Several years back I went to a local dealer who had a "helmet day" where representatives from various manufactures were available for questions and proper fit parameters. Unquestionably the one thread that connected all the rep's and manufacturers was how vital proper fit was to the ultimate performance and safety of a helmet. After measuring head size and determining noggin shape the reps would hand you a helmet from their line that corresponded to that measurement. In the case of Shoei and Arai both were a size smaller than I'd of ever picked on my own. That said however it's important to note that proper fit can be a completely separate matter than an uncomfortable hot spot. In other words a proper fit for safety and performance may give some that dreaded forehead hot spot and still remain protective. The trick of course is to get the proper fit (for safety) as well as a comfortable fit (for comfort). I'd bug your favorite dealer for a Saturday "helmet day". I know I walked away from that event surprised and ultimately better informed!
As far as drop down visors (internal or external) they've never done a thing for me. I thought it would be a great idea since in the winter months I leave in bright sun in the am and total darkness on the way home. Unfortunately the Scorpion I rode in (with a drop down) bugged me to no end. The visor didn't drop down far enough to be all encompassing and the line between visor and no visor was terribly distracting. My line of vision kept getting drawn to the point where the drop down visor stopped. I have the transitional shield for the Shoei which doesn't get dark enough for canyon rides but works fine for the morning plus evening commutes. The Shoei dark shield however is just fantastic and totally worth the minute or two it's takes to swap before a day run.
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