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I only wear FF helmets. My latest is a modular HJC ISMAX in flat black. Modular, internal sun shield, reasonable weight, DOT approved. It has a good rating from Revzilla and is within your stated budget.
I have the Scorpion EXO 900 modular. I normally wear Shoei or Arai, so I know what an expensive helmet is like, and the scorpion has its drawbacks, it isn't as nice as the top tier helmets, but that said, it isn't to noisy, isn't too heavy and is the helmet I reach for to run to the store or a short day trip, the flip up front is nice. It claims a no fog face shield, and I did wear it in cool weather with some success, but am still a little skeptical, but it did work. In my experience it runs a size smaller then the Shoei or Arai, I normally wear L, went to XL on the scorpion. You can get another take on what you are getting safety wise by looking up the helmets on the Sharp testing website, the Euro helmet testing agency, most modular helmets unlock in impact testing, but the Nolan's and some others do not, but the Nolan did not fit my head. Motorcyclist magazine in July and August reviewed modular helmets , August was the under $300 review.
Anymore I've gone to wearing a FF Shoei X-Eleven all the time now. It ventilates very well and is very comfortable year around. I even find that I can see better on my periphery with this FF helmet than I can with my 3/4 and goggles due to the goggle's side frame obstructing my view.
With the windshield off my RK (which is pretty much the entire summer) it's very smooth with lots of airflow.
This helmet is way over the $250 mark, but a FF is more appealing to me than it used to be. Find one that fits you properly and vents well.
I chose a Shoei RF1100. Yes it was a bit more pricey but for me it was worth it. A proper fitting FF helmet will be uncomfortable for about 3 or 4 days. Fit is way more important than comfort. If you wear a FF and can feel the helmet shift or shake when you move your head suddenly, then your helmet does not fit properly. Plus the ventilation is excellent with this helmet. You might find one cheaper and fits good, but if it doesn't vent well, you will regret it.
I bought this helmet. But be warned, it is not for an oval head. I found out the hard way that this helmet is not comfortable for me if the ride is over about 30 min. My husband and I had to take the padding out and sand the brow portion by about 1/8th of an inch so I could wear it (now the helmet fits awesome). The helmet felt fine in the store when I was walking around. But after riding to work, I got a huge red mark in the middle of my head and my forehead went numb (not cool!). Not to mention the massive headache I had for the rest of the day. This was my first full face helmet, so I wasn't really sure what it was supposed to feel like when I had it on.
The salesperson was not very much help (he was too busy hitting on me...until my husband walked over and then he vanished....go figure). I would go to several stores and see if you can find the helmets you are interested in and try them on. The last thing you want, is to feel the need to rip the helmet off of your head while riding and not be concentrating on driving. Been there, done that.
I want to buy a new full face helmet helmet. Something to wear on rainy days and when it turns cold. I haven't bought/worn a FF in years but the older I get the more appealing they become. I'm considering a modular but everyone says they are heavy and loud. I'm thinking $250 max should do it. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'd like to get this right the first time and not buy several helmets and only like one. There's a lot of good info here. I looked at some today and just can't make my mind up. Scorpion has some nice helmets for the money and i'm still liking that Gmax for a modular. I guess anything is better in the rain than my turtle shell i've been wearing for the last 10 years.
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Just picked up a Shoei Neotech a few weeks ago. Modular, internal sun shield, dual pane shield, and a price that will give you a heartattack! I was a little troubled with spending so much on a helmet, until i wore it for a week. I will never go back to a 3/4. Its incredibly comfortable, has a ton or features and i know im protected. My best motorcycle accessorie purchase to date.
Dual pane shield is great for the rain. I ride in Tacoma and we get our fair share, it does not fog. Period.
Oh yeah and with a modular i dont have to gut my Copenhagen when i ride!
I never have and never will wear a FF helmet. I don't think I'd like looking out of a slit and I'd feel closed in. I have better vision with my 3/4 w/face shield. It's not as quiet at I thought it'd be but that's why I wear earplugs to block the wind.
I had that experience with the Bitwell Gringo I tried out. It's a retro design though. I haven't tried a modern design FF in years. I am gonna stick with my Bell Custom 500 3/4. It just works for me.
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