I think the biggest factor is how tall you are. Varies by rider obviously.

So, my story is that I'm 6'4" and found the stock shield to be about what you described. Adequate, but turbulence when raised up. I also would get buffeting and a bunch of pressure on my shoulders.

It was Fall when I got mine so I ordered up a Cee Bailey's +4 height, +2 width, non-flip, dark smoke shield and installed it for our PNW winters and road happily through the cold weather. I was very happy with my little tomb of silence and smooth air and probably lost 1 mpg.

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Come March I figured I'd take off the barn door (and they do look like barn doors), but I had the stock one on for 3 days before I moved back. The CB is better, for me, in the hot weather. If it's very warm I just lower it all the way and the airflow seems smooth.

As for rain getting through I don't find rain gets up through the bottom--certainly not spray in your face. When it's a heavy rain--it's more like the rain gets to the edge of the shield (the top and sides mostly), sneaks around the edge, and then drips on the dash. I have a Valentine 1 on the dash and leave it unless the rain gets heavy. I think they figured out the aerodynamics on that slot.

Good luck.
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