Helmet selection

[timeforpoptarts]

My current brain guard is a hand-me-down. I am looking to pick a new helmet up for the new riding season. Where are some places with good selections? Cheap prices are great, but I mainly want to go and try them on right now to see which style I like. I'll shop around for prices online if need be.

[JoeP]

Colemans in Woodbridge.

[zooom]

Coleman Powersports in Falls Church has a decent sized collection...ooops, I mean selection...and they can do some level of comparison pricing to online vendors with proper presentation...

Battley in Gaithersburg has Shoei and Arai for sure and may have Scorpion, but I can't recall...

[Slide Panda]

Colemans will price match to the big online vendors. I picked up my Shoei RF-1100 from them as they matched up to Revzilla. Colemans carries Shoei Arai, and some other brands. Of course they can order shit to - any store can order shit for you.

If you've got some time for reading - hit
http://www.webbikeworld.com/
- They are local so their comments about ventilation, temps etc. have a bit more prescience as they deal with the same weather.

But - besides price what are you looking for? Any specific features? Do you know what shape head?

[The Mad King Pepe']

Do you know what shape head?

^^^
That is important to understand. Before I knew my head was a "long oval" (narrow and long -- let's hold off the penis jokes for now...  ) I either wore a medium that pressed on my forehead and gave me headaches, or a large that felt like I was a bobble head   As with shoes, it's not size it's the fit that matters!

[timeforpoptarts]

But - besides price what are you looking for? Any specific features? Do you know what shape head?

My main concern is comfort. The current helmet I have is not horrible in that regard, but its not great either. I want something with more ventilation, and if it is too difficult it to wear sunglasses (full face) then the visors need to be easily replaceable. I was looking into the RF-1000, but the few that I've tried did not fit as well as I expected. I put on an Arai Corsair and was impressed. But I don't think I can spend that kind of money.

I've been really wanting to try on some AGV models as I've heard good things.

As for what style head I have, I wouldn't have the slightest clue, but if I had to guess I'd say ovalish? Its definitely not round, and I tend to have an awkward time fitting into your "one size fits all" ball caps.

[Slide Panda]

Arai lists the corsair as intermediate oval, though webbikeworld lists it as round vs the neutral designation given to the RF helmets. Based on that your head is probably closer to an even measure front to back and side to side than, say me, who fits an RF quite happily.

A detailed review of the corsair
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/arai-corsair-v/

They also have an index of helmets they have reviewed by shape - so you could look that over for other candidates. Also their more recent reviews will have a table that compares the helmet under review to a number of helmets across the shape spectrum

[timeforpoptarts]

A detailed review of the corsair
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/arai-corsair-v/

I started checking this out last night. I'll definitely be browsing here later, thanks!

[JoeP]

^^^
That is important to understand. Before I knew my head was a "long oval" (narrow and long -- let's hold off the penis jokes for now...  ) I either wore a medium that pressed on my forehead and gave me headaches, or a large that felt like I was a bobble head   As with shoes, it's not size it's the fit that matters!

So how does one go about determining one's head shape? Is there a chart that will tell me, you're a narrow oval, or oh you're a blockhead?

[Slide Panda]

I haven't seen one - you could do a process of elimination. Try on helmets and see how your impression of fit/confort compares to 'established' info. Or wait until IMS comes around again - the Helmet co reps there are usually pretty good at sizing ones head shape up on sight.

[The Mad King Pepe']

... or oh you're a blockhead?

the true universal fit! 

web bike world to the rescue! http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm and http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-faq.htm

I have an Arai Profile that fits my "long oval" shape head perfectly (about 2/3 width/length ratio).

I would suggest heading over to Colemans (or another big shop) and trying on a few helmets to see what fits you best.

[Zulu]

Since we are on helmet topic, does anyone know any dealer in va or md who sells nexx helmets? .

I want to get xr1r carbon , but wanted to try it first. Coleman said they stopped carrying that brand.

[The Mad King Pepe']

Google "nexx" -> visit website -> see dealer list. 

closest ones are in PA and WV

Since we are on helmet topic, does anyone know any dealer in va or md who sells nexx helmets? .

I want to get xr1r carbon , but wanted to try it first. Coleman said they stopped carrying that brand.

[Slide Panda]

A bit late to be helpful now, but they did have a booth at IMS. If you're not in a rush you can wait until IMS comes back around and maybe Nexx will be there again... Lots of waiting any maybes.

Revzilla carries NEXX - they are in Philly. You could go for a visit. Or they do have a good returns policy - though you're going to loose $s on shipping

[zooom]

Revzilla carries NEXX - they are in Philly. You could go for a visit. Or they do have a good returns policy - though you're going to loose $s on shipping

cheesesteak run!