Helmet Problems

[DrJohn]

Am I the only person who has problems getting a helmet to fit and putting it on and off?

Look at the measurements I made at http://www.wb2lua.com/marticles.htm

As you can see the CL-33 shell is much wider at the jaw line than the IS33 II. The IS33 II hurts my ears putting it on and off. The newer materials used in helmets today make it more difficult to spread the jaw. My ears hurt every time I put the IS33 II on or off. No problem with the CL-33. The downside of the CL-33 is that it doesn't have a drop down sun visor and the interior is not removable. I live on Long Island and ride east and west with the sun almost always facing me.

I've been wearing helmets for 45 years. I never had this problem before.

John

 

[Vader]

I use a GMAX Modular helmet which works well. I like having the option of raising the entire chin bar to talk, have a drink and the added ease of putting the helmet on because you can easily spread the sides, works for me.
I would consider perhaps visiting a store, like Cycle Gear, and try on as many different style and brands as you can, should you decide to purchase another helmet. I have also heard of individuals, modifying their helmets interior by removing or adding material.
Good luck..

 

[DrJohn]

I use a GMAX Modular helmet which works well. I like having the option of raising the entire chin bar to talk, have a drink and the added ease of putting the helmet on because you can easily spread the sides, works for me.
I would consider perhaps visiting a store, like Cycle Gear, and try on as many different style and brands as you can, should you decide to purchase another helmet. I have also heard of individuals, modifying their helmets interior by removing or adding material.
Good luck..

The stores in my area only have a few helmets. One cannot remove material from the shell itself, which is the problem.

John

 

[DrJohn]

Give the gear geeks at revzilla.com a call, they can help.

I called them many times and ordered many helmets they suggested. Nothing worked. They didn't understand the problem and are not willing to measure helmets for me.

John

 

[garb55]

I've been wearing helmets for 45 years. I never had this problem before.

John

Over the last 45 years you have gained so much knowledge that the helmets don't fit right :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:
I have the same problem [the fit not the knowledge]
I wear a modular helmet because you can raise the chin bar when you put it on and off
Many have drop down sun visor and removable, washable padding
Mine is a Shark Evoline III

 

[DrJohn]

Over the last 45 years you have gained so much knowledge that the helmets don't fit right :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:
I have the same problem [the fit not the knowledge]
I wear a modular helmet because you can raise the chin bar when you put it on and off
Many have drop down sun visor and removable, washable padding
Mine is a Shark Evoline III

The CL33 and IS33 II are both open face helmets, which are actually wider and easier to put on and off. Did you look at the photos and measurements?

John

 

[Brentc]

Modular may help

As Don mentioned, a modular with a sun visor may be an option. I know what you mean about the ability to pry the shell apart when you put it on, the newer helmet materials are lighter and stronger so that may be why you cant pry it open like you used to. However, on a modular that is less of a need. I just picked up a Schuberth C3, discontinued model, from Revzilla and will let you know what I find out about the fit and ease of on and off.

 

[DrJohn]

As Don mentioned, a modular with a sun visor may be an option. I know what you mean about the ability to pry the shell apart when you put it on, the newer helmet materials are lighter and stronger so that may be why you cant pry it open like you used to. However, on a modular that is less of a need. I just picked up a Schuberth C3, discontinued model, from Revzilla and will let you know what I find out about the fit and ease of on and off.

Can you measure it and take photos for my web page?

John

 

[JCWeatherman]

Looking for answers -- some random thoughts

As you can see the CL-33 shell is much wider at the jaw line than the IS33 II. The IS33 II hurts my ears putting it on and off. The newer materials used in helmets today make it more difficult to spread the jaw. My ears hurt every time I put the IS33 II on or off. No problem with the CL-33. The downside of the CL-33 is that it doesn't have a drop down sun visor and the interior is not removable. I live on Long Island and ride east and west with the sun almost always facing me.

Hi John,

I feel you pain.

Most local shops can only stock a very limited number of models. They can't possibly sell enough helmets to support stocking every model in every size, so it makes sense that they will choose a few models and have one of each size in stock.

Like you, I wear a CL-33. I chose this model because I can squeeze it on my head, and I can still get my glasses on. Some helmets weren't made for wearing glasses. I had a hard time finding a full-face helmet that allowed for glasses. Another consideration was price. I want to protect my head, but there are a lot of necessary accessories, and the helmet is just one of them. The price of helmets is very high. It is certainly the most important accessory, but you shouldn't have to get a second mortgage to buy one

With the CL-33 (large) I have had to get used to some pressing on the jaw. I tried the XL, but it was too large for my bald head. I have watched many of the Revzilla videos and read many of their articles. They seem to assume that you should have a Snell-rated helmet (only full-face helmets can qualify; open face and modulars don't). I think that if I were riding off-road or a two-wheeler, the risk would be much higher.

Long story short -- I want to hear what some others are thinking. Is helmet technology where it should be today? Is there a better answer (other than selling the bike and only driving a car)?

 

[Brentc]

Sure

Can you measure it and take photos for my web page?

John

John, let me know what specifically you want measured and when it arrives I'll do my best to get them to you. Hopefully with pictures of me wearing it with a big smile! One thought to add to the mix is the mention of the different helmet shapes. I keep hearing "Round" "Oval" Oblong to intermediate" etc...

I know on the revzilla site they usually recommend the particular helmet for certain shaped melons. I believe I fall in the intermediate/oval shape.

:yes:

 

[DrJohn]

John, let me know what specifically you want measured and when it arrives I'll do my best to get them to you. Hopefully with pictures of me wearing it with a big smile! One thought to add to the mix is the mention of the different helmet shapes. I keep hearing "Round" "Oval" Oblong to intermediate" etc...

I know on the revzilla site they usually recommend the particular helmet for certain shaped melons. I believe I fall in the intermediate/oval shape.

:yes:

See the photos and measurements at: http://www.wb2lua.com/marticles.htm

P.S. for many years I wore a half helmet for this reason. But, there is little protection and they don't have dual visors systems.

John

 

[Brentc]

No problem

See the photos and measurements at: http://www.wb2lua.com/marticles.htm

P.S. for many years I wore a half helmet for this reason. But, there is little protection and they don't have dual visors systems.

John

Absolutely, not a problem even I can measure that!

:yikes:

 

[SpyderSteveFL]

We're going through this ourselves. We thought it was tough as new riders and never looking at or wearing helmets before. We always thought the 'experienced' riders have been there done that and they have already figured out favorite brand/shape/style but maybe not.

In any case, we wanted high quality so we initially went for the Schuberth C3 Pro. On my they squeeze my ears till they hurt and wife has a weird hotspot on back of her head. I heard Schuberth can take up to 6 months to break in but I'm not willing to take that chance. We are now trying Shoei Neotec's and they seem to be working pretty well. A few more hours of testing and we should know. We decided on modulars because we wanted as close to full face protection as possible with the ability to easily drink, cool off or talk at brief stops like traffic lights. The Scorpion is really being pushed by some as a cheaper Neotec.

The problem with most places is once you buy the helmet its yours. With Revzilla you can order with free shipping up to twice and its 'only' 7.50 to ship them back. If you have a nearby Cycle Gear they probably have the best policy - you can wear helmet on road even and still exchange within 7 days or fully return if not worn within 30. The stores seem to like to stock their house brand Bilt. I actually bought their Evolution modular on sale for $120 because I needed one asap to go pick up bike and it is a surprisingly decent helmet for that price - modular with flipup sunshield. I will keep this as a backup/spare.

It seems most manufacturers are going to the 'neutral' shape. Webbikeworld had some really good information and reviews. Use THIS as a starting page if you'd like. Good luck.

Edit: I should mention on the Neotec I switched out the line for thicker size. For each size helmet Shoei has 3 size liner and cheek pads. They all ship with 9mm and you can make helmet a bit looser with 5mm or tighter with 13mm and on either cheeks, whole liner or both. I swapped the 9mm liner for 13mm. I was also told the cheekpads should be tight and they do loosen up/break in the most.

 

[JayBros]

Selecting a helmet is like buying shoes, no two manufacturers have the same head molds or lasts in shoespeak. That's what makes it a real PITA, back and forth shipping and trying. Many large dealers just don't have the inventory variety. I was fortunate that my Spyder dealer had a large inventory and I was able to try on and wear for more than a few minutes to see how the modular model I eventually chose felt. The bottom line for me was the model I initially wanted in my budget was an instant migrane but the one I eventually bought up to was perfect fit for my coconut. The dealership still had to order the color I wanted but it was there when I picked up my Spyder. Blew my clothing and equipment budget but got the long hour comfort and protection I wanted.

 

[2dogs]

Me too.............

It took a couple of months traveling, shopping and trying on helmets to find the best one for my wife and I. We've worn Bell and HJC for many years. Last fall we purchased two Shark Evo 3's and are very happy with the fit, comfort, features and price. The first ones we came across in our part of the country were at Cycle Gear in Sacramento, however they only had one color and two sizes in stock and could not get anymore at that time. I did an internet search and the color and size we wanted were not available in the US at that time. The expected US price was about $479/$500 when and if they became available. I found they were available on the internet in Germany for $255 US, free shipping. I ordered two and the rest is history. The Evo 3 is a full face modular helmet with an intermediate oval shape for American heads. It has removable padding that's washable and can be ordered in different sizes. It has two removable visors and the best feature is the movable chin bar which rotates up and over the top of the helmet and locks in place in the back of the helmet when you wish to use it as an open face helmet. It also accommodates those who wear glasses.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Helmets are all about the fit. I had a Scorpion full face I liked an EXO 500 in 3X and still had to take some foam out of the cheek pads. I'm now using an HJC IS Max 2 modular in 3X. I did not have to modify anything on the HJC even though the cheek pads were tight at first. Modulars are easy to spread while putting them on and I got it at Cycle Gear because they would order it in in a couple sizes so I could try them and pick the one I liked. When I was in Pa I used Revzilla and Leather Up to purchase helmets online. Don't limit yourself to a brand just fit.
Good Luck with the search.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

The stores in my area only have a few helmets. One cannot remove material from the shell itself, which is the problem.

John

Does the Progressive International Motorcycle Show come anywhere near you? It is a great place to be able to try on helmets from nearly all the manufacturers. And they usually have them at special show prices.

 

[Trbayth]

If you haven't seen http://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/motorcycle-helmet-fitment-101 you should probably read it. Lots of advice on picking and sizing lids.

 

[Lew L]

Doo rag???.

I'm clean shaven and wear a "doo rag". Really helps the lid slide on. Just make sure it goes over your ears. If the helmet is squeezing your ears( but fits correctly otherwise ) you could surgically remove a bit of the soft foam in the ear pocket.

Good luck,

Kaos

 

[DrJohn]

I'm starting a new thread asking of helmet measurements. They will be posted at: http://www.wb2lua.com/marticles.htm

John