What do I need to know for buying a helmet online?

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drumstyx

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I'm considering buying a helmet online from bikebandit, as they seem to have some great prices. I've never sized a motorcycle helmet before, only used some of my dad's when I was a kid; am I able to buy a helmet online without having a reference to a helmet I already own?

I measured my head, and I seem to fall between XXL and XXXL depending on the brand (already tried my dad's XL...too small for sure) and I have a fairly neutral head shape. Considering helmets come in different shapes for different heads, is it possible to get a decent fitting helmet blindly like this (knowing only the size)?
 
You cant properly purchase a helmet without trying it on. Plain and simple.
 
drumstyx said:
I'm considering buying a helmet online from bikebandit, as they seem to have some great prices. I've never sized a motorcycle helmet before, only used some of my dad's when I was a kid; am I able to buy a helmet online without having a reference to a helmet I already own?

I measured my head, and I seem to fall between XXL and XXXL depending on the brand (already tried my dad's XL...too small for sure) and I have a fairly neutral head shape. Considering helmets come in different shapes for different heads, is it possible to get a decent fitting helmet blindly like this (knowing only the size)?
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If you can't get fitting with an actual helmet, then I guess the closest you'll get to proper sizing is by the sizing chart provided by each manufacturer.

I just read what I wrote... and it's kinda stating the obvious. You are taking a chance with sizing without ever trying on a helmet. Take the time to try one on, and if it's comfortable with brand and size, then you can pretty much buy online without any worries. the first helmet is always tricky, you want to make sure it is not pinching you or have unbearable pressure points after wearing it for 10 minutes.
 
Just because a helmet might be the right size doesn't mean it will fit or be comfortable.
 
Go to a motorcycle show and try on a bunch of helmets. Take your time to properly analyze the fit and comfort. Take a note of the ones that fit you, not the ones that visually appeal to you.

From there you have a shopping list. If you have a smartphone/internet access, check what the prices are on your favorite websites and see if they will match/beat the price.
You'd be surprised what deals you can get at motorcycle shows sometimes, especially on a sunday when they are trying to push out as much inventory as possible.
 
Best to go to a retail store and try them on to get a first hand feel. You may find the service you receive is worth the extra couple of bucks...
 
rbjeepthing said:
You cant properly purchase a helmet without trying it on. Plain and simple.
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exactly!

you need to go into a store and try a bunch on. then when you find one that fits and feels right walk around the store for a half hour with it on
 
If I started all over again, I would buy a cheap helmet to try out, and purchase a proper one few months later.
On the first go, you really don't know what your supposed to look out for in terms of fitting. I got a Shoei Qwest as the first helmet - worst moto purchase so far for me.
 
I wrote this for new riders a few years ago so i'll just quote it and throw it into the mix.

Helmets
I’m not going to get into the technical garble here as everyone knows how to do research but more how to check a helmet for fit and selection. You should know that you have to have at minimum a DOT approved helmet with Snell being optional. There are three major types of helmets to look at Open Face, Full Face, Motocross and Motorsports. Personally I like my chin and eyes so I will only recommend a full face helmet. I know people will disagree but don’t pay attention to individual brands as any name brand helmet will protect your noggin since they all have to meet the same certs.

Pick up a helmet and look at how the vents function and the quality of the shield. Check the movement of the previous items are they flimsy and weak or stiff and solid? Does the visor lock down and seal properly? Feel the material inside is it soft to the touch? Can you add or remove the padding for fit and cleaning? Once you are satisfied with how the helmet is made put it on. Right away if there are any individual pressure points take it off and try another size. Once you find one that is comfortable have your friend or salesperson hold the chin protector and move your head up/down left/right does the helmet stay snug? If yes you are almost done now open your mouth and close it did you bite your cheeks? If no then try on the same helmet from different box just to make sure everything is good. Your done you can either shop around or purchase that one.

Personally I tried on every manufacture of helmets I could find in the GTA to find the exact one that fit me the best. I also made notes of the ones that fit then came home and did research and read reviews from each one as well. Out of all the gear you buy the helmet is the one thing hardest to change and it can make or break you’re riding enjoyment.
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Motorcycle show is March 16/17. You'll be able to try pretty much every imaginable helmet there (and no, graphics don't change the fit, so if the pink one fits you best, ask if it is available in black). Take notes on brand/model/size that you like the best. Go order.

I was helped by a very nice lady at the Arai booth after I insisted I had a Shoei head. Found an Arai that fits, but for the life of me I can't remember the model. Happy with my Shoei for now anyway, but I'll have to repeat the whole process next time I'm looking I guess now I know there is an Arai out there that fits me well.
 
You might have trouble finding 3XL. That's quite a melon you've got.
 
If you're going to buy a helmet online without trying it out in person first, then you need to know the return/exchange policy.
 
I did just that. No stores sell the helmet I was looking for so I couldnt try it on first! Ended up just buying it from Gnarlyparts.com, they shipped me a helmet for 9$ shipping...fit way to small sent it back with the supplied return label free and for another 9$ got the size I needed. Perfect!

D
 
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DRZSMDUDE said:
I did just that. No stores sell the helmet I was looking for so I couldnt try it on first! Ended up just buying it from Gnarlyparts.com, they shipped me a helmet for 9$ shipping...fit way to small sent it back with the supplied return label free and for another 9$ got the size I needed. Perfect!

D
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note to self: never buy a helmet from gnarlyparts.com
 
Griffin said:
You think the one you buy from the store hasn't been on someone else's head? Maybe for at least the 30 minutes you recommended to see if it fits?
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I think the issue is more with the fact that there's no proof that the returned helmet wasn't dropped or damaged.
 
Griffin said:
You think the one you buy from the store hasn't been on someone else's head? Maybe for at least the 30 minutes you recommended to see if it fits?
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Its called a display model. When i purchase a helmet its brand new with original packaging in a box.
 
Macs said:
I think the issue is more with the fact that there's no proof that the returned helmet wasn't dropped or damaged.
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Again though. there's no evidence the one in the shop wasn't dropped either. I've never bought a helmet in a store that came in a sealed box that I knew had never been opened. I'm not sure how that's any different from buying through the mail. All I'm saying is that whether you buy in a store or online there's no guarantee that the helmet hasn't been abused.
 
Griffin said:
Again though. there's no evidence the one in the shop wasn't dropped either. I've never bought a helmet in a store that came in a sealed box that I knew had never been opened. I'm not sure how that's any different from buying through the mail. All I'm saying is that whether you buy in a store or online there's no guarantee that the helmet hasn't been abused.
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True, who's to know an employee didn't accidentally dropped the helmet while stocking it or the delivery guy just throwing it in the truck to ship to the store......
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