Shoei XR 1100

I've previously only tried cheap (under £100) helmets, and have been consistently disappointed by noise levels, build quality or visor sealing.After coming to terms with the fact that you probably do get what you pay for, I decided to invest in a Shoei XR1100, and am pleased to say it has turned out to be a great decision.

Main good points:

1. the visor is completely sealed thanks to a very clever cam closure system - I have worn this helmet in hideous rainstorms that would have turned the inside of my old Nitro helmet into a decorative waterfall feature, and have never had any trace of water enter the face opening. Wind is also completely excluded, and as a result the helmet is very quiet and easy to live with.

2. Ventilation works well - the 'air curtain' for demisting causes very slight turbulence that can be felt on your forehead, and the head vents give a very pleasing flow of air aroung the well designed channels in the top of the helmet.

3. very nice graphic - I went with the Diabolic Cimmerian, it's one of the nicest looking helmets I've ever seen. OK, so the graphics aren't important, but when they're finished to this quality I figure they're worth mentioning. So is the fact that none of the photos I saw did justice to the finish, as both mine and the Sylvan model I recently purchased for my wife have very nice metallic acccents as well as the obvious artwork.

4. Best visor release system I've seen to date.

5. No helmet lift - I've taken this helmet up to 100 on an airfield and it hadn't started to lift by that speed. Sadly 100 is flat out for me at the moment, so can't comment further on lift.

6. Safety - scores 5/5 in the SHARP test system

and the bad points...well, price. That said, I weighed this up against my old Nitro 1700 that cost 1/6 of the amount and very quickly realised that I'd gladly have paid 10x the amount for the increased comfort, decreased noise and abscence of rain blowing into my eyes that I'd got used to with the cheap option.

Overall, if your head is 'Shoei shaped' get one, it's a superb helmet and you won't be disappointed.