I finally had an opportunity to try out my new lid today. It's an Xpeed XCF3000. The CF stands for carbon fiber. I've read that XPeed builds helmets under a license from HJC.

The first thing you realise when you pick this helmet up is that it is light. It weighs in at 3 lbs. 2 oz versus 3 lb 3 oz for my Shark RSR2 and 3 lbs 10 oz for my RF1100 - size medium. Its DOT, Snell 2010 and EC rated. It has a wide eye port that affords excellent visibility - better than my RF1100. The aerodynamics seem better too. It doesn't seem to be a prone to buffeting as the RF1100.

It has air vents on the top of the helmet, and at the chin. It flows air well and is substantially quieter than my RF1100. Fit and finish are top notch, the only thing I'm not 100 percent sold on is that the helmet has to be completely closed for the visor to fit snuggly against the gasket. However, if you leave the tiniest gap at the bottom of the visor, it does let in air without being overpowering at low speed.

I've always liked the look of CF helmet. This one has a nice herring bone pattern. The lay of the CF is perfect. It looks better in person than in pictures.

Saving the best for last, it cost me $275 delivered from e-Bay.

I ordered the AGV Grid Violin Key helmet this weekend, since my old AGV XR2 helmet is toast from the last crash. I figure the subdued non-rossi graphics will make me ride slower and safer, plus its the only AGV helmet that has orange and black colors. I don't know how it looks in person, I might return it and get standard black GP-Tech if it looks too bright and shiny.