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I went into my first shop and got what seemed to be a very informed sales pitch on the proper fit of the helmet (I think he was the owner, not a newbie). I was basically told that it should be VERY snug.. no sharp points of contact, but after that compression...way more than really seems comfortable...is really the sign of a good fit.

Some points were that a good helmet should be tight enough so that if you close your teeth and lightly bite the inside (my cheeks were pushed together!). Also that his helmet gave him headaches for the first couple of weeks, so recommends watching tv in it to break it in, because a good fit would actually be too tight at first to wear riding for long at first.

I was convinced...but since then have been looking online and no one else has mentioned so snug a fit so now I'm wondering.... should I listen to the first advice? I definately felt compression ( almost like low grade sinus pressure!) all around...but no sharp spots. Is that good?

Also since on subject of helmets, what is the deal with the SNELL quality? I assumed both DOT and SNELL would be best, but now I read that just DOT might actually be safer (something about an anvil test maybe making helmets too stiff or something like that). Anyone up on the latest about safety? I'm looking at at SHOIE...purely on recommendation of the one salesperson....

SoNew wrote:Some points were that a good helmet should be tight enough so that if you close your teeth and lightly bite the inside (my cheeks were pushed together!). Also that his helmet gave him headaches for the first couple of weeks, so recommends watching tv in it to break it in, because a good fit would actually be too tight at first to wear riding for long at first.

A proper fitting helmet might squish your cheeks in--mine did--but if it gives you headaches after 15-20 minutes, then it's not the right helmet for your head. There should be no hot spots, no pain...just snugness.

The notion of sitting around watching TV in a helmet is sound--but not to break it in. You sit there wearing it to figure out if it fits well, and if the headache sets in after a bit, then you take it back.

You can have two different helmets that are the same size, but one will fit better than the other because of the shape of your skull...but it should never hurt. If it hurts, it's not the right helmet.

Thanks to both of you...that answers my question! And the site was great!

I almost gave up on my helmet because it was more snug than the one I tried on at the shop....but it ended up being the right fit. So, the break in period is real, not imagined.

I have never been able to get a helmet that fits without modifing. (except the 50s one I had as a kid) They never fit properly, always fit good front to rear but I have to add about 1/8 inch padding on both sides. I have had this problem with BMW, HD, HJC, Rebcor, Nolan, Bell, Simpson, KBC, Gmax, Biffee, Schubert and others. (motorcycle,bicycle and snowmobile helmets, all styles) It would be nice to have a helmet that actually fits. (I have same problem with boots and coat but had them custom built) Why can't some one make a liner that forms to your head, like custom fit earplugs?

PS. I do know how to fit a helmet, my head is just odd. (inside and out)

Yup. That cheek snugness is right. IF the helmet is a regular full face. (I can't chew gum or eat anything in my Arai - it is even a bit of a challenge to drink water from my Camelbak).

Many "flip face" or modular helmets have minimal padding in the cheek area, so the chin bar can swing above the forhead without hitting anything.

+1 on the "if it gives you a headache the fit is wrong."

As for DOT and SNELL certification. All Snell certified helmets meet DOT standards, but not all DOT helmets meet Snell standards. The Snell foundation is an independent testing lab that manufacturers submit their helmets to if they wish the Snell label inside. Snell does not choose the helmets to test. My understanding is that no maker has yet submitted a modular for testing. Snell does not test half helmets.

The DOT safety rating for helmets is a US gov't standard that it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to meet. There is funding for the testing of just 40 different helmet models each year.

If you choose to go with "DOT only" it is smart to choose a known brand, not "Joe's Helmet" because Joe may just close shop in 6 months.

P

Should be firm on the cheeks, but if your biting the inside of your mouth with your back teeth or you cant swallow at all.....then to tight IMHO