I just got the g10. so many features and very comftorable. The vents are easily adjustable with the switch in setad of having to take the foam plugs out like I had to do last year with the 9. The encore is sweet, but the ear flaps are huge like the badlt.
I've had a protec helmet for the past 3 years. They're not as comfortable as the G-10 I just bought, but they'll get the job done if you hit your head on something. For an inexpensive helmet, they're pretty good, but if I was to spend less than $60 on a helmet I'd get the Bolle Dirty 8.
I would also consider the new HEAD jon olson signature helmets. I really wanted to try one on, but no local shops had them. They are also supposed to be the lightest helmet out there.