I've shared this on several of the other forums I frequent. It has been stickied on most of those (and I've found it posted in various other places, usually without credit.)

Since the key to getting the "The Best Helmet" is mostly about making sure the FIT is right, here it is:

Guidelines for getting the best fit in a full-face helmet.
There is much to be said about going into a Motorcycle shop and physically trying on the helmet you are considering. Even if you plan on buying online, knowing what size you need will save much time and aggravation. Cheaper is not cheaper if you must exchange by mail repeatedly, or end up with a helmet that doesn't fit well, or worse, is painful to wear after 30 minutes.

I did not devise this fit guide but I put what I was taught to paper to share. I believe it is based on the Arai fit method, but is applicable for all makes. This is what I was taught while working in a MC dealer. I have tweaked the instructions in an effort to make it understandable in print. I have also added details that I have learned through experience in an effort to make it as helpful as possible.

1. Do NOT look at prices first. Fit is most important. If Arai (generally the most expensive) fits, then that will provide the BEST protection, if an HJC (generally a less expensive make) fits, then THAT will provide the best protection. For this ‘fit test’ do not buckle the chin strap. If you wear glasses, or sunglasses while riding, don’t forget to have them with you for the fit test. Note: At a helmet seminar offered by Arai, those in attendance learned that about 60% were wearing helmets too BIG for best protection. Recently, I learned that I've evidently been wearing a helmet TWO sizes too big, while shopping to replace my "crashed in" Arai helmet. For fit-trying helmets, a Sliks helmet liner, or other snug fitting "do-rag" is VERY helpful, especially if you've got multiple ear piercings or thick hair, etc.

2. Choose a size that looks close (you gotta start somewhere). Pull the helmet on over your head by holding the straps. It should go on with a bit of work, but NOT so tough it feels like your ears are being scraped off your skull. If the helmet goes on with little or no effort, try the next size DOWN. Tilting your chin slightly down should ease neck strain in doing this.

3. Flip up the face shield. (If trying a helmet with flip up chin bar, ONLY flip up the face shield.) Now, push the helmet around on your head. Have someone watch your face or look in a mirror while you do this. Your scalp and eyebrows should move around with the helmet padding. If it doesn’t, try the next size down OR a different make of helmet and repeat from #2. If your scalp does move, close your eyes and think about how the padding feels around the crown of your head. You should feel snug EVEN pressure all around, like a good firm handshake - no ‘hot points’ at forehead or ears. Some helmets give a sort of "chipmunk cheek" feeling. Remember, the padding will compress with wear, so snugness is good in a new helmet, rather than a ‘just right’ fit, or it will become too loose with wear. Some helmet manufacturers offer thinner cheek padding if this is your main concern. (If you feel a hot point at forehead, you probably have an ‘oval profile’ head and should try one of the Arai models.)

4. Now tilt your chin down to your chest (still unbuckled) and take one hand and push UP on the bottom of the back of the helmet. You should NOT be able to push the helmet off, or part way off. If you can, then try another make helmet - "flip face" helmets are more likely to fail this step, which should not be disregarded. (If the chin strap fails, or you forget to buckle... )

5. Once you’ve gotten to this point, wear the helmet around the shop for at LEAST 5 to 10 minutes. This is where using a full service shop is worth it. They should encourage you to wear the helmet for some time before buying. You don’t want to find out after you plunk down $$, that the helmet you thought fit you is agony to wear for more than 30 minutes. If you are indecisive about two different helmets, make sure you WEAR the 'most likely candidate' last, before purchase. If this is it. Buy it. Get the box and packaging for the helmet, if at all possible. THEN, take the new helmet home and wear it while watching TV or 'surfing the net' for an hour or two... it can be tough to really get used to the fit, when somebody is staring at you (don't think about pink elephants right now), so wearing it while doing something else is probably the best way to make sure the fit is right. If you have any fit "issues" after this last at home test, RETURN the helmet. A reputable shop should have no issues with taking an ill fitting helmet back.

Other NOTES:
A) Motorcycle Helmets should be retired/replaced EVERY five years, or at a maximum of seven years from date of manufacture (month/year usually imprinted on chinstrap or on label inside). When buying a 'clearance' helmet, the low price is often because the helmet is already 2-3 years old. No way to tell how well or poorly a helmet has been stored. One reason ARAI no longer allows ANY retail helmet sales online, or by discounters. Arai now insists that their helmets be FIT to the wearer. This must be done in an authorized shop.

B) No matter how well taken care of, a helmet that has been dropped should be replaced. A helmet that has been in a crash MUST be replaced, for your safety (your insurer may cover replacement of your helmet and/or other safety gear). http://tinyurl.com/4muc9

C) Always make sure you have a clear face shield (visor) available for your helmet. Carry one in your tank bag. If you find yourself out later than planned, or if the weather should change, it is dangerous to ride in low-light conditions with even the lightest tint visor. You won't realize what you are not seeing until it is too late.

D) NEVERNEVERNEVER use any paper product (paper towels, tissues etc.) to clean your face shield. The tiny wood fibers will create microscratches in your visor over time. Use only cleaners made for plastics to clean your face shield. Products such as Rain-X and Windex contain amonia and will cause the plastic to yellow and become brittle.

Happy riding and stay safe!! LL

All good info, LionLady.

Cycle Gear is one of the few places that will allow you to return a helmet after any period of time. They have a 30 day exchange program.

You should always make sure of the return policy of any dealer before you buy a helmet. There are many dealers who will not allow you to return a helmet once it leaves the store unless it is defective.

Nice post lionlady. Made it a "sticky".

Lionlady! Great to see you here!!!

I used your article when I found it on bb.com a couple of years ago, so thanks for posting it here! Great info ... still!

Originally Posted by JonF

Nice post lionlady. Made it a "sticky".

I'm honored. Thanks.

P

Lionlady - thanks for the helpful article. I current have an Arai helmet and it's 3 yrs. old which I bought the day I bought my bike. I was fortunate to be at the Atlanta Bike show (try to go annually) and tried on a variety of helmets and the Arai reps were very helpful.

For the future I've thought about a flip face like a Nolan or Schuberth. I like the internal tinted shield on the Schuberth but like the Yellow color option of the Nolan - I liked to be seen especially in the helmet area. Safety First.

LionLady I went to cycle gear the other day for a first time helmet fit and the manager there took me through each one of your steps to the letter. However after over a dozen helmet tries he concluded he needed to order in a XS from Arai for me to just try on to see how it feels. Everything they had in other brands XS and up were too big for me. I am glad to see this information from another source. Thank you!!

I like Cycle Gear....I liked it even better before the one down the street closed and combined with the one in Kearney Mesa, but they have some real good policies and discounts (military gets 10%, but they won't combine it with any other discount or sale) and a great exchange program. They'll even honor the lower price between "on-line" and "in store". I usually print their on line price and compare it. If it's lower I show it to them and they honor it.

Their tire tech once put a tire on my rim backwards and I wasn't paying attention to it until I had about 100 miles on it and it just wasn't right (the bike handled weird). I took it in, showed 'em and they gave me a new tire....mounted and balanced.

Very nice write-up. Certainly helpful