Getting a helmet that fits
Discussion
Hi,
Does anyone else have an awkward sized head? I seem to be in between Small and Medium, so need to choose between an incredibly tight fitting S or wondering if that M will turn from comfy to loose after wearing in. Anyone else had this dilemma?
How do you know if a helmet's really too big or too small? Trying on nearly every decent helmet at the NEC hasn't helped!
Does anyone else have an awkward sized head? I seem to be in between Small and Medium, so need to choose between an incredibly tight fitting S or wondering if that M will turn from comfy to loose after wearing in. Anyone else had this dilemma?
How do you know if a helmet's really too big or too small? Trying on nearly every decent helmet at the NEC hasn't helped!
You need to go to someone who been trained in how to hit a lid properly mate. I got one for Mrs. T recently and the chap spent a good few mins checking the fit with various tests. With Arai (other top end lids are probably the same) you can exchange the pads for those with different thicknesses so the fit is better. Mrs. T's lid needed diffrent cheek pads to get things just right, so you're not alone.
Steve.
Steve.
I went throught the same thing. You'll find massive differences between manufacturers and within manufacturers' models. I know for a fact I'll never be able to wear a Roof helmet, for example. I use an AGV V-Flyer (now been superceeded by the Stealth) and it's spot on. Just try as many as you can and you'll find one that fits comfortably.
When trying them on, make sure you have someone with you that knows how they should fit and remember to try the roll-off test; with the helmet done up, try and roll it forwards off your head by lifting the back of the helmet up - it should be impossible. Also make sure that you have minimal (i.e. none) lateral movement when trying to rotate the helmet on your head.
Also remember that padding will ease slightly within the first couple of weeks of wear so if it's marginally too snug in the shop it will work out about right after a few weeks.
When trying them on, make sure you have someone with you that knows how they should fit and remember to try the roll-off test; with the helmet done up, try and roll it forwards off your head by lifting the back of the helmet up - it should be impossible. Also make sure that you have minimal (i.e. none) lateral movement when trying to rotate the helmet on your head.
Also remember that padding will ease slightly within the first couple of weeks of wear so if it's marginally too snug in the shop it will work out about right after a few weeks.
Don't worry too much about what size the manufacturer puts on the helmet as they vary. I've got a medium size bonce but my last 2 helmets have been size S AGVs, (because of the shape of my cheekbones).
Different makes suit different shaped heads, so try lots of makes until you find the perfect fit.
Different makes suit different shaped heads, so try lots of makes until you find the perfect fit.
When I got my Arai SV (cheapest Arai) it was pretty tight, used to push in on my cheeks so i looked like i was doing goldfish impressions 
after a week or two this was much more comfortable and now if anything (after a years use) it's actually a bit loose so I would deffo recommend going for a lid slightly tighter than loose as it will give with time.
after a week or two this was much more comfortable and now if anything (after a years use) it's actually a bit loose so I would deffo recommend going for a lid slightly tighter than loose as it will give with time.I believe the knack is that, having found a helmet that you think is suitable, you should wear it in the shop for 10 minutes to see if it causes any discomfort.
HG did this with me and I tried one on that I was sure was right for me. It was an Arai
After five minutes I had to take it off because it was giving me pressure ache.
In the end I bought a Shoei XR1000!
HG did this with me and I tried one on that I was sure was right for me. It was an Arai
After five minutes I had to take it off because it was giving me pressure ache.
In the end I bought a Shoei XR1000!
Best way I found was to just go itno a shop with a huge range of helmets and get a guy to fit it for you. I went in to a shop in Newcastle, the guy looked at me, grabbed a helmet and it was a perfect fit
I tried a few others on, but none felt quite right. But then this guy has worked in the same shop for 15-20 years now 
I tried a few others on, but none felt quite right. But then this guy has worked in the same shop for 15-20 years now 
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