Buying a helmet

[ScaredyCat]

Looking at buying a helmet, I'm not keen on wearing one that's provided by a training school that's probably never had the inner washed.

So I've started looking around, but is seems that there isn't really a standard for sizes - which seems odd. My head is ~58cm at around 1 inch above my eyebrows (see how I mixed my measurements there )

My concern about ordering over the internet is that my size 58 head might not match each manufacturers idea of a size 58 head. I've had real trouble locating a physical shop near me that has anything like the range offered by online stores like getgeared or bikerstore.

I'm also torn between the Nolan N43 Air and Shark Vision R - both of which seem to offer a wider view port, which I'm quite keen on because, in theory, I should be able to see more when I turn my head.

Would appreciate any advice on the best way to buy. Do people just buy what they think is the right size and end up riding about with a badly fitting helmet?

Since I'm looking at a cruiser, possibly with screen - is it necessary or even 'acceptable' to wear a full face helmet?

Dazed and confused once more,

Andy

[Lord Deckard]

You'll soon discover that different manufacturers helmets have very different fits. I've got a Shoei head, can't even get into an Arai.
Sadly, there's no better way of finding your fit than locating a dealer with a decent selection and trying a few on.
If there's no dealers around you, are there any bike shows coming up you can visit? My ex got a cracking bargain on an XR1100 at the MCN show last year.
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Main bike: Honda CBR600 FY
Plaything: YBR 125 (don't laugh)

[iMark]

The sizes are standard for each helmet, like XS is 54cm, S is 56cm

it's the shape of the helmet inside that varies, so actually finding and going to a shop and trying on the helmets before buying online is the best option, I've had a helmet which is 54cm and my head is 56cm which was loose, and rattled around like a bobble head, purely to do with the shape of the helmet on the inside.


Full face on a cruiser... Why not? Are you wanting to be in a MC or something?
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K8 GSXR 1000
"G" : you got him to have a look at a forum which seems to have established a picture of an erect penis in a cat's mouth as it's mascot and thought he might consider it ok?

[MattJ]

Really don't buy off the internet without first trying on in store. The measurements could be perfect but the helmet could be completely the wrong shape for your head and you'd end up wasting your money on a useless uncomfortable helmet.

Go in store and just try on loads of different helmets and see which fit best. It should be snug but not uncomfortable. Brand doesn't really matter (although I wouldn't buy an incredibly cheap one as it's likely to be not good enough to last a long time), a cheaper helmet that fits really well is much better than a £500 Shoei that fits terribly.

The full face thing is entirely up to you, but if you do come off your bike in an accident I think you'd rather have something protecting your face. Well I would anyway.

Again, don't just buy off the internet because there is not much chance you are going to get a helmet that fits. By all means search the internet for helmets you like the look/price of but then go in store to try them on, then either buy on store or online, just make sure you try it on before you buy it! Also shop assistants will be able to help you find one that fits, and should be able to see if a helmet is clearly the wrong size (which you might not know if this is your first helmet).

HTH

[pendulum]

I could only just physically get in to a Lidl helmet in XL size, it was a hell of a squeeze. But I fit snugly into a cheap Takai in just Large. When buying a pillion lid (LS2) that I also wanted to fit into, I told the bloke I'm somewhere around an L to an XL, he said "well try the medium on first as this make always comes up large", I didn't think it would fit but it was perfect

That proved to me the sizing means bugger all, as a medium and large from different makers both fitted me fine, whereas an XL from another was too tight!

Trying on in a shop = essential. I did take my head measurements too but the actual helmet that fitted me best didn't correspond to the measurement I took, as it's about shape of the head not just circumference etc.
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1998 CG125 (Sold) CB500 [+ Clio 172]
Usually_Wrong: I tend to fail more than pass. [Speaking about Theory Practice]
Usually_Wrong: im on unemployment at the moment

[Rogerborg]

58 is medium, although a lot of adverts will specify the actual diameter.

You can order online and return under the Distance Selling Regulations - there's no get out clause for helmets. Most sellers will try to claim otherwise though. See DSR 2000 and pay particular attention to clauses 10, 11, 13, and 17.

But why wrestle with cocks? Outfits like Busters get it right, you might as well reward them for it.

Really though, if you can possibly get to a shop, do so, it might save you a lot of time in the long run.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[cromwell]

My old lid I've still got as a spare feels horrendous if I ever put it on now compared to my AGV one, although at the time, I think I had it for about a year, it felt fine. The best advice has already been said about trying to pop into a local store. Are there not any Hein Gericke's, J&S Accessories or something remotely similar within a reasonable trip? It will definitely be worth it and then once you've found a good one that is comfortable and fits well, get online and see if it's cheaper any where else.
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"unbelievable"
Current - Suzuki Bandit 600
Ex's - Yamaha YBR 125

[Tbag]

Personally.. The best fitting and comfortable helmet i have ever Owned was a 'Box BX-1'

I remember it was rather cheap when i bought it, Around the £35-£45 mark.

Mine was stolen from work

I use a 'G-Mac Maxx' At the moment which is okay I suppose, It's Just as cheap but nowhere near as nice..

[Polarbear]

[ScaredyCat]

Ok, so the consensus is don't buy online unless you know sor sure what your size is for that manufacturer and helmet. Seems logical.

[Rogerborg]

The shops might have different stock from what's showing online, it's always worth a dig around. It might even be worth skipping the wife's birthday and doing it today - we won't know without pictures.

Regarding trying in a shop then buying online, at least offer the shop the same money as it would cost you online (including postage). HG in particular always seems to have deals on or till discretion.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[hedgehugger]

While they may not have a Vision R in, the sizes will be similar. So any Shark helmet should do for a fitting.

That theory worked for me when buying my helmet (Shark).
I quite fancy a Vision R in Orange, but I don't need a new helmet yet

[hedgehugger]

[Sako]

[ScaredyCat]

[Rogerborg]

HG seem to be particularly apt to offer a discount if you're buying a bunch of stuff. You could still save more by buying online, but if you want to walk in with pedboi uniform and stride out as a biking god, it's a decent place for a one-stop-shop.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[guile]

Never use the bike school's helmets. I did my CBT using one and I had to take the bus home at the end of the day smelling like a skunk's arse due to all the filthy, unwashed bastards that had used the helmet previously. It was a really shameful ride home and I had to wash my hair about 20 times to get rid of the smell.

When I bought a helmet I just ordered two sizes from an online site and then sent the one which didn't fit back although that did cost around £15! Even with that, it was much cheaper than buying from a high street store.

[_Iain_]

Try before you buy, and never buy 2nd hand. Proper fitment = significantly less chance of ending up dead. Regarding open face lids, have a look at what happens if your face hits the deck. My recent spill had i had an open face would have been properly life changing disfigurement judging by the state of my visor.

Imagine what this would have done to your face?

https://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o574/_Iain_/91a0fe37.jpg

https://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o574/_Iain_/249aec3a.jpg

Rate the HJC CS-14 i had, it was comfy, diddnt cost the earth, diddnt fog up bad. More to the point, when it needed to it did its job!

The DNC Monster MX lid i've got however, was exceedingly unpleasant the one time i got caught out in the rain. Felt like being stabbed in the face with pins.
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Please be aware that the above post may be full of complete nonsense.
Riding: '07 KTM Duke II, Baotian BT49QT-20 Driving: '88 Volvo 340

[ApocalypseBik...]

I tried on as much as possible before I bought. Too bad the Bells didn't fit my bonce, but then neither did the Aikido which had a 5 star S.H.A.R.P. rating. In the end I bought a Duchinni D419 which had a 4 star rating and it sits extremely comfortably on the head. I don't have a particularly fast 125 (max 55 mph ) so this lid will do its job. Once I get the full license and move onto something considerably bigger, I think I'd splash out on an Arai, Shoei, Bell, or Dainese

[ScaredyCat]