Wanting to buy an autocross helmet!

As the title says, I'm looking to get myself a new skid-lid. 

I'm thinking a cheap full-face Race-Quip looks like it'll get the job done.  No frills should be fine at this point.

Theoretically I've got a local distributor, though I just called and had the most bone-headed conversation with the guy.  Evidently it's a side business, and sometimes he's there and sometimes he's not. 

What are the chances of getting a good fit with a measuring tape?  Seems like the magazine just had an article about helmet fit not necessarily relating to head circumference.

Should I attempt the drive across town to meet the local goof-ball?

Advice?

The helmet bought with out trying on seemed tight for the first half of the season.  I think I tried on at least two before I bought the one before.  If I have to say, I wished I'd not bought it.  Not enough to replace it, it was part of the s c c a starting line package.  I'd meet the goof ball.

I've bought two autocross helmets and three motorcycle helmets.  Every time, I've gone to a shop, tried many on, and bought it from them.  If the shop helped me find it, they deserve the business. Unless you know a particular helmet fits you well, it's hard to say whether the size will be right and it will fit comfortably.  Too many different head shapes, and some helmets just feel better on you.

It's not just the circumference, it's the shape of your head that matters...some people have a round head, some have an oval head, some have a square head.    If the helmet doesn't match the shape of yours it gets really uncomfortable really fast.  I'd do whatever I could to try a helmet on in person (and actually wear it for a while), rather than buying one online or from a catalog.

I found a non-goofball retailer.  Ya know, one that answers the phone with "Hello, this is My Business.  How can I help you?"

The lady said they had a big selection of brands, prices, and sizes.  Sounds like the right idea.

stuart in mn said:

It's not just the circumference, it's the shape of your head that matters...some people have a round head, some have an oval head, some have a square head.    If the helmet doesn't match the shape of yours it gets really uncomfortable really fast.  I'd do whatever I could to try a helmet on in person (and actually wear it for a while), rather than buying one online or from a catalog.

Yes, it's worth noting that different helmet manufacturers generally use different head forms.  Bell helmets fit me, Simpson, Arai, etc do not, but for other people it'll be a different manufacturer that fits best.

I bought a Race Quip on Amazon for cheap.  I was lucky it fit my head shape pretty well and is of decent quality.  I was unlucky that the cheek pads did not fit too well, so I had to spend another $30 for new ones of a different size.  I don't have alot of auto helmet resellers in my area (there's alot of moto though) so online shopping was really my only option.  I would definitely go local if I had that option.

You can get a motorcycle helmet that is approved for racing from revzilla for dirt cheap. And they have free returns, and free shipping, and a helmet that  won’t be so massive that it makes you look like Marvin the Martian

Helmets and guitars. I will not buy online. Even with free returns it is too much hassle. Add to the fact that I have a big head and small feet and stuff just never fits the way I think it should .A few extra dollars for a one time visit is just fine by me. (Insert hippie drivel about local business and little guys and whatever...)

barefootskater said:

Helmets and guitars. I will not buy online. Even with free returns it is too much hassle. Add to the fact that I have a big head and small feet and stuff just never fits the way I think it should .A few extra dollars for a one time visit is just fine by me. (Insert hippie drivel about local business and little guys and whatever...)

I'll admit I totally go for the hippie drivel.  That's my thing, for sure.

I'm going to go over tomorrow and try some out.  Will probably plunk down too much money and be happy about it.

Helmet has been purchased:

Neat little shop, not far at all from me.  James there was very helpful and let me try on a bunch of different helmets.  Nothing fit badly, but some were better than others.

I settled on this HJC model.  Never even heard of them before, but the quality seems to be a step up from the Race Quip ones and the price wasn't much more.

Nice. My last three helmets were all HJC. I'll probably buy another when this one ages out. Great value I think.