Problem with helmet?

[ollies41]

I know it must sound like a daft question, but ever since getting my first helmet, nowt special. I'm having real trouble cutting out what feels like a strong wind blowing directly in my eyeballs. It varies from time to time, but I often end up riding with one eye closed coz my eyes start streaming and stinging, have to pull the visor up and wipe my eyes hard, or pull over. Being female, mascara is set off and that makes it even worse!!


I've used buffers, massive scarves that stop me being able to look over my shoulder (not good!) and pushed the ventilation sliders all over the place and taped them over, all to no avail.


Is this draught in the eyeball as standard? It gets really difficult in winter, and riding on a different bike makes the wind even more head on.


Just wrestling with the idea of getting another helmet as I have dropped this one a few times now so probably should.


Thanks
Sam

[Falconbobb]

Pic of helmet please. Also what bike and windscreen ? If youhave a windscreen try standing up a bit to get more of your helmet in the wind to see if it gets better. I had a bike like that and found the winshield top pushed all of the air into my face. The air is faster when breaking over the top.

[LiquidFlux]

I've used a cheap helmet, a 70 quid Viper branded lid, and the Shoei GT Air that I'm currently using.

I wanted a replacement after the Viper due to what you're describing, wind was buffeting against my eyes causing me to shutter my eyelids and it was frustrating. Absolutely 100% not a problem since buying a simply better lid.

[rictus01]

I have a flip front lid in my collection which does much the same thing (gets behind my glasses and makes my eyes water), but it doesn't happen on any of the other 4 I use, so along with the others I'd guess it's the helmet you have.

if buying a new helmet is outside the budget just now you may want to try something like this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/121366543740?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0), as I know it's worked for some others.

[Red Herring]

Does the visor seal properly against the helmet? Sometimes they are adjustable with slots in the mounting plates so you can make sure they are tight. Easiest way to check is to put some insulating tape across the top and bottom of the visor (I know you won't be able to open it when testing) and go for a short ride. If that cures it take off one of the strips of tape to narrow down top or bottom and test again. If that doesn't identify the cause then at least you know the air is rolling up from under your chin and then you can try something like Rictus suggested.

[Littlepeahead]

I have the same issue with my Shoei XR1000, and have arrived at my destination looking like Alice Cooper. Shoei do a mesh chin guard which helps, though you don't say which make you have. I also found when I switched from an SV to a BMW GS the problem lessened so riding position must have something to do with it.

Estee Lauder Double Wear mascara isn't waterproof but does seem to survive better than most other brands.

[Nutsinatin]

I've used a neck buff before, pulled up over my nose it deflected the wind up the front of my face avoiding my eyes, tipping the helmet slightly more forward or backward also helped.

[Jayneflakes]

I use waterproof Rimmel Mascara and eye pencil when I need to wear make upon the bike (yes, there are times when this is a need), mind you I quite like looking like crazed junkie Rimmel model Kate Moss, only with a huge ugly gunt!

In terms of the helmet, I have had cheap poorly fitting ones that have done this and it is really annoying. Chin guards and sealing the visor can help, but if the internal air flow of the helmet is designed to flow the air that way, there is little you can do about it.

My first expensive helmet was the Shoei that my other half gave me last year and that was a revelation after the cheap £200 lids I had before. I used to ride in a cheap Czech helmet from a company called Vemar and although at the time it felt lovely, it was only coming back to it after my Shoei that I realised just how poorly made it was and how noisy it was.

If you have the budget, go to your local bike shop and ask them to try their lids on while stood in front of a fan. If you explain your problem, a good shop may laugh and then help you. I have done things like this, but then I am not afraid to look like a total tool in a shop and if the bloke serving (or right kind of woman come to that) gets weird, I just make sure I wearing a low cut top! :smt074

[NTECUK]

If you don't wear glasses try a bit of tape around the visor seal then if this stops it adjust as best you can.
Same with vents (but glasses don't come in to the equation).
Some lids you can try the nose deflector in/out.

[ollies41]

Thanks everyone, my helmet is a Nitro and cost me £70 when I went for my CBT. I've resorted to a stuffed sock pushed down the front, but if it rains I just steam up every time I have to stop. I think i'll look into getting a decent one now. I've been looking at Shoei ones online but need to find a decent bike shop locally where they stock them so I can try a few more quality ones on.


By the way.....don't drive with one eye closed because spacial awareness is a bit important especially driving around tight corners!!!

[Red ones]

If its any consolation the only helmet I've had that did that is my current Arai.

[NTECUK]

Find a lid that fits. Don't be a brand or fashion hoar.
I've a cheap KBC and it's far more comfortable than my shark S900.
Ok no sun visor. So on days like today it's a shark day.
But the Aria don't have a sun visor either, cost lots more than a KBC. It's not that much better. Lighter yes and bigger field of view
Don't be shy of haggling in the shop either.

[suzukiboy]

I have a Shoei and a caberg, both fit me perfectly, went to J&S and tried on a variety of lids but others just did not fit my noggin regardless of brand or cost. My advice is to do something similar and get the best you can afford. Some online retailers will let you return a lid if you receive it and it doesn't suit, as long as all labels still intact of course. Jayneflakes has the right idea about a fan but don't know if that would generate enough draught to replicate riding. If you have friends that ride could always try a quickspin to see if there lids are any better, failing that wear some swimming goggles (only joking!)

[Bibio]

I've resorted to a stuffed sock pushed down the front

i had a mate that used to do that :rolleyes:

a chin curtain is a must for keeping the wind out your face