I've got a Tour-X which I love .... now!
It wasn't good at first with too much drag from the peak. I spoke to the dealer I got it from who called the rep in. He ensured the helmet fitted properly by adding some padding under the liner so now it's 'custom fit'. The peak still catches a little at high speed but I tend to avoid M'ways wherever possible so it isn't really an issue.
I also use the Pinlock system which is a replaceable insert. It acts like double glazing so doesn't fog and you can get different tints. I use a dark insert which is legal as it's an insert not a coloured visor and is perfect for cold, bright winter mornings - and hot summer days!
For me the benefits over a standard full face helmet are; improved visibilty (bigger visor area), peak acts as sun shade, also acts as rain 'shade' if you tilt your head a little and cooler in hot climates as less padding sticking to your cheeks.
I'd go for the Arai again, even though they're quite pricey, because of the general quality, removable/washable lining, Pinloc system and excellent dealer service.

I don't know if they have change dthe design but on my Tour-X it takes less than a minute to remove the peak - keep the little blanks that come with the helmet!

What about this flip front, approved both as open face and full face:

YouTube - Shark Evoline Series 2 Flip Front Motorcycle Helmet - GhostBikes

+1 (at least for touring)

You dont have to take your helmet off to communicate with locals, or for police ... you are instantly less threatening and intimidating when people can see your smile. For the same reason its a huge advantage for photographing locals ... your open face is non threatening and people pose for you without you having to take the helmet off. You can shoot a DSLR camera at very short notice, because you dont have to remove your helmet to accurately line up the shot.

They are lighter and infinitely cooler in hot weather. And realistically, most touring is done with a very heavy bias to the warmer / hotter months.

Have been wearing nothing from 1955 to 1966 :thumbup1: (pillion from '55 to '64), open-face from 1966 to 1970, full-face from 1970 to 2009, and now both open and full-face.

And have concluded, if you can, have one of each.

Definitely, in Africa, the open-face seemed much better for staying in touch with people (very important) and surroundings.
In the rotten English weather, full-face definitely wins.

Have never tried a flip-front, so maybe they would be the best of all. Maybe I'll try one some day, but, really, just don't like the appearance of them........

I just hope to God they don't make helmets compulsory for cycling. It's happened in Australia and they're talking about it in N. Ireland.

I have two Schuberths: one, a Concept; another, a C2 with pinlock. They are flip helmets, safe, and works fine through the Patagonia's winds :) !

Open Face - Light, great to communicate with people

Full Face - protective but a little restrictive.

Flip front - good compimise but weight penalty

mx - offers benefits of open face but with added protection of a chin guard

peaks can make helmets more noisy and suffer windblast but are removable.

if you can - why not take a full face for the high speed stuff and take a cheap open face and goggles for the slow stuff, this way you always have a spare helmet so you can offer people lifts :):scooter:

I was going to change to a flip front helmet but the extra weight scares me, nobody wants that in a fall.

I had a good look into this not too long ago.

I haven't done international travel (yet), but I'm happy with a Schuberth C3. It's the helmet I plan to take on a large trip.

All the benefits of a full-face (but it's a flip-head), with a in-built sun-visor, pinlock visor (no fogging) and it's actually light - only 1700g.

Really like it so far. :mchappy: