I have an arai xd3. I tossed up between the arai and the shoei but the arai was just a better fit for my head. It might just be me but I dont mind spending a lot on a helmet. There may be no difference in safety between an arai and a cheaper helmet but just knowing that I have a 'top range' helmet gives me more confidence in the helmet (rightly or wrongly) but that confidence means I enjoy my riding more.