Ready to give up on helmets.

[f6john]

I just don’t know how to find a good fitting comfortable helmet, is there such a thing? My most recent attempt was at the Spring Fling. Those who were there know that a lady had brought a load of parts that were her fathers who has passed to sell. Among the bits were several helmets and one of them caught my eye. It was a Nolan F40 and looked to be in excellent condition. I tried it on and it felt pretty good but I wasn’t sure and didn’t know what the asking price was so I just moved on. I actually thought at one point someone else had bought it. I later discovered it had not and was left at Rams house to be sent on to Inzane with the other leftovers to be offered for sale there.

So I had some time to try it on again and consider it even though it didn’t have all the features of a more expensive helmet I had been eyeing at Hattiesburg Cycles. Long story short, I made an offer and I rode home with my new to me helmet. But then comes the rest of the story. I left Hattiesburg wearing my new helmet and noticed it seemed more quiet than the helmet I rode down on which was a big plus. The shield seemed to direct air better than my other helmet another plus. The problem reared it’s ugly head about 2 hours into the ride home and it was a familiar issue. The helmet was settling in and before long it was down to my eyebrows and I was having to constantly push up on the helmet to see better. It is too big

I may be able to add some additional padding to the crown of the helmet to make it usable, I’m not sure, but after the second gas stop I had to change back to my other helmet. And the search continues for the near perfect helmet, I don’t think the perfect helmet exists.

[carolinarider09]

I have used several styles of helmets, full face, 1/2, 3/4 and today a Shark Evoline.  Shark is (or was) one of only two helmets that is certified to be able to be worn with the "chin bar" fully up.   

In other words, it's a 3/4 and a full face helmet and safe either way.  Works well, is quiet, has a sun shield and, when it rains, you can close everything up.  I am on my second one.  Got first one about 10 years ago.  It's on the shelf. 

Wife wears one also.  Her's is a little large for her so it does move around.  You have to really try one in in person to makes sure you have the right size.   

https://www.revzilla.com/shark-evo-one-2-helmets

No I would not buy any other "convertible" helmet.   

[Rams]

And the search continues for the near perfect helmet, I don’t think the perfect helmet exists.

John, I can't suggest a "perfect" helmet that fits the way mine does, I'm not sure it's just the helmet.   Have you considered that the problem may not be the helmet but, the head?  

Rams  

[f6john]

And the search continues for the near perfect helmet, I don’t think the perfect helmet exists.

John, I can't suggest a "perfect" helmet that fits the way mine does, I'm not sure it's just the helmet.   I do have an almost "Perfect" head.  

Rams  

Anything you can do to move from almost perfect to perfect? Asking for a friend!

[Rams]

And the search continues for the near perfect helmet, I don’t think the perfect helmet exists.

John, I can't suggest a "perfect" helmet that fits the way mine does, I'm not sure it's just the helmet.   I do have an almost "Perfect" head.  

Rams  

Anything you can do to move from almost perfect to perfect? Asking for a friend!

Dang, you posted while I was editing my post.   No, no suggestions unless you have options on a different head. 

Rams

[Foozle]

John:  

I remember reading somewhere that the vast majority of helmets in use today are, in fact, too large for riders' heads.

I used to wear an XXL Arai - which I thought was great (nice and roomy) - until it almost twisted itself off my head.  

I went down to an XL - which took a little getting used to (seemed tight, in comparison)- but it's proven over time to be a much more snug, safer fit.

If the helmet isn't grossly oversized, see if a larger interior head liner, cheek pads, etc. can't fill out some of the extra space.

However, if your head shape (oval vs. round) isn't a good match with the helmet, such tweaking is unlikely to have the desired effects.

Terry

[Chrisj CMA]

I’ll share my story. And after thinking about it, I think I would have bought too big a helmet if I didn’t make what I thought at the time a mistake.

I tried on a new HJC flip. A medium felt just right. They had a large but I didn’t even try it since the medium felt so perfect. Well, silly me. I didn’t flip the front down until I got home.

Holy crap. With the helmet closed it fit so tight I couldn’t open or close my mouth. Had I done that at the dealership I would have bought the large.

Longer story short it took a couple weeks but that medium helmet wore into my head shape perfectly. It’s now the best fitting helmet I have ever owned

It’s still not perfect. It is a tad noisy but that’s my only complaint. I have very good speakers installed so my music drowns out the wind noise some ( I don’t play the music very loud)

So my advice is a brand new helmet should feel a bit too tight. That wouldn’t have helped you buying a used one. But you said it did settle in some so a comfy fit at first probably means it’s too large.

[Avanti]

Some helmets you can adjusted by changing  the cheek pads.

[DarkHorseGuy]

I'm on this journey with you because a 3XL is too small for my noggin. Going larger than that is going to definitely limit my options. 

[f6john]

I'm on this journey with you because a 3XL is too small for my noggin. Going larger than that is going to definitely limit my options. 

It’s a conspiracy, I tell ya! We’re being discriminated against. All motorcyclist deserve a helmet that fits, especially in helmet law states. It’s a public safety issue, I tell ya! We need to get the squad behind this! 

[sandy]

Try a helmet liner to increase head size. I have a summer one to absorb sweat and a winter one for warmth.

[Jess from VA]

First, heads and helmets come in round and oval.  I think more heads are oval than round.  Mine is oval. You must pick the correct shape helmet for your head, or it'll never be right

Helmets, shoes/boots and gloves have to be tried on, you just cannot ever trust published sizes for these things.

I trashed my most favorite ever helmet Scorpion EXO100 two weeks ago, and it had lost it's bill and was getting old and ratty anyway.  I wear only half full-DOT helmets, and I must have the neck curtain for cold riding and rain, and I must have a shorty flip down tinted visor.

I've a 7 3/8s oval head, and usually wear a large or extra large helmet.

So, after trying on, I picked up a new Bell Pit boss in XL/XXL that has all my desired features, and it is a perfect fit.  It also has this new thing with a thumb wheel strap in back that lets you adjust it a bit tighter or looser.  

Except after 2.5-3 hours, it starts to feel too tight on my forehead, to the point of mild pain.  SH!T!!  I doubt it's going to stretch on me (just like tight handcuffs don't break in), but otherwise I am going to take a brand new helmet, pull back the forehead covering and try to shave off like one millimeter of the foam.  Backing off the dial wheel in back does not solve the problem.

Also, and this is a new one, the drop down visor is so dark that wearing my usual riding (prescription) dark polarized glasses makes it almost too dark to see.  I only use the visor at higher speeds (or rain), so I must wear my dark glasses.  So I think I need a less dark, dark visor.

Bell Pit Boss (matte black, because the first time your gloss helmet falls off the bike, you'll wish you had a matte finish helmet)


Shorty drop-down visor (except it doesn't drop down like my Scorpion, you have to yank it down)


The internal speed dial fit system.  (kind of a throwback to the Spanish Inquisition)


I still have my very first Bell Magnum helmet from 50 years ago.  It's long past safe service, but I keep it around for nostalgia, and to hold things down from blowing away.    

[Rams]

I'm on this journey with you because a 3XL is too small for my noggin. Going larger than that is going to definitely limit my options.  

It’s a conspiracy, I tell ya! We’re being discriminated against. All motorcyclist deserve a helmet that fits, especially in helmet law states. It’s a public safety issue, I tell ya! We need to get the squad behind this!  

John,
Assisting a friend with insulation options for his outbuilding, we discussed spray foam insulation that conforms to the shape of the void being filled and expands.  

Applying this option to your helmet, spray some of this insulation into your helmet and then quickly put the helmet on holding it in the position you wish to wear it while riding.

Once the insulation expands to fill the voids, your helmet should fit like a glove.   There now, problem solved.

Getting the helmet off might require a bit of effort and assistance from others but, that helmet won't slip down over your eyes after application of the foam.   Just trying to help John.   Should you actually attempt this, let us know how it works out.  

Rams    

Edited:   John, be aware that gas from the foam may have undesirable effects.   How long can you hold your breath?

Rams

[Hook#3287]

Applying this option to your helmet, spray some of this insulation into your helmet and then quickly put the helmet on holding it in the position you wish to wear it while riding.

Sounds good on paper, but I'd research "off gassing" while product cures.  May or may not be an issue.

My understanding is most helmet manufacturers use the same shell for several sizes and adjust by using different foam thickness.

Maybe changing out the foam inserts would help.

Jess, I also use a Bell Pit Boss, although it's mostly my hot weather helmet.  It's served me well.

I rarely ride at night anymore so I use the tinted visor over my glasses.  If pass sunset, I'll go with just my glasses.

[Rams]

Applying this option to your helmet, spray some of this insulation into your helmet and then quickly put the helmet on holding it in the position you wish to wear it while riding.

Sounds good on paper, but I'd research "off gassing" while product cures.  May or may not be an issue.

My understanding is most helmet manufacturers use the same shell for several sizes and adjust by using different foam thickness.

Maybe changing out the foam inserts would help.

Hook,
I didn't really think John would try this.   Pretty sure he'll take it as was intended, total non-sense.

On a side note, John, don't go there. 

Rams   

[h13man]

Elongated heads, HJC. Round heads like mine GMax fits me very well in full face and open face and both are medium in sizing. I was able to go to a a MC store in Indy that had a good selection of different brands for fitment. The newer FF is quieter than my older GMax FF. I had a Nolan FF long ago that fit very well also. I tied a Bell FF and it was much smaller than GMax in the same size. HJC seems to be the go to brand at most shops in my area but again exact fitment is the most important thus a quest. To which helmet let's your head bounce more (DOT, SNELL, Euro standards) safely isn't my criteria but should have either of these ratings.

[f6john]

Applying this option to your helmet, spray some of this insulation into your helmet and then quickly put the helmet on holding it in the position you wish to wear it while riding.

Sounds good on paper, but I'd research "off gassing" while product cures.  May or may not be an issue.

My understanding is most helmet manufacturers use the same shell for several sizes and adjust by using different foam thickness.

Maybe changing out the foam inserts would help.

Hook,
I didn't really think John would try this.   Pretty sure he'll take it as was intended, total non-sense.

On a side note, John, don't go there. 

Rams   

Now, I’m sitting here with this helmet on my head waiting for the stuff to cure and I read this!!!! I should have went with my first thought, since you have a near perfect head, that you would be the best person to try this process out. I’m having a little trouble hearing, I think some of the foam has gotten in my ears, should really cut down on road and wind noise.

[Rams]

Applying this option to your helmet, spray some of this insulation into your helmet and then quickly put the helmet on holding it in the position you wish to wear it while riding.

Sounds good on paper, but I'd research "off gassing" while product cures.  May or may not be an issue.

My understanding is most helmet manufacturers use the same shell for several sizes and adjust by using different foam thickness.

Maybe changing out the foam inserts would help.

Hook,
I didn't really think John would try this.   Pretty sure he'll take it as was intended, total non-sense.

On a side note, John, don't go there. 

Rams   

Now, I’m sitting here with this helmet on my head waiting for the stuff to cure and I read this!!!! I should have went with my first thought, since you have a near perfect head, that you would be the best person to try this process out. I’m having a little trouble hearing, I think some of the foam has gotten in my ears, should really cut down on road and wind noise.

John,
I started to suggest a plastic bag over your head so as to avoid such situations but wasn't sure your wife would remove it when the warning signs showed up.   You know, the blue face, bulging eyes and gasping for air.   

I did believe you'd think of ear and removable nose plugs.   Hmmm, that's what I get for thinking. 

Rams   

[Willow]

I'm not certain the size or shape of the helmet is the only problem.

Sometimes my helmet will move down to near my brows.  I find tightening the chinstrap to where it should be helps in my case.  The chin strap should hold the helmet on so tightly that it doesn't move easily.

I wonder where the term, high brow, originated and did it give way to a term for low brow?

[f6john]

I'm not certain the size or shape of the helmet is the only problem.

Sometimes my helmet will move down to near my brows.  I find tightening the chinstrap to where it should be helps in my case.  The chin strap should hold the helmet on so tightly that it doesn't move easily.

I wonder where the term, high brow, originated and did it give way to a term for low brow?

I’m sure that chin strap is a real important factor  when riding a motorcycle without a shield.

I haven’t had the subject helmet on since early Monday morning, so I slipped it on again this afternoon, and fit was fine, so that should mean it’s not too far off, maybe???

[Astom22]

I'm on this journey with you because a 3XL is too small for my noggin. Going larger than that is going to definitely limit my options. 

I feel your pain.  I'm in a 4XL right now.  Wear a size 8 in fitted caps, so it's always a struggle in the helmet world.  Found a bike shop near me that must have plenty of big-headed shoppers because I actually had multiple helmets to try out.  Ended up with an HJC i90 helmet that is the best I have ever owned for fit and comfort.

Like someone said before, try it with chin bar down, that tightened mine up, but it is perfect now that it is broken in to my head shape.

[Willow]

...
I’m sure that chin strap is a real important factor  when riding a motorcycle without a shield.

I haven’t had the subject helmet on since early Monday morning, so I slipped it on again this afternoon, and fit was fine, so that should mean it’s not too far off, maybe???

Yes and no to the riding without a shield.  The wind will try to move the lid around so it helps with that.  The primary reason for the chin strap being that tight is that if you need the helmet (collision with ground or object) it needs to be that tight to do you good.

[Rams]

I haven’t had the subject helmet on since early Monday morning, so I slipped it on again this afternoon, and fit was fine, so that should mean it’s not too far off, maybe???

Wearing constantly for 48 to 72 hours around the house, the neighborhood and throughout your travels regardless of the mode of transportation should give you a good idea.

Some folks might talk about you but, we'll know what you're up to and that's all that matters.  

Rams  

[Jess from VA]

Just don't wear your helmet into a bank or govt building.

Unless you enjoy the attention (and being yelled at and searched).

[Rams]

Just don't wear your helmet into a bank or govt building.

Unless you enjoy the attention (and being yelled at and searched).

True story:

During the COVID Pandemic, I was asked to drive Big BF's truck and RV work trailer back to his home in AZ.   The truck/RV was in the Dallas area so, I flew from NOLA to Dallas.  I was also invited to ride a Valkyrie to the Big BF Memorial so, I brought my helmet.    Packed lightly with a couple of carry-on bags.

Call it poor planning on my part but, the helmet was considered an additional carry-on.   Didn't want to have to check the bags because I was to have a person waiting on me so. I simply put the helmet on while wearing the required COVID mask.   I got stopped by security three times between the ticket counter and the loading area.   Securtity allowed me to move on but, all were giggling as I walked away.   Didn't matter to me, I got it done. 

I have pictures to prove this story.   

Rams

[Pluggy]

I'm on this journey with you because a 3XL is too small for my noggin. Going larger than that is going to definitely limit my options. 

I feel your pain.  I'm in a 4XL right now.  Wear a size 8 in fitted caps, so it's always a struggle in the helmet world.  Found a bike shop near me that must have plenty of big-headed shoppers because I actually had multiple helmets to try out.  Ended up with an HJC i90 helmet that is the best I have ever owned for fit and comfort.

Like someone said before, try it with chin bar down, that tightened mine up, but it is perfect now that it is broken in to my head shape.

Would your helmet be a round or an oval?

[Valkorado]

Just don't wear your helmet into a bank or govt building.

Unless you enjoy the attention (and being yelled at and searched).

True story:

During the COVID Pandemic, I was asked to drive Big BF's truck and RV work trailer back to his home in AZ.   The truck/RV was in the Dallas area so, I flew from NOLA to Dallas.  I was also invited to ride a Valkyrie to the Big BF Memorial so, I brought my helmet.    Packed lightly with a couple of carry-on bags.

Call it poor planning on my part but, the helmet was considered an additional carry-on.   Didn't want to have to check the bags because I was to have a person waiting on me so. I simply put the helmet on while wearing the required COVID mask.   I got stopped by security three times between the ticket counter and the loading area.   Securtity allowed me to move on but, all were giggling as I walked away.   Didn't matter to me, I got it done. 

I have pictures to prove this story.   

Rams

 

I'm glad that worked out to your advantage.  Could have been painful if they had taken ya down, but at least your head would have been protected!

[Rams]

Just don't wear your helmet into a bank or govt building.

Unless you enjoy the attention (and being yelled at and searched).

True story:

During the COVID Pandemic, I was asked to drive Big BF's truck and RV work trailer back to his home in AZ.   The truck/RV was in the Dallas area so, I flew from NOLA to Dallas.  I was also invited to ride a Valkyrie to the Big BF Memorial so, I brought my helmet.    Packed lightly with a couple of carry-on bags.

Call it poor planning on my part but, the helmet was considered an additional carry-on.   Didn't want to have to check the bags because I was to have a person waiting on me so. I simply put the helmet on while wearing the required COVID mask.   I got stopped by security three times between the ticket counter and the loading area.   Securtity allowed me to move on but, all were giggling as I walked away.   Didn't matter to me, I got it done. 

I have pictures to prove this story.   

Rams

 

I'm glad that worked out to your advantage.  Could have been painful if they had taken ya down, but at least your head would have been protected!

Well, to be honest, I was stopped and questioned three times but, I know those security folks have communication/radios and I'm pretty sure the second and third stops were just for their fun.   

Rams

[Hook#3287]

Applying this option to your helmet, spray some of this insulation into your helmet and then quickly put the helmet on holding it in the position you wish to wear it while riding.

Sounds good on paper, but I'd research "off gassing" while product cures.  May or may not be an issue.

My understanding is most helmet manufacturers use the same shell for several sizes and adjust by using different foam thickness.

Maybe changing out the foam inserts would help.

Hook,
I didn't really think John would try this.   Pretty sure he'll take it as was intended, total non-sense.

On a side note, John, don't go there. 

Rams   

Now, I’m sitting here with this helmet on my head waiting for the stuff to cure and I read this!!!! I should have went with my first thought, since you have a near perfect head, that you would be the best person to try this process out. I’m having a little trouble hearing, I think some of the foam has gotten in my ears, should really cut down on road and wind noise.

[cookiedough]

is time for me to get a new helmet as well.  I like modular helmets that can flip up.  My 10 year old one is due for a replacement.  It fits, but the interior is breaking down and am thinking as I grow, my head is growing as well since it hurts on longer trips on my forehead area feels too tight and is annoying/hurts on trips over say 40 miles long one way at a time.

[Hook#3287]

Hook,
I didn't really think John would try this.   Pretty sure he'll take it as was intended, total non-sense.

On a side note, John, don't go there.  Wink

Rams   2funny

Rams, I figured you were just messing with him, but thought the off gassing should be mentioned.
Just in case someone tried it.

That spray foam is super sticky, you are not getting it out of your hair

Now I got this picture of John sitting at his kitchen table with a half can of Great Stuff, helmit on, foam leaching out and expanding, falling on the table. 

Opps, time for a new table.

[Rams]

Applying this option to your helmet, spray some of this insulation into your helmet and then quickly put the helmet on holding it in the position you wish to wear it while riding.

Sounds good on paper, but I'd research "off gassing" while product cures.  May or may not be an issue.

My understanding is most helmet manufacturers use the same shell for several sizes and adjust by using different foam thickness.

Maybe changing out the foam inserts would help.

Hook,
I didn't really think John would try this.   Pretty sure he'll take it as was intended, total non-sense.

On a side note, John, don't go there.  

Rams  

Now, I’m sitting here with this helmet on my head waiting for the stuff to cure and I read this!!!! I should have went with my first thought, since you have a near perfect head, that you would be the best person to try this process out. I’m having a little trouble hearing, I think some of the foam has gotten in my ears, should really cut down on road and wind noise.

Hook,
Due to my concern for Mr. John, I did follow up with a phone call or three to check on John.   After several attempts with no answer, I finally got through.   A volunteer first responder answered.   She indicated that John had overfilled the helmet prior to placing it on his head.  He didn't answer due to the foam filling in the void through his ears as it was explained to me.   He couldn't hear the phone.

She said it took several friends and the Local Volunteer Fire Department a few attempts to dislodge John's head from the helmet but, his helmet no longer slips down onto his eyebrows.   So, all ends well.
Apparently, John won't need a haircut for a few weeks.  

Rams