Seven rules for choosing a comfortable bike helmet - Sportsbikeshop
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- Never had an uncomfortable, ill-fitting bike helmet? Count yourself luckier than a hedgehog that’s survived an hour sitting in the middle lane of the M1 at rush hour. Save the head-crushing pain of a crazy-tight lid and the vision-distorting nightmare of a baggy one by watching our guide to finding the right helmet for YOUR head.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
I'm off to get my helmet tomorrow so all this will be fresh in my brain, cheers.
Very helpful indeed. On my way to get a new helmet! Thanks.
Excellent video with all the information I needed to make the correct purchase of the AGV Tourmodular. I was wearing a size SM Shoei Neotec that was no longer comfortable. I ordered a size SM in the Tourmodular and had to exchange it for an XS. So happy I did and can't wait to ride now.
I get all my gear from these guys. Great prices and great customer service.
Great video looks like all of these were fine and my first helmet fits great and feels great not too big or small and feels amazing
Great video you've given me a lot of added confidence that I have the right helmet for me! I was gonna be one of those people who gave up because it felt snug, but after wearing it a while, checking my eyeline, and doing the side to side test it fits how it was supposed to. I just didn't really know anything haha. Cheers!
Hi, I'm really glad it helped you. Thanks for getting in touch and if you're new to biking then I hope you get as much enjoyment from it as I have over the years. Cheers, Tony
Nice one Geezer, thanks fro the Antipodes.
thank for the tips, I've actually rode a size bigger helmet than I should for a few years. Even by the size chart of the manufacturer I should have M - head 56,8 and S (55-56) M (57-58), but M feels too loose, had to go a size down.
Jolly good, well done.
From a new rider the helmet will get looser over time, ive only been riding a few weeks and my helmet is already suddenly too loose, because I was not told that it should be snug enough to almost bite your cheeks when its brand new when opening and closing your mouth inside the helmet at the shop. Shows long time riders in shops dont always know what they should be selling!
Also if you want a pinlock (i will be buying one with a new helmet, if none available i will get a helmet that has one available) make sure they are easy to get when you purchase the helmet as the one i got seems to be a struggle to find. Plus it's worth seeing if you can actually buy cheek pads (just because they are made availability is totally different...)
Thank youso much! It was a great help! I actually bought a L helmet and my head is 59 cm. But when i look at your video i clearly sees that my L helmet actually is to big and after 1 year with it i just bought a M helmet of same type helmet. I get a little headache BUT it fits like you tell us it sould and I guess it will take a little time for the helmet to ajust to my head with it's pads/pillows so i will try it for a while and I think it will fit me just fine with some time. 😊👌🏻
how is it treating you now?
good info - thank you!. From experience, shop staff usually try to sell you a smaller helmet to ensure the fit is tight but I found that usually is too small. After a few years of riding and owning different brands, styles and sizes of helmet, I know what a helmet should feel like and what a helmet should not feel like and yet the shop staff are still trying to sell me a smaller one....
The closer that EPS is to your head in the critical moment, and the more securely the lid is on your head, the better it will work for you. That'll be why shop staff want you to go smaller. Interested to know if you bought one on shop staff recommendation and found a problem over time, and what told you it was a problem - tight spots developing over longer periods in the saddle? Cheers, Tony
Really good stuff
Fantastic video and tips! 🙌🏻
The secondary impact (head moving inside the helmet on initial impact)from a Helmet that is too big is often a fatal blow.
It’s good to remember that when you buy a new helmet not to compare it to the one you have been wearing for years that has bedded in and shaped to your head.
Imagine buying a new pillow, when you first get it, it’s plump and full but soon flattens once you’ve used it a few times. It’s a very similar process with a helmet. The oils, sweat and pressure from your head soon flattens out the comfort lining.
Putting your hand on the back of your helmet and pushing forward, you should be able to fit the tip of your finger in between your head and the lining.
Most importantly…if you are not sure ask for a second opinion from a trained member of staff (remember that there are tonnes of bikers even with 20+ years of riding experience that wear I’ll fitting gear because they know no better, so always get advice from a professional) 👍🏻
The staff in any of the Sportsbikeshop stores are always happy to help with and fitting / sizing questions 🏍
What he/she said ⬆️👏 Thanks for taking the time to comment with such a huge dose of sense. Cheers, Tony
Hi.. do sportbike shop offer different sized skull cap and cheek pads to get a desired fitment in store? Many thanks
Great video❤
I wish I'd come across your video sooner.. bought my helmet, Sidici, at a local bike shop. It was nice and snug, and comfortable enough when I had tried it on but tight on the cheeks. Tried to stuff it with sweaters to break it in a bit for my BRC.
Wore it for about 2 hours during the riders course and started feeling pain and pressure on the right side of my head. It's a spot right behind the temple, above my right ear that started to hurt badly. 😓 my head shape is weird I guess...
now I'm off helmet shopping again 😭
Try popping back to your dealer first. They might be able to find out the source of the pressure point and do something to alleviate it. Worth trying before giving up on the helmet. The issue of discovering a pressure point after trying on can happen - it's just a shame it happened on your first helmet. Good luck with getting it sorted, and welcome to the world of biking. I hope it gives you as much fun as it's given me. Cheers, Tony
Suffered with a hotspot from the wrong shapped lid for two years. Tried an Arai Signet - X and after a break in period never felt more safe and comfortable. Great video! Thanks from Arizona
was the hotspot immediate or after an hour of use? I get a hotspot after an hour of use on my icon airform around my front forehead near my hairline. I'm trying to figure out if i just got to break it in then it will be good. It feels comfortable immediately though. Little snug around the cheeks but i know for sure the cheeks will loosen up over time. I don't know about the forehead spot though.
@PabloTheTurtle No, not immediate. My hotspot would take about an hour to begin to bother me then at about 1.5 hours it would hurt so much that I want to immediately remove my helmet. It was so bad that I would bring a second, less safe helmet as a backup. I did this for almost 2 years. It was so painful that I had to use ice packs to eleviate the redness and discomfort.
Just a query. I am hearing impaired and find full face helmets a right pain to put on due to wearing glasses and a hearing aid which the latter gets knocked out. I use a Flip Front from Nolan N104 and find it comfortable and very easy to put on. This is the reason why I opt for a flip front but should I measure my head circumference first and go for perhaps the next size down instead of the XL I have. I don't want to squeeze the life out of my head thus causing problems with my hearing aid. Great vide by the way and subtitled!
Hi, it makes total sense to wear a flipfront in those circumstances. I think you should aim for the same fit as everyone else - as snug as possible without it causing you any discomfort. It's just that you need more space around the ears. Helmets differ by model in this respect, but by trying a few you should be able to find something that fits you well and gives you the room around your ears that you need. Thanks for getting in touch and I hope that helps you. Cheers, Tony
Hi tony, I am from India. love your reviews always enjoy watching them. I purchased a Shoei Gt air 3 Medium from Dubai because Shoei is not available in India. The size of the helmet is perfect but after an hour the back of my head starts paining. If I replace my center padding will it help from M9 to M5? Thanks in advance 🙏🙏
Hi, it's really hard to say. It's possible it will improve it for you, but it also may make it worse. Sometimes the thicker foam is what's keeping your head away from the polysytrene liner. My head shape means I have a similar problem with some helmets and I've yet to work out the best way to address it. Sorry I can't be more definitive on the subject. Thanks for the kind comment on our reviews - much appreciated. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop Hi thank you really appreciate🙏
do u wear a disposable head sock when trying on helmets ? what happens if a previous customer trying on helmets had scalp lice or eczema.
I was trying on the Arai Regent-X Helmet and everything felt right besides when I pushed the helmet in (towards my face) my chin was touching the chin bar. Is this an issue or could it be an issue in the future?
I'd say it depends how hard you have to push the helmet. If it only takes a gentle prod to get firm contact between chin and helmet then I'd consider something that gives you more room. I think a better measure is trying to kiss the chinbar without pushing the helmet back. If you can't, I think you have enough room. Cheers, Tony
Is there any give/molding in the EPS? Im seeing mixed information all over the net. I took delivery of a Shark Spartan today in a M, the L was too big. An well its weird. I've got no real pressure points at least not in the 40 minutes I sat with it on for. It's really snug all the way around apart from my forehead. Even that's not a pressure point as such at least not like from trying an EVO flip lid that hurt after a while. it's more the comfort liner leaves a line down my fod and is mildly uncomfortable. Will this mold?
An EPS will give in time, but it's the pressure against your head that makes it give so you'll need to decide if you can cope with the mild discomfort while that happens. Impressions left on the skin are fairly common with helmets, even if people don't notice the pressure. I hope that helps. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop yeah I thought as much. I tend to be an over thinker coupled with little experience over new lids. My only other experience has been with HJC, last being the RPHA 70 that I loved an fit really really well. Since they are now gone in favour of the 71 I had to try something new as don't like the 71s proprietary coms fitting or the look of it! I actually stripped the spartan an softly pressed on the front section with my thumb molding it slightly. Fits a treat now. Would love to take it on its maiden ride but daddy duties an work have gotten in the way 😂.
I have a Spyder helmet with an XL size.. it feels comfortable when I'm wearing it before I ride but after a couple of hours, I'm having a headache and I need to stop just to take a rest and take off my helmet. 😢 My size is 61cm. Is that normal? Or should I buy an XXL size?
Sorry for the late reply. Sometimes this happens and it's caused by pressure from the polystyrene impact liner (EPS) against the head, or possibly undue pressure from a seam in the comfort liner. I wouldn't suggest going up a size as then the helmet will be too big. The helmet will bed in with use, but if you can't tolerate the headache while you wait for that to happen then I'd suggest replacing it with a different helmet that will hopefully better suit the shape of your head. Cheers, Tony
i have a new helmet that fits perfect, but is cause tipis pain to my ears from putting it on and off.
got a remedy for that ?
Sorry to hear that. Perhaps wearing a light balaclava or skull cap would help. It would keep your ears in line as the helmet goes over your head, and also reduce the friction. Something like this... www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/270591
i have a new helmet that fits perfect, but is causes pain to my ears from putting it on and off.
got a remedy for that ?
Cut a little bit of foam on the ears area. Just there. Make some room for the ears and everything else in place. You will sacrifice a little bit of noise suppression, while earning a lot more comfort
Good tips but I wear glasses so any tips there!
Perhaps obviously, check they fit in the helmet. Some helmets are thinner at the top of the cheekpad to accommodate spectacle arms. Some (primarily Nolan) have sections of foam that can be removed to create room for the arms if needed. Check the specs are sat properly on your nose as often the pressure from the foam can disrupt this. I find flipfront (modular) helmets best for wearing with specs as you don't have to take the helmet off as often. Thanks for getting in touch and I hope that helps you. Cheers, Tony
What's the difference between a comfortable helmet and a safe one?
A correctly-fitted helmet will be both - more comfortable and safer. More likely to stay on your head when you need it most, and better able to protect from impacts. An uncomfortable helmet is less safe because it has a huge potential to distract from the job of riding. I think a comfortable and correctly fitting three-star SHARP helmet would be safer than an incorrectly fitted five-star helmet - a point made very prominently in the SHARP scheme's guidance. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony
Hi, quick question. I recently bought a helmet and haven’t fully broken it in yet, the fit is perfect however on the ears and forehead if i wear it for a while i start to get a slight ache, would this just be due to it not being broken in properly? as like i said every other aspect of the helmet is fine, thanks
Hi, the forehead ache should ease with time as the EPS impact liner compresses to the shape of your head. The issue with your ears may not ease with time. Wearing a balaclava or skullcap under your helmet might help in that regard, keeping your ears closer to your head and creating more room. Good luck with it. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop Hi, after wearing it a few more times i think i may need to size up, i wear a balaclava and the ears are still a bit sore. whenever i take the helmet off after wearing it for a little while my ears become very red
Ah, OK. Bear in mind it might be an unsuitable shape rather than an unsuitable size, so sizing up may make it too loose. Again, I hope you find the solution you need. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop thankyou
@@sportsbikeshop my ears seem don’t seem to as much in pain like the were before, and i feel like the forehead mold is ever so slightly shaping to my head. do you know how long it will take to fully break in a helmet?
"....but not too tight." I don't find the actual reference to too tight in that section, it refers to the opposite, too loose. Can you feel "too tight" without the actual immediate pain of pressure, i.e. hotspot?
Sorry if I didn't make that clear enough (it's probably because too tight is much harder to define than too loose!) If you can feel pressure from the polystyrene liner against your head then that for me is the crucial sign it's too tight). The foam comfort liner may have thick seams that fold over and create a pressure point too, which is another bad sign. Also, if your chin touches the inside of the chinbar I'd say it's too tight (it's not a problem if you have to exaggerate to make your chin touch). The ideal fit is to have a feeling that the helmet is feeling very close to your head without there being any particular points of strong contact that you feel may cause discomfort over time. Thanks for getting in touch and I hope this helps explain a bit better, Cheers, Tony
Thanks a lot for answering.@@sportsbikeshop
After a few 30 min sessions sitting with one on my head, and the even, but probably too big pressure is in the long run not doable. I do get a hot spot above my forehead (without actual pain there), and my skull goes a bit numb all around after half an hour. Dropping the chin guard down (modular) it squeezes even worse to very uncomfortable, but still, not hurting very much. Shop says it'll break in, without actually doing any checks other than just looking at my face from a distance. Returning the i100 sadly.
If you have doubts, you've done the right thing by moving on. The numb skull is definitely a sign that you need to look elsewhere. Cheers, Tony
Are the measurements the same with motocross helmet or not
Yes, they're the same. Cheers, Tony
is it the same with scooter?
Yes, a helmet should fit in exactly the same way for use on a scooter as on a motorcycle. Cheers, Tony
What if it gets stuck in my head
Normally, helmets should be on the outside of your head, not inside.
"So how tight is too tight?" and then you instead show us how to see if it is too big???
Apologies, I didn't make that clear enough. If you can feel pressure from the polystyrene liner against your head then that for me is the crucial sign it's too tight. The foam liner may have thick seams that fold over and create a pressure point too, which is another bad sign. Also, if your chin touches the inside of the chinbar I'd say it's too tight (if you have to exaggerate to make your chin touch then that's fine). The ideal fit is to have a feeling that the helmet is very close to your head without there being any particular points of strong contact that you feel may cause discomfort over time. Thanks for getting in touch and I hope this helps explain a bit better, Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop Thankyou for the reply. Yea after sitting with it on for an hour I had deep indent ines in my forhead, so back it went.
Is there much difference between the L and XL in a Shoei helmet ⛑️ the XL is reasonably loose but comfortable and the L fits pretty firm i just don't want a headache 1 is 60cm the other is 61cm doesn't sound like very much
It's hard for me to comment on that. The good thing with Shoei is the ability to tweak the padding thicknesses to get what's right for you. If you're looking to buy from us, contact support@sportsbikeshop.co.uk for advice on choosing a size and working out if you need different pads. Or if you're near a shop, pop in for a trial fit and some advice on tweaks. Cheers, Tony