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Helmet Sizing/Fitment

NSR500

NSR500

すけべ
Joined
Sep 15, 2014
Location
NorCal
Moto(s)
Ducati 996
Ducati 748
VFR400/NC30
Just getting back into motorcycling after over 16yrs out.
Helmet technology has progressed so much and I'm trying to get things sorted.
I measure at a 59cm head size with a full head of hair, so I'd say I'd be a 58cm head size with a shaved head. So, I purchased an Arai Corsair V in (L) based on what I last remember wearing.
Now I'm having second thoughts about fitment and want to drop down into a (M). What's making consider the size change is the fact the helmet will break in and might start to feel loose.

So... From my research, is this a valid interpretation of the Arai data attached?

1. Arai has 3 shell sizes, 5 EPS linings, 4 comfort liners, and 7 cheekpad sizes.

2. My (L) Corsair V has the same shell and EPS sizing as the (M).

3. To make my (L) fit like an (M) I'd just need to run the cheekpads and comfort liner of the medium.
 

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from my experience different helmets are shaped differently, even within manufacturers lines, so a large part of correct fit is head shape. I look for no gaps around the crown of the head. I believe a brand new helmet should be slightly on the uncomfortably snug side because as the liner breaks in it will loosen slightly.
In looking for a cheap passenger helmet I looked at cyclegear's Bilt helmets and realized they are the correct shape for my head but run large in their sizing but that is the same for the HJC RPS-10 helmet.
my next helmet may be a bilt.
 
You can change the cheek pads/comfort liners and make it fit better... however the pads aren't cheap.
Over time the pads may degrade and the fit could loosen up
I think you can achieve the fit you want by doing this alone.
FYI I always ride with a balaclava so it helps make the helmet fit just a little more snug.
If you don't have one pick one up give that a try first. They come various sizes and thicknesses.
The one I have is more thicker than most but suits me just fine.
Go check out road rider in sj they carry more than cg.
 
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For my Bell star, the Medium size range is 57-58. I'm a 58.5, and the medium fits perfect.

If anything you want it a little more on the snug side. Arai helmet pads are layered, so you can pull off the cover and expose the foam underneath. Peel off what you don't need and bam, now its more comfy.

I think you are best off getting a M and going from there. Or ask to swap pads.
 
OP, you need to figure out your head shape first.

Arai Corsairs are generally intermediate oval, but it's possible for that to change year to year, or version to version.

If you're a true long oval shape, you may find the Signet Q a better fit. If you're more of a round head, there may not be a proper Arai helmet for you, but the roundest types are the RX-Q and Vector I believe.

Once you get the shape determined, then optimizing the fit will be trivial. Good luck and welcome back to riding.
 
Oh, I'm definitely intermediate oval. No hot spots, can't get a finger between my forehead and liner, and I feel very supported in the sides & back. Basically, the crown of my head fills the comfort liner and EPS to a tee.
I'm just looking for it to be just a bit more snug because I know it'll break in. As a matter of fact, I went to a few local shops today and tried on Medium and Large in Shoei, Scorpion, Arai, and AGV. The snug fit that I wanted came from the Medium Corsair V and the Medium X-Twelve.
Between the Arai and the Shoei the biggest difference is the cheek feels tighter on the Shoei, and the opening of the Shoei shell is narrowed when inserting my head.
 
Or try contacting these guys https://www.theservicepavilion.com/ They are actually trained by Arai to correctly fit an Arai helmet.

A salesperson in the biggest bike shop in my area 'fitted' my first helmet. Wrong shape, wrong size, etc. but they got that "hard to move" helmet off their shelves. Later, at my first IMS, I saw the TSP guys at their booth and got a correct fit. It works so well for me that there's not even much of a break in. My helmet fits pretty much the same as it did 3 yrs and 40,000 miles ago.

There are up to about five interior shapes so you need to figure out yours (Aria makes three). Even between different manufacturers that "same shape" will vary a bit. The best helmet isn't the most expensive but rather the one that fits you best.
 
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lam@barf said:
Or try contacting these guys https://www.theservicepavilion.com/ They are actually trained by Arai to correctly fit an Arai helmet.

A salesperson in the biggest bike shop in my area 'fitted' my first helmet. Wrong shape, wrong size, etc. but they got that "hard to move" helmet off their shelves. Later, at my first IMS, I saw the TSP guys at their booth and got a correct fit. It works so well for me that there's not even much of a break in. My helmet fits pretty much the same as it did 3 yrs and 40,000 miles ago.

There are up to about five interior shapes so you need to figure out yours (Aria makes three). Even between different manufacturers that "same shape" will vary a bit. The best helmet isn't the most expensive but rather the one that fits you best.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link!
Seems like "Custom is Custom" to them: https://www.theservicepavilion.com/store/p1956/Online_Fitment.html
 
OP, I think the Corsair is probably your best bet. You can get thicker pads that can be fine tuned by removing pre-cut layers. (you probably already know this since you sorted out your head shape.)

But, before you drop the big bucks on that V, know that a new one is just around the corner:

http://www.arai.co.jp/jpn/fullface/7x_top_movie.html

Sadly, I know it likely won't fit me. I'm a long oval and 'stuck' with the Signet-Q for now.
 
NSR500 said:
Between the Arai and the Shoei the biggest difference is the cheek feels tighter on the Shoei, and the opening of the Shoei shell is narrowed when inserting my head.
Click to expand...

Shoei definitely fit different than Arai. I can't wear an Arai. There was like a finger width air gap on the top of my head between the liner with the Arai. I have two Shoei, an X-11 and a X-12. XL size. They fit me well.
Click to expand...
 
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