Helmet Sizing

[Doorag]

I assume I should get the smallest helmet that's comfortable? My current helmet is a L but I tried on a Shoei in M and it was really tight but not painful. I don't want to order one and wear it for a couple of days only to find it's squeezing my head to death.

 

[MCFC21]

Hope you get some replies to this as I am looking at buying Arai and find this sizing thing a bit mad , different brands using different units and shapes , no consistency ,,,,I know every head is unique but ....

 

[Chris]

I assume I should get the smallest helmet that's comfortable? My current helmet is a L but I tried on a Shoei in M and it was really tight but not painful. I don't want to order one and wear it for a couple of days only to find it's squeezing my head to death.

That's what I'm sticking with. Just try it on for a couple of minutes in the store, and if it's not painful get the medium

 

[bcityroller]

In general, I agree with your statement that you should buy the smallest helmet that's comfortable. That said, comfort is subjective so I can't say what size is right for you. The pads do relax a little over time as well. Also FWIW I bought a Shoei L when my previous helmet was an XL and I haven't had issues, I actually like the snugger fit much better.

This page from Webbikeworld.com has a lot of info on sizing and comfort and is useful reading IMO.
Motorcycle Helmet FAQ - webBikeWorld

 

[Pickax]

I assume I should get the smallest helmet that's comfortable? My current helmet is a L but I tried on a Shoei in M and it was really tight but not painful. I don't want to order one and wear it for a couple of days only to find it's squeezing my head to death.

You definitely want the helmet to be snug so it stays on your head as best as it can.

I can understand your concern, though. I got a helmet when I first started out and it felt fine for about 45 minutes, but if I wore it any longer than that I got a horrible headache. In my case, I think I should have realized there was a certain "hot spot" on my forehead from the helmet.

What I'm getting at is that it's hard to tell exactly how the helmet will feel after a while until you wear it for a while... of course. Might need to suck it up and look goofy at the shop for quite a while (if you live near a shop... you said you're ordering it though).

The other option seems to be you get a helmet from someone with a good return policy (say you can keep it for a week). You probably can't ride with it since you'll need to leave tags and all on, but (goofy as it sounds) just sit and watch tv or something while wearing it. After wearing it for an hour or two, that's about the only way you'll know.

The lining should loosen up over time by a little, but if the helmet hurts bad enough you're not going to want to wear it at all even to break it in. Just try to find a place with a good return policy is my bottom line, I suppose.

 

[Doorag]

In general, I agree with your statement that you should buy the smallest helmet that's comfortable. That said, comfort is subjective so I can't say what size is right for you. The pads do relax a little over time as well. Also FWIW I bought a Shoei L when my previous helmet was an XL and I haven't had issues, I actually like the snugger fit much better.

This page from Webbikeworld.com has a lot of info on sizing and comfort and is useful reading IMO.
Motorcycle Helmet FAQ - webBikeWorld

The L fits pretty much like my current helmet did when it was new - maybe a tad bit tighter. The only thing that makes me really think I should go smaller is that I can turn my head from side to side in it. Not easily, but not too difficult either. I think I'll go for it but check the exchange policy first.

 

[kamao]

Sorry to resurrect an older thread, did you get your helmet sorted David?

I've been looking at getting a Shoei XR-1000 (RF for our non-uk brothers and sisters), theres only one store by us that have any Shoei lids. I tried on the M, but it doesn't feel quite 'snug', it's comfy.. but as stated I have always bought new helmets that are snug to start with. Unfortunately they don't have a S to try

After this, I measured by head another 20 odd times, the size seems to vary between 36 and 37. Now mediums are 37-38, smalls 35-36. I'd be interested to know if you managed to find somewhere with a good return policy? If I could get hold of a small for comparison it would make life a lot easier!