Helmet headache, get next size or keep it?

**Marius Elvenwood** · 24th October 2012, 17:05

I got a brand new helmet today, a Bell M1 helmet size M for a 57-58cm head ordered over the internet. I measured my head before purchase, i'm a size 57.
I tried it on and wore it for an hour or so, to see if it was the right size. I noticed that it pushed into my forehead, left a small pressure mark when I took it off, and it gave me a small headache.
I can still return it, but I'm just concerned that if i get a size L it will be too big. Should I keep the size M or ask for a size L?

**puddytat** · 24th October 2012, 18:10

Get a haircut....

Problem is that Americans have weird heads. Really.
Try a large. Its a bit like their shoe size....their 11 is like a 9.

**slofox** · 24th October 2012, 18:19

Every helmet I have ever owned has grown looser after wearing for some time.

I bought a large Shoei because the medium felt tight. Six months later the Shoei was too loose to be safe and I had to go buy an Arai.

So there ya go.

**nerrrd** · 24th October 2012, 18:20

Sounds to me like it might be the wrong shape for your head, if it's only pressing on your forehead.

You'd probably swim in a large if you're a 57.

I've had to modify helmets in the past to get them to fit comfortably by removing the inner liner and sanding the polystyrene gently in the affected area - will void your warranty/ability to return it though. Also can't yet vouch for how this affects the helmet in a crash.

**Akzle** · 24th October 2012, 18:21

get an extra medium

**jellywrestler** · 24th October 2012, 18:46

Originally Posted by Marius Elvenwood

I got a brand new helmet today, a Bell M1 helmet size M for a 57-58cm head ordered over the internet. I measured my head before purchase, i'm a size 57.
I tried it on and wore it for an hour or so, to see if it was the right size. I noticed that it pushed into my forehead, left a small pressure mark when I took it off, and it gave me a small headache.
I can still return it, but I'm just concerned that if i get a size L it will be too big. Should I keep the size M or ask for a size L?

there's different cuts of helmets too, Helmets are too important to order on line, simple as that

**Scruffygit** · 24th October 2012, 19:07

Agree with Nerrrd.

If it was the correct shape but just too small, it would be tight all round your head.

You say it leaves a mark on your forehead but does it press anywhere else, ie does it fit/press on the back of your head as well but feel relatively loose on the sides? If so then the helmet shape is wrong for you, it's too round for your relatively oval head.

The attached link is to a (old) video on the US Arai site. It's aimed at dealers and is very dry but aims to teach/remind them how to fit helmets and which helmet in the then Arai range fits what head shape. Jump to 4 minutes in to avoid a lot of rubbish:

http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=92

Also an American review list of helmets listed by head shape. According to that Bell helmets cover five different head shapes, where does your Bell fit?

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...met-shapes.htm

**Marius Elvenwood** · 24th October 2012, 19:55

ouddytat

My hair is already half an inch short, and I don't want to go bald.
I'm still having trouble with shoe sizes at the moment, looking for motorbike boots I can afford!

slofox

But what if this helmet doesn't grow looser? Can I take the risk?
Why can't helmets be simpler?! WHY!?!?

nerrrd

Do helmets come in different shapes for different heads? I certainly don't want a too large helmet, but above all I really don't want to void any helmets waranty.

Akzle

M1 doesn't come in EM

jellywrestler

If there were a helmet supplier in Dunedin that sells 5 star SHARP helmets i'd use them, but my primary financiers (parents) only want to buy the best.

Scruffygit

It only hurts my forehead, the back and sides are comfortably snug.
I will watch those movies the next time i'm in the library. Internet is costly where I live *firstworldproblems

**jellywrestler** · 24th October 2012, 20:02

Originally Posted by Marius Elvenwood

jellywrestler

If there were a helmet supplier in Dunedin that sells 5 star SHARP helmets i'd use them, but my primary financiers (parents) only want to buy the best.

time you learn't there's more to fitting a helmet than one measurement then.

**Marius Elvenwood** · 24th October 2012, 20:29

Originally Posted by jellywrestler

time you learn't there's more to fitting a helmet than one measurement then.

That's why i'm asking for professional help. Plus whatever you guys have got to say. Which is useful at least.

**SPP** · 24th October 2012, 21:06

Yes, helmets come in different shapes to suit different heads. See here

skip to 2:55. You're welcome.

**nerrrd** · 24th October 2012, 21:11

Originally Posted by Marius Elvenwood

nerrrd

Do helmets come in different shapes for different heads? I certainly don't want a too large helmet, but above all I really don't want to void any helmets waranty.

I think it's more that heads come in many many more different shapes than helmets. I personally have only ever found one or two that fit my XL noggin without using the aforementioned modification technique, and I've tried on lots and lots.

If you're unfortunate enough to have a non-average shaped head, you may never find one...either way trying on before buying is a better idea.

**neels** · 24th October 2012, 21:17

Different helmets fit different heads.

I went shopping thinking I should buy a flash helmet, in the end I bought a cheaper one because that's the one that was actually comfortable on my head.

A more cynical person than myself might suggest wasting a bike shop's time trying on helmets, then buy the one that fits online for less money, of course the downside of this is that if everyone did it there wouldn't be anywhere to try helmets on and there would be no alternative to the buying online lottery.

**Gremlin** · 25th October 2012, 00:58

Depending on brand and model, for some helmets you can get alternate pads for inside the helmet to adjust the fit. Worth asking wherever you bought it from.

I don't think I've ever come across a helmet that stayed the same size, they all get a bit looser as the lining compresses over time. However, it's not a good idea to put up with headaches in the meantime.

Helmet sizing is not simple because heads are not simple. Different races have different shaped heads. Since your head is rather important (and can't currently be replaced) manufacturers work hard to make shapes that suit every head.