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full face helmet

Regardless of weight, manufacturer or model, make sure it FITS.

An improperly fitting helmet is almost as dangerous as no helmet.

.
 
The next step in the fitment process are fitment checks. The following tests should be performed with the chin strap properly and securely in place. Helmet movement should also move the skin on your face and scalp. Helmets will fit snug when new and have a break in period. The helmet should not fit so tight as to cause discomfort or pain. If your measurement is at the upper number of any size range start at that range then move up as needed.

1. With the helmet in place and chin strap secured, shake your head side to side, if the helmet moves independently of your head then the helmet is too big. When performing this test, the helmet liner and cheek pads should be in direct contact with your skin. While shaking, your skin should move with the helmet.

2. Place one hand directly behind your head and push forward. Use your other hand and try to slip your little finger between your forehead and the helmet EPS liner. If you are able to slip your finger in, the helmet is too big.

3. To test for helmet lift, place one hand on the chin bar and push up (while the chin strap is secured), if the helmet comes off your head it is too big. Next, place one hand on the back and push up again, if your helmet lifts off your head the helmet is too big.
 
Regardless of weight, manufacturer or model, make sure it FITS.

An improperly fitting helmet is almost as dangerous as no helmet.

.

Very well said. And rarely followed. The problem is. Most people do not know what a properly fitting helmet feels like. When they put one on the 1st time. They don't like it. I've been selling Arai helmets for about 15 years. It is very difficult to get most people to wear a correctly fitted helmet. Arai does a survey every few years and their findings have been consistent for the years that I've been following it. About 70% of the non-professional riders are wearing a helmet at least 1 size too large for them. That is huge!

I got curious about this because I saw several motorcycle accidents while I was in the fire service. In many of them, the helmet came off the rider's head on initial impact. This before their head struck anything at all. Just the G-Force of body deceleration caused the helmet to come off. The chin strap was still properly fastened. But the helmet was nowhere near the wearer.

Then I found that I was wearing a helmet 1 size too large. I purchased the correctly sized, medium helmet and at first I hated it. But after wearing it for awhile. I realized it was so much better. It stayed steady on my head, even during buffeting. Whereas before, my Large helmet would move around on my head. There is now, no doubt in my mind that if I had been in an accident. My helmet may well have come off just like those I'd seen.

There is an easy test to see if your helmet is too large (not withstanding proper measurement with a cloth tape). Just put it on, fasten the chin strap. Reach over and behind your helmet with both hands and pull up and forward on the back of the helmet. If your helmet is not properly sized, you may be surprised at how easy it is to pull it up and possibly even off your head.

Here is a very good video if you are really interested in this extremely important, yet largely ignored, facet of motorcycle riding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovd3KGu6BgU
 
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Great post BR. I'm no expert but my first helmet was purchased online and hurt when I put it on, sent it back for the next size up which was snug and made me look a bit like a chipmunk for the first 20 hours or so. Now that the pads have formed to my face a bit it fits like a glove with no movement. I think your point about most riders don't know what a correct fit feels like, especially as a beginner is spot on. I probably should have gone into a shop the first time around.
 
Great post BR. I'm no expert but my first helmet was purchased online and hurt when I put it on, sent it back for the next size up which was snug and made me look a bit like a chipmunk for the first 20 hours or so. Now that the pads have formed to my face a bit it fits like a glove with no movement. I think your point about most riders don't know what a correct fit feels like, especially as a beginner is spot on. I probably should have gone into a shop the first time around.

It's kind of a hobby horse with me. I saw riders that, had their helmet fit properly, could have easily walked away with minor bruises. Not so when the helmet comes off prematurely.

Once you get used to a properly fitting helmet. You will never go back! But like you say. If the helmet fits nicely when new. It is TOO LARGE! The padding in good helmets is designed to form fit to your facial features after a few hours of wearing it. I put a new helmet on and watch a TV show. I get some flack from my family for looking ridiculous. But in that scenario, I can take it off if it gets to bothering me. Not so on a ride. After a few hours of watching TV, the helmet has taken shape to my head and I can wear it as long as needed. It is so much more comfortable than a too large helmet can ever be.

Another easy way to test a helmet is to put it on, fasten the chin strap and shake your head back and forth as you would signalling a 'No' answer. If the helmet moves around on your head AT ALL! It's TOO Big!

Safe riding out there eveyone!
 
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When I decided I wanted to purchase a Spyder I went to a motorcycle store for a helmet. There was a lady in the helmet department that was very knowledgable in helping me choose the correct size helmet. We had to try different thickness cheek pads to get the correct fit, but I am glad that I had some professional help. My Shoesi Neotec fits me perfectly. And it passed the tests that Johnv50 and BajaRon suggested. I would never buy a helmet on line. I am not promoting Shoei, but just make sure the helmet you choose fits snugly.
 
When I decided I wanted to purchase a Spyder I went to a motorcycle store for a helmet. There was a lady in the helmet department that was very knowledgable in helping me choose the correct size helmet. We had to try different thickness cheek pads to get the correct fit, but I am glad that I had some professional help. My Shoesi Neotec fits me perfectly. And it passed the tests that Johnv50 and BajaRon suggested. I would never buy a helmet on line. I am not promoting Shoei, but just make sure the helmet you choose fits snugly.

You did it right. And were fortunate enough to not only find a knowledgeable helmet person. But someone that was more interested in your head than in making a sale.

I buy helmets on line. But if you don't know what you're doing. It isn't a good idea. No one knows it all. We all have to go to experts at some point. For a helmet, highly recommended that you get knowledgeable help.
 
It's kind of a hobby horse with me. I saw riders that, had their helmet fit properly, could have easily walked away with minor bruises. Not so when the helmet comes off prematurely.

Once you get used to a properly fitting helmet. You will never go back! But like you say. If the helmet fits nicely when new. It is TOO LARGE! The padding in good helmets is designed to form fit to your facial features after a few hours of wearing it. I put a new helmet on and watch a TV show. I get some flack from my family for looking ridiculous. But in that scenario, I can take it off if it gets to bothering me. Not so on a ride. After a few hours of watching TV, the helmet has taken shape to my head and I can wear it as long as needed. It is so much more comfortable than a too large helmet can ever be.

Another easy way to test a helmet is to put it on, fasten the chin strap and shake your head back and forth as you would signalling a 'No' answer. If the helmet moves around on your head AT ALL! It's TOO Big!

Safe riding out there eveyone!

You are right on with all your comments. We just purchased some new helmets/communicators. When first putting them on, they were so tight they hurt. Spent about three nights wearing them for two hours while watching TV in order to help break them in. Now, after a week of riding....usually three or so hours worth each time, they fit snug, but are easier to get on, and don't hurt once we get the ears and glasses in the right position. They are taking on the nuances of our shapes. We are happy with the way it is all going. :yes:
 
One thing very few people take into account is the SHAPE of their head. Oval? Narrow oval? Round? Find this out because it DOES make a difference. I have worn HJC for many years and for the most part have been happy with them. They fit well, but I felt I could do better. I found a shop where the lady took a measurement of my mostly empty head. She didn't just do the always suggested measurement around my head, but also across the top from front to back and side to side. She found my head shape which didn't correspond with the HJC shape. I found a Shoei which did correspond with her findings. Helmet NIRVANA :yes: I bit the bullet and bought a Shoei. I am beyond happy with it.
 
Different makers have different ideas about head shape and size. My wife had an Arai Classic C and I had a KBC Tour Com with built in JM wired headsets. We both have the same shape heads, and they were both marked Large. Hers was too tight on me, and on her mine would move on its own if she shook her head. We now have the same brand and style helmet, I still wear a large and she wears a medium with small cheek pads. Also, even across the same brand, different models may be for different head shapes.
 
This is very personal choice. If there is a Cycle Gear and/or MC dealers in your area with a huge selection of helmets, go there, try and decide.
 
Revzilla is awesome as in returns. Return anything for $8.00. As for taxes the only problem with them is that Philli taxes 8%. Where as all of PA is only 6%. Great company to try things out and send back and then find cheaper somewhere else. I test fit all my klim gear from revzilla.
 
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