Tested by: Zamora Miles used: 1,500 Price: from $399
"After having put nearly every brand of brain bucket on my dome, I've pretty much narrowed down which companies fit my melon. The Shoei RF-1100 was the first helmet in a long time to make me sit back and say 'wow.' Because of the updated 2010 SNELL standards, I actually ended up dropping a size from my usual XL to L. The snugness was just enough; not too tight, but it didn't slip up and down.
First impressions usually fade fast, but not this time. After spending some miles in it I've only grown to love it more. On the technical side, there are a total of seven vents for nearly endless combinations of airflow. The most impressive is the chin vent that Shoei engineers somehow figured out can channel air directly to the forehead while keeping it off the eyes. This is key for contact lens wearers like myself. With all vents closed the helmet is one the quietest I've worn.
If you're in the market for a mid-priced street lid, be sure to give it a fit."
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