I just bought a new Icon full-face helmet and I'm afraid it could be too tight. The dealer said it would stretch out after some use and said it was better to be too snug than not snug enough.

I have noticed the helmet I bought 8 years ago has become too loose, as it pushed forward on me at high speed. But this new helmet practically smushes my cheeks into my bite. I can barely squeeze nicorete gum between my gums and lip, but it definitely feels safer and doesn't move at all going 80+mph.

What is your experience with newer helmets these days? Do Icon brand helmets really mold to your head over time or is it going to stay too tight?

Peace

You want it really snug, but if it causes pain--you get a headache after wearing it for 10-15 minutes--then it's too tight or not shaped correctly for your head. The pads will squish down a little over time, true, but not *that* much. Sit around with it on your head for half an hour. If you're not in pain, it probably fits and you just have to get used to a more snug fit after being used to a worn out helmet. If you get hit spots, like a patch on your forehead that hurts where everything else doesn't or a spot on each side of your head--then it's like the wrong shape for your head.

You don't want the helmet to move on your head, but you also don't want it to hurt...

I rode in it for about 20-30 minutes and while it didn't give me a headache, I did feel a little woozy. No specific pressure points like some other helmets I tried on at the store, so I know what you're referring to.

It sounds like it's a bit too tight - have you tried other sizes of the same model to see what the fit is like?