OK - so here's the dealio.

I have a large head. 7 3/4. It's not the circumference that the issue is - is the DEPTH of helmets that "challenge" me.

If you wear fitted hats, you'll know what I mean - fitted baseball hats - authentic MLB ones, to be precise, fit my head great. Circumferentially, and depth-wise. Yet, when I try to wear a hat that has the velcro or snaps in the back, the hat just isn't "deep" enough. I look like I'm wearing a kids' hat. It's silly. Seriously.

NOW - I'm ready to take the plunge on a helmet. I'm planning on riding to states that have helmet laws this summer - and a helmet is going to be necessity.

XL or XXL helmets fit fine around my melon, but they sit WAY UP on my head, so I look like one of the mushroom people from Mario Brothers. Ideally, I'd like a polo style helmet, that I can wear with a bandana under it - and still look reasonably appealing to the lady-folk. (Kinda like Jesse James looks if you've seen him ride on Discovery, or something.)

I know - it's a silly question. Those with big heads can understand.

Any ideas?

 

Jayman,
My advice would be to find a few stores somewhere near you that sell motorcycle helmets, and just go try on a series of helmets that fit your desires. And by try on, I mean put a helmet on it it feels somewhat comfortable, leave it on for 20 - 30 minutes to ensure that it will be comfortable for the long haul. If you put a helmet on and it doesn't feel comfortable, move on!

I made the mistake of buying a helmet online a few years ago, based on the 'size' of my head and absolutely hated the helmet. It rubbed my forehead constantly and I couldn't wear it more than 10 minutes without getting really aggitated.

Your situation is definitely unique and the only way you'll find a helmet that meets your needs is to shop around at helmet stores.

Good luck!

P.S. I am without spleen too, after my accident on 04/25/2008 (spleen was like 'soupy mashed potatoes' according to the surgeon)

 

Welcome to the "Monster Melon Club"...I have a feeling we have identical heads.

I have a Harley brand beanie with a visor that fits great. If you want particulars, let me know I will get more detailed info for you. I think the helmet was around $90 and has the zip-in ear muffs for when it cools off outside...very nice helmet.

Not sure if I look like a mushroom person from Super Mario, but I have been happily married for 11 years and am not trolling for ladies anymore...=]

 

I agree the only way to really find out what will work is to go try them on in a store. They all fit a little different for all size heads and the sales clerk can most likely recommend something that'll work for you.

 

Jay,

I've got a few helmets (5, I think) - one of my favorites, from a melon head perrspective is my Simpson Shorty. It's a great, affordable helmet that coverts to ~ 3/4 w/ a zip-on lower for cooler weather. And most importantly, it is big head friendly!

I too practice my right to follow my states helmet law - this one ain't bad when you do need to wear one.

 

+1 on store clerk.

Here in Denver, we have a store called "Performance Cycle" which is geared mostly towards the crotch rocket / dirt bikers, for parts, etc. But they do have a full line of helmets from a wide variety of manufacturers and their prices cannot be beat at the motorcycle dealerships (I saved $55 on my Shoei MultiTec and $35 on my Shoei RJ Platinum-R over prices at a few M/C dealers around town).

There are a couple of people at Performance Cycle that work specifically in the Helmet dept., which makes for easier narrowing down the field, based on head type (oval, long oval, big 'ol mellon, etc ), type of helmet desired, etc.

 

Try the Head Trip. Smallest DOT. Great for fatheads. I know, I am one.
http://www.carbonfiberhelmets.com/dothelmets.htm pricey, but made in USA

 

I totally agree on trying them on before making a non-refundable purchase.

I just wanted to know some (fathead's - like myself) opinions on it.

Thanks!

 

My full faced helmet had to be custom shaped!! I wear a 7 7/8 hat size and it's still a lil snug.They had to special order a XXXL helmet and reshape the inside to fit my melon!!!

 

7 3/4...........you're just a little baby............LOL

I have 1 fitted hat that I can wear, it's a 8 1/4. Only helmet I have found that fit me comfortably is the ACC non-DOT 1/2 helmet size XXL. It fits me perfect and is the only helmet I wear and I do it all the time. When I went thru Canada, I put a DOT sticker on it from another helmet I had laying around here to avoid any trouble.

I would love to find a DOT helmet that I could wear with comfort and not look like a mushroom head........but they just don't exist. I keep emailing ACC to see when they are going to make the DOT helmet in XXl, but they keep saying there isn't enough demand for it. So everyone should start emailing them to get them going on this.

Steve