Hey guys. I am looking to buy a Bell helmet. I've read a few guides on sizing but was wondering based on your experiences how your helmet purchases have turned out. I've read a few posts stating that for fitment, I should get something that is the most snug as it may wear later. I am currently deciding between two sizes but the smaller size feels tooo, too snug (almost stifling). One size higher seems to fit very well but am worried that overtime it will be too loose. Thoughts?

 

I'll let you know how it turned out for me when I have my first head-banging crash.

 

We are a helmet dealer so deal with many helmets of various brands - this is solely to state we are concerned with helmet fit more than once every 5 or 10 years and have some training.

Amongst all quality helmets, of which Bell is definitely one, there is a break-in period where the helmet will feel tighter than it ultimately will. Although not there to supervise your fitting, I would suggest getting the tighter of the two based on your description.

Perhaps this may help you decide - try on both helmets for 2 minutes with say a 10 minute period in between to allow the skin to rest. you should be seeing lines on your face where the helmet liners were pressing - distinctly. If both helmets are rendering the lines equally, go ahead and get the looser of the two, otherwise go with the tighter.

Finally - IF you wear a balaclava AND IT IS A GOOD IDEA (ask Niki Lauda) - be sure to include it in your measuring and trial fitting.

 

I have a bell M-4 in sz large. When I got it, it was definitely tight in the cheek area. Either I am use to it or it has loosened up over time. Great comfortable helmet.

 

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

 

You dont want a helmet so tight you are going to pass out or are uncomfortable wearing it longer than 30 minutes.

You dont want any pressure points on the helmet, but you can relieve some pressure by crushing the padding in with a spoon slightly.

When testing the helmets on: Put the helmet on and have a friend hold the helmet (with you wearing it.) Move your head back and fourth and up and down. You should instantly cause resistance on the guy holding your head, if youre head is 'swimming' around inside the helmet, then its too big. So you want a balance that's not too tight, but wont cause the helmet to move around on top of your head.

That's F.*cked up