helmet sizing

[jimmy156]

My head measures exactly between a M and a L.

I bought a Fox L helmet and a POC M helmet (based on availability and price) and the medium POC is "snug" at its loosest, whereas the Large Fox feels like it needs to be tightened up a lot around my forehead, and the rest of the helmet feels a little "spacious"

What's the best bet? Is it just about what's more comfortable? Does anyone make a helmet where a 58.5cm head circumference isn't on a crossover point?

[addey]

You really need to try on as many brands as you can because they can be different shapes, even if the circumference is the same, i.e. some are rounder, some are more oval/longer.

[defblade]

Some brands come with adjustable/extra pads to take up excess slack on the fit. And "spacious" sounds like "good airflow" to me

But, yes, try on a few more from other brands. You'll know when you find the right one.

[TheDrownedApe]

i have always moulded my new helmet to my head by finely shaving away/adding some foam. I also have a particular pair of glasses that require me to cut out parts of the foam at certain points to fit the specs properly, thankfully these sections don't impact on the protection offered to me.

One occasion i spent a good few hours wearing the helmet indoors and moulding it perfectly. 3rd ride i fell off and needed a new one

[RedWhiteMonkey]

It is helmet shape that is the more defining factor. Pretty much all helmets will come in small, medium and large, but their shape can still mean the difference between a comfortable or uncomfortable fit. I tried buying a helmet online and after sending several back I realised that its one of those things where you need to go to a shop to try some on.

[Yorkshire_Biker]

I've tried many helmets, and purchased a few different brands. But without adjusting the foam as mentioned above, i find that HJS are the only ones that for me well without a pressure point on my forehead.
Try more brands, they don't all use the same shape.

[jimmy156]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

It is helmet shape that is the more defining factor. Pretty much all helmets will come in small, medium and large, but their shape can still mean the difference between a comfortable or uncomfortable fit. I tried buying a helmet online and after sending several back I realised that its one of those things where you need to go to a shop to try some on.

Thanks all.

Yes this is basically the conclusion I have come to. I tend to get most bike kit from wiggle, but it looks like helmets are one thing I need to try on. Must have got lucky with my road lid i bought from them as that just fits.

I am going to keep the POC one for now (I have a feeling it will "bed in" has the pads get squashed in a bit) but try on a few in a LBS before I wear it on the bike. Today is new bike day so i will probably have to wear the road lid on the mountain bike as I am not going to be able to wait to try it out!