You're probably going to get a ton of different recommendations. A lot of it depends on the shape of your head and what features you need. This website has reviewed tons of helmets (and other gear) and I found it to be really helpful.
I'm lucky enough to live near Iron Pony where they have hundreds of helmets out on display to try on and find what worked best for me. I ended up with an Arai Profile because it fit my head the best and also has cut-outs inside for my RX glasses. I got it on closeout for $330. I also have a Gmax GM68S which was super inexpensive, ($80 shipped on ebay) fits well, and has great ventilation. I generally keep a dark tinted shield on my Arai and use it 90% of the time. I keep a clear shield on the Gmax and use it if I'm going for a quick trip in the dark or for passengers.
A new Shoei x 12. The x12 fits my head shape perfectly and I love the face shield. It has more venting than the rf models, but is similar. The extra vents are nice on the c14 due to the windshield covering so much.
The more important part, for me, is the Pinlock shield inside. I use a clear faceshield and a light smoke insert. No fogging, and easy to remove if I get caught out at night.
I just bought a spare back up helmet as well. A Scorpion exo 700. They are discount almost everywhere. For less than 150.00 its an amazing deal. Great comfort and no fogging even with the stock shield. To be 100% honest, the Scorpion may become my everyday helmet due to the fit. It feels as if it were custom made for me. Its also quiet.
An Arai Profile for me. I paid a lot more for it than Gearhead did!
The Profile fits me great..at first. After the lining broke in the helmet would slide back enough that the ends of the cheek pads would press on my ears and make them really sore. But once I took the cheek pads out, removed the liner, and performed a little bit of surgery it fits pretty darn good now.
Have you guys ever looked up helmet ratings here? http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ It is a British sight so many of the helmets have a different name due to no Snell Rating.
Interesting to see how the relationship between price, quality, and safety really does not apply. Some dirt cheap helmets rate 5 stars and some expensive rate 1-2.
+1 on this helmet. My Qwest is quieter w/o earplugs than my HJC was with them.
Im a shoei guy . I think they did a very good job with the Qwest. I still wear earplugs but I have forgotten to put them in a few times aNd did notice it was much quieter that any helmet I have owned.
HJC seems to fit my mellon better then anything else. The CL-15 I presently have just got new innards this past fall. The shell has my customized decals and scratchs, but still in perfect condition. I have never had any fun looking at helmets, and usually the dealers that I try them on at don't like me trying on 20 helmets and hanging out. Thier loss in my book. My $.02. Ride safe all, Greg