1. Worth it??? Oh hells yes!!!
I'm a helmet junkie, with two Shoei RF-1400s, an Arai Corsair-X, and now the Shoei X-15. I bought the Arai a few years ago on special and, although it's my proper size, once I tried on a Shoei at my local store, I knew Shoei was my brand. I bought my RF-1400 from STG and have zero regrets - I love the RF-1400! But, like many obsessed with "having" to try the lates and greatest, I was attracted to the X-15 after watching Brian and Max review it. There is nothing I dislike about the X-15 and nothing I dislike about the RF-1400. They're both phenomenal helmets, incredibly safe, and extremely tech-rich. The only things I like more about the X-15 in comparison to the RF-1400 are the locking mechanisms on the X-15's face shield. The red toggle switches on the temples, as well as the slide lock that runs across the visor's center tab, add a reassuring level of safety that I wish my RF-1400 had. By no means is that a knock against the RF-1400; instead, I point it out for those who, like me, are hyper-focused on a need to have ALL the safety options. I suppose if I had to give one nitpick regarding the X-15, it'd be the reassembly of the main liner and how it affixes to the brow area inside the helmet. The RF-1400 has snaps (2 in front; 2 in rear), so it gives you a positive "click" when reinstalling. The X-15 doesn't have frontal snaps; instead it has a tab that you have to tuck into the brow area, which is time consuming. Bottom line: IMO, the RF-1400 and X-15 are the top tier of the helmet market. You'll be happy with either one.