Question for any riders in the warmer states rollin' with the black helmets. I know that the difference between a black and white jacket in terms of temperature (at a stop) is drastic. Is it the same situation with a helmet?

Yes, I realize the general laws of light absorbtion/reflectivity/etc apply, just wondering about the practical difference. It gets hot as can be 'round summer time in the great state.

The outside shell might be slightly warmer if you let the helmet sit in the sun, but its really how well the helmet is ventilated that makes the real difference in warm weather.

In the not so distant past I've ridden with a yellow helmet and two primarily black helmets and have noticed no difference in rider comfort (temp wise, of course).

the black helmets. ... I realize the general laws of light absorbtion/reflectivity/etc apply, just wondering about the practical difference...
I think the inch and a half of insulating material between the shell and your noggin negates any absorption effect. BUT if left in the sun the helmet may become hot to handle if that makes a difference (and if done often enough, this may work to degrade the effectiveness of the materials in the helmet). But here in FL, that happens with ‘bout anything you leave in the sun. That black seat...yeah, use your jacket or towel to cover it when going in for lunch...

The outside shell might be slightly warmer if you let the helmet sit in the sun, but its really how well the helmet is ventilated that makes the real difference in warm weather.

Yup. Granted, it's not 100F here yet, but I haven't noticed any issues with my metallic black Shoei so far. I'd guess that the shell color is a smaller issue than the fact that all the shock-absorbing material is EPS, which reflects body heat back at you amazingly well. You're basically sticking your head in an ice chest, no matter what color it is on the outside.

Thanks for the feedback!

This makes the helmet decision that much more difficult. Which isn't the worst dilemma in the world to have.