Hi Henry.. I`m not sure why there is/was a change in price---partials used to be cheaper than Toppers... maybe it`s to do with the factory..you`d have to ask John why the change.... why can`t you get a topper--I can`t can`t see why your head-shape is drastically different to anyone else..we all have different size/shaped heads? Going Full-cap brings it`s own pluses and minuses as you already know...... it`s also twice the price ..... hope John can clarify it for you and you can let others know what the `story` is ..Paul.