Head vs Helmet Shape Question

nickjpass · January 20th, 2012, 08:03 PM

I tried on a GM68. It fit well around my head, but there was some space on top of my head. So does that mean it's to round (webbikeworld classifies it as the roundest helmet out there)? So would I want to try something along the lines of a bell star (a neutral helmet). The helmet fit great (around my cheeks and back of head, but little to no contact on forehead and top of head). I don't want a helmet to come off after a crash or just because it didn't fit right.

leed · January 22nd, 2012, 11:13 PM

It's difficult to judge based on one helmet. WBW does a good job with the general idea, but you really need to try on just about every helmet to have an idea of what helmet fits.

loz944 · January 23rd, 2012, 12:03 AM

I had a hells job to find a helmet 3 years ago here in Thailand i Have a small head bit pointy .

all the Thai made helmets were way to big Eventually i found a shop that sold HJC helmets and got the FG 14 found it to be very comfortable not to heavy and plenty of airflow in the hot weather here which is why i held onto it after i sold the bike .

Not cheap here was around $475

anyways what i am trying to say is check out HJC Helmets

nickjpass · January 23rd, 2012, 04:10 PM

They're too cheap. I'm willing to shell out some more money for a better quality helmet. I can't try on many helmets, because the only dealer near me carries only HJC.

massacremasses · January 23rd, 2012, 04:13 PM

a $400 may protect as well as one on sale for $100.... A lot of the time you are paying for a name/graphics

nickjpass · January 23rd, 2012, 04:14 PM

I'm paying for comfort lol I'm aware that the HJC can be as good as a higher end helmet protection wise. The only dealer near me, is 2 hours away. Lots of gas...

massacremasses · January 23rd, 2012, 04:16 PM

you dont have a store that carries all types of helmet nearby?

nickjpass · January 23rd, 2012, 04:23 PM

Nada. Surprised me too. This city might be small, but it's not small compared to the average city. For god sake's, it has a Harley store! But the only dealer (who only carries Kawasaki lol) only has HJC. The low end ones too.

massacremasses · January 23rd, 2012, 04:46 PM

interesting. I guess our nearest dealer is 25 miles away...

ForceofWill · January 23rd, 2012, 05:07 PM

I have a bell star, perfect for long oval heads(skinny face). The helmet is just amazing quality. Not the cheapest though.

nickjpass · January 23rd, 2012, 07:41 PM

I have no clue what my head shape is. All I have is what I said above.

nickjpass · January 23rd, 2012, 07:42 PM

Motorcycle closeout has them for 199.99

choneofakind · January 23rd, 2012, 08:14 PM

Go for a drive in the name of safety to a dealership and try on everything there.

I had no idea what size or shape my head was, so I literally tried on every style, shape, color, make, and model helmet on the display shelves. Then I left and got a better deal online. Good thing they didn't remember me after that trip since it was my first time ever in there.

now they recognize me by my bike and I stop in periodically to gawk at new gear and bikes. what a winner I am

nickjpass · January 23rd, 2012, 08:24 PM

But it's so much money that I could buy gear with! lol I need to find a another dealership that's near by...if it exists.

gfloyd2002 · January 30th, 2012, 04:23 AM

Nick, there is a very good wiki entry on helmets that is worth a read, though if you've been to WebBikeWorld, you've probably got the info you need. Check out http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Helmets for more info relevant to your question. Most important thing there (other than the safety standard discussion) is that while you can buy over the internet, you really need to try helmets on to know your head shape and size first. You have time before you buy your bike - just keep an eye out for a chance to get to a shop with some different choices. You don't have to get something there (though it would be nice to support brick and mortar shops), but using the WebBikeWorld charts, you can at least figure out what fits you best and other similar shaped helmets that would probably also work.

To answer your question more specifically, head shapes are complex, and there are some weird heads out there, but for most heads you can look at two places check for a quick shape fit - the checks and forehead. If a helmet is too round, you will get forehead pressure and too much room in the cheeks. It won't be long enough front to back and too long side to side. After time, you'll feel pushing on your forehead or get a line up there. Try to stick a couple of fingers next to your cheeks and up in the forehead. If you can't get a finger in between your forehead and the helmet, probably too round.

If a helmet is too narrow/oval, you feel it on your cheeks, and feel like a chipmunk. If you have pain opening/closing your mouth or your jaw hurts, the helmet is probably too oval. Like the reverse of a round helmet, you'll probably also have too much room in the forehead area. Can you fit two or three fingers up there? Too narrow.

Keep in mind that you also have to have the right size, too. If you are ever too big on both cheek and forehead you need to go down a size and start again . . .

gfloyd2002 · January 30th, 2012, 04:28 AM

Also, there are a few motorcycle shops in Utica, also a sportbike shop in Whitesboro. 30 second web search shows a decent variety of helmet choices locally . . .

Honko · January 30th, 2012, 07:51 AM

Have you considered going to the local motorcycle shop/gear shop and asking one of the sales associates for help determining your head shape? When I bought my bike, the person that helped me look for a helmet was PRICELESS. She took measurements of my head to get the size and looked at my head to determine what shape it was. She chose a helmet that she considered to be appropriate for me and when I tried it on, it fit perfectly. It wasn't the helmet that I wanted, but I was able to use that information to look up the helmet on webbikeworld's chart and then see what other helmets fit like it.

nickjpass · January 30th, 2012, 01:39 PM

Thanks all...the stores around me have a limited selection. I just wanted more input, you know?

Slono · January 30th, 2012, 01:40 PM

I think you should take the trip to a motorcycle store that has a bunch of different helmets, try them all on and take notes on which ones fit best, which ones feel good, and which ones feel terrible. Also note why they feel bad. Walking around with a helmet on your head for about 10 minutes will help you get a feel for whether or not it fits your head because your head may not feel discomfort for the first few minutes.

Leave the store, and find a better deal online. More often than not gear is sold cheaper online.

nickjpass · January 30th, 2012, 01:43 PM

If I find a good deal at the store, I'll buy it. I want to support them.

Honko · January 30th, 2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Thanks all...the stores around me have a limited selection. I just wanted more input, you know?

Well, I wasn't suggested you go to the stores to buy something there. I meant more to go there to see if they might have a knowledgeable sales rep who could help you figure out what your head shape truly is, and then use that information for buying something online.

nickjpass · January 30th, 2012, 01:46 PM

I know. I just meant that most stores around here carry only one brand. But I think I found one, that carries AGV and I forgot the other

I'll find out eventually.

Rexbo · January 30th, 2012, 02:04 PM

try Nexx helmets, everything is adjustable in them and they give you a variety of pads to swap in and out to fit your exact head shape. Just get the shell size that you think your head best fits with (sm/med/lg/xl) and adjust the pads inside to be comfortable. That ability to mold the helmet to your head is pretty good insurance against having big regrets about buying one then discovering it isnt exactly how you want it.

I switched from my shoei because of this, they just happened to sponsor me after :P

choneofakind · January 30th, 2012, 02:04 PM

I'm jealous that you have AGV helmets around you to try on. My local dealership doesn't carry AGV helmets, and I want to see if they fit cuz I like the Rossi Replica ones

nickjpass · January 30th, 2012, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rexbo

try Nexx helmets, everything is adjustable in them and they give you a variety of pads to swap in and out to fit your exact head shape. Just get the shell size that you think your head best fits with (sm/med/lg/xl) and adjust the pads inside to be comfortable. That ability to mold the helmet to your head is pretty good insurance against having big regrets about buying one then discovering it isnt exactly how you want it.

I switched from my shoei because of this, they just happened to sponsor me after :P

I've never heard of them. I'll look into it. Thanks.

@choneofakind

yeah!

January 20th, 2012, 08:03 PM	#1
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Head vs Helmet Shape Question I tried on a GM68. It fit well around my head, but there was some space on top of my head. So does that mean it's to round (webbikeworld classifies it as the roundest helmet out there)? So would I want to try something along the lines of a bell star (a neutral helmet). The helmet fit great (around my cheeks and back of head, but little to no contact on forehead and top of head). I don't want a helmet to come off after a crash or just because it didn't fit right. __________________________________________________

January 23rd, 2012, 04:10 PM	#4
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	They're too cheap. I'm willing to shell out some more money for a better quality helmet. I can't try on many helmets, because the only dealer near me carries only HJC. __________________________________________________

January 23rd, 2012, 04:13 PM	#5
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	a $400 may protect as well as one on sale for $100.... A lot of the time you are paying for a name/graphics __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 23rd, 2012, 04:14 PM	#6
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	I'm paying for comfort lol I'm aware that the HJC can be as good as a higher end helmet protection wise. The only dealer near me, is 2 hours away. Lots of gas... __________________________________________________

January 23rd, 2012, 04:16 PM	#7
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	you dont have a store that carries all types of helmet nearby? __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 22nd, 2012, 11:13 PM	#2
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	It's difficult to judge based on one helmet. WBW does a good job with the general idea, but you really need to try on just about every helmet to have an idea of what helmet fits.

January 23rd, 2012, 04:23 PM	#8
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Nada. Surprised me too. This city might be small, but it's not small compared to the average city. For god sake's, it has a Harley store! But the only dealer (who only carries Kawasaki lol) only has HJC. The low end ones too. __________________________________________________

January 23rd, 2012, 04:46 PM	#9
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	interesting. I guess our nearest dealer is 25 miles away... __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 23rd, 2012, 05:07 PM	#10
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	I have a bell star, perfect for long oval heads(skinny face). The helmet is just amazing quality. Not the cheapest though.

January 23rd, 2012, 07:41 PM	#11
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	I have no clue what my head shape is. All I have is what I said above. __________________________________________________

January 23rd, 2012, 07:42 PM	#12
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Motorcycle closeout has them for 199.99 __________________________________________________

January 23rd, 2012, 08:14 PM	#13
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Go for a drive in the name of safety to a dealership and try on everything there. I had no idea what size or shape my head was, so I literally tried on every style, shape, color, make, and model helmet on the display shelves. Then I left and got a better deal online. Good thing they didn't remember me after that trip since it was my first time ever in there. now they recognize me by my bike and I stop in periodically to gawk at new gear and bikes. what a winner I am

January 23rd, 2012, 08:24 PM	#14
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	But it's so much money that I could buy gear with! lol I need to find a another dealership that's near by...if it exists. __________________________________________________

January 30th, 2012, 04:23 AM	#15
gfloyd2002 User Title Free Since '12 Name: Floyd Location: Barbados Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 13 MOTM - Feb '12	Nick, there is a very good wiki entry on helmets that is worth a read, though if you've been to WebBikeWorld, you've probably got the info you need. Check out http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Helmets for more info relevant to your question. Most important thing there (other than the safety standard discussion) is that while you can buy over the internet, you really need to try helmets on to know your head shape and size first. You have time before you buy your bike - just keep an eye out for a chance to get to a shop with some different choices. You don't have to get something there (though it would be nice to support brick and mortar shops), but using the WebBikeWorld charts, you can at least figure out what fits you best and other similar shaped helmets that would probably also work. To answer your question more specifically, head shapes are complex, and there are some weird heads out there, but for most heads you can look at two places check for a quick shape fit - the checks and forehead. If a helmet is too round, you will get forehead pressure and too much room in the cheeks. It won't be long enough front to back and too long side to side. After time, you'll feel pushing on your forehead or get a line up there. Try to stick a couple of fingers next to your cheeks and up in the forehead. If you can't get a finger in between your forehead and the helmet, probably too round. If a helmet is too narrow/oval, you feel it on your cheeks, and feel like a chipmunk. If you have pain opening/closing your mouth or your jaw hurts, the helmet is probably too oval. Like the reverse of a round helmet, you'll probably also have too much room in the forehead area. Can you fit two or three fingers up there? Too narrow. Keep in mind that you also have to have the right size, too. If you are ever too big on both cheek and forehead you need to go down a size and start again . . . __________________________________________________ "Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake

January 30th, 2012, 04:28 AM	#16
gfloyd2002 User Title Free Since '12 Name: Floyd Location: Barbados Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 13 MOTM - Feb '12	Also, there are a few motorcycle shops in Utica, also a sportbike shop in Whitesboro. 30 second web search shows a decent variety of helmet choices locally . . . __________________________________________________ "Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake

January 30th, 2012, 07:51 AM	#17
Honko ninjette.org sage Name: Hyon Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Green SE Posts: 574	Have you considered going to the local motorcycle shop/gear shop and asking one of the sales associates for help determining your head shape? When I bought my bike, the person that helped me look for a helmet was PRICELESS. She took measurements of my head to get the size and looked at my head to determine what shape it was. She chose a helmet that she considered to be appropriate for me and when I tried it on, it fit perfectly. It wasn't the helmet that I wanted, but I was able to use that information to look up the helmet on webbikeworld's chart and then see what other helmets fit like it.

January 30th, 2012, 01:39 PM	#18
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Thanks all...the stores around me have a limited selection. I just wanted more input, you know? __________________________________________________

January 30th, 2012, 01:40 PM	#19
Slono ninjette.org guru Name: Solon Location: Toronto, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334	I think you should take the trip to a motorcycle store that has a bunch of different helmets, try them all on and take notes on which ones fit best, which ones feel good, and which ones feel terrible. Also note why they feel bad. Walking around with a helmet on your head for about 10 minutes will help you get a feel for whether or not it fits your head because your head may not feel discomfort for the first few minutes. Leave the store, and find a better deal online. More often than not gear is sold cheaper online.

January 30th, 2012, 01:43 PM	#20
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	If I find a good deal at the store, I'll buy it. I want to support them. __________________________________________________

January 30th, 2012, 01:46 PM	#22
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	I know. I just meant that most stores around here carry only one brand. But I think I found one, that carries AGV and I forgot the other I'll find out eventually. __________________________________________________

January 30th, 2012, 02:04 PM	#23
Rexbo CVMA / AFM / M1GP #250 Name: Steve Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r, 2011 Zero S, 2009 KLR 650 Posts: A lot.	try Nexx helmets, everything is adjustable in them and they give you a variety of pads to swap in and out to fit your exact head shape. Just get the shell size that you think your head best fits with (sm/med/lg/xl) and adjust the pads inside to be comfortable. That ability to mold the helmet to your head is pretty good insurance against having big regrets about buying one then discovering it isnt exactly how you want it. I switched from my shoei because of this, they just happened to sponsor me after :P

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