Helmet help?

[Swan]

I've been wearing a BELL Athena helmet bought from Walmart, but the thing is just too darn big. It's weighty enough to give me massive headaches, it slips from side to side even if I tighten the straps to choking point, and the front always slides down to block my eyesight completely. It's an age 14+ helmet, but to be honest it's just too big!

I haven't checked with the not-so-LBS yet as it's a 1h+ drive away, but when I went to find a new helmet at Walmart, I was really dismayed to find that the only helmets that fit were youths and patterned appropriately. I just don't feel like I want to go zooming down streets wearing ScoobyDoo on my head.

I have a short forehead, round face, and a flattish skull. Can anyone recommend anything in the way of helmets so that I know approximately where to start my search?

[indysteel]

Honestly, I'd make the trek to you not-so-local shop. You really need to try on a variety of helmets to find what fits your head best. It'll be worth the trip.

[lph]

I agree. I don't know what my head is shaped like, I just know Giro fits, and most others don't. Once you find the right brand, chances are you will fit most models that brand makes. It doesn't have to be the lightest helmet on the market, but an uncomfortable helmet is just torture to wear. Hope you find something!

[OakLeaf]

I really have to be careful also to get a helmet that doesn't put pressure on my forehead. What motorcyclists call a "Shoei head" (except the Arai people, who call it a "long oval" ).

I'm good in my Specialized Propero. Giro doesn't fit me at all. I used to have a Trek helmet that fit me pretty well too, but they don't make the shells in as many sizes as they used to.

But +1 on trying on several different brands and styles - and also letting the LBS help you with the straps, which are much trickier to adjust than they used to be IME. Maybe you can combine the trip with another errand.

My personal opinion (which may not be popular) is that you're safer with no helmet than with one that fits so poorly. If it slips around your head it won't protect you in a fall, and it could possibly lead to a neck injury.

If you really have a small head, you may still wind up in a youth helmet. But the LBS should have some without Scooby-Doo.

[Swan]

My personal opinion (which may not be popular) is that you're safer with no helmet than with one that fits so poorly. If it slips around your head it won't protect you in a fall, and it could possibly lead to a neck injury.

This is my opinion as well. After a certain speed the helmets won't help a bit, and most have visors which can catch on things as well. Florida law requires helmets, though, and while no local police care if I ride without around town or my woodland neighborhood, I have been stopped without one on the major hwy. Hence the search for a proper helmet. Otherwise I'm all in agreeance lol



I'll take everyone's advice and go to the LBS when I next can. Thanks

[Kiwi Stoker]

Sorry but helmets do help whatever the speed. I think the issue is the statement "helmets save lives". This is probably not true. Yes in certain instances a helmet will not save your life. However a helmet will reduce your chance of a head injury.

As a person who has had two high speed crashes in which my helmet took the impact and a friend of a person who has a serious head injury which has really impacted his entire life (he still has head aches, cannot be in crowded rooms, depression etc), please wear a helmet. And one that fits properly.

Most visors unclip off the helmet so you don't have to have them if you don't want them.

[Crankin]

I have a really small head (I wear kid's glasses and hats), but I have always worn an adult small Bell helmet. Make sure you get one with the ratchet dial in the back. They cost more, but it allows you to dial in the fit, to fit different conditions, without adjusting the straps. This pretty much eliminates the sliding around thing. So, if your head swells in the heat, or you wear a head cover/hat in the cooler weather, you can easily change the fit.
The model i like has been discontinued, but we bought a couple on sale, so I have 2 and switch between them. It's a mountain bike helmet, but I cut the visor off. I like the ventilation in this model.

[ny biker]

This is my opinion as well. After a certain speed the helmets won't help a bit, and most have visors which can catch on things as well. Florida law requires helmets, though, and while no local police care if I ride without around town or my woodland neighborhood, I have been stopped without one on the major hwy. Hence the search for a proper helmet. Otherwise I'm all in agreeance lol



I'll take everyone's advice and go to the LBS when I next can. Thanks

I have seen pro racers hit the pavement head-first in high speed crashes. They may have had a concussion afterwards, but without a helmet they would be dead. A good helmet that fits properly will protect your head in more situations than you think.

[OakLeaf]

you might just be able to shop from your kitchen vs. going to your not-so-lbs. ;-)

It figures a spammer would encourage someone to buy an ill-fitting helmet without even bothering to try it on.