I went and tried on helmets yesterday, didn't matter what brand it was, the large I had to force on my head and the XL went on good. I bought the XL but riding with it on today it felt a little loose once I was doing around 70. I could move it up and down on forehead just enough to affect the windflow around the visor. Do I need to get a large and deal with pain of it fitting tight as hell?

 

Just tighten the chin strap. You don't need a helmet that is painful, that is not a proper fit.

 

Thanks for the input, and for your service.

 

Many people fail to understand or appreciate that heads and helmets come not only in different sizes, but in different shapes. It's critical to get a helmet that is shaped for your particular head. Most helemts on the market are shaped for a round head. But if your head is narrower and/or longer than average you'll get a poor fit and pressure spots from most of these helmets.

People need to make sure they undertand what shape ther head is before buying a helmet. This could be your problem.

I can't wear 90% of the helmets on the market because my head is longer and narrower than average. So to wear a helmet shaped for an average head I have to get a large which is too wide. I finally got an Arai Signet Q in Medium which is the best fitting helmet I've ever had because it's made for a more oval shaped head.

Most helmet reviews don't mention helmet shape. The best resource I have found is Web Bike World

 

I'm in the same boat as you, which is why I have an Arai Profile for my FF. The HD (HJC I think?) half helmet doesn't fit as well because it's in that other 90%...made for rounder heads.

 

Most people get helmets that are too big. And from the road test the OP did, that sounds like the case. There should not be a loose feeling at 70mph. Like others have said, head shape has a lot to do with fit & comfort. Luckily, for me, I fit into the 90% category.

 

Maybe the fact that I'm going bald early so I buzz my head has something to do with it. I'm sure it would fit better with a full head of hair.

 

Doesn't have anything to do with it, I keep my head with a buzz cut...less maintenance that way.

 

Many of the better brands off inside liner rebuild kits. For a few bucks you might try to "custom" fit your helmet by trying to install some of this inside your liner between the original liner and styrofoam at the top and then the backside. Another trick I have done is going to a fabric store picking up some fabric covered foam. I did this with my Racing AGV, it worked for me.
Bob

 

you need a helmet that doesnt move around on your head. dont buy one just because it fits better than the other ones you tried. you will know when you find the right one. the lower padded part of a ff or 3/4 helmet will "break in" and become more conforming to a certain extent.