Alright, I have a big, fat head and I bought an XL sized helmet that I just received via UPS. It is reasonably comfortable, but I'm thinking a little too small, as my chin sticks out of the bottom a little bit (like 1/8th-1/4"). I guess this wouldn't be a problem in tech, because one is allowed to wear an open-faced helmet in SoloII and at alot of track days...does anyone else have this problem?

 

I have a large head (8+) and have a harder time finding helmets.

Arai makes several models large enough, but since their auto helmets were so expensive I took a chance on a Bieffe helmet. Their XXL fits quite well. I don't know that I've ever really paid attention to where my chin ends up in either though.

 

Yeah, I'm just not sure how much better an XXL would be, really. This helmet was a steal of a deal (new) and I'm kind of hoping that maybe it will conform to my head a little more after wearing it some. I am also going to get a haircut, and see if that will do the trick. I suppose taking out some of the foam on the top won't void its certification? I've also heard that heating it up with a hairdryer (softening the foam to mold to my head) can help, any thoughts on this?

 

I would suggest that you find a helmet that fits. Don't mess with the foam.

How does the old saying go? "Buy a $2 helmet if you have a $2 head . . . ?"

It's a good idea to try a helmet on before you buy. This is the reason I recommend to never buy a helmet online (unless you've already tried it on somewhere).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Targa250R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would suggest that you find a helmet that fits. Don't mess with the foam.

How does the old saying go? "Buy a $2 helmet if you have a $2 head . . . ?"

It's a good idea to try a helmet on before you buy. This is the reason I recommend to never buy a helmet online (unless you've already tried it on somewhere).</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not as a stab to you, but the old saying is for morons. This helmet is DOT approved and Snell 2000 rated, which is better than many that cost more than twice as much as it. I agree one shouldn't cheap out, but sometimes there are just good deals.

It is true that I did not try on this particular helmet, but I have worn a number of XL helmets in the past and even an L or two, with no problems. So, Dummy for me. I just had delusions of not being a loaner-***** of helmets

Let me clarify, though, the helmet is plenty comfy if I don't tilt it all the way forward, which is necessary for the 'chin guard' to (almost) fully cover my chin. If I tilt it forward, it becomes rather tight in the brow. Is this an issue that it doesn't fully cover my chin? Will a donut still function properly?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ion_four &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Let me clarify, though, the helmet is plenty comfy if I don't tilt it all the way forward, which is necessary for the 'chin guard' to (almost) fully cover my chin. If I tilt it forward, it becomes rather tight in the brow. Is this an issue that it doesn't fully cover my chin? Will a donut still function properly? </TD></TR></TABLE>
What kind of helmet is this? Do you have any pics?

Your idea to remove foam just had me concerned. It's generally not a good idea.

 

I don't have any useful pics (of the inside) The helmet consists (obviously) of the hard plastic? shell, with a hard styrofoam inside, covered in cloth and very soft foam, in places. My idea was merely to remove some of this soft foam, on the top of the inside of the helmet, to allow my (apparently flat-on-top) head to fit further up inside. I suppose I am just being dumb and should either a) live with my chin sticking out OR b) go buy a different or larger helmet. I guess it's not really a safety issue, just wanted to make sure no tech inspectors would get pissy if they saw that.

P.S. I didn't mean to call you a moron, if that's what it seemed like. I appreciate the input!

 

Removing some of the soft foam inside the helmet is a safety issue as the foam liner is what absorbs a lot of the impact in an accident. If was a tech inspector and found this done to a helmet I would become very pissy and not allow the helmet to be used as it would void the certification. It's your head though for whatever it is worth.

Might be time to find a helmet that fits better although a 1/4 to 1/8 inch probably isn't a huge deal. With the size helmet you need unfortunately you are going to pay a premium as they are a low volume item. Check the price on a Bell M3 Xtra. They are more expensive for a manufacturer to build and a dealer to keep on the shelf.

 

In my own defense...the helmet will possibly only be used for autocross, in which case it seems to be more of a formality, than a real safety device. I'd wager it's more often that someone wrecks their car going to and from an autocross, than on the course.
I suppose I will just try it out a bit, but if it pisses me off, I'll just bite it and get a taller? one.
Thanks guys!

 

The helmet will break in after some wear...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The helmet will break in after some wear... </TD></TR></TABLE>
Either that or I'll get one of those ratching tie-downs and resize my head Geez, I thought SM stood for Street Mod...

 

Dont mess around with a helmet that does not fit. The risks in autocross are low, but i've seen serious incidents with my own eyes so they do happen.

Sell off the helmet at a loss and get something that fits.

If you have a huge head like me (8 1/4+), in SA2000 helmets there's only one choice basically: Bell M3 Xtra they come in sizes 8-8 3/4 for around $470. That's huge, and nobody else makes anything over 8 AFAIK.

In M2000 helmets, Arai makes XXXL in a few models but $$$$. Also, the new Shoei RF1000 is available in XXXL and can be had for around $250-$260 in solid colors... All the cheapo XXL like HJC, AFX, Nolan etc are undersized and wouldnt fir anything over 7 3/4 from my experience

 

Great info here. I'm shopping for a new helmet now, and I thought I had a huge head (7-7/8 after a haircut) but some of you guys are seriously Charlie Brown-spec

 

got a quick Q. wheni bought my helmet, i also bought a neck suport. a pyrotech one. i beleive its a one size fits all, but when i put it on, (strap towards the front) there is a gap, and my chin can touch my chest. is that a good thing? what should i do about that?

 

Helmet supports are typically available in Small, Medium and Large sizes. If your chin can touch your chest it is too big. Don't know the reason you bought one and what you expect it to do, but remember that while they do a real good job of supporting the helmet they will do next to nothing in an accident.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itsprelude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Helmet supports are typically available in Small, Medium and Large sizes. If your chin can touch your chest it is too big. Don't know the reason you bought one and what you expect it to do, but remember that while they do a real good job of supporting the helmet they will do next to nothing in an accident. </TD></TR></TABLE> thanx for the info. looks like ima have to return it and get a smaller one