Does it have to be DOT approved? I mean, state wise? Of course it's best to get DOT approved (and Snell, I guess...depends on who you listen to) but I mean is it a requirement for your state?
There's a lot of people around here that put decals on their helmets. I don't think they do anything physically to diminish the protection.
Anyhow, as for a new helmet, I vote for a Scorpion. Awesome designs, awesome price, awesome stability. May not have as many options as Arai or even Shoei but all the same, a good, solid helmet.