Helmet Frustrations

[Veda]

Well, I am quite fed up with helmets that don't fit. The first helmet I bought was a pricey Shoei RF-1000, which I bought from my dealer. I tried it, and many others on at the shop, with the help of the manager who seemed quite knowledgeable. It fit great at the shop and for the first few weeks when I was only riding for short commutes. Once I took it on my first longer trip it started to really hurt my forehead after about an hour. I kept trying to wear it but everytime I had it on over an hour it gave me headaches and made my forehead numb.

So I went to another shop and tried on many more helmets. This time I ended up with a Scorpion helmet which fit a bit looser but not dangerously so. At the shop it seemed like the most comfortable helmet I have ever worn. Now I just took it for its first ride and after about 45 minutes it hurt in the same place as the Shoei.

I'm going to see if I can return the Scorpion, but I'm not sure if I can. I can't afford a third helmet, and even if I could the larger sizes I tried on were too big based on the "roll test" and moving them side to side.

So I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas to make either of these helmets work? The cottony inside liner on the Shoei is relatively thick, and I'm thinking of performing surgery on it - but I don't know. Also, I wonder about making some kind of lambskin/sheepskin headband to put over my forehead with the Scorpion, which doesn't seem as tight (but hurts more). But then if the helmets are too tight, that will make it tighter. I don't know if the problem is that their too tight or that the material that is rubbing against my forehead is too harsh?

So any ideas to adjust these helmets or sympathies to share? (And yes, I've read the "helmit fit guidelines" sticky, but it doesn't have any info on ginormous foreheads)

[blues2cruise]

If the helmet liner is a removable kind, maybe there is a thinner version that can be ordered for you.

Alternately, gently press the styrofoam with a spoon where it is too tight. It can make the foam compress a tiny bit to maybe make a bit more room.
I'm having the same problem with my KBC except it's on the top of mt head and not the forehead. The man at the bike shop suggested the pressing of the foam with a spoon.....gently....

If that doesn't work for me, I'll have to order a new liner and see if that works.
Looking for a new helmet is a pain, isn't it?

[safety-boy]

I have an unussually large head. Not quite circus-freak large, but up there with Vanna White, Oprah Winfrey, and Geena Davis

I would like to get a new helmet, but it is the only one I have found to fit. If my helmet had had pink flames and Minnie Mouse on it, I would have to have bought it. Oddly enough, it is not the largest size - there is next to no uniformity in production.

You will find the helmet changes its fit as you wear it. Padding and styrofoam will change shape. Sweat and pressure will mold it to your head.

--Dave

[Veda]

Looking for a new helmet is a pain, isn't it?

Quite literally.

[hot_shoe_cv]

Looking for a new helmet is a pain, isn't it?

Quite literally.

You failed to mention what size your Shoei is. I believe Shoei makes three different sizes of shells, all based on the specific size of the helmet itself. It sounds as tho you may have an oval shaped head and possibly bought a round shaped shell. It isn't possible to buy a specific shaped shell..as I said they are automatically built to a size or group of sizes.
I would contact the USA distributor of Shoei & explan your problem & see what solution they may have. You have a top of the line helmet and I wouldn't give up on it just yet. I have worn Shoeis for many years and still have two models. I just bought a new Suomy Spec 1 extreme because of the huge air flow it has & I have a slight forehead problem with the styrofoam being too tight when putting it on but OK after it gets fully on. I think I'll try the spoon idea."")