Does the 15-20 % break in period include half helmets and 3/4? Or just full face where there's contact in every direction?

Very good article @Andy. Thanks. The point about using a measuring tape is critical as I find that the letter sizes are inconsistent across makers and even for different models in the same maker's lineup. One of the commenters also makes the point about having good variance in shell sizes. Arai and Shoei are sometimes criticized as being expensive, but they also offer good options in sizing and head shape. My Arai Signet fits properly and is never tiring. The AGV Sport Modular took an extended period of time to break in but is now very comfortable although closing the latch is still a two hands thing.

For me personally, Shoei have been the absolute worst fitting helmets. When I measure my head, I get 59 cm, yet a large Shoei hurts my ears, and cheeks. I've tried thinner cheek pads, and finally just gave up on Shoei after trying several. Arai is a much better fit for me, and I have a Scorpion EXO-CT220 that is for me the best fitting helmet I've ever had on my head.

Thanks as always, Ross

Awesome discussion page!

I recently got a Bluetooth intercom for my full face helmet and my ears are constantly folded in due to the speakers. I wear a size M (57-58cm) would it be advisable to size up to an L (59-60cm) to prevent this?

Hi Everyone
I’ve had many helmets before, and did not know there is is such a thing as head shape. I have a round shape and therefore always suffered from these hot spots on top/side of my head. I have 5 different helmets right now and none of them fit right. The only that did fit was one I had years ago full face shoei RF 900. But they are quite expensive helmets, that’s why I’ve been buying other brands, scorpion, hjc, agv
Now I’m in the market for an off road helmet and I want to get the shape right.
Anyone know an off road helmet with round shape head ?

I hope this thread is still active. I'm sruggling to find a replacement for my Aria RX-Q. I have tried Quantum-X and Signet-X, neither helmets fit the way my RX did (same size). I get pressure point on the front and back of the Quantum-X and the Signet doesn't even fit over my big head. I need some help!

My best advice, Raymond Joseph is to call a RevZilla Gear Geek at 877-792-9455 or send an e-mail to cs@revzilla.com. Their advice is free.

https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

My head shape is what intermediate oval??
I've measured my head and its 22 1/2 inches or 57 1/2 centimeters. In a full face Shoi helmet I can bairly get my head into a large and it is very uncomfortable on my face/ jaws. An extra large fits my face very snugly its the same in a European brand helmet (round shape). By the measurements I should wear a medium but I cant even get that size on my head no matter how hard I try to pull it apart with the straps. Any opinions or suggestions. I've thought about going with the large and changing out the cheek pads but there is not much difference in size and I'm sure once you open the package and install the pads you have bought them.

Hi Ron, thank you for sharing that uglass picture of your semi-balded head! Always a pleasure to stumble on these in the internet. To answer your question, your head looks to me like having the shape of a bean. This is not normal and I would get that checked as soon as possible.

Have a nice day!

How to size for women with a lot of curly hair.

Shave her head? Suggesting a bathing cap might be a better option.

I ware a half or 3/4 helmet. I have been looking for a Modular helmet but can't find one that works. I don't have a neck (at least much of one). When i have a jacket on and a full helmet i can't turn my head. The jacket and helmet interfer with turning my head. Even a small collar jacket comes up to over or just at my hair line and all full helmets i have tried come lower than my hair line. It's like the jacket and helmet fight each other and keep me from moving my head with ease. Is there a intermediate oval helmet that is cut higher in the back that will go above my hair line and not interfer with the jacket.

i've been wondering, what should i do in case i'm right in between the sizes? i found this helmet, the nolan n70 2x and i really like how it looks, but they only have two sizes one from 54-58 cm and one from 60-65. now from my measurement my circumference it's 59 cm witch sits just in between those two. should i just give up on it or should i pick one of the 2 sizes?

if you look on the nolan size chart some nolan helmets do cover the 59//60cm personally usually 59cm is a large go for a helmet that covers your size you could try going down to a medium remember helmet lining does wear in so over time a tight feeling helmet lining will wear in for a perfect fit providing the shape is correct for your head

hello Happy jim here.Thanks for your help.Ive been buying helmets for 2 years and never knew any of this.my wife and I ride street but we have just gotten a couple duel sports.we have so many questions.first ,can you recomend an ADV helmet.we see some helmets priced so high and some priced so low.why?.Also thanks for the fitting vidio never knew.

Hey Happy Jim, glad you got something out of the article and video. You can spend whatever you want on a helmet these days with all the options on the market. More expensive helmets will usually get you more features, lighter materials, etc., though you can certainly get safe, simple helmets on a budget. Scorpion's EXO-AT950 comes to mind, or Bell's MX-9 Adventure MIPS which I personally use. Arai's XD4, Shoei's Hornet, or AGV's AX9 would be some upgrade picks if you want a more premium helmet. If you follow the helmet guide before ordering, you should be on the right track to getting the right lid for you. Happy trails!

https://www.revzilla.com/du...

Is it normal for the helmet to be higher up on the back of the head?

How do you mean "higher up"? As in, the interior of the helmet doesn't seat on your head in the back? Or do you mean that the bottom "line" of the helmet is canted forward, dropping from the back of the helmet to the chin?

Long oval head to which there are still only a few options out there that fit perfect. When I used to race I wore a Shark RS2 (discontinued), that was a true long oval shape and to this day was the only helmet out of the 10 or so I've had over the years that fit perfect.

How could I get different pad or modified pads?

Depends on the helmet. Some manufacturers offer different sizes of pads and liners, others do not. A quick search should tell you for your particular helmet model.

You can modify your own pads if needed in some cases. Arai, for example, makes some pads with slits in them so you can tear off a little foam and gain extra room. Hope that helps.

If a helmet feels like it is heavy forward (like its pushing down on my eyebrows) is that a sign of wrong head size? It's a modular. Maybe it's weighted incorrectly?
Thanks

Many thanks - this was big help. I tried on a Uvex helmet that was suggested for my head dimensions but a) battled to get it on and b) found it quite tight. As you mention, it's normal to have the tight neckroll cushioning area and the 15- 20 percent break-in you describe kicked in and now it's much more comfortable.

Glad to hear the article was helpful, Paul. Ride safe!

Another factor to consider: how it feels *taking the helmet off*. I've long loved Shoei helmets, but always wanted a sun visor with a full face, so I was stoked when the GT Air first came out. Helmet went on easy, fit snug and comfortable on my head, but surprisingly, there was never a way to get the helmet off my head without feeling as if my ears were being ripped off (and I don't have big ears). Still bummed I never got to keep it.

Also, while not a subject of the article, I really wish more manufacturers adopted Pinlock as their standard, nothing else comes close to stopping fogged-up visors as well. Similarly, the near-infinite OEM variety of visor detents is infuriating; I've had helmets I've otherwise loved that fail on these seemingly-minor "quality of life" factors that become huge over time as you live with their design quirks / flaws, day in and day out.

I had the same issue with my Icon Airflite. It went on okay and was comfortable to wear but taking it off hurt my ear (just one side - weird). Now repeated on/off is part of my trial to make sure you don't have hot spots from that.

some additions from my experience
1)there are modular that can be used open - nolan 100-5 has lock that allows it to be used open
2)when you put the helmet on and strap it put your hands behind your head and try to pull the helmet off over your head, i could to that to properly sized helmets of one brand while i couldnt do that to nolan(head shape and all)
3)glass wearers should consider modular for general use, you can put the helmet on without removing glasses and sometimes even remove it without dropping your glasses on the ground.
4) add picture of Icon Airframe Statistic to show why open faced helmets are not a good idea

What happens when you crash with the modular lid open? Rather big piece hanging out there to snag on something and cause injury that would not occur with the lid closed.

Lid is close to shell, it seems the chance of it snagging on something is quite small. I havent tried it past city speeds, but its nice to open it in slow traffic in hot weather.

Thru several models, going back to a X-9 in the very late 1990's, I've been a XL in Shoei or HJC helmets. Nice firm fit around the head and good pressure on the cheek pads. But, now that I'm looking at a new Shoei RF1200, the XL seems lose and there's minimal pressure on the cheek pads.

Can a person's head shrink with age?

A very accurate article. Since head shape is so important to fit, and fit is so important to function, can someone tell me why some helmet manufacturers only offer one head shape choice? Imagine a world where a major motorcycle manufacturer only offers a fully functional communication system for a single brand of helmet, and that helmet brand only makes one head shape! Brought to you by the BMW / Schuberth alliance.

I can barely get an Arai signet XL on my head, geez is it tight, then wear it 6 hours in total comfort. There is no size Scuberth that won't hurt my head. I keep swearing I won't buy another BMW because of this.

Long oval heads think long thoughts!

A FIM helmet standard is promised, and I would expect every track day and racing organization to accept a FIM certified lid.

No need to use a larger size in my long oval Arai Signet, it is the correct shape and a very tight snug fit with the correct shape is all day comfortable. However, even a size larger Schuberth is not comfortable, and is too loose to provide protection. Neither BMW nor Scuberth are budget brands, they are both premium brands. BMW goes out of its way to advance design and safety. Schuberth charges premium prices but does not bother to offer multiple head shapes like Arai does. In my opinion, either Scuberth is to blame for not offering proper fits, or BMW is to blame for not offering their fully integrated communication system in more than one helmet manufacturer.

But yes, it is cheaper and easier to only have one mold, and I don't fault budget conscious brands for that. As you can see, my complaint is with Schuberth and BMW.

You are fortunate that your head shape is easy to fit. It may be hard for you to understand the pain that long oval heads experience, the solution is not just to loosen up the fit.

Talk to Sarah Schilke since she was formerly Marketing And Public Relations Manager at Schuberth Helmets and currently National Marketing Manager at BMW Motorrad USA.

I like to wear a skull cap with my helmets because when putting the helmet on they keep my ears from getting caught. They help my helmet fit snug after break-in, they reduce wind noise, and they absorb sweat. Unfortunately they also reduce air flow which when it's hot can get a little uncomfortable, but on the other hand when it's cold they can really help with staying warm.

I've found on some helmets the neck roll can make a big difference reducing wind noise. But they can wear out and get loose. I've had to order new ones and that solves the problem.

I wear a Raci-Babi WickIt! in hot weather since it is much easier to wash than helmet linings.