Do you know your Helmets?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Tampa
Do you know your Helmets?
So down in Sunny Florida, we have retained the right to decide if we want to ride with a helmet or skip the protection. After riding mostly in this state and other states with no helmet laws, I became spoiled.
Most FL riders own a helmet, but I never really obsess over it. Then comes time to make a trip to Sturgis or venture to the Pacific Ocean. It turns out that I have purchased some suboptimal riding gear. I have a full face helmet that is both bulky and heavy. After riding for a couple of days, it feels like my upper spine and neck have been yoked.
I typically get pretty frustrated by the end of a trip and just chuck the bad helmets into the closest river to the FL line as I return home. Well, I am getting ready for Sturgis and plan to do some nanny state travels this summer. I would like to pick a light, full or half helmet that actually fits my watermelon head.
I have a HJC full face that is 4XL (XXXXL) and fits but is heavy and lousy in the rain. I have a half helmet made by Fulmer. It makes me look like this:
The Harley Davidson and Bell helmets do not make a size that fits my head. They literally will not go over my large 2xl or 3xl head. Does anyone know of a large running brand or slim profile (less mushroom) version of a half or full helmet? I would love to find some 3xl versions.
Big headed forum members need to help me out! I am considering the 2xl AK88 by Akoury but am so nervous to purchase anything because 96% of all helmets don't fit my head.
Thanks in advance for any tips or brand ideas. I know that riding is not a fashion show, but there must be some happy medium.
Most FL riders own a helmet, but I never really obsess over it. Then comes time to make a trip to Sturgis or venture to the Pacific Ocean. It turns out that I have purchased some suboptimal riding gear. I have a full face helmet that is both bulky and heavy. After riding for a couple of days, it feels like my upper spine and neck have been yoked.
I typically get pretty frustrated by the end of a trip and just chuck the bad helmets into the closest river to the FL line as I return home. Well, I am getting ready for Sturgis and plan to do some nanny state travels this summer. I would like to pick a light, full or half helmet that actually fits my watermelon head.
I have a HJC full face that is 4XL (XXXXL) and fits but is heavy and lousy in the rain. I have a half helmet made by Fulmer. It makes me look like this:
The Harley Davidson and Bell helmets do not make a size that fits my head. They literally will not go over my large 2xl or 3xl head. Does anyone know of a large running brand or slim profile (less mushroom) version of a half or full helmet? I would love to find some 3xl versions.
Big headed forum members need to help me out! I am considering the 2xl AK88 by Akoury but am so nervous to purchase anything because 96% of all helmets don't fit my head.
Thanks in advance for any tips or brand ideas. I know that riding is not a fashion show, but there must be some happy medium.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1,151
From: Brandon,Fl
Run over to Cycle Gear on the corner of Fletcher/ Fla. avenue. They have a wall full of helmets you could use for fitting purposes. FWIW, I think my next helmet is gonna be a modular so at least I can flip it up for a drink while crusing down the road....
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 661
Likes: 2
Tough one... If you can find a carbon fiber it will be light-weight and try to get something that has excellent ventilation... Pat's suggestion of modular may work for you... In that regard, NOLAN is a top OEM and has a new modular that is rated highly for low-weight/high ventilation... Good luck and let us know how you make out...
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...met-shapes.htm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...met-shapes.htm
Last edited by user_1534GD; Apr 24, 2013 at 05:17 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
I have several helmets I use depending on the trip and season. I prefer a helmet with a tinted pull down internal shade. I have a Scorpion EXO-100, an AFX-72 and a GMAX 67S 3/4 helmet. all good and priced under $100 and all very versatile with tinted pull down visor
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 440
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The best helmets are from Arai and Shoei. They are expensive, but worth every dime. Both offer several styles, but start with the Arai RXQ and Shoei Qwest. Both are street/touring oriented (not road race oriented) and well vented.
You will find you either have a "Shoei head" or and "Arai head" (Arai makes several shapes). The good news, it will last 7 years. Do go to a good dealer that carries both so you can try them on back to back. I've found BMW dealers often have good helmet selections. Their riders pay big bucks for their bikes too and won't skimp on the cost of a premium helmet.
Part of your dissatisfaction comes from not going to the top of the line. You'll be stunned by the difference (and the price ). Good luck.
You will find you either have a "Shoei head" or and "Arai head" (Arai makes several shapes). The good news, it will last 7 years. Do go to a good dealer that carries both so you can try them on back to back. I've found BMW dealers often have good helmet selections. Their riders pay big bucks for their bikes too and won't skimp on the cost of a premium helmet.
Part of your dissatisfaction comes from not going to the top of the line. You'll be stunned by the difference (and the price ). Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Tampa
I like the modular helmet, but it is so very large.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Tampa
I will follow this advice and check em out. It is always a little wild to pay so much for a helmet in a non-helmet state. However, it may be some time to cough up some $$$. Anyone know if they make 3xl helmets?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Maryland
You find that helmets that fit you range from 2XL to 4XL!? Holy crap! That is a heck of a range.
I would highly recommend Daytona Helmets. They claim to have the smallest and lightest, they have sizes up to 4XL, they make carbon fiber helmet's for even lighter weight, and being made in Florida you shouldn't have trouble finding them. I have a few Daytona's and love them. I am considering this Akoury you mentioned though. Seems like it might be smaller and lighter than the Daytona but the jury is still out.
As far as modulars go they supposedly do not offer any more protection than a half b/c of the way they are made, plus the nature of the helmet makes them heavier than others. If you are worried about keeping warm and rain a 3/4 with shield works well.
Me thinks you don't know what OEM means.
I would highly recommend Daytona Helmets. They claim to have the smallest and lightest, they have sizes up to 4XL, they make carbon fiber helmet's for even lighter weight, and being made in Florida you shouldn't have trouble finding them. I have a few Daytona's and love them. I am considering this Akoury you mentioned though. Seems like it might be smaller and lighter than the Daytona but the jury is still out.
As far as modulars go they supposedly do not offer any more protection than a half b/c of the way they are made, plus the nature of the helmet makes them heavier than others. If you are worried about keeping warm and rain a 3/4 with shield works well.
Me thinks you don't know what OEM means.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 24
I have the same issue as you, large head full of useless information is what the wife says. I have a Daytona half helmet that is 4xl. And I have the HJC CL-Max 2 modular that is 5XL. I like the modular better as the half tends to get a lot of buffeting from wind.
You can also try http://www.superseer.com/. I spoke to a sales rep at a cop motorcycle skills event last year. They can do special orders for sizing and will work with you pretty good from what I hear.
You can also try http://www.superseer.com/. I spoke to a sales rep at a cop motorcycle skills event last year. They can do special orders for sizing and will work with you pretty good from what I hear.