The post that will get me banned. Or run outta here. Helmets...

[dinosnake]

I have yet to find a comfortable helmet. We can probably blame my head more so that the helmet manufacturers 

Exactly.  You have, as do I, a "hard to fit" head - we are out of the bell curve for standard shapes.



Most helmets are "Intermediate Oval", which it sounds like you are not.  You are probably either "Long oval" (skinny and long head) or "Round" (as it sounds), both taken from top view.  You want to go to Webbikeworld.com and look at their reviews and ratings.  And, optimally, get yourself to one of the International Motorcycle Shows to have an Arai helmet expert look at you and get you a correct fit (they are the only company that makes differently-shaped helmets for differently-shaped heads!).  They are $$$ but worth it once you get a helmet that actually fits!

[Cleaver]

Iron Pony in Columbus has the covert in many sizes.  They looked to be nice units.

[3fan4life]

This is probably not for me, but while looking around, I found a different kind of modular, that can be Half, 3/4 or full face with pretty easy assembly (snaps in).  For when the weather changes along the way.

Scorpion Covert Helmet
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/open_face/scorpion/covert_helmet.html

(Ratnik Covert)
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/open_face/scorpion/covert_ratnik_helmet.html

Half: (1/2 visor up)


3/4:



Full


Gort... klaatu barada nikto.

I pulled  the trigger and bought one of these at the Wash DC bike show a couple of weeks ago.

Cycle Gear had them for 20% off of retail.

They were also offering free shipping so I had them ship it.

I didn't feel like carrying it around DC.

It arrived yesterday, I haven't had a chance to ride with it yet.

But I think that I'm going to like it.

I wear a half shell > 90% of the time and will use it in that configuration  most of the time.

I'm thinking that it will work great for those times that I get caught in a frog strangler and have to keep riding.

If anyone is thinking about buying one, I definitely recommend trying one on first.

My current helmet is a medium and I had to get a large in this one.

Even then the cheek pads are tight to my face.

This is only and issue in the 3/4 and full face configurations and I expect it to loosen with use.

[Jess from VA]

Cool. Report back please.   

I would likely only use the half or 3/4 and not the face cover, absent hail or something.

Sometimes you can get different (smaller) cheek pads to put in helmets, but they do supposedly soften up over time (or washing, if they come out).

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Agreed. Report back please. I'd like to know what you think after a few more rides, and if it looks unGodly huge on your head. I wear full-face helmets that are huge due to all the layers of internal padding and EPS and they look fine, but every half or 3/4 helmet I try on makes me feel like the Great Gazoo from the Flintstones.

[Willow]

Yes do report back.

If you can manage try to plan a major crash, preferably at high speed, wearing the full faced version.  I'm intersted in knowing how well the parts stay in place during a catastrophe.

 

[3fan4life]

I am more than happy to report back with what I think of the helmet after I have used it some.

However, I believe that I will defer the crash testing to some more experienced than I.

[old2soon]

Been perusing this thread with Great interest as my H J C half shell has served me rather well But it are gittin older and I was down with it-August 16-But the helmet did NOT make contact with the pavement nor did my chin. Part of my job in the U S Navy was fitting out New flight helmets for Pilots and Air Crew. I Believe-well more Hope actually-there were 4 basic sizes of helmets-Small Medium Large and Extra Large and each helmet came with 4 complete sets of pads in varying thicknesses. We were then flying 8 to 10 hour missions. Ill fitting helmets were NOT welcome. Not too loose nor too snug. Got fairly decent at the fit up process but there were some hiccups.  I noticed my Dealers helmet selection has shrunk rather considerably. Due I'm Sure to on line ordering. Some one had mentioned round and oblong heads. THAT I do remember. Have ZERO idea what it would add to the cost of a given lid but different size pads might could be the answer. RIDE SAFE.

[gregk]

I have no idea.

[Stitch_in_La]

Got the wife the scprpion (the one with the silver S) in pink, she liked much.  Fold down ear covers nice, used flip down shield almost all the time.  I used the Hawk full face modular, stayed together through my 65 MPH tumble maneuver, definitely would have been a face remodeling event otherwise.

Chuck

[FarmerRick]

This is probably not for me, but while looking around, I found a different kind of modular, that can be Half, 3/4 or full face with pretty easy assembly (snaps in).  For when the weather changes along the way.

Scorpion Covert Helmet
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/open_face/scorpion/covert_helmet.html

(Ratnik Covert)
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/open_face/scorpion/covert_ratnik_helmet.html

Half: (1/2 visor up)


3/4:



Full


Gort... klaatu barada nikto.

Scorpion Covert Ratnik Helmet

Advanced LG® Polycarbonate shell
Developed exclusively by Scorpion, our industry-leading polycarbonate shell is engineered to minimize weight and disperse impact
Speedview® drop-down dark smoke sunvisor
Kwikwick® II anti-microbial comfort liner
Dual Density EPS
Removable rear comfort sleeve included
Easily removable front mask with neodymium magnets included (this helmet is NOT a full face helmet and the front mask is NOT a safety feature)
Removable ear flaps
Double D-ring chinstrap system
Aero-tuned ventilation system
DOT Approved

[JimmyG]

Tried one on at the dealership, very comfortable. I like the modular style for cold weather, but usually go with 1/2 or 3/4 helmet during warm months. I liked it, seemed well made, fit well, plus easy to take apart. Might be one in my future, never know

[zero200]

Motorcycling is risky business so wearing a helmet is probably a good idea in my book. But then you need to know what the different stands mean.

Best way to learn about DOT is check out this video https://youtu.be/0BUyp3HX8cY

TL:DR; only buy helmets that also come with ECE rating. DOT rating is the safety equivalent of lipstick on a pig.

[Gryphon Rider]

Motorcycling is risky business so wearing a helmet is probably a good idea in my book. But then you need to know what the different stands mean.

Best way to learn about DOT is check out this video https://youtu.be/0BUyp3HX8cY

TL:DR; only buy helmets that also come with ECE rating. DOT rating is the safety equivalent of lipstick on a pig.

I would hardly consider that one video the best way to learn about helmet standards.  There is far better and more complete information out there.

How many helmets available in North America are ECE rated?  I think you'll find a Snell approval more common, which, so far as I've read, is a better standard than both DOT and ECE.

While DOT standards are not as current as the others, there are a couple of tests they require that the others don't, i.e. to pass a standard for a second impact in the same place on the helmet, and a penetration test.  A DOT certified helmet is certainly far better than one not certified by any recognized standard, e.g. a novelty helmet.  I might consider a novelty helmet "lipstick on a pig", but not a DOT helmet.

If you can find a helmet certified by multiple organizations, so much the better.  The latest version of my current helmet is certified by DOT and Snell M2015; I think the sticker on my helmet might indicate the then-current Snell M2010.

[zero200]

Motorcycling is risky business so wearing a helmet is probably a good idea in my book. But then you need to know what the different stands mean.

Best way to learn about DOT is check out this video https://youtu.be/0BUyp3HX8cY

TL:DR; only buy helmets that also come with ECE rating. DOT rating is the safety equivalent of lipstick on a pig.

I would hardly consider that one video the best way to learn about helmet standards.  There is far better and more complete information out there.

How many helmets available in North America are ECE rated?  I think you'll find a Snell approval more common, which, so far as I've read, is a better standard than both DOT and ECE.

While DOT standards are not as current as the others, there are a couple of tests they require that the others don't, i.e. to pass a standard for a second impact in the same place on the helmet, and a penetration test.  A DOT certified helmet is certainly far better than one not certified by any recognized standard, e.g. a novelty helmet.  I might consider a novelty helmet "lipstick on a pig", but not a DOT helmet.

If you can find a helmet certified by multiple organizations, so much the better.  The latest version of my current helmet is certified by DOT and Snell M2015; I think the sticker on my helmet might indicate the then-current Snell M2010.

Most of the bigger brands have their lids tested to all of the standards since they sell all over the world.
 
I would have partially agreed with you about Snell, if it wasn’t for their pre-2010 helmets transferring too much force due to the standard needing very hard foam. And thus in some types of impacts being more dangerous than DOT lids. After 2010 they seem to be in line with ECE so your current helmet should be good hopefully (not sure when exactly they changed it in 2010).

[cookiedough]

have you tried modular helmets have been using one and keep it up a lot especially all the time in towns or under 40 mph.   Only issue I see is a tad bit noisy wind whistling but mine is a cheaper 100 dollar modular helmet am sure more expensive modular helmets are quieter.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Well, I had a credit with BikeBandit from a previous return, so I bit the bullet and ordered a Bell Pit Boss. Hopefully, it will fit me well. I tried a bunch of different shops the other day, but nobody had much in stock. Yes, it's still snowmobile season here, but everybody said they don't stock much anymore, mostly due to the big A, as several referred to it. Sucks when you want to support your local shop, but can't. One guy I talked with is ordering some of the WSB (world's smallest biker) helmets, so I'll swing by there and at least check them out at some point.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

have you tried modular helmets have been using one and keep it up a lot especially all the time in towns or under 40 mph.   Only issue I see is a tad bit noisy wind whistling but mine is a cheaper 100 dollar modular helmet am sure more expensive modular helmets are quieter.

I had an old modular helmet (Laser brand, I think). Didn't really care for it, but I was a smoker back then. Worked well for those quick stops.