I have been using a Shoei TZ-1 large for over a year. It fits how I was told a motorcycle helmet should fit; snug, shouldn't slide, and pull your forhead scalp when shifting it. Problem is that after 45 min - hour (depending how long my hair is), the helmet starts to hurt my head by pinching. I get by by moving the helmet up or down a bit to change where the pressure is being put on my forehead, but this only gets me so far.
Just wanted to see if anybody had any suggestions other than shave my head.
I have thought about buying a new helmet but don't want to run into the same problem. I don't want to go XL because at freeway speeds I like the snug helmet, plus don't think it is save to have a loose helmet. I know different helmets fit differently so wanted to see if anybody else had this problem or could recommend a brand.
BTW, I originally tested this helmet by wearing it around the house for a half hour or so. Shops usually don't take returns and the guy that sold this suggested that. Guess I should have worn it longer.
how long have you had the helmet?
i had the same problem...gave me headache. i took the lining out and put em under heavy books for couple of days. it's pretty comfy now. i can even wear a bandana underneath it...
Quote from: JetSwinghow long have you had the helmet?
I was gonna ask that same question...
I
had a mild pressure that would come and go for a few months, usually after longer rides of 2hrs, but haven't had it since the end of summer. Tz-1 small.
had it about a year and a half but only worn for about a year. So you smashed down the lining of the helmet? I don't think I can take mine out :dunno:
Quote from: KeeSo you smashed down the lining of the helmet?
yup...i was comfortable from the day one.
you're right...you may not be able to take your out. but the helmet should have been broken in after a year and a half.
another option is try a different brand (like arai or kbc). some are tighter than others.
Helmet fit is entirely individual. Go to a helmet place that will let you try on helmets while you walk around the store. The local place (Seattle Cycle) will let me bum around for 20 minutes or more in a helmet to make sure it fits right.
When I saw the question I was thinking you were new and wondering what to get. In that case I would say an HJC CL-14 (about $130), or if you want to go cheaper, find an old stock CL-12 (maybe $89 if you shop around). These are for people who want DOT/SNELL full-faced at reasonable prices, not for folks who want a $400 helmet. Anyhow I still suggest it, as I have many friends who have done a lot more riding than I have and still buy one of those maybe every couple years. FWIW, Mike D.
I have HJC CL-14 and the CS-12, both are great helmets, the CL-14 is more comfortable, but the CS-12 is quieter. As Roadstergal says, all an individual fit and preference. Go try em on.
I don't think the price or the brand-name is important other than your personal taste. Fit is the most important thing as you have discovered.
Generally it is accepted that you should buy a helmet a bit on the "snug" side, the test of jiggling it and your scalp moving with it is a pretty good general guide, most helmets do "wear-in" slightly. I have three all different but the same measurment/size but they are all slightly different.
If yours is fairly new it may still wear in and get a little better, if not and you are faced with buying again, just keep trying 'em on and don't be influenced by the paint job or the maker's name. Everyone's head is different if yours does not fit the helmet makers ideal profile check out those with removable linings , caps etc, as they tend to be more versatile.
I have an open-face which i bought for summer use but bugs hitting me on the cheekbones is a problem but they have more give and change shape slightly by tightening the strap but open face may be an issue with you. My full face, mid price-range "Laser" is good but can get a bit tight after a while, like yours. I generally now use a mid-price flip up "Rayven" that I bought from Busters accessories and I find this far and away the best for fit and the convenience of being able to hold a conversation when stopped and "flipped"
I don't know about Shoei. I know that a HJC CL-14 that is the proper size pinches my forhead, but my Arai Quantum f doesn't.
My problem is that i did try on my last helmet for about a half hour and thought it fit good then. Guess I am just afraid that I will have the same problem again. Maybe next time I should just take a nap in one and see how it feels when I wake up. :)
Thanks for the suggestions though. I actually prefer the solid black color to all the fancy graphics.
Maybe I will try to flatten the liner while it is still in the helmet. It doesn't look like it has compressed much so far.
yea, it sucks that you can't take the liner out...that would make a huge difference. i can take out a tiny piece by the ear, and it becomes to loose for me.