Helmet fit: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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March 4, 2011 9:08 a.m. scardeal HalfDork
I'm in the market for a helmet, and I had tried on a borderline one yesterday evening, and I wanted some feedback.

In short, how tight should a NEW helmet fit around your head?

If it fits over your head, it seems like it'll fall into one of 5 categories, 2 of which seem obviously wrong.
1. Loose - can rotate the helmet a bit on your head and there's a gap between the pads and the sides of your head
2. Less loose - helmet slides off and on easily with slightest of gaps
3. Semi-snug - helmet comes on, and when it's on it stays put with no gaps, but does not put any pressure on your head.
4. Snug - helmet has a little bit of pressure on your head when you put it on, but not uncomfortable
5. Melon squeezer - helmet grips your head with considerable pressure, painful after a few minutes.
Do the pads give a little more after wearing it for a while?
March 4, 2011 9:34 a.m. iceracer Dork

3.
March 4, 2011 9:42 a.m. unevolved Dork

The way I was taught was pretty simple. Put on the helmet, grab the front with the visor up, and try to turn your head inside the helmet. If it turns, you need a smaller helmet.
March 4, 2011 9:44 a.m. amg_rx7 HalfDork

3
March 4, 2011 9:46 a.m. ransom New Reader

3 and a half. Yes, the pads bed in, and it won't be as tight eventually. But you do want to be sure that what's 4 in the showroom isn't secretly 5 after half an hour, or an hour and a half. Of course, I think what I once would have described as "snug" I now feel as "secure". It's hard to quantify.

One of the guidelines I've heard (and used to buy my last helmet, which I was quite happy with) is that when you move the helmet, it should try to move your scalp, not slide around on your head.

Note that many helmets have different thicknesses of cheek pads and so forth available.

Also, try different brands. Do you have a notion of your head shape? Different manufacturers tend towards different head shapes, and some (like Arai) make different shell shapes to fit. It's hard to get a good fit sticking a long-oval head in a round helmet; it'll either be loose on the sides or tight end to end, or both.
March 4, 2011 9:47 a.m. jonny330

I too am looking to buy a helmet for HPDE next month. Are there any brands that are recommended over others? I was looking at the HJC Si-12 and Pyrotect SA2010 Full Face PYR-2601

Are these good helmets? I was looking at http://www.racinghelmetguide.com/auto-racing-helmet-reviews.html for brands and models to look at.
March 4, 2011 9:47 a.m. pigeon Dork

I was told 4 - as snug as you could stand it, and that there would be some break in to the padding. That's what I went with on my recent purchase.
March 4, 2011 9:53 a.m. pinchvalve SuperDork

ransom wrote: It's hard to get a good fit sticking a long-oval head in a round helmet;

Amen brother...I try on before I buy for that very reason.
March 4, 2011 1:03 p.m. 1988RedT2 Dork

I too was told 4. I just got back from a ride an hour ago. I recall it was quite tight in the store when I bought it, but it's comfortable now. There is considerable variation from one brand to another.
March 4, 2011 1:21 p.m. car39 Reader

I bought a Bell 8 years ago, and I'm still waiting for the pads to break in and loosen. Don't really notice it anymore when I'm driving, but that sucker ain't going anywhere.
March 4, 2011 4:05 p.m. BigD New Reader

Definitely 4, I even prefer it comfort wise. I do have a huge head and I've worn a 4.8. When the helmet starts putting pressure on your jugular, that's when it's too tight.
March 4, 2011 4:45 p.m. iceracer Dork

The fit can be dependant on how long the helmet will be on your head. If it is uncomfortable when you put it on,think how it will be later,

I have had two Simpson helmets and they still fit as tight as when they were new. Since I have cut back on track activities, I bought a G-Force 2005 open face helmet. It was on sale since the 'tens are out.