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OK, so Ted.It all depends on what head shape you have as teh manufacturers have differnt fitment scales. Arai are a bit different as they have different shell sizes also attributed to the size range.Example being that most manufacturers fit a medium sized shell with XXS internals. It might fit but will be massive on the head of the wearer. Arai have three or four diffwerent sizes thus allowing the helmet to be in size relation to the wearer. We've all seen tiny people with what apper to be enormous helmets on, not a great idea.Shoei have a narrow fit a bit like am upturned pear. Have removable and washable inners that come in various sizes as you go up the rangeArai have a wide opening and wider crown (my personnal preference) as they have half sizes and can be custom fit to accept specs etc. Removable inners machine washable and interchangeable.AGV tend to be a generic fit but the internals could be better and deform quickly making them a bit sloppy in my experience, only the higher up the range will you get removable inners that are washable.HJC not bad but budget units with one size shell so not good to fit an individual.As are the majority of manufacturersHave you thought about a split face helmet so you can wear it with the front up with yer glasses on with no bother and if it gets a bit murk you can pop the front down. A great deal of makers have one in their range and have really good write ups. A pal of mine has one and loves it for the same reasons as you mention with yer specs and hearing biffs.I would spend as much as you can afford Ted, its alright saying , yeah but Im only pootle-ing but it still hurts at 15mph!When I was in the industry we used to ask the parents of 'Little Jonny' who upon turning 16 had come to Motorcycle City to get a slow-ped to get to college on in the morning and to stop his parents having to put vasaline on the door knobs to keep him out, yer know. We would say, "So, have you a helmet for him, gloves, boots etc"? at which point a piss pot skid lid would appear and we would be assured that he would wear his denim jacket and he didnt need gloves as it wasnt far and he could always wear his wool gloves if it got a bit nippy.Our reply weould always include the question, "So, do you remember having a race in the playground and occasonally falling over? Remember how much it used to hurt? And that was at running speed, your sone will be doing four times that, you can see elbows, knees and not to mention palms getting quite badly damaged quite quickly? No?"The outcomes were usually new hat, gloves, boots, and a jacket and water proofs. I would always explain to little Jonny that this was the bet year of his life now he had some wheels and he should be having the time of his life get the right kit as if it hurts and you've got wet then its no fun....! Try EVERYTHING ON Ted, the sales staff wont mind, its got to be right mate.
I've ended up buying a Bell SRT Split face jobby in White - had to drive to Rebel County to try & buy (Clay Cross) - thanks for everyones input.Update:- In the small print Bell recommend replacing the helmet every 5 years!