I just got my Bieffe Predator and the **** gives me a headache. Should it be a tight fit? I mean I've never owned a helmet before so I don't know how it should feel. Help!

 

NO, it should not give you a headache. You should be able to wear it for 30 mins without any problems. My first helmet gave me a headache after about 10 mins...so I traded it in for the next size up and now it works great.

*edit* The helmet should be snug, but not to the point that is causes discomfort. If you wiggle the helmet around on your head, your cheeks and forehead should be in contact with the padding at all times.*edit*


[Modified by Bob#497, 10:45 PM 10/24/2001]

 

When I put it on, my cheeks are pressed hard. damn this is size 61 already... whats the average size you guys use? I'm just a asian kid I cant be an x-large can I?

 

It's okay that your cheeks are pressed as long as it isn't hurting you...but if you get a headache, I would say for sure that you need a bigger size. I'm just a white kid, and I use a large.

 

See if a local performance shop has tryout loaners, i know OG racing in manassas, VA, will let you borrow one of their loaners for a race to see if you like it, etc...beats hit and miss. Failing that, try as many different styles on as you can, like shoes, certain brands will suit you better. The helmet should be snug, but NOT tight. Check out: http://www.bellhelmets.com/fit/fit_set.html
for some step by step insturctions.

 

It should be snug enough to press your cheeks. Over time it will give a little so it may seem too tight at first. What can happen in an accident is the helmet will spin but you head won't if its too loose. and of course pop off.

 

All of the comments here are right on.

I've found that you have to try helmets on in person. (Some of those websites tell you how to measure your head but that's not good enough.) Last time I was helmet shopping, I went to my local performance shop and tried on several different models of helmet that were supposed to be my size. Some of them made it feel like my head was in a vise. I found one that felt okay - snug, but not uncomfortable.

 

Some more good info on helmet sizing and fit, if it hasn't been posted already:
http://www.ioportracing.com/bellhelmetsizing.htm

 

Even when you get a helmet of proper size - some "customizing" is usually necessary to remove pressure spots - because all of us have lumpy heads that do not come close to fitting the average dummy they make them on.

I have an XL helmet and found that it still pressed a bit too hard on my forehead - especially when I wore a balaclava. So all I did was peel back the liner fabric and used the wooden handle end of a hammer to compress some of the styrofoam in this area. And lickety-split Barba-trick - no more headaches.

 

Remember the helmet will get slightly larger when you wear it for a while due to perspiration, etc.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I figured I just had to go down to a shop and get fitted. I went to BELL in Oakland and the guy there was really helpful. He took one look at me and told me I had a BELL head. It turns out Bieffe is made for Europeans or white guys. Asians supposedly have rounder heads. I was skeptical at first since I thought he was trying to make a sale for his own brand but after putting on a BELL Sport2, I felt otherwise. Damn, those BELL's are really comfy. Equal pressure all around.

Tip: If your asian or your head is round get BELL. If your head is long and narrow get a BIEFFE. I wish I knew this when I was shopping around.

 

I too am looking for the bell sport 2, could someone tell me who has the best prices on them. I see that racer wholesale has them for $299(SA00), I would like to know if anyone has found a price cheaper than that. thanks

 

I got mine for 285 or something close to that at http://www.helmetcity.com

 

Nope. They are still 299.00 http://www.helmetcity.com/helmets/fiber_bell.html

Hey, I just noticed that helmet city is in Oakland. Did you go there in person to get the deal, if so, did they charge sales tax. thanks


[Modified by ITR#132, 11:48 PM 10/25/2001]

 

Heh, i bet the guy at the bell store doesn't often tell people they DON'T have a bell head But hey, if it works, go with it, glad you got to try some on. Arai are nice too, but probably not as easy to find to try out. Bell = good reputation, i'm very happy with my MAG-4 (although after seeing a guy's airbag deploy at an autoX, i'm thinking closed face for next helmet)

 

My situation is a little complicated. I purchased a Bieffe Predator from helmetcity initially but it didn't fit me very well. So, helmetcity told me to goto BELL to get another size since BELL is also the distributor of Bieffe. When I went there I saw boxes and boxes of Bieffe and Bell's. Not sure about sales tax. But about the price, I dont know what your looking at but I only paid 285. Call them up to make sure.

 

Yea aleph, I thought the same but hey my comfort is saying Bell is the brand for my head.