Helmet advice

Hi all,
I wonder if someone can offer some advice on finding the right helmet to fit me. I've always known I had kinda a big nose, but it must be bigger than I thought! Or it's growing. Hmmm...

I bought a Shoei rf1000 from a friend who had only worn it a few times. The helmet (size medium) felt great when I tried it on in his garage. I also tried a large at a local store and it was a bit loose. So the first time I get on the bike, lean a little forward and tilt my head slightly to look forward - the tip of my nose hits the inside of the helmet. Not the shield but the helmet. It's really annoying to ride like that. So now I need to go helmet shopping again.

Any recommendations from anyone who has had the same problems??

Thanks in advance!!

 

Hey I got the same problem! I suggest trying an Arai helmet! The Arai I bought was an Arai Vector (flat black) it has proved to be very comfortable. Check it out it might suit you also!


Try this link.

Helmets


Cheers...

 

wow never heard the nose hitting on a proper sized helmet.. put it on youtube like to see that; guess open face is the way to go...do you have a dremil maybe file down a inch...????

 

The helmet should feel the same as when you tried it on in his garage, tilting your head forward and moving your head shouldn't make a difference, you should be able to shake your head with your helmet on and not feel any movement...

 

ouch! i would consult a doctor before doing that.

 

That's pretty weird. Maybe you have more of an oval shaped head than a round shape type. Arai's do have more helmets available for oval shaped heads.

Check out the Helmet Harbor website (LINK HERE). They have a bunch of video reviews on some of the best helmets out there from different brands with great info about venting(they're located in AZ, so a big selling point for them) and info about the general interior head shape they accommodate.


Now for my thread jack...


I have two questions for everyone about their helmets.

First Question:At what point on your face does the eye-port/shield begin in relationship to your face(where does the chin bar end)? Above your mouth, middle of your nose, below your mouth. I know it's very subjective as to individual face dimensions but I am curious as different helmets I've had (Shoei, HJC, KBC) have all had different heights of the chin bar and different orientation in relation to my face. Maybe my face is just messed up?


Second Question:

How much room do you guys have between your chin and the chin bar? I've had different helmets where my chin doesn't ever touch the bar and some that touch when I talk or extend my jaw just a wee bit.


I'm curious because all these helmets have had the proper fit around my brow. Tight enough to move the scalp(but not cutting off circulation), snug on the cheeks, and don't budge when you push up on the chin bar when strapped on.

I've got a bid dome. About 64cm or hat size 7 & 3/4 - 8. For reference HJC CL-SP in XXL fits the best. An OLD Shoei RF200 in XXL is just a wee bit too small.

 

Thanks cdnviffer (Glad to hear that I'm not the only one!!) and soundmaster.
I will check out the Arai and see how that fits. My head is more oval than round so that might be the best thing!

Thanks again!

Of course we might consider the dremel too! Or a plastic surgeon!!

 

If you're going to consider an Arai helmet, here are a couple of good links for info on how to fit an Arai helmet correctly on your melon.


>>> Arai Helmet Shapes <<<


>>> How To Fit An Arai Helmet (pdf) <<<


Without trying to be condescending, helmet fitment is extremely important. If the helmet doesn't fit, it's not going to give you much protection. If a salesman is pushing a model because it's all he has in stock and it doesn't feel right to you.....walk away. Get the right helmet for the right head....YOURS. Everyone is different.

Hope they help. Good luck.

 

My last two helmets have been KBC, simply because they fit my head well. I think I have tried darn near every manufacturer, and they all fit differently.

I would go to a store where they have a lot of different brands and try them all. And as deepdish pointed out, it may be possible to modify the area of concern, or contact the manufacturer to see what they suggest. A bit of a pain, perhaps, but probably worthwhile.

 

Yes, I know the Pony well. And luckily it's only 10 or 12 miles from me. I'll definately be making another trip there.

I found this video on the Arai website:
How To Fit A Helmet
It's the same info as the link RWB25 posted, just in video instead of pdf. Very helpful info.

Thanks to everyone!

 

lol i meant on inside of helmet.. or just stop lying so much lol:thumbsup:

 

You can get different size cheek pads that clip into the Shoei. So I'd buy a Large size and put thicker cheek pads in to push your head back in the helmet leaving more room for your shnoz

 

FYI different cheek pads aren't always an option. Most every manufacturer has them but they might not always help.

I know in my case with HJC, the pads in my XXL helmet are already the smallest pads available. More room is not an option unless you want to get creative with scissors and a needle and thread.

 

Just got the Joe Rocket carbon helmet. Great for warm but not hot weather. Has a lot of flow, but too much for cold weather. For hot, it has one large chin and two small forehead vents, and all exits out the back. Helmet looks really sharp!

 

^^^ +1 ^^^

 

Just checked out their site - some excellent info. Thanks for posting that.

 

Best advice I can give ya is SHOP AROUND... more often than not, the same "large" will vary from brand to brand, and some brands' large matches another's small... you just gotta find what works for ya... I know a guy who ordered an italian Suomy helmet because they happened to fit his noggin better than USA producers...

As far as my personal lid, it's an Arashi, size Large, and even after break-in it fits decently snug. if I stick my hand in the face hole, my straightened fingers line up with my upper lip. and if I push my lips out like I'm making a ridiculous fish face, my lips brush the inside of the bar. I happen to find these dimensions comfortable and secure, but others may find that uncomfortable. I do have a bit of wind noise, but ridin' with Skullcandies usually fixes my issues :thumbsup:

Comes down to preference. But definitely find somethin' comfy. the less you're focusing on how your gear feels, the more you're concentrating on the ride.

 

I happen to be a HELMET SALES PERSON at Iron Pony. My name is Derek and if your ever in and need some assistance in fitment I'd be glad to help. I personally own an Shoei RF-1000, and just ordered a X-12.