Right, I put it to you that quieter helmets most certainly *are* relevant, despite the correct wearing of earplugs. Decided to take a bimble up to J&S in Filton today, as a quick phone-around confirmed that they stock Nitro helmets. Fortunately it appears I possess a very Nitro Shaped Head, and so eighty quid later I am a proud owner of an F317-V in the One True Colour (with sparkly bits). Initial findings: *Holy Shit*. This thing is *quiet*. I mean, really, really quiet. I can't believe how much of an improvement it is on my Schuberth Concept. I originally was just going to go straight back home, but after hooning down the M32, I realised I was doing 20mph faster than I thought, so I decided to take a slightly longer route home. Sixty miles later, and I'm well pleased with it. After filling up the bike in Bath, I thought I'd try the home stretch minus earplugs. Suddenly I could hear all sorts of noises coming from the bike/engine that I've never heard before. If I had even half a clue about spannering, I may or may not have cause for concern! The final clincher was hearing a strange light tapping noise, wondering what the hell it was, and then noticing it was raining! Normally the wind noise would have obscured that completely. Observations/comments/wish list for next one (so far!): Really nice, streamlined lines. Lack of protruberances (unlike the SC) must help massively with noise reduction. Like the internal mountings for the visor too. Because of the position of the release catch, there isn't a chin curtain. This meant I felt a breeze on my neck for the first time in ages. I can see this being a bit chilly in winter time, so I might keep the old Schuberth as a "bloody hell it's cold" backup. The chin strap feels a bit narrow and, well, thin. I'm sure it's fine, but it just didn't feel as substantial. The little red clip thing to hold the loose bit of chin strap. Why?! Most other lids just fold it back against the strap and hold it in place with a buckle/fabric strap. I would happily pay more money for this if there was some way of incorporating a flip down sun visor. All in all, very happy with it, and for less than half what I paid for the Shuberth. Going back up to J&S next week to get one for the wife. She has a nitro shaped head too!