Motorcycle helmets

"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z) 05/04/2019 at 10:04 • Filed to: None

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As I look at bikes and fantasize about what to get and what it would be like to own one, I find myself spending more and more time looking at gear and specifically helmets. From what the shops around Atlanta have told me, Shoei is the way to go.

Fo r those few who read my BRC post, you will likely not recall that I squeezed my head into a 2x helmet by a brand I dont recall and it was the only negative of the whole experience.

Well it turns out I don’t need a 2x for brands like Shoei. I need a large or an XL. But that is also the rub...

My head is 23 and 7/8th inches in size. Which puts it squarely between the upper threshold of the large and right below the minimum for the XL. When I tried on the large, I’m 99% sure I felt some discomfort at the top front ridge of my head. The shops said this meant I needed an XL and they felt it wasn’t too big for me. But I can’t help to feel some level of hesitation.

So a couple of questions: has anyone else experienced this or have some insight into sizing? Should I be considering any other brands? Right now I’m looking at a clearance rf 1200 for 400 or an rf-sr for 400.

H ere’s a pretty green XSR700 for your time:

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:19

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You might shop around and try different brands, as some of them are fitted for different shap ed heads. Look for a Snell M rated helmet or better.

Discerning > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/04/2019 at 10:21

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I tried to ask them about different brands, but they all wanted to push Shoei. I'll see if they have anything else again

Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:22

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Helmets do naturally break in a little. I have a Bell Qualifier that was a bit tight in a couple places when I got it that fits perfect now.

Also, those knobby tires on that XSR700  look neat but they’ll ruin rideability. 

Censored > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:22

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Try on as many as you can. Get the best helmet from a reputable brand that fits comfortably that you can afford. Shoei traditionally fits oval head shapes while arai fits round head shapes, bell falls somewhere in the middle. The best advice is to just simply go and try on as many as you can and try to wear each for 5-10 minutes to see if any hot spots show up.

Monkey B > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:24

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try on as many as you can. Shoei is good, Schuberth is good as are Arai, but HJC, Shark, Scorpion, Nolan etc. all have solid offerings for less. I have an HJC RPHA Max and can highly recommend it. 

Discerning > Censored 05/04/2019 at 10:25

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My head is a little oval. That may be why they were pushing the Shoei. They did mention the Arai may not be comfortable. I'll try your advise of wearing one for a little while

Discerning > Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) 05/04/2019 at 10:26

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Interesting. I’d rather it be smug then have any concerns about it being too big.

Yeah, I just liked the photo for that green with the brown saddle. The tires are definitely silly

TheRealBicycleBuck > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:27

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As others have said, helmet shapes differ between manufacturers, so the best thing to do is try on as many as you can. I also like to use a helmet liner to help absorb some of the sweat and make it easier to slip the helmet on and off. If there’s a little squeeze now, it might break in and loosen up, but it might also stay tight and just give you a headache.

I’m a fan of Shoei, but I have a Shoei-shaped head. 

Discerning > Monkey B 05/04/2019 at 10:28

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I'll have to check them out. The shops made it sound like anything less expensive than a Shoei isn't worth it, but I suppose that's their job

bob and john > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:33

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I dont i need to say anything new here. different lids with fit differently. best way: go to a store, try them on. Walk around for 5-10 min and see if you develop pressure points.

budge t about ~$500 for a lid. it gets you a decent mid range one. no need to dump 4 digits into your first helmet. make sure its MINIMUM ECE certified (DOT is terrible) or snell if you can swing it (Snell is track standards)

UserNotFound > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:34

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I can second this. For example, comparing an HJC Rpha and an Icon Airframe, I have to wear one size larger with the Icon than the HJC. There are many brands that I simply can’t wear. Only a few brands (like Arai for example) make helmets of different shapes.

https://www.revzilla.com/head-shape-and-helmet-weight-help

https://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmet-reviews-by-internal-shape/

I wouldn’t overthink these groupings, but the point is that some brands may just never fit right for this reason.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:35

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It might be worth checking out a (car) race shop. They’ll have other brands to check out (Shoei doesn’t really have a presence in auto racing), and most every manufacturer will have a Snell M2015 full- face helmet at a good price point aimed at the autocross and trackday   market. A Snell SA rated helmet is probably overkill for a motorcycle and not worth the extra money. It gets you a roll bar impact test and flame retardent lining and paint that I don’t imagine you really need on a motorcycle.

So far as I can tell, the biggest difference on the cycle focused helmet seems to be a  bit more venting and a bit more focus on aero at the higher end.

bob and john > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:39

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I cant wear Shoeis. Dont fit my head. 

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 10:45

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Helmets come in different shapes as well as sizes. Most brands develop one or two “shells” and build the lineup on those. So if you stick to just one brand, you might not find the right shell for your head.

I don’t mind HJC helmets, but Scorpion seems to have the best shell for my head for the price. Watch a few helmet guides and figure out what you’re looking for and go from there

Discerning > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/04/2019 at 11:14

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Thanks!

Discerning > bob and john 05/04/2019 at 11:14

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I’m going to try on some bell helmets to see if those fit better

What do you wear?

Discerning > UserNotFound 05/04/2019 at 11:16

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Hmmm. Thanks. I'll try on a bunch

Discerning > bob and john 05/04/2019 at 11:17

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I’ve been aiming for Snell 2015. I’m a bit paranoid about the safety factor.

I’ll try on a bunch for a while

E92M3 > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 11:19

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You don’t want it to be loose at all. It should be snug without pressure poi nts, and will conform to your heads shape and become more comfortable , as you break it in. It should take a little effort to get it on and off, but not a lot of effort. If it slid es over your head with just gravity, it’s too big.

Fuckkinja > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 11:25

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Bell helmets are my favorite. I find them to fit better and are much lighter than the others. I got my first Bell in 1986 at age 10 though. Kind of a fan boy. 

dumpsterfire! > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 11:39

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Lots of good advice already given. And helmets are a consumable. Replace about every 5 years, even  if it looks perfect, and don't drop it off your handlebar.

Discerning > E92M3 05/04/2019 at 11:39

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Thanks for the tips. They said the same thing. It occurs to me now that my head was still tender from the helmet that was too tight that I wore for 10 hours. I'll have to go back and try them all on again

Discerning > dumpsterfire! 05/04/2019 at 11:40

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I was told to replace it if any impact occurred whatsoever, but I’ve never heard the 5 year thing before.

Do the composites weaken over time??

bob and john > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 11:44

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I have a Bell Race star (not bad, had some issues with t he visor latching system from the facotry, have since fixed it...but I paid ~ $190 for a $700 helmet and then $100 for a $250 transisions visor for fuck it ) an Icon airmada (honestly, one of my Favourite lids, looks awesome, hard to fog, and the colors i have on it are AWESOME and I have an HJC RPHA 10 Lorenzo rep for the track.

Also have a HJC RPHA ST that I happent I get for a dumb-ass deal (think like $ 100 for a $400 lid)

from left to right: Bell star, HJC RPHA ST, Icon Airmada (trick or street colors) and HJC RPHA 10 lorenzo replic

bob and john > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 11:45

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there are some stupid things that would limit a helmet from getting snell (EG: no Helmet with a drop down visor will ever get a Snell rating) but get ECE at least for sure. 

Discerning > bob and john 05/04/2019 at 11:49

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I’ve heard good things about the bell star. I’ll check all of  these out. Thanks

BJ > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 12:16

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Sunlight may weaken the plastics over time. Don’t take a chance with your noggin.

E92M3 > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 12:46

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Yeah, helmets are one of those things you shouldn’t buy over the internet. The sizes vary even within the same brand. You have to try them on.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 12:52

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I’ll add this. It’s not just overall circumference. It’s shape as well. Some brands are more oval than round. I love my RF1200 but I had a really solid scorpion as well. Get a Snell or ECE rated that fits your head well, don’t worry about brand to much. A 150 Snell helmet that fits is better protection than  a 500 that doesn’t. Removable cheek pads are a plus.

I’d rather use my 150 dollar scorpion over my 400 AGV all day. But oh sweet Jesus do I love my Shoei.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 12:54

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If you are running 150 on the track they are probabl y right but street stuff is fine with something less as long as it’s Snell and fits  right. I think Shoei's are tested up to 180 or something.

Discerning > Future next gen S2000 owner 05/04/2019 at 12:55

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150 and 500? I thought Snell was 2010 and 2015.

Future next gen S2000 owner > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/04/2019 at 12:56

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Field of vision is wider on SM vs SA, IIRC

Future next gen S2000 owner > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 12:59

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$ not year.

Monkey B > bob and john 05/04/2019 at 13:27

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RPHA’s are awesome as you can find buys anytime...l ot of lid for the money. I paid $200 for mine a few years ago ($500 msrp I think) and the quality difference between it and my SyMax 2 are noticeable.

Monkey B > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 13:29

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it should be slightly snug, and your cheeks should st least feel a little chipmunked as they do break in. Also, if you wear glasses, make sure you get something that doesn’t push your ear too much as if you have thicker frames it can cause discomfort.

Montalvo > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/04/2019 at 13:37

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I h ave the icon airmada in that first video. It is very comfortable and i t looks even better in person.

bob and john > Monkey B 05/04/2019 at 14:04

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I ave to admit, i’m not the happiest with mine. it fit loose and the visor fogs up REALLY badly. I’m far far happier with my Bell, and I was able to get a photochromaic visor for my bell too

rockingthe2 > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 14:11

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The Revzilla videos on sizing will be your best friend, and depending on your head shape, not size, will be one of the biggest factors in determining a well fitting helmet.

Personal recommendation is ECE or higher rating. I prefer drop down visors as I ride in pretty much all conditions, sometimes in a single day, so that’s worth it to me instead of having a Snell rating.

I prefer HJC helmets as I’ve had very good experience with their RPHA 70 ST taking a lot of damage, but keeping my head safe. It also has Pinlock visors (Great for foggy/misty mornings) drop down sunvisor, tons of airflow, and pretty much all the vents close so I can use it down below freezing if I dare, yet it’s not too hot when temps go over 100F

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 14:15

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Yes. UV kills helmets and they all have about a 5 year life span. Motorcycle, biking, skiing, hockey they are all consumables that need to be replaced roughly every five years. Check what the manufacturer says, and if they don’t specify, assume a 5 year life span. 

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 14:31

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Being forced to wear a helmet is an assault on your personal freedom.

/s

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 14:48

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I tried on dozens of helmets when I bought my current one a couple years ago. Most were instantly uncomfortable. A handful were good. Them I wore them around the shop for like 20-30 minutes each. I bought the one I forgot I was wearing. AGV K5S. I can and have worn it all day for weeks on end in all weather imaginable and it’s always been supremely comfortable. AGV is owned by Dainese IIRC, their stuff is high quality. But something ECE or Snell and fitting properly is what you want. Don't go all in on one brand. 

bob and john > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 15:49

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composites and the styrofoam. sweat eats away at it, reducing its effectivness. 

nermal > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 16:39

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I’m using an RF-1200 currently, my 3rd Shoei & no plans to switch. It’s s’posed to fit a bit snug when new, and it will loosen up a bit over time. Depending on which model you get, it may also come with different pads to use inside to customize the fit a bit.

Also, avoid black ones. They will bake your head in the sun. I switched from an all black one to an all white one and it’s noticeably cooler in direct sunlight.   

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Future next gen S2000 owner 05/04/2019 at 17:07

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It could be that manufacturers tend to put a bigger visor opening on helmets marketed to motorcycle folks, but the SA spec itself is the M standard with the addition of the roll bar impact test and flame retardant specs for the lining and paint.  From either 2005 or 2010 on, it is also mandates the threaded mounting holes for neck restraints.

Discerning > nermal 05/04/2019 at 19:50

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This is good to know. Thanks. I like the look of black but I want something high visibility like white, silver, or yellow. Hell, maybe even pink.

I’d rather stand out than blend in

Discerning > bob and john 05/04/2019 at 19:50

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This makes sense. Thanks. I never thought of that

Discerning > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 05/04/2019 at 19:51

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Thanks. I'll try a bunch on. My only requirement is Snell 2015. I dont have any desire for a flip down shade so 2015 should be doable I think.

Discerning > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 05/04/2019 at 19:52

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True! If only I could ride completely naked. That would be an experience (a terrifying one)

Discerning > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 05/04/2019 at 19:52

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Cool. Thanks for the info. I never would have guessed

Discerning > rockingthe2 05/04/2019 at 19:58

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It looks like a lot of stuff in the US isn’t ECE. Is Snell 2015 just as good?

HJC looks nice, but I dont want a flip down inner shade

Discerning > Future next gen S2000 owner 05/04/2019 at 19:59

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Ooooh. Gotcha. I was completely lost for a minute. My top priorities now are comfort and Snell 2015 (ideally)

Discerning > Monkey B 05/04/2019 at 20:00

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Both the large and XL felt snug like that. Starting to think the Large might be best but I'll try them on again. No need for glasses here

John Stafford > Discerning 05/04/2019 at 20:28

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Try the Nexx line of helmet, might be a good fit in shell sizes.

Arai helmets almost always seem to fit well, but can be very expensive.

RedSky > Discerning 05/05/2019 at 03:24

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Hey, i see that you are a bit paranoid, me personally i have gone down with a ECE helmet From Shark at 65 MPH, the helmet did its thing ke pt me safe, no complaints at all, as long as it aint DOT, it will keep you safe. You have a healthy dose of paranoia, but do not forget that Snell can be uncomfortable for the longer rides due to those helmets being slightly heavier, if you arent planning on going insanely fast, then 99 of the impacts will be covered by an ECE. So do think about what type of riding you are going to do, cause it should influence your pick, because riding uncomfortably at long distance with a helmet is more dangerous then riding with an ECE 

rockingthe2 > Discerning 05/05/2019 at 11:26

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Pretty sure ECE/Snell are the two highest ratings, but I’m not that sure past that. HJC has a ton of options ECE rated without a flip down visor, even just in the RPHA line. 

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Discerning 05/05/2019 at 16:41

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I’d want a shammy on the seat...

RavenJ > Discerning 05/05/2019 at 21:21

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Shoei have inserts for their helmets which will give you a better fit with minimal outlay. It’s well worth having a fitted quality h elmet. You protect your valuable asset... You. The stockists can assist you with ordering correct fill ers and they are fairly easy to fit. Youtube videos have been created that assist with clear directions.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Discerning 05/06/2019 at 08:56

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Lots of good info in here. I’ve owned 2 helmets, both HJCs. The first is a Large which it turns out is way too big, but I listened to the guy at the bike shop and bought what he recommended. The next time, at a different shop, with someone who seemed much more knowledgable I ended up with a Small! Big difference!

But I have a little coconut, and while the small was snug at first, after a couple outings it fit like a glove. My advice is just try a lot of stuff on and see what you like, and if a Large feels a little snug it will loosen up, but if it feels curshingly tight you probably need to go up to an XL.

One last thing, do a little research on Snell ratings and what they mean. Snell does not automatically equal best/safest. http://www.mcrider.com/snell-motorcycle-helmet-certification-rated/