Helmet Sizing - When is too tight, too tight?

I have a basic question - I think my head is inbetween helmet sizes (no comments from those who've seen me )

My current lid wobbles a little bit at speed, especially during a shoulder check. One size down makes me look like a cabbage patch kid.

Can anyone describe their "Tight is too tight" theory on helmet sizing?

when i bought a new lid.....
i tried on about a million helmets!! from differnt makes, stores, models, brands, prices, etc, etc......
you'll eventually find a brand/model that feels like it is just "outter skin".... buy it in the size that is VERY TIGHT, as it'll 'wear in'......
if u're really having probs (cuz you have an odd shaped cranium) go for models with replacable cheek pads and things so you can more tailor it to suit your noggin
that's about it!

i think the helmet will give after a few wears..

I know mine has... and the misses helmet is much bigger on her now than it was.. the lining packs down abit after a while.

Looking back I wish i'd gotten a smaller helmet, but I had 1 hour to pick up a helmet so I could pick up the ZX2R, so I was happ just to find a Green Shoei that fitted, considering every other helmet wouldn't fit over my head.. and I only ended up with a Large.

Best advice I can give you is buy one that is tight when new because they tend to 'bed-down' over time.

I brought a Shark that seemed like a perfect fit but after 6 months I had the dreaded 'wobble' and so it had to go

My next helmet was an AGV which was a squeeze to get on new (no so much that it hurt though, that would be silly) and now even after 4 years it's still a snug fit....ok, it does smell a bit but that's another story

Thanks Guys - maybe the Cabbage Patch look will fade after a few wears
Sounds like tight is better than loose & too tight that stops the blood flow is dumb... why does all this sounds vaguely familiar?

mine feels ok, but at highish speed it is very noisy..
at anything over about 160-240+ the front of the helmet is literally touching my lips.. or if poke my tongue out a tiny bit the helmet is right there..

just wish i could afford a new one.. a Nakano Race Rep would be nice.. big $$$ though

Hi Richard,

Tighter is better when they are new 3 things I check for are:

if you put your chin down on your chest, can you pull the helmet off from the back ?

if you push down lightly on the top of the helmet while wearing it does the top of the visor obstruct your vision.

make sure it fits uniformly, ie not spots tighter than others.

Good Luck

Matt

....the front of the helmet is literally touching my lips.. or if poke my tongue out a tiny bit the helmet is right there..

You might want to reword that a bit Dan

....the front of the helmet is literally touching my lips.. or if poke my tongue out a tiny bit the helmet is right there..

You might want to reword that a bit Dan

... I was going to say I've never licked a helmet - but thought better about it!

Thanks Matt - it's a tight fit, uniformly - and if it 'beds in' as everyone says, I reckon she's sweet.

Thanks Guys - maybe the Cabbage Patch look will fade after a few wears
Sounds like tight is better than loose & too tight that stops the blood flow is dumb... why does all this sounds vaguely familiar?

keep trying em..different makes brands models
if you think it fits the forehead area ..not too tight or loose
try smiling..if you can easily, its too loose
if you struggle...its the right fit

Actually, this is probably a good thread to ask my helmet question.

Are you supposed to be able to touch your helmet with your chin, just by moving your jaw forward a little? I worry that if I come off, my brains will be fine, but I'll definitely break my jaw (something that is apparently a total pain in the arse, slow to heal and painful).

What type of helmet do you have? It might be worth checking a different brand as an option.

I have an Arai and one of the reasons I got it was because it fits me really well. I tried on a Shoei (same head size), but it seemed to have a lot more space at the bottom front part.

Cath, I'd check a few brands because I think they are all different shapes inside (makes sense) I also found the Shoei way too roomy in teh cheeks and jaw area, and my arai fits like a dream, nice 'n' snug but with stick-out-tongue room in front (v.imp). Maybe if your helmet is likely to mash your face into a pulp, you could try one like the shoei with more room in the jaw area. -J.

Cath... I can touch the front with my jaw (if i poke it out that is) in my X-Lite helmet but i'm not sure about the jaw-breaking thing... I hit the right side and back right corner of helmet during my recent off.

It would be interesting to know if anyone has had a Jaw injury from this?

Last edited by red_dave on Wed Jun 01, 2005 4:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.

HAHAHA! Thanks anyway, seraph and Colette. I have a Shoei already. Maybe I just have the jaw of a Neanderthal?