Hard to fit for a helmet - Harley Forum

#1 04-08-2009, 08:17 PM

I obviously have a weird shape and sized head.....So far the best fit I've found is a Skid Lidz xxl half helmet. The only problem is it doesn't have a visor and for long rides I'd like one. Not to mention the Melanoma, so I'd like the shade too. Anyway most of the helmets I've tried on hurt my temples and xxl is way too big.

Does anyone know where to look for hard to fit types like me?

milindh · #2 04-08-2009, 08:43 PM

Go to one of the spring cycle shows and try on a bunch of helmets. Or go to a cycle accessory shop like Cycle Gear or any of the custom shops and try some on. Head gear is a very personal thang.

Good Luck

unclepsycho · #3 04-08-2009, 10:28 PM

Get the helmet that you want.... then take notice where it fits tight,..... take it off.... then stick a louieville slugger in there and beat it with a heavy dead-blow hammer.... this crushes the high density foam.... replace it on your noggin and go for the next tight spot......untill it is cusom fit to your exact noggin' and you did it yurself!!!!
Of course you might wanna use a little restraint when first getting started with crushing the foam. you dont really want to mash it completely cuz it iz the protection for your head in the event of an impact.
A slightly smaller helmet will have slightly more or thicker foam.

evoKENevo · #4 04-09-2009, 05:54 AM

I've bought my helmets fitting a little tight...and within a week or so of being a little uncomfortable they've all broken in just fine all on their own. Then again I've only bought 3 new helmets...still have my full face McHall (for the rice-rocket) and the Vetter 1/2 bought 5 or 6 years ago.

jmk713 · #5 04-09-2009, 01:49 PM

I've never found one that didn't produce a headache after a few miles. My hat size is 7 7/8 and even finding one that size is difficult.
I've never ordered one since returns can be a real pain in the other "area".

sgtcowboyusmc · #6 04-09-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evoKENevo

I've bought my helmets fitting a little tight...and within a week or so of being a little uncomfortable they've all broken in just fine all on their own. Then again I've only bought 3 new helmets...still have my full face McHall (for the rice-rocket) and the Vetter 1/2 bought 5 or 6 years ago.

Put either a ball cap or a thick head wrap on and wear it for a couple weeks. Yes take off the helmet when you are not riding. I have the same or sort of the same problem. My head is more oblong than the helmets are, so it is a little uncomfortable until I get it broken in.

Hammerhead Pat · #7 04-09-2009, 04:48 PM

I think my head is bent also. A guy at work rode over to Orlando to the place that advertises in Americas #1 magazine(we know who they are), they make the carbon fiber helmets. Apparently there are different configurations of padding they can put in the helmet and you just try them on until you find the desired fit. He also told me that he got like a 10% or 15% discount just for going there. Those carbon fiber, DOT helmets are about $175, so every little bit helps. On one of these runs over to Daytona, I'm going to give them a look!

#8 04-12-2009, 08:06 PM

I was at the local HD store the other day and on the sale rack was a half helomet in xl that fit great. I don't get it, my 3 qtr is a xxxl and my skid lid is a xxl. Strange!

I do like the idea of the carbon fiber guys actually fitting the padding to your head.

CrossBonesRick · #9 07-29-2009, 04:54 PM

Just like shoes and pants you'll find that different manufacturers make them in different sizes. An XL in one brand may be bigger or smaller than an XL in another brand. I bought an HD helmet in XL that seemed to fit me. that is until I got on the highway and it became a parachute and felt like it was going to rip my head off backwards. it sat tight on my mellon until I got up to 55 or 60 mph. SO I retired it. Never really wore it much at all anyway (Iowa is a helmet free state so far). But since I may want to ride out of state I found a less expensive helmet in Large that does seem to fit better. Yes it feels like a vice on my brain but it seems to be the best fit I can find. less than half the price of the HD helmet too. You really have to shop around and try them all out. I will refuse to buy one over the internet. If I can't try it on I can't say it will fit right.

Good luck getting that one that is just right.

tool man · #10 07-29-2009, 05:02 PM

I agree.

some lid makers have a chart & tell how to measure yer melon.

I too find it hard to get a 'just rite' fit lid.. But a little persuasion w/ a dead blow & its all good,..

& lil snug at first is good cause it'll loosen up with time.