Need tips on helmet size

[GTP]

My helmet expires this year. I stopped at Pegasus while on vacation to try on helmets. Bell B2 Apex fit me the best, compared to other budget brands.

The medium felt good. But I did not try a small. Since then I measured my head circumference at 57.5 cm which is exactly in the middle of Bell's small size.

I have read the sizing procedure to know what is the correct fit.

I also learned that my head shape is more oval than round. I.e. narrow side to side.

I will mail order a new SA2025 helmet since they are on sale. Do I order the small right off the bat, and then exchange it for medium if it feels too tight? Or start with the medium since I tried that on already?

Another consideration is the ear piece that instructors hand me to stuff up in there. I'd say I have an instructor less than half the time.

I can't help but wonder if the medium will not only fit me better front to back but also accommodate the occasional ear piece.

Thanks.

Sponsored

 

[SHOdaddy68]

You want something snug enough that it doesn't slip and slide around, but not so tight that it's difficult to get on and off. A helmet that fits too tight may give you a headache and become uncomfortable with extended use.
Typically a new helmet that's a little snug will "wear-in" and fit you better as you use it over time.
I've been waiting for the new 2025's to come out because mine is expiring too.

 

[1 old racer]

My helmets fit the same as what you are experiencing. I have found over the years that all helmets that fit a little tight will loosen up after an hour or so of use, (don't laugh but when I first get a new helmet I wear it around the garage for a while to break it in before I use it on the track).
Easier to buy one a little small and see if your head conditions it to fit, then to get one too big and never get it to fit right. But that may just be me.

 

[thompsje]

There's a website called LidPickers that has a sizing kit they can send you, but you can make the tools in it pretty easy out of some cardboard. Not sure how it would work for car helmets, but it confirmed (unfortunately for my wallet) that I definitely have an Arai shaped head.

Some of their open face options might work for you, but again - never bought a car helmet so YMMV.

 

[GTP]

I have a panama hat that I wear on vacation. It is shaped for a round head, but mine is oval. Even though the circumference is the same as my head, I can feel how it is just a tad short front to back. The slight pressure is annoying soon after putting it on.

That alone makes me think I should order the medium first.

My helmet seller sent me some thin foam strips to downsize my current helmet. I could use those in the new medium helmet, at the sides under the upper half liner to custom size it to oval shape if needed.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Did the medium feel loose or alright? If it felt fine dont second guess yourself.

 

[GTP]

Did the medium feel loose or alright? If it felt fine dont second guess yourself.

An obvious question, and appreciated.

Yes I thought it fit fine. It seemed neither loose nor tight. It felt comfortable as far as the shape while the others brands did not.

But I was focused on trying different brands around the $300 mark, and not trying different sizes within any brand "just to be sure". Hence my doubt.

I've been through this before (mail ordering multiple brands and sizes) and I still got it all wrong!

 

[webspoke]

Helmet models within the same brand will also be shaped for different head shapes. I would stick with medium in this model. Don't go for a snug fit in a model that does not match your head shape without trying first.

 

[GTP]

Helmet models within the same brand will also be shaped for different head shapes. I would stick with medium in this model. Don't go for a snug fit in a model that does not match your head shape without trying first.

Maybe that's why the medium felt fine in the store that day.

 

[kz]

Maybe that's why the medium felt fine in the store that day.

Shake your head with the helmet on - it's not supposed to move. If it doesn't, you're good.

 

[RobZ71LM7]

I'd be surprised if you are a small. This is where I wish I had a local dealer-I would gladly pay more to be able to try on a helmet. So I usually buy from a larger, online dealer with free, easy return processes. I'm fortunate that Racequip helmets fit me really well and are stocked at Amazon, Jegs, etc.

 

[GTP]

I have two local dealers. One has no stock in my size and the other just seems to never be open.

 

[MAGS1]

I’m similar in that my head is more oval than round. I tried a few different brands and Bell fit me the best. Agree with some others, I’d be surprised if you’re a small unless you have a really tiny head. If the medium you tried on fit well, was snug but not super tight, that’s the right fit.

I wear a medium with Bell helmets but am actually a large in other brands like Zamp and RaceQuip. I also wear glasses when I drive so I had to make sure a helmet fit properly with my glasses on, so make sure to factor that in if you wear glasses when you drive.

I have a Bell K1 Sport and FWIW it fits exactly the same as the Bell B2 that I tried on in a shop (also Pegasus ironically).

 

[GTP]

Right, well the place that I'm considering ordering from has a size chart that puts me at small. But if I search size charts I find variances among them even if they are marked "Bell". I guess 57cm circumference is in the transition range between the two sizes. I think it is less risk for me to start with the medium and then hope I don't have to exchange it.

I also wear progressive glasses. Oakley with straight frame sides, which means I can just push them straight into the liner slots after putting on my helmet. Then I have Cocoon clip-on sunglasses.

 

[GTP]

Has anyone tried a tinted film on their clear visor? I have no use for the visor in the down position, and a DIY film seems like an affordable way to get a tinted one.

Sponsored