Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I’m yet to get a bike, and it may be a few months before I do. In the mean time I’d like to get a helmet so I don’t make a rushed choice when it is bike time. The online stores are great and all, but I’d really like to try one on before I buy it. I’ve been to a couple stores and the selection has been less than impressive – one or two models of one or two brands. Can anyone recommend a store in New Hampshire or Vermont (or even the Boston area) that has a really good selection of helmets?
I’m looking for a full-face and I’ve tried on 3 and noticed how different the fits can be. I just want to be sure before I plunk down 100s of dollars.
If you know of a store that carries one brand, that would be helpful information too. Most stores’ websites don’t seem to list that kind of info.

Thanks for your help.

i can't help you out other than to say that you should read the helmet fit guideline thread if you haven't already. i remember shopping for my first helmet. i too had to go to a few shops... in different cities even... before i found the helmet that fit my head. i really wanted a modular helmet but none fit me right. ended up with a full-faced scorpion exo-700. it fits perfect. there might not be a "super-store" around you. if not, just keep shopping until you find a helmet that fits. hopefully someone from the area will chime in and be more help then me. good luck.

I would not buy without trying it on. I have found that you cannot go by size alone, (we are talking about helmets, right?). I've found that an X in one brand equates to an XL in another. Just my $0.02/worth.

That is exactly my concern, havegunjoe. Plus some helmets are more round and some are more oval.
Looks like there is a place near Burlington, VT that claims to have more helmets than anyone in New England. I'm yet to get there but I will soon enough.

havegunjoe wrote:I would not buy without trying it on. I have found that you cannot go by size alone, (we are talking about helmets, right?). I've found that an X in one brand equates to an XL in another. Just my $0.02/worth.

As with shoes, sometimes the same size/style from another box will fit differently than the one you've got on. For your first helmet, buy the one that fits when you try it on.

>>Print out and take along the Helmet Fit Guidelines from the stickies.

P

havegunjoe wrote:I would not buy without trying it on. I have found that you cannot go by size alone, (we are talking about helmets, right?). I've found that an X in one brand equates to an XL in another. Just my $0.02/worth.

True, but sometimes it's worth buying online because of the incredible savings. And most sellers online will accept a return at no cost for an exchange. To me it's worth the hassle because of the amount of money you save.

For instance, I just purchased an HJC FS-15 Carbon Helmet online for $220 free shipping. Cost in the store? $486 including tax. Yeah, I saved $260 on a premium helmet by being a smart shopper. If the size was off, I would have returned it for a different helmet -- yeah, a hassle in some cases, but well worth it to save that kind of money. The amount I saved was enough to get me a brand new Vanson leather perforated jacket (also online). I was also able to get a pair of Sidi Vertigo Airs via this method at half the cost. My next target is a pair of Held Phantom gloves at a good discount.

So if you are willing to be patient and want to save money, I recommend online purchases. And btw, most reputable online shoe dealers will accept returns at no cost to you as well. Believe it or not, online purchasing and returns/exchanges is very simple.