that pushes on the temple pieces of my glasses & removed some foam there, & pulled the slack out of the cloth & stapled it down. Now my glasses dont wiggle, so the world doesnt wiggle.

splash07 wrote on 03/16/09 at 10:52:39:

Don't know the laws of your state, but such a helmet would be illegal in CA.  Only 1 ear may have a headphone while riding.  Get an all in head phone, some are sound cancelling.