Take a look at Biltwell. I've had good luck with their stuff and they're great guys .

 

Never heard of Biltwell.
They look killer for the price.
The most expensive one is under $300.
Whats the catch?
Made in China?

 

They are probably made somewhere offshore but what isn't these days. I like my Lanesplitter, good fit and finish. I've been wearing my old 3/4 Biltwell novelty lid since 2008.

 

The best one is the one that fits you best. Gotta try them on and wear for a little while to see if fit is good for your head. I have the "long oval" had shape so I pretty much just use the Arai Signet. Costs a little more but fits really well. Over the 7 years that is the helmet's lifespan, comfort and fit and ventilation are important so you will wear it and not hate it.

I have pinlock on my helmet and it is well worth looking for also. Helmet almost never fogs with it.

 

Check out Bell Bullitt helmets. They are under $400, and have Bell quality throughout. You can also get them in a variety of colors, and even fancy finishes. I’m on my second one right now. The only reason I’m not still using the first one is that I wanted to switch to a white helmet for safety reasons. And, you can be fairly certain that Bell will still be around when you need a new liner or face shield. Bell Helmets, since 1954.

 

These Bell Bullitts tend to fit my "round oval" head better than most.

 

If you have owned and have been happy with Arai, Shoei and Bell in the past, that should already tell you a lot and is a good starting point. Getting the perfect fit is the highest priority, then look at the quality, features and then price. The $500 price point could be a bit challenging, but possible if you can find them on sale. I got the Shoei RF-1200 (solid) for around $400 a few years ago, great helmet, couldn't be happier. The newer RF-1400 seems to check all your boxes and runs about $620 (solid) but I've seen certain models (with older graphics) go as low as $419, a bargain if you can get your size. The AGV K6 (solid) also looks very high quality and at an affordable $550 (if it fits your head). Of course, it's best to just go out and try on the helmets, there's no better way.
BTW, short of store visits, I've found Motorcyclegear.com to be a good, reliable online source and you can use the "LidPicker" service to find a list of specific helmets/models to fit you head shape and size. Good luck!

 

After wearing Shoeis for 20+ years I tried an HJC RPHA 11 Pro. It retails for $485 but I found one in a discontinued color for only $275.
I'm very pleased with it. You can find my review in this section.

 

HJC make great helmets in a decent pricerange.
I'm happy with my C70. Good comfort, sunvisor, and meets the newest safety standards.

 

When it comes to proper fit Arai leads the industry my a LARGE margin offers more head shapes, shell sizes, and changeable interior parts than any other company. Their quality control is legendary.

While many of us fondly remember Bell's "if you have a $10 head wear a $10 helmet" Bell today is NOT the Bell of old.

 

You could also take a look at Scorpion. But, it's all about head shape and sizing.

 

Well, I went with a Shoei RF 1400.
Yeah, I know it's above my budget, but it's so nice!
And has all the features I wanted.
First ride with it will be today.

 

Great choice, you wouldn't think about the price once you start riding with it. Any additional cost really becomes noise level and insignificant over time, ride well!

 

Over the years I've had good luck with HJC helmets, including crash testing while racing.

But as has been said, fit is the most important thing.

 

Schuberth C3 pro. Very quiet, drop down sun shade, sena integrated available, pinlock, really good customer support. Not great for a hot climate. Price is right.

 

A Shoei fan for decades but after having a couple years in my Arai Regent X I'll never wear anything else.

The revised shield system makes changing visors easy peasy. Quiet and really stable at speed.

The Regent X has an enlarged bottom radius making it the easiest Snell approved helmet I've found to get in and out of.

Outstanding quality in a handmade helmet with great attention to detail

A lot of helmet for$500

 

OneEye, how has the helmet worked out for you, now that you've had it almost a year?