Need to replace my old original Tour X. I can get a Tour X3 from Dirt Bike Bitz (while stock lasts) for �275, which is a mighty fine price (�200 less than a new X4) if they've got one to fit your noggin (selected sizes only).

http://www.dirtbikebitz.com/arai-tou...1582_1584.html

The question is whether X4 prices will fall after the novelty of it being a new lid has worn off (by which time all old stock X3s will have gone and I'll have to get an X4 anyway) or should I grab the chance of an X3 at a bargain price? The X3 is an upgrade on the original one I'm using anyway and somehow I doubt that the X4 is going to be worth the extra 200 quid either.

(Before anyone suggests a Hornet DS, I've tried one on, nice lid, but I clearly haven't got a Shoei head!)

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The answer to my own OP is no, it wasn't worth the wait - I bought a Shoei instead!

I know in the OP I said the Shoei didn't fit my head (large= comfortable, but too loose vs. medium= right fit but pressure points on temples and back of head), but it does (with a bit of fettling). Ran into a chap who unbeknown to me lives in the village and worked for Arai in a previous life servicing lids at race meetings. He said he still had the ware-with-all to adjust the interiors of helmets and showed me a toolbox with all manner of rollers, prodders, scrapers etc. So I ordered one here... http://lidsdirect.co.uk/epages/eshop...onora_TC6-0003 for a fair price.

After five minutes in George's expert hands I had a perfectly fitting medium Hornet DS!

Verdict on the new lid... A lot better than the Arai (bare in mind it was a first generation one) in almost every respect; lighter, quieter, better visor (with pinlock), got channels for my shades and IMHO looks more compact and neater. The only downside is I look like a paid up member of the Toon Army with the white/black striped colour scheme!?

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I moved from the Tour X to the Hornet three years ago,, and that just about sums up my thoughts too. Funny though, both the Aria and the Shoei fit me perfectly !

After three years of good use, the Hornet is in about the same state, if not slightly better than the Aria. So from What I have here, the Hornet is a better quality lid, given use over time.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Sounds Canny

Have had a Hornet DS for almost a year now. Compared the XD3 & Hornet before purchase. The XD3 felt slightly lighter, and was demonstrably stiffer. But I have a Shoei shaped head, they seem to fit my head straight out of the box.

Also have a Shoei TZ road helmet that I now only wear when the Hornet is too dusty or muddy after the weekend for the work commute. Will be replacing it with another Hornet when it has worn out... But never in Magpie colours!

There's so much choice these day it's stressful deciding! Cheers, Boneman

Oi! there`s nowt wrong with Magpie colours

Thee is, when the world south of Birmingham thinks you are a Geordie,,, but you come from Gods country.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.