New helmet time

[ThunderGuts]

I've decided to replace my helmet sometime in the next month or so; the old one was very cheap (albeit still theoretically meets the necessary standards), has a knackered visor (and replacements are pretty much impossible to source as it's a cheap helmet) etc..

So, question is, do I buy online (SBS probably) and enter into what I can only imagine would be an endless return/send loop to find one that fits, or do I go to a shop (J&S in Northwich is probably closest good size one for me) but it'll be a bit pricier and it's going to mean taking out half a day to go over there.

Online seems more appealing in some ways as I can do my research on the lid in my own time, plus probably get a better price, but for something which is so fit-critical, it seems a bad idea to buy online, but is it really?

Opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated.
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TG.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[Honda434]

I used the same brand for years so I had no problem buying online (aria) I just changed to a different brand so I went and bought local. I was really glad I did I ended up getting a size smaller then I’m used to getting (icon).
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Honda434

[Freddyfruitba...]

For something as critical as a helmet, get yourself to a shop I'd say. If you just get one sent out to you it may or may not fit OK; eg, you may decide it's 'about right' but won't be able to try any others side by side for comparison in order to get the definitely correct fit.

That said, most people seem to reckon that different helmet brands fit different heads; so if you were happy to buy another model of your existing brand in the same size, that might work?

Another consideration - assuming you expect to be able to return any helmet you order online if it doesn't fit, then remember that it's likely that whatever you get sent yourself may well be a returned item. Then ask yourself whether it's possible that someone's dropped that (unfamiliar) helmet while trying it on, and whether it's suffered invisible damage which might compromise its protective function in an accident? You'll never know...
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KC100->CB100N->CB250RS--------->DL650AL2->R1200RS->R1250RS

[doggone]

I have bought two online recent and been Ok with sizes and overall fit but probably pure luck.
If you have previous experience apparently having a weird head shape it's not going to work so well

[ThunderGuts]

Useful responses there - thanks. I think a visit to J&S is in order!
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TG.

[Zen Dog]

[Polarbear]

I wouldn't buy a helmet on line unless it was an HJC which i know exactly the size that fits me.

If I go to a shop and try on helmets I will try and buy from there. I do get annoyed by the 'try in shop, buy online' brigade simply because if everyone did that we soon wouldn't have shops with any stock to try.

I do understand that for some people the monetary saving is essential but for most bikers, especially leisure bikers that isn't true.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Zen Dog]

[Freddyfruitba...]

[ThunderGuts]

To be clear, I wouldn’t do that. It’s a poor attitude when shops have extra costs to cover. If I go into a shop to look at something and decide to want to buy it I’d buy it from them.
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TG.

[Tdibs]

Been to a dealer or two before that said they would match online price (or so the claimed) so worth asking.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

[A100man]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[Zen Dog]

[BRUN]

I recently drove to sportsbikeshop in Leeds to try on helmets, picked what i wanted, figured out the correct fit, went home to mull things over and eventually bought it, only to have to return it for the next size up with a thicker liner and cheek pads, as once i had it on for 20-30 mins i started to get forehead pressure build up, to the point it made me feel sick actually

I would highly recommend watching the Motolegends video on YouTube about helmet fit, its brilliant

I got very lucky with my first helmet, it was a cheap MT one, measured my head, ordered the size from the guide, it fit nice and snug, not too tight, job done, but this time it was a minefield getting a Shoei correct

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT16MHFsLeA

[redeem ouzzer]

I only ever wear Arai on the road and have done for years so I took a punt last year on ordering a new one from Sportsbike Shop based on previous sizing and their head measurement guide. Was fine.

I also bought a Shark in the sale purely as a track day lid, again based on their sizing guide. Spot on.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[TheRealSmiler]

I've owned the Shoei neotec which has been an amazing helmet it's survived two big crashes and no damage at all to myself. Unfortunately I don't know where the image is at the moment but the damage to the old one would have most probably cracked a cheaper helmet in two.

[Freddyfruitba...]

[TheRealSmiler]

[ThunderGuts]

Finally got a slot to get out and get a helmet. Went to J&S in Northwich and got myself an Arai Profile V. Touch more expensive than I was intending to spend but it fits like a snug glove and better than the other I tried (Shoei in particular seemed to either be too loose or too tight, while HJC seemed the wrong shape). I suspect the shop assistant was getting a bit tired of my endless comparisons of fits and sizes but it meant I could hone it to the one that fitted properly. Definitely couldn’t have done that mail order.

Cheers for the advice everyone.
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TG.