Best helmet under $300

[Kawasaki Craig]

In my search for a helmet I've noticed there seems to be a $300 price break for helmets... sky's the limit on prices of fancy brands.
A lot of the more expensive helmets use the same wind tunnel testing, materials (minus Carbon Fiber), and technology that helmets do at $300.
So, I'm asking you seasoned veterans for advice on a full-face helmet.

My experience has been with HJC's introductory CS-R1, which has been ok. But I have ridden long enough to notice the areas in which it is unsatisfactory. And seeing as it is difficult to find a place that will allow you to "road test" a helmet, I'm stuck taking everyone's opinion.

Therefore, please give the best OBJECTIVE information; the more helmets you've tried, the better (Thanks in advance).

[northernman]

Largely depends on your head shape.

I hate shoei helmets, they give me a head ache and feel no better in quality than other brands.....yet many swear by them.

I prefer Nolans myself....wear what fits, and has a DOT approval.

Try it and if its too loud with windnoise etc. ask to return it within say 2 hours of buying it....many shops will allow that if its not like you used it a lot.

example I bought boots, and rode for a few hours, they were too damn stiff, so i returned them for a different pair no problem at all.

[skewterdewd]

Get the one that fits your head.
Scorpion makes some nice hats for good prices, but it doesn't mean jack if you can't wear one. I have a Fulmer that was cheap, but fits great-but I have a giant heed.

[jlcnuke]

+1 on scorpion. I've loved both of mine. As a side note, don't just buy online, try them on and wear 'em for a bit. Fit is the most important thing (outside of construction). If it doesn't fit right it won't protect you right.

[PSNinja]

I have an HJC, but get headaches after longer rides. Have tried on Shoei, Aria, Scorpion. Shoei fits my head best. Try on different styles within the different brands, too. The shapes will vary slightly. Wear it around the store a while to check for "hotspots" and pressure points.

[Hacker]

I use an HJC SyMaxII that fits my head shape quite well (oval). You might try this website and check out his videos describing various helmets:

Helmet Harbor

[SilverBullet]

ICON. I started riding using an HJC. It was nice for the money, but Heavy. I switched over to ICON and haven't looked back. Started with the Allicance SS, then went to the Domain, and now I'm going to be purchasing an Airframe.

If you can find a local dealer they can usually get you about 20% off the listed price for them. I got my Domain Decay helmet when it first came out for $300 out the door. It listed for either $380 or $400 when it first came out.

I tried Shoei but they don't seem to fit my head right unfortunately.

[GeorgiaRider]

Scorpion EXO-400 is a good one if it fits.

[Rapzo]

I have two friends that have scorpions and they are ok. One of them has a dual visor thing with one clear one and a second one inside which is dark. Thats pretty cool

Personally, I own a Shark. It fits great and is light than both of those scorpions. Matt Mladin in Superbike racing wears these as well as Mike Alessi in Supercross

My wife has a KBC which is ok but its not as nice as the shark. Half the price though. My Shark was 350 but they have a cheaper model.

I am a motorcycle safety mentor for the Army and I cannot vouch for Shoei and Arai myself but I have done much research and even though they are the most expensive both companies test thier helmets to perform way beyond DOT and Snell standards so they are a little justified in pricing.

[Kawasaki Craig]

So, upon much review I went ahead and saved up the extra $100 to buy the Arai Quantum 2 helmet ('09 model) for $400. It had a perfect fit, and, with the huge-mongous discount I received for buying local, was able to get it for just a tad more than the Shoei RF-1000. They let me test out the helmet for a week, but it only took my the hour-ride home to recognize what got. Nothing fits like an Arai, of course depending on head shape.
Thanks to everyone for your help; here's what I've concluded were my favorite helmets:
Shoei RF-1000---- the fit was great and the airflow was fantastic
Shark RSR-2------Found on MSS for $350, lightest, and w/ good flow
Icon Airframe---- ok fit, w/ good flow, BIG shell! less aero...bulky
Arai Vector----- not right shape, but good fit, light!, good flow
Arai Quantum 2-- Perfect fit, aero/small shell, great flow, quiet@speed

[Dryheat]

Before you buy put in on at the store and keep it on for min 20-30. You might be surprised how unperfect that fit be. to tight to loose. Especialy when your spending that much money you want to be right.

[duayne77]

I tried a lot of helmets on and when I tried the Shoei RF-1000 I new it was the winner.

[Kawasaki Craig]

After wearing my Quantum 2 helmet for the past 3 weeks, I can say that I've never worn a more comfortable helmet. Word of wisdom is buy for crash AND comfort. Sure, you can take a hit with a lunchbox on your head, but will it be comfortable for all the times your NOT lying unconscious on the side of the road?

[Heath3n]

I'd highly recomend a Sparx Helmet. Mine was 124.00 and included and extra visor (dark Smoke) The lightest and most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. DOT and European Safety standards approved. (Not Snell)

[plane95302]

I also have a sparx. Has the euro rating which is supposed to relate more to cycle accidents instead of snell rating which is geared to multiple impacts found in auto racing. Mine is super light and quite comfortable.

[Sun357]

Well i'm loving my Scorpion EXO-400. It fits perfect *ordered a size up from normal as recommended* and is comfortable. Nice visor and doesn't feel heavy. Plus it's Snell also.