Full Face Helmet Recs

[elemmac]

First time purchasing a full face helmet. Honestly, I'm not sure where to start. Any recommendations? Brands that have worked for you? Anything I should stay away from? Most import thing to remember is...(blank)?

 

[geargrrl]

Most important, fit.

 

[geargrrl]

Also, full on DH or trail riding? Smith makes a really cool one with a removable face guard.

 

[elemmac]

Also, full on DH or trail riding? Smith makes a really cool one with a removable face guard.

Full DH. I picked up a cross-country bike 6 years ago, got hooked. Bought a downhill bike last year, even more hooked. I've been riding with my trail helmet, but have been getting more and more comfortable with going faster and on more technical trails, so I think it's time to pad up a bit more starting with protecting my noggin.

 

[geargrrl]

You might want to look into a leatt type neck brace, too.

 

[elemmac]

^looking into neck braces now, s@$&t that's a lot pricier than I expected. But I suppose if it'll save my neck on a big fall, can't really put a price on that.

 

[elemmac]

I ended up ordering a helmet online (couldn't find anywhere local that carried full-face helmets), but have been questioning the fit. So, last weekend when FI and I were up in northern NH, we stopped by a few shops. Each shop had exactly 1 type of full-face helmet. After trying those on...one too big, one WAY to small, another fit my head but I was chomping on my cheeks cause the face pads were so tight...I came to the conclusion that the one I ordered online was by far the best fit. But I'm still a bit hesitant on if it's too big.

Are there any 'tests' that you can do to verify that a helmet fits? Or anyone know of any websites/youtube videos that might show information on the proper fit of a helmet?

 

[geargrrl]

In general, put the helmet on your head and put your hands on it and grip it firmly and move it around. Check for fore/aft movement, side to side, and rotational movement. You shouldn't have any big gaps or slop in the fit.

 

[bounceswoosh]

I ended up ordering a helmet online (couldn't find anywhere local that carried full-face helmets), but have been questioning the fit. So, last weekend when FI and I were up in northern NH, we stopped by a few shops. Each shop had exactly 1 type of full-face helmet. After trying those on...one too big, one WAY to small, another fit my head but I was chomping on my cheeks cause the face pads were so tight...I came to the conclusion that the one I ordered online was by far the best fit. But I'm still a bit hesitant on if it's too big.

Are there any 'tests' that you can do to verify that a helmet fits? Or anyone know of any websites/youtube videos that might show information on the proper fit of a helmet?

The cheekpads may be adjustable - check the model description online. If not, they do get squished down over time. Drives me nuts when I get a new motorcycle helmet, too.

 

[elemmac]

The cheekpads may be adjustable - check the model description online. If not, they do get squished down over time. Drives me nuts when I get a new motorcycle helmet, too.

The one that I tried on was not adjustable, it was a pretty basic, no frills kind of helmet. I'll have to check with the one I bought online...if the cheek pads were a little larger I think I'd feel much better about the fit of it.

 

[elemmac]

You shouldn't have any big gaps or slop in the fit.

I definitely don't have any big gaps, but it does move some...I'll try it again tonight, and make a final decision on it. Thanks for the input.

I suppose I shouldn't have thought buying a full-face would have been different than any other helmet I've owned (ski, bike, hockey, lacrosse)...smalls are always too small...mediums too big.