Helmet fit?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Problem with getting a helmet that fits comfortable new, is that it will breakin at least 10% w/i a short time. Then you have a loose and less safe helmet. I mean if you're getting it just because you legally have to wear one, that's fine, otherwise not a good idea.
I bought a new helmet a few months back. According to the helmet maker sizing charts I was just into the large size area. But when I tried on a medium it fit okay. Snug but not painful. I went with it because I knew from the last helmet I bought that they breakin. That one is now too loose.
I used my new helmet on a 2600 road trip last month. By 500 miles, the helmet was as loose as the large one I had been tempted to buy. By the time I got home I was starting to think the helmet was too loose.
Each helmet brand is sized and shaped different. The charts are a good guideline but as I found they're not the last word. I would never buy one w/o trying it on first. Should be snug enough that when you move the helmet, your scalp also moves. I found the helmet I was looking for in a brick and mortar store, then bought it online which saved some money. Or so I thought. I had to send it back because of a defect which negated any savings in price.
I bought a new helmet a few months back. According to the helmet maker sizing charts I was just into the large size area. But when I tried on a medium it fit okay. Snug but not painful. I went with it because I knew from the last helmet I bought that they breakin. That one is now too loose.
I used my new helmet on a 2600 road trip last month. By 500 miles, the helmet was as loose as the large one I had been tempted to buy. By the time I got home I was starting to think the helmet was too loose.
Each helmet brand is sized and shaped different. The charts are a good guideline but as I found they're not the last word. I would never buy one w/o trying it on first. Should be snug enough that when you move the helmet, your scalp also moves. I found the helmet I was looking for in a brick and mortar store, then bought it online which saved some money. Or so I thought. I had to send it back because of a defect which negated any savings in price.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Port Deposit, Md
The one I were seems to loose. When I'm doin about 50 or above without my windshield on the bike it blows on the back of my head. Think I need a smaller size, think I will wait till next spring. I bought this helmet online, next one I will try on first.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: Frozen Hell, Montreal, Canada
The helmet I wear now fits perfect with a bandana underneath. When I bought it, it was comfy but put a little pressue on my forehead in this one spot.
I just pulled back the lining material, and shaved a little of the padding off with a utility knife.
I just pulled back the lining material, and shaved a little of the padding off with a utility knife.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
Always SNUG. Loose is worthless for your head, plus it moves in the wind and drives me crazy.
If it is too tight - just take a hammer and "pad it down" till it fits snug! I do it to all of mine.
Nobody's head is shaped like a helmet is made. I custom fit mine with a ball peen hammer everytime.
If it is too tight - just take a hammer and "pad it down" till it fits snug! I do it to all of mine.
Nobody's head is shaped like a helmet is made. I custom fit mine with a ball peen hammer everytime.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 3
From: San Tan Valley, AZ
It's all been pretty much said but if you want my opinion... and you're going to get it anyway... you CAN'T buy a helmet without trying it on if you want proper fit. ie: snug. Too loose is dangerous, too tight is painful. It's got to be snug. I'm not sold on the idea of beating it into shape with a ball peen hammer, either. It may work for some but, to me, compressing the foam takes away from it's intended purpose, protecting your noggin.
That's it. Now I'll take my soapbox down to the next corner.
That's it. Now I'll take my soapbox down to the next corner.
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