I need a new helmet, suggestions?

[ccdhowell]

I've talked my wife into letting me splurge on a new helmet, and a real one this time. I've been pushing my luck with the $50 special I've been wearing for the last couple years now. I've looked and looked and can't make my mind up on my own so, out of desperation, I've turned to the 3wheeler nation for input.

I'm open to all suggestions up to about the $500 price point. I think that's too much for a helmet, but if it's really gonna protect my brain better maybe I shouldn't be so cheap.

I have narrowed it down a bit and am concidering these:

Thor Carbon----- like the classic look of the Thor and real carbon fiber is cool
Bell Moto 8-------my Dad used to race with a Bell so I wanted it for nostalga(it's cool too)
Troy Lee Design SE-2-----Troy Lee's helmets have totally badd-asss graphics, but I don't know if they're worth a crap as a brain bucket
Arai VX-Pro 3----Many (most) say best helmet, also highest price.


So what do you guys ride with? No cheap crap, I already have a couple of those. I had a mental picture the other day of me slumped over in a wheel chair slobbering on myself and unable to wipe my own assssss...after I hit a tree wearing the cheap junk I've been wearing.


Any good helmets I miss?

Thanks,
Chris

[3tigers]

i have several FOX racing helmets.they seam to fit pretty good and are very durable.i also have the new thor monster energy helmet which i love.i get mine from CHAPLINKAWASAKI.COM,they are the cheapest around i can find.

[Billy Golightly]

Chris I've had both the original Arai Vx-Pro and used it for about 5 years, and recently upgraded and got myself a new VX Pro-3. I ordered from some place on ebay that was about $40 cheaper then anywhere else I could find, shipping included. The Arai is hard to beat, hands down the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn or used, very light weight as well, you barely feel it on you.

[maggiesboy]

I have to agree with Billy. The Arai VX pro is a killer lid for sure. Light weight, great airflow, and comfort second to none. I have 2 VX pros and love them.

[Billy Golightly]

I think I paid under $400 for my last one (the Vx Pro 3) through that ebay store. Alot of those troy lee helmets and stuff through rocky mountain and competing companies was only a few bucks difference.

[RedRider_AK]

The Fly Lite is a good lid. I have a Ferry Replica 2005 edition helmet, it's light, comfy, has wide eyeports and is made with carbon fiber (so you know it's tough). Cost around $210 on sale.

[clutchcargo]

I'm currently wearing an HJC. Not bad for the money, but I want to pick up a One Industries Trooper helmet. The Arai's are supposed to be very nice though. If you're looking at a TLD, then I suggest trying one on first. They seem to fit kind of weird, but maybe it's just me.