Finally found a helmet that fits!
Discussion
I have by any measure an unusually shaped head (think long oval), and 15 years ago I couldn’t find anything that would fit. I ended up with an Arai helmet (Viper GT in XL), which was described as intermediate oval and was the only helmet in the shop (Hein Gerrick) I could even get on. Even then it was very tight on my forehead so (please don’t judge me) I had to sand the internal foam to remove the pinch point. The helmet wasn’t long enough so my chin was almost protruding from the bottom.
I’ve done a massive amount of research over the intervening years, and my only hope was an Arai Signet X, which is a long oval but unfortunately they don’t sell it in the UK (none of their UK range is long oval). Last year I visited the US and ordered a Signet X in XL but even then it was too tight so sent it back. Last week I was back in Florida and ordered the same helmet in XXL and it fits! I have literally tried dozens of helmets over the years so I’m absolutely delighted. It’s not cheap, but short of having a one off helmet made to fit it is my only option.
Anyone else struggle with finding a helmet that fits?
I’ve done a massive amount of research over the intervening years, and my only hope was an Arai Signet X, which is a long oval but unfortunately they don’t sell it in the UK (none of their UK range is long oval). Last year I visited the US and ordered a Signet X in XL but even then it was too tight so sent it back. Last week I was back in Florida and ordered the same helmet in XXL and it fits! I have literally tried dozens of helmets over the years so I’m absolutely delighted. It’s not cheap, but short of having a one off helmet made to fit it is my only option.
Anyone else struggle with finding a helmet that fits?
stang65 said:
Out of interest, if bought in the US does it have all the markings to be legal to wear in the UK? I'm sure you'll never get asked by anyone that matters, and buying a brand like Arai I'm sure the quality is the same. I'm just curious.
Good point, and it was something I considered. It doesn’t have the same markings as the UK, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take on balance as a good fit is paramount. The helmet I ended up buying has a SNELL marking, which I understand is a pretty high standard, and certainly meets or exceeds EU standards.tim0409 said:
Marquezs Stabilisers said:
To be street legal needs to show ECE 2205 or 2206
I know, but I will take the risk for a helmet that fits. I suspect the chances of being stopped and prosecuted for a non compliant Arai helmet are vanishingly small. In that unlikely scenario the insurers couldn’t refuse to pay out unless they could prove that the non compliance of the helmet contributed to the accident or extent of the injuries, which is even more unlikely given the high safety rating it has.
It’s a bit like the common, and mistakenly, held belief that not having an MOT automatically means your insurer won’t pay out in the event of an accident.
It’s a bit like the common, and mistakenly, held belief that not having an MOT automatically means your insurer won’t pay out in the event of an accident.
carinaman said:
Baldy, do you have an oval head?
It's a strange one, the shape I mean, not so much my head. I really can't wear caps, if I try, I have to either sit the rim of the cap on top of my ears and I look like Bryan Harvey out of East 17, or I have to pull the rim down over my ears and then I look like a Scottish fold cat! 
It's like the distance from the top of my ears to top of my head is shorter than it should be. Very annoying really!I've been riding since I was 16 (so 18.5 years) and have only ever had two different helmets. Both Shoei. I have a big head and I wear glasses so it's been a nightmare to find one that fits.
Current Shoei Qwest 2 is well passed it due to the lining pretty much rotting/pulling apart but very comfortable.
Been looking for a flip up as a replacement so I can eat/drink without taking the helmet off (always end up pushing myself too far without hydration etc and riding suffers as a result) and I want a slide down sunvisor thing.
It's been a nightmare to try and find a flipup that works. Neotec 2 in XL has what feels like rivets poking into the back of my head. Schuberth C5 I think might be OK but the chin feels closer than I'd like (?), HJC feels pretty cheap in comparison but the fit might be OK. Nolan, Shark etc etc don't even close over my head.
What's more annoying is SBS don't stock the HJC in that size, a certain place in Guildford doesn't stock HJC and Infinity were a bit cagey about returns?
I may have to force myself to visit the certain place in Guildford to see if someone has better knowledge re the fit or and order some online and just sit with them on at home for a few hours.
Half the problem is getting so used to the old (worn out and thus lose) one that you think everything else is far too tight!
Current Shoei Qwest 2 is well passed it due to the lining pretty much rotting/pulling apart but very comfortable.
Been looking for a flip up as a replacement so I can eat/drink without taking the helmet off (always end up pushing myself too far without hydration etc and riding suffers as a result) and I want a slide down sunvisor thing.
It's been a nightmare to try and find a flipup that works. Neotec 2 in XL has what feels like rivets poking into the back of my head. Schuberth C5 I think might be OK but the chin feels closer than I'd like (?), HJC feels pretty cheap in comparison but the fit might be OK. Nolan, Shark etc etc don't even close over my head.
What's more annoying is SBS don't stock the HJC in that size, a certain place in Guildford doesn't stock HJC and Infinity were a bit cagey about returns?
I may have to force myself to visit the certain place in Guildford to see if someone has better knowledge re the fit or and order some online and just sit with them on at home for a few hours.
Half the problem is getting so used to the old (worn out and thus lose) one that you think everything else is far too tight!
tim0409 said:
Marquezs Stabilisers said:
To be street legal needs to show ECE 2205 or 2206
I know, but I will take the risk for a helmet that fits. I suspect the chances of being stopped and prosecuted for a non compliant Arai helmet are vanishingly small. As such I'd buy a sticker and whack it on to avoid any daft questions if you do get stopped.
Biker9090 said:
What's more annoying is SBS don't stock the HJC in that size, a certain place in Guildford doesn't stock HJC and Infinity were a bit cagey about returns?
I may have to force myself to visit the certain place in Guildford to see if someone has better knowledge re the fit or and order some online and just sit with them on at home for a few hours.
Half the problem is getting so used to the old (worn out and thus lose) one that you think everything else is far too tight!
Helmet city in Tatsfield might be worth a try, they're helpful whenever I've been I may have to force myself to visit the certain place in Guildford to see if someone has better knowledge re the fit or and order some online and just sit with them on at home for a few hours.
Half the problem is getting so used to the old (worn out and thus lose) one that you think everything else is far too tight!
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