Having rode in an HJC AC model for the past 5 yrs, I can say that the Arais, Shoeis, etc, fit better, have better padding, and have less wind noise. However Max(LordMDP) has the new carbon HJC and he likes it, and it looks pretty sweet. Plus he is use to nice helmets, so if he likes it then it must be ok, that and Spies wears HJC.