Helmet Fitting - Is swapping padding safe?

[Nixel]

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Although true, if the helmet doesn't fit right (snug), then on impact the helmet will hit, then the head will hit the inside of the helmet (foam), which can cause a secondary impact (and/or a concussion). So long as the padding is snug enough the head and helmet 'move as one', then this shouldn't be an issue.

To The OP: It might help if you could get your GF to measure her head (largest circumference possible at eyebrow level and above) and post here/use that info to look at different manufacturer's websites. I used to have a link to a video of Jay Leno talking to Arai regarding helmets and sizing, but I no longer have it saved...Their stance largely was unless you go in with an actual measurement, you are shooting blind to some degree, as helmets do break-in and what fits now might not fit properly in a few weeks.

I measured and she's about 51cm, which is the lower end of the Shoei XXS sizing and would explain why it still had wobble to it (padding wear-in from people trying it on) and is probably a good indicator of what would happen to the fit if she wore it a few times. I have yet to hear back from Shoei regarding my question.

Arai does sell a helmet specifically made for riders with a smaller helmet size, the Arai Astro Light, but I can only seem to find it on UK websites.

 

[conundrum]

Hmm well the Supershow is coming up, so might be a good idea to go and see what others are offering. In theory she could wear something underneath to make things more snug (so her head and helmet still move as one), although that is less than ideal.

I also did find the Leno/Arai video I mentioned before:

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/extras/accessories/arai-helmets/index.shtml

 

[coyo]

I don't think there would be any issue with swapping out the padding. Many helmet manufactures sell replacement padding so they obviously know about the liability issues. As far as I know, the impact protection from the helmet is solely from the styrofoam shell so the padding is purely for comfort.

Most helmet manufactures will run 2 (or more) different helmet sizes in the same size shell, the difference being the thickness of the pads that are installed. An example is the helmet I recently bought; the Bell Star which uses the same shell for XS and S, another for M and L, and another for XL and XXL. If the padding is OEM and it allows for a proper fit all around, you're good to go.

 

[Nixel]

Hmm well the Supershow is coming up, so might be a good idea to go and see what others are offering. In theory she could wear something underneath to make things more snug (so her head and helmet still move as one), although that is less than ideal.

I also did find the Leno/Arai video I mentioned before:

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/extras/accessories/arai-helmets/index.shtml

Thanks for the link! It's making me paranoid about my own helmet now even though it's still snug. I don't know how I didn't consider taking her out to the show, which is an awesome suggestion. I'd expect there to be a bit more odd sizes simply to clear them out.

Most helmet manufactures will run 2 (or more) different helmet sizes in the same size shell, the difference being the thickness of the pads that are installed. An example is the helmet I recently bought; the Bell Star which uses the same shell for XS and S, another for M and L, and another for XL and XXL. If the padding is OEM and it allows for a proper fit all around, you're good to go.

I didn't know they did this, so it makes me feel a lot more comfortable with switching the padding. Of course Shoei still hasn't responded.. not sure how I should take that haha.

Thanks everyone for your input! I know it may seem like I'm trying to stick to a certain brand and/or skipping advice, but I've been trying to find her a fitting helmet for over a year.

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