I just received my Bell Sport 3 helmet today from racerwholesale and got it in the size small. When trying it on following Bell's instructions, all the tests go fine except for rocking the helmet back with the chin strap on. It says my forehead should not show but does. My hairline is not visible through the eyeport, but still a good 1-2" above my browline is. When putting on the helmet, it requires a little pulling, but nothing major, it doesn't have to be hammered on or anything and fits very snug.

The other problem I have, is when following the instructions on soloracer.com, they mention testing for pressure points. After about 20-30 min of wearing this helmet, I started to feel like I was getting a headache and when I took it off, I had a 4x1.5" reddish horizontal oval above my browline.

This is a brand new helmet and I don't know if I need to go one size smaller/bigger or just keep what I have and let the pressure point above the eyeport break in.

Any advice is appreciated, I have to act quick if I need to exchange the helmet because I have a driving school/HPDE on the 19th!

 

Try one size bigger, but I think it may be too big on you based on what you described. I could not get comfortable in a bell sport 3 or bell m2 or any of the simpson helmets that were under $350 - they only came in a few sizes (s, m, l, xl) so it was either too big or too small. I ended up with the bell m2 pro, which came in many more sizes (by head size) and I got a much better fitting bucket and I couldnt be happier with it. The extra $$ was well worth a proper fit.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The extra $$ was well worth a proper fit.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would if I could but the difference is nearly a 50% increase in price for the M3 or M2 Pro, I paid a little over 300, and they're 440 before shipping If the padding on the pressure point will not wear down at all... I may have to spend extra $$... but I'm also thinkin $140 can buy a hell of a lot of excedrin.

 

A poor fit is definately not worth saving a few bucks, especially if you are planning on using the helmet a lot. I was at the track a lot (16 weekends) last year, most of it instructing - so I was in a student's or my car for the majority of the day and having a poor fitting helmet just wasnt an option

 

How red was the area above your browline? If you're head isn't "used" to wearing a helmet, it can be a little red in some areas, but if it hurt then that definitely isn't good.

It's weird that you're having pressure problems, yet you say you can lift it up that high. Are you sure the chin strap is properly tightened when you're doing the pull/push test? It's going to move a little bit of course, but not more than about an inch max I'd say.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Def &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How red was the area above your browline? If you're head isn't "used" to wearing a helmet, it can be a little red in some areas, but if it hurt then that definitely isn't good.

It's weird that you're having pressure problems, yet you say you can lift it up that high. Are you sure the chin strap is properly tightened when you're doing the pull/push test? It's going to move a little bit of course, but not more than about an inch max I'd say.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It didn't hurt but felt scratchy after 15 min or so, then I felt like I was getting a headache 5-10 min later.

I'll take some pics of the fit, and then of the red spot (in 20 min). If I tighted the strap any more than it is now, when I swallow it feels like I'm swallowing my own adams apple

 

try a different manufacturer

each company uses a different mold for the helmets

I tried a very expensive italian helmet, and it fit like crap
I am using a Gforce, Pro Force 1, and am very happy

if I were buying again, I'd get a Gforce Pro Force air

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dan GSR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">try a different manufacturer

each company uses a different mold for the helmets

I tried a very expensive italian helmet, and it fit like crap
I am using a Gforce, Pro Force 1, and am very happy

if I were buying again, I'd get a Gforce Pro Force air</TD></TR></TABLE>

Doesn't Bell make Gforce helmets though? Maybe not I dunno...

EDIT: nevermind, I'm thinking of pyrotect

heres the pic

lighting is bad but its pretty red

 

nice webcam, a/s/l? lol...

That helmut looks like an odd fit - a different brand may be the best answer at this point. Getting a headache from wearing it is definately not good.

 

is there no where u can try before u buy?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">nice webcam, a/s/l? lol...

That helmut looks like an odd fit - a different brand may be the best answer at this point. Getting a headache from wearing it is definately not good.</TD></TR></TABLE>

haha thanks, its actually a shitty digital cam that i just set on the moniter since my cell phone takes pictures of the same quality

Anyways, are all the Bell helmets from the same mold, and then just cut differently? Like would the M2 fit the exact same?

My choices right now (based on budget) are the Pyrotect SA2000 Full Face (or forced air), Bell M2, or G-Force Pro Force 1 (or forced air). None of which offer hat sizing, all are S/M/L/etc.

Since racerwholesale doesn't offer Pyrotect, I will probably go with the G-Force unless anyone recommends otherwise. At the same price I can get the forced air or normal version; I don't plan on getting a cool air system in the near future but if just using a duct to the outside of the car would work, I figure I might as well get it with the option. or on the forced air?

And as far as trying before I buy... unfortunately not really, motorcycle shops bounced me all around here when I tried to do that and none could really help much... half said the helmets would fit similar to auto helmets, the other half told me don't bother because they will be totally different. Like I said, the sizing on mine is quite snug... just too snug in one place, and not snug enough on the chin.

 

I think I found what I needed... FA helmets without the proper equipment are worse at cooling that a normal helmet, and without a filter pump scuz into your face. Right? So G-Force Pro Force 1 it is I think.

 

Let me see if I can answer all the questions.

First, a helmet should fit as snug as you can stand it. You should stand in front of a mirror with the helmet on. Grab both sides of the helmet and twist side to side. There should be now looseness. Next, reach over your shoulder and grab the back of the helmet and try to slide it off. It should not slide off.

Second, a properly fitting helmet should not cause pain. Ideally, you should have a good comfortable snug fit all around your head.

Third, different helmets fit different heads differently. That particular Bell helmet may not be for you. My personal experience is with the Bell M2 and Simpson Voyager, both very good helmets but neither would fit my head properly (too much pressure on my forehead when having a good snug fit on the sides). I tried the earlier G-Force GF950 helmet and hated it. When G-Force came out with their new Force Series of helmets, I tried them on. They fit my head almost perfectly. Good and snug all around with no undue pressure on my forehead.

Do not wear a helmet that is too big just because it feels better. A proper fitting helmet is one of your most important pieces of safety equipment. Some people will order two different size helmets to try on at home, then return the one that does not fit. A lot of times this can save you money by not having to ship helmets back and forth.

Howard Bennett
Racer Wholesale

 

Also don't forget to try the helmet with a balaclava. I bought an SA version M2 for Autocross. Fit great with a bare head but when I moved to Roadracing, the additional thickness of the belaclava hurt like hell. Pain was pretty intense at the 45 minute mark.

In your case, given the helmet seems slightly too large, the balaclava may make it a better fit. Plus it keeps the inside cleaner. And you safer. FWIW.

robert j.

 

good point

I knew i wanted a balclava, just because, its easier to wash, than the inside of the helmet

and lets face it, when your wearing a helmet in the summer, your going to sweat

the Gforce large, was a tad snug, without a balaclava
the XL with a balaclave fits me perfectly

the Gforce balaclava, is itchy
I'm using the OMP balaclava, and very happy with it, plus it has a tighter weave than the gforce, so its safer

 

i have the Pyrotec SA200 force air, and i love it. fits great doesn't move around at all.

this passed weekend my buddy just bought a quad, so i got my cusins and we went out riding, i wore my helmet and never once even felt it on my head, i was supprised becuase i have felt some lighter helmets and thought that it would get heavy but it didn't at all.

 

Well I ordered the G-Force in medium, racerwholesale has awesome service, hopefully this helmet fits a little better!