helmet fitting

izzi81 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 24 Apr 2004 Karma :

Yet another helmet-related question from me, sorry! Smile

I went and tried on various Arais this afternoon. It seems a choice between an S and an XS (apparently I have a wee head!) I thought the S felt most comfortable, it was like putting on a glove. The XS also fitted, but it felt quite tight, and I could feel a bit of pressure generally around the top of my head.

According to the sales guy the XS was a better fit, because of the pressure - the padding will ease and it will fit just right. The reason I'm not convinced it just because it did seem like pressure on the top of my head, which wasn't that comfortable. However the fact that I had a slight headache anyway might be swinging that towards the comfortable without good reason!

Anyone care to offer any advice? Smile

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iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Karma :

Well the guy is right, the helmet will mould to the shape of your head after a while, at first a helmet should be a tight-ish fit, though not to tight to cause a distraction or discomfort.

Jimmythe1 · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 06 Dec 2003 Karma :

If you can chew and not bite the sides of your mouth when you are wearing it then it probably isn't to small.

I have an Arai (small), it 'fitted like a glove' when I bought it and still does - it hasn't stretched that much (over a year later).

Probablly not the best idea to buy one expecting it to give; be happy from day one I reckon.
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Claud 14.7 to 1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2004 Karma :

If it hurts on you forehead it will really hurt after a while. It has to be tight within reason around the whole way round the crown area and indeed the whole head.

There should be hardly any side-to-side movement, and up and down movement. Mine is still a fair push to put on, and I can bite my inner cheek fat, so thats fine. Equal tight pressure everywhere in the helmet on my head is ok. But not uncomfortable.

It is very possible to have a tight fitting helmet without it hurting. This is way it should be.

Im Arai XS Shocked

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When I was trying them on, the S felt right for me at the time, but the tighter XS was definitely the right one.

The less it moves, the less it will move if you came off, meaning it will be more effective.

Claud 14.7 to 1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2004 Karma :

Different makes have different shapes, the Arai suited my head perfectly, while the other makes were just "wrongly" shaped...

Never hurts to try all the competition. Wink

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

izzi81 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 24 Apr 2004 Karma :

I did try on quite a few different brands originally, and the Shark and Arai helmets seemed to fit best.

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

I got an XS cos the S was too big, and it too was slightly tight on my forehead, and I bought it. And a year later it still pushes on my forehead, but is only uncomfy in extremely hot weather. I have a lovely pattern on my forehead after wearing it though!!! Smile

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izzi81 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 24 Apr 2004 Karma :

Ninja · Caption Abuser Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Karma :

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I've got an xs Arai too, I tried the S but it was just too comfortable straight off. I'm on my third now and always bought the xs since, they do give, the internal padding packs down with use.

I would go back in and try it on again. Tell the assistant about your concerns and wear the lid for longer, even tell them that you had a headache last time if it helps.

I'd rather get it right than buy a badly fitting lid and it's a lot of cash down the drain if it's unwearable.

karen_moomin · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Karma :

I'm the same as you Izzi, I have a tiny head! My lid is an XS which is still a bit tight around my face and makes me look a bit hamsterish. However it has moulded a bit to the shape of my head and I'm sure it will a bit more.

It depends how tight the XS feels on you...you don't want to pass out when you're out on your bike! Remember that they will both mould to your head to some extent, but the smaller one will give you a better fit in the long run because it can stretch, whereas the bigger one can't get smaller! (well I know what I mean!) Thumbs Up