HELMET fit question?

Message

CycleNewb · #1 Unread post by **CycleNewb** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 4:59 am

Hey - I read the sticky, and tagged this on the end of it, but I figured a new thread would get more attention.

I ordered the Z1R strike helmet (XL) based on the stellar results of the "Blowing the lid off" test, and I am unsure about it's fit.

I've had it on for about 45 minutes, while ebaying and whatnot and it seems OK. I feel a little more pressure on the forehead then anywhere else, and also below the ears in the hinge of your jaw, but it 's loose around the cheeks. It also fails the roll test mentioned.

I assume this means that my head is the wrong shape for this helmet, since it's a bear to get on and then it feels tight in some spots and loose in others?

Lion_Lady · #2 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:00 am

CycleNewb... I've had it on for about 45 minutes, while ebaying and whatnot and it seems OK. I feel a little more pressure on the forehead then anywhere else, and also below the ears in the hinge of your jaw, but it 's loose around the cheeks. It also fails the roll test mentioned.

I assume this means that my head is the wrong shape for this helmet, since it's a bear to get on and then it feels tight in some spots and loose in others?

Sounds like relative to the helmet's shape, you've got a more oval head. It would seem from your description that there is simply less padding at the cheeks - since cheeks are all soft tissue, the lack of padding probably isn't a problem. But the tightness at the jaw may be.

"The roll test" - meaning "Try to push it off the back of your head" ? If the helmet is cut shorter in the back so it doesn't 'cup' your skull around back as much, this will happen. I have to admit that after a couple years of seeing comments/responses to the fit guide, I wouldn't return the helmet solely based on failing the 'roll-off test.'

However, added to the hot forehead and tight jawline issues, it might be a good idea to try something else.

P

#3 Unread post by **Koss** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 6:23 am

Based on this review, they say this helmet fits an Earth shaped head. meaning (I think), you are wider at the sides of your head than in the front and back of your head. So I agree with Lion_lady that you are more of an Oval shaped head.

CycleNewb · #4 Unread post by **CycleNewb** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 8:40 am

Thanx LL and Koss. That's a great review. Some reviews either love it or hate it, but this one shows both the good and bad equally.

My MSF class starts tomorrow, so I'll use it for the class and maybe see if the Z1R fits my wife. If so, we'll keep it for when she rides pillion with me. and I'll order something else.

CycleNewb · Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:37 am

Ya know, As an afterthought, we should have a sticky about helmet shapes. Which brands would fit ovals, vs. earths, vs. rounds, etc.

I know it will always vary anyhow, but it would give newbs like me a place to start. With 800 million helmet brands out there, it's a lot of crap to wade through.

qwerty · #6 Unread post by **qwerty** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:42 pm

CycleNewb wrote:Ya know, As an afterthought, we should have a sticky about helmet shapes. Which brands would fit ovals, vs. earths, vs. rounds, etc.

I know it will always vary anyhow, but it would give newbs like me a place to start. With 800 million helmet brands out there, it's a lot of "crumb" to wade through.

Good idea. With dealers wanting $300+ for helmets that can be bought online for $125, that good save us a lot of money.

By the way, I went to a dealer to check on a brighter bulb for my TW200 (80/100), and he wanted $64.99 for one. I found the same brand and part number at JC Whitney for $13.99. It would be nice if I could support my local dealer, but I'm not sure my hole could take it.

Damian · #7 Unread post by **Damian** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:19 pm

qwerty wrote:With dealers wanting $300+ for helmets that can be bought online for $125, that good save us a lot of money.

Damn right. I understand dealers have more overhead because they have to operate an actual store and provide reps so knobs like me can try on their stuff. I appreciate that service they provide, but it's not worth a 15-30% increase in the price to me.

I went to several places in San Antonio and Houston trying on gear and I would have bought from them if their prices were just a little closer to what you find online.

#8 Unread post by **Koss** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 9:48 pm

Hrm, maybe Im lucky since my dealer dosn't mark up motorcycle gear. They go by the price the manufacturer lists. But I usually buy online anyways for convience sake, whenever I get free shipping and hopefully on sale.

CycleNewb · #9 Unread post by **CycleNewb** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:33 am

So who here knows of helmet models that are made for more oval headed people?

Damian · #10 Unread post by **Damian** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 10:26 am

CycleNewb wrote:So who here knows of helmet models that are made for more oval headed people?

There are a lot of great helmet reviews here. They always try to expalin what shape of head the helmet seems to be designed for.