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Old 29-08-20, 08:33 AM   #1
daktulos
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Default Helmets & Head shape

I've been looking at getting a new helmet. I've always bought Arai (as the first one I bought fit) and when I bought my latest helmet a few years ago, a Chaser-V, I tried on a few cheaper lids, but ended up with it as it seemed to fit much better than any others I tried.

It does, however, press against my forehead, which has a bit of a ridge down it, so although it's not quite time for a new helmet, I've been doing a lot of window shopping.

It's always frustrated me that it's all trial and error, and that there's no definition of "long oval" etc. - usually it's described as "looking a bit longer than a rounder oval" or something equally as useless.

I've always assumed my head shape was average, an "intermediate oval" as they say. Until I found this from a German study of 3d-scanned head shapes:



Coincidentally my head circumference is 58cm, which makes it easier to compare. I measured my head (box file in the shower if you were wondering) and my head width is 15.5cm. So, my new assumption is that it's a "long oval".

While I'm happy there is some real numbers behind it now, there are so few manufacturers that make helmets for that shape. It looks like Shoei is about the only one, so I'll be exchanging one expensive helmet maker for another!

I did also find this site, but it's for US helmets (which can be different shapes) and has a limited set of helmets:

http://www.lidpicker.com/

Anyway, I just thought I'd post my findings in case it helped anyone else.
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Old 29-08-20, 09:06 AM   #2
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

Don't forget design and head shape also change with time (at least the padding under the skin).
For me anyway, in order:
Arai - No chance, Suomy good fit.
Next switched to shark as better than Suomy.
Next had to move to Shoei as current Shark design wasn't as good a fit as the last one.
This year looked at the range in J&S and some Shark, Arai, HJC and the top end shoei fit. Ended up with a shark quest. Amongst that I've looked at Caberg, HJC, Nitro in the past none of which were any good.


Really is one of those where heading to a couple of shops to get to the full range of helmets is worth while. I'm always a 'find a ft then find a colour' with them.


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Old 29-08-20, 09:42 AM   #3
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

I have an Arai Axces 3 which is very comfortable so when I went looking for another helmet I stayed with Arai. I asked an Arai dealer if the Chaser X fitted the same as the Axces 3 and was assured that it does. It does not.

I can wear it for 30 minutes but then it starts to squeeze my temples giving me a mild headache. It's too late to return it so, with nothing to lose, it's currently got a couple of G-clamps gently squeezing the hot spot to see if I can convert it from being a paperweight back to being a helmet.

Whilst researching if there was any adjustment I found this:
https://advrider.com/f/threads/how-t...oblem.1338421/
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Old 29-08-20, 09:58 AM   #4
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

Almost 60 years ago had the pleasure of working at Helmets Ltd. Wheathampstead for 2 weeks each year. Their trade marque was Cromwell and their pudding basin was the helmet of choice for TT and other racers.
Met the 2 man Olympic bobsleigh pairing ( Nash & Dixon ) in 1964 there - they only went & won gold !
First year, they looked at my scratty lid, said we can do better than that, & chucked it in the bin. Measured my head and tried one of theirs on. Not bad. Then they 'adjusted' it, similar to adjusting shoes, and the fit was perfect, and each year from then they would do the same.
Best thing was I never paid a penny ( remember them ? ) for them.
Happy daze!
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Old 29-08-20, 11:28 AM   #5
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

https://www.motolegends.com/reviews/...helmet-fitting
is a useful bit of info ...
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Old 29-08-20, 11:38 AM   #6
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

Another factor to consider is :
When did you last get your hair cut ?
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Old 29-08-20, 12:21 PM   #7
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

Quote:
Originally Posted by punyXpress View Post
Another factor to consider is :
When did you last get your hair cut ?
I bought clippers at the beginning of lockdown, and haven't looked back!
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Old 29-08-20, 03:10 PM   #8
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoltonSte View Post
Don't forget design and head shape also change with time (at least the padding under the skin).

Very true. I keep my hair short (what's left of it) so I know it's my head that's changed shape a bit recently. Last three lids have been Arai and they've always been all day comfy but for some reason the rides out this year have been painful after an hour across the forehead. It's not quite time to change but I may have to try other makes to see if something else fits me better now...
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Old 29-08-20, 03:29 PM   #9
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

Quote:
Originally Posted by daktulos View Post
I bought clippers at the beginning of lockdown, and haven't looked back!
Daren't look back these days, getting thin
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Old 29-08-20, 07:27 PM   #10
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Default Re: Helmets & Head shape

Quote:
Originally Posted by punyXpress View Post
Another factor to consider is :
When did you last get your hair cut ?
About 20 years ago when it all ran away! Hahaaa.
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