Re: Cheap is not always bad, give em time
KPaul,
Being a Seattleite, I highly recommend the Arai Quantum series, or for the big bucks, the rx-7rr4 series. The eyebrow vents are perfect for keeping you cool and fog-free. I had a Shoei RF800, and thought it was the dogs balls, until I bought this one. The Arai is a great lid, it's pricey, but I've never regretted it. Bonuses include: you can pull and wash the liner, there are 7 vents, compared to the Shoei's, and there are pockets built into the cheek pads (which are available in different sizes) where you can drop in your headphones. In all honesty, it is the most comfortable helmet I've ever put on. I also think, having seen how my Shoei chipped when dropped accidentaly from 2 feet, and seeing an Arai that survived a wreck, that the Arai is made of much, much better stuff than the Shoei.
The shield removal is quirkier, but not difficult. My only complaint is that the tinted (gold) screen for the Arai chipped all to hell after having some bug guts cleaned off of it. I wasn't pleased. I just wear my Maui Jim's underneath now.
OK, who has tried the Bose noise cancelling headphones? Why the hell doesn't some helmet manufacturer go in with Bose and make these for your lid? You can cancell noise, and listen to music. They're INCREDIBLE!!! I'd plop down an extra $200-300 for such a combination in a heartbeat. You only get one set of eardrums.
luvmyvfr