Maybe there is a better brand that I'm not aware of yet?
Yes, there is indeed a better brand. Several, in fact. Look at Shoei, Arai, Schuberth, and the higher-end Bells and Sharks. In race helmets, Suomy is a better brand as well.
When cost is considered, I find Scorpion to be of better construction for the same amount of money spent.
That being said, none of the above make a true modular helmet such as the N43, with the exception of the Schuberth that is almost impossible to find in the US.
If by chance you would consider a flip-up style, then look at the Shoei Multitech, which is the best f-u at this time (at over $400, it better be). A great bargain in a f-u right now is the AVG Miglia on sale at the Dennis Kirk website. We just purchased one for my wife, and she loves it. At just a hair over $100, is by far the best buy in a flip-up (didn't want to write "f-u" again) out there.
You can read reviews on all of these at the webbikeworld site. If you want to read their review of the N43, you have to look at the review for the N43 "Air" first, and then look at the Trilogy addendum. The Air version is not sold in the US, but a good bit of the review will still apply to the US version.
By the way, if you want one of the best full-face helmets around at a great price, the Cycle Gear website had one version of the Shoei RF-1100 w/graphics for about $319, which is an unbelieveable price. If I didn't already have a Shoei Quest, I would have jumped on this one. Also, if last years model called the RF-1000 would suit you, Dennis Kirk has them on sale for about $208. There is no better $200 helmet on the planet.
Lastly, we do have experience with one Nolan helmet. It belongs to the S.I.L. None of us were impressed with it's build quality. They are looking for it's replacement as we write.......
opcorn:
