Helmet advice?

[Fredwina]

hmmmmm.

Giro helmets fit my head fine, but I just cannot get the straps on my Atmos adjusted properly. They either choke me, don't lie flat, or go over top of my ears and chafe. (Chafing my ears is where I left them, since I figure that's the position that holds the helmet most stable on my head.) Trying on new helmets in the shop, the straps are so stiff that I can't tell whether they're going to loosen up and fit properly or not!

It's going to be another couple of years before I shell out for a new hat but does anyone have any input on strap fitting?

Keep on trying is all I can say - Specialized tried to make a softer strap a year back, but wound up having to recall them since the production models couldn't pass the random checks Snell insists on.

[kermit]

I got my new Atmos today, wow. It fits better than the monza. It fits a little deeper on my head instead of on top like the monza. Much less mushroomish and more airy. Really like it!

[7rider]

I had the Giro Pneumo for 4 years until its retaining system broke. It always was vaguely uncomfortable, and the split right at the center of my forehead seemed to pinch me. In fact, no matter how tight or loose I made it, it seemed to give me a big red dot (or even lump) right at the top of my forehead.
I just replaced it with the Bell Sweep R, and I find it to be MUCH more comfortable!! Like it loads better. The only issue I have with it is I'm currently trying to find a helmet-mounted taillight to fit it, and can't seem to find one that spans the available vent holes. I think I've come up with a jury-rigged solution that will work, tho.

[Trigress]

I have the Athmos and I'm very pleased with it. I always have to fiddle the straps around a lot, but after a lot of fiddling it seems to fit quite nicely. It does take some time, though, and maybe you have to pull the strap that goes backwards (under your ear) and towards the back of the helmet in order to get the length right. This can be a bit troublesome as it's quite tight, but eventually I'm sure you'll get them right. Take care not to get your hair stuck in the little buckle though - I just tried that and it never made it to top five of cleverest things I've done. Trigress pulled the helmet off really quickly - ouch!