I can’t find a full face motorcycle helmet that fits properly. Help.?
I have been to 6 motorcycle shops I have tried on every brand from HJC, KBC, ARAI, SHOEI, to ZAMP and more. Most of the shops have the same limited supply of helmets and very little to try on for size. I want to try a SCORPION helmet but nobody sells them in my city. Even the sales people say the helmets don’t fit. I have found an open faced helmet I like, but everyone seems to think I need a full face helmet. To tell you the truth, I feel like half of my senses are gone with a full face on. I can’t hear anything and I don’t think I can see as well either. I’m sure the full face is safer on impact, but possibly I could avoid an accident better if I could see and hear better. Any thoughts about this or any ideas for helmets to try? And no…I don’t have a square head.
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If you feel happier with an open face helmet that is what you should buy. It does not matter what other people think because you are the one wearing it.
One of those shops should be able to order a Scorpion for you to try on. If it doesn’t fit they can just send it back. My girlfriend went through this process with Cycle Gear. They ordered 6 total and sent 5 back to the manufacturer since she didn’t like the fit. Also, it does take a little time to get used to the helmet. They feel tight in the face at first, but once they sorta mold to your face they get more comfortable. I’d stick to the full face though. . . I’ve seen some pretty nasty pictures of accident victims that were completely missing their jawbone. . .
If your head is as big as mine, I had to order a 2x helmet just to get one that fit right.
All brand-new helmets will be snug at first. The padding is new, and much more firm than it will be after it has “molded” to your head. Most helmet manufacturers will have a recommended size for a certain size measurement. Check with each manufacturer, they should have a variation/size chart available. It should feel snug, without being “tight” and if you turn your head side to side it should not “slide” back and forth– It should stay tight to your head.
As far as the 3/4 helmet, or half-helmet?? WInd noise increases dramatically with the smaller helmets. 3/4 helmets are better for hearing what goes on around you, but, you have a better chance of facial damage, if you happen to land on your face. Half-helmets have LOTS of wind noise, but do allow you to hear more around you, at slow speeds– at higher speeds mostly all you will hear is the wind.
Some things to think about. . .
Good Luck!
I had the same trouble no helmet would fit firm and comfy. I eventually after 10mths found my current helmet a Nolan X-LITE and love it. One more to give a go I guess. Good luck.
I can tell by your avatar that you are a pumpkin head like me: in fact you could be my older uglier brother. . . .
A lot of the asian brands don’t fit pumpkin heads: try AGV or other euro brands.
Some sales websites will show you how to measure your head to get an idea of sizing.
I have the same problem, Look for brainbuckets made in Europe not China. Took two years of looking but I finally found a Nolan Flip up full face that fits right. My problem is a profound “knowledge bump” on the back of my head, not to mention a large head. A helmet rubbing on that bump isn’t noticeable for the first 1/2 hour or so-pure misery after that. I also discovered that a helmet can be custom fit by lifting the lining & a judicial use of sandpaper on the foam at the tight spot. I know-not recommended, but it works. You only have to remove a little to achieve a big change in the comfort level.