Helmet Size Issue....HELP!

[Agent 007]

I am trying to get into riding again and I am starting to buy my gear. Currently I ride my buddy's bike and use his extra helmet. The helmet I have been using is an extra large, but it is somewhat loose. I went to the bike store and tried on a few brands and sizes and I found that I am somewhere between a large and an extra large helmet.

I figured if I buy a large helmet, then I will break it in a bit and it will be nice and snug. When I tried on the large, they seemed a bit tight (difficult getting on my head). When I tried an extra large, it seemed way too loose. Should I buy the tighter helmet and try breaking it in or should I buy a larger helmet and have it sit loose on my head?

I am leaning towards the tighter helmet due to safety and stability. I am also trying to stay with the Fox brand.

Any suggestions?

 

[jsantapau]

keep trying different brands/ models different manufactures have their own idea of what the human head is shaped like the helmet should be snug enough that there is no play but not too tight that it will give you a headache, yes they will conform to your noggin a bit. Although Fox is a decent brand a brand that fits will be better.

 

[cthowards]

Based on my experience, the helmets do break in and loosen up a little over time. So, I would recommend buying the smaller helmet and seeing if it loosens up. Also, some helmets allow you to buy smaller or larger check pads and head liners (I know Shoei and Arai does) to customize the fit.

In my case, I had an Arai VX Pro III that seemed to fit perfectly and then once I started riding it started to loosen up. I bought a thicker head liner and cheek pads but it was still a little too big, although much better. Ultimately I ended up getting a new Shoei helmet in the next smaller size and it feels tight at the moment but I am confident it will loosen up. If it doesn't I can buy smaller padding.

Good luck.

 

[ColeSloth]

I would try to find a brand that fits just barely to tight and go with it. I fit up well with most brands at large, but with Fulmer I had to go XL.

 

[BruceM]

The important thing is that it fits snugly. Once you fasten the straps you should not be able to move your head up or down inside the helmet, or side to side. You need to be sure that there is no spaces between the brow pads and the temples of your head. Also make sure the pads for your cheeks sit well on your cheeks but are not putting too much pressure on them. Definitely don't get the helmet that feels too large because it most certainly is. The smaller helmet might feel very tight as your putting it on but the important thing is how does it feel once your head is inside of it.