Helmets

[Snubnose]

OK, When I was trying on Zox helmets at the recent bike show, Both sizes fit, M and L, and I could really go either way.

My head measures 23.2" or 58.5 cm, and according to ZOX's website (www.zoxhelmets.com) I am right between sizes, y'know in the "no mans land" area:

M = 7-1/8~7-1/4. 22.44~22.83". 57~58 cm

L = 7-3/8~7-1/2. 23.23~23.62". 59~60 cm

My First helmet was a HJC CL12 in size large, but after some advice, recognized it was a sloppy fit, even though comfortable. My second helmet (current) is an ICON alliance and its fits fine. its a Medium.

Some info says to go up in size if you are in between sizes, some says to go down as the pads will compress with regular use. The problem is ZOX helmets are not available "off the shelf" at the dealerships parts/accessories Dept's, you have to order them in. so wearing one around the showroom for 45 minutes to find out for sure is not an option.

I guess I wouldn't be so picky about it, but I also tried on another Zox helmets labeled M at the show, but it appeared to be mislabeled with the wrong size code as the moment I put it on felt excruciating pain all over my noggin and soon there afterwards, got a headache, so It must of been a small, as confirmed by my Wife, who wears a small size and felt exactly the same as other SMALL Zox sizes. (Although the headache could of arisen form the Co2 fumes from the hall next over where they were running Trials, walking around for 3 hours  without a drink (dehydrated- headache went away after two pints of water).)

any help/advice is appreciated guys/gals. Oh I think I have that Nasty EGG shaped head profile (big, huge bulbous cranium), listed with the arai helmets website.

[Sven]

I don't think anyone can answer this one for you.  However, based on what you told us, I think the large is the probably the best fit in this product for you.  Here's why:

As you said, there will be some loosening up with wear.  However, a helmet is only going to loosen up *some*, and that is only after considerable use.  On the other hand, *too* tight will always be too tight, even after wear.

As you said, different helmets are made to fit different "model" head shapes.  If, for example a large helmet is a little roomy on the sides but snug on the forehead, that's better that one that is snug on the sides and migraine-inducing on the forehead.  If you get one that is too tight, you simply will stop wearing it, and have wasted the money.

Your size, 23.2", is clearly in the large fit range.  I don't believe the mfr would mislead you.  You apparently didn't feel the large was too loose, or you would have already made a decision to eliminate it from consideration.

So, if the time you spent trying on helmets at the show wasn't enough, you'll have to find a way to try it again, or you'll have to find a dealer who will let you return it if it doesn't fit.  Or bite the bullet and make a gut decision. 

Let us know what you decide.  And we'll be waiting for a review after a a couple weeks of use.

[Snubnose]

I don't think anyone can answer this one for you.  However, based on what you told us, I think the large is the probably the best fit in this product for you.

Large?.. Even though I'm Just 23.2 and Large starts at 23.23?

As mentioned earlier, I currently have an ICON alliance helmet, and ICONS sizing online shows the following:
Medium =7 1/8 - 7 1/4.    22 3/8 - 22 3/4"
Large   =7 3/8 - 7 1/2. 23 1/8 - 23 1/2"

I have a MEDIUM size currently and it seems fine. Should I not expect the same outcome?. However, I know I can always ADD a thin layer of foam in select areas to the LARGE size if I chose as such to solve the problem!, that might be better.

Here I go talking myself into, and out of either size!

[Sven]

The reason I say you are in the large range based on the measurements is that you are not in the medium range.  Like pants that are too small, a too small helmet will rub you the wrong way.  Every brand is different.  So your Icon size may not be the same as another brand.  The brands use different shape head models, so it's not a matter of circumference, it's a matter of shape.
 
Sure, a helmet will loosen up, but only after a lot of use.  And nobody says it will loosen up uniformly.  So if something rubs your forehead, or the top of your head, it may never really get any better.

I still believe that if the large were truly too loose, you would have already decided against it.  But hell, buy the medium if that's what feels like the right answer in your heart.  Mail order it from someplace that will let you exchange it, like Helmet City.

[Snubnose]

The reason I say you are in the large range based on the measurements is that you are not in the medium range. 

Thanks for the advice BTW! I'll keep what you said in mind.

[stormi]

The other thing you can do is go talk to someone that wears one a lot. 

Ryan considered the Large as well, as I recall.  He likes a tight fitting helmet, and he liked the fit of the large, right then, but knew it would pad out.  So, we talked to Joseph, in Accessories at Scona, who's sponsored by motovan, and he wears a Zox helmet when racing as a result.  (In fact, that was Joseph's 125 you saw at the EMRA booth), and Joseph said to get the medium, because it would definitely pad out, and if he wanted to down the road, he could get new cheek pads for it. (possibly the top pad too, I can't recall off the top of my head). 

I also bought medium, despite the fact that Ryan pads out my helmets if he wears them, because I like my helmets looser.  (and I gotta have a little space for my ponytail sometimes )  My helmets don't often get a chance to get worn out, cos I'm very often guilty of dropping them before they get old.   Hence the reason I look for an inexpensive helmet too.

I do find that they fit larger than an HJC.  For instance, a medium fits close to the same as an HJC Large.  (no measurements, just based on the feel on my skull.)  The Zox has a slightly more snug feel than the HJC.  I came out of a Med CL-14 to a Med SuperComp Zox, and I feel it's tighter, but basically the same fit.  It's also marginally quieter than the HJC was.

edit: You know what?? There's a chance Joseph has a few helmets there.  I seem to recall that he ordered a "few" when we ordered ours last fall... Give him a call maybe and see?  432-0858

[PitterB4]

Just my $.02...  I haven't measured but I'm guessing I'm a similar sized mellon.  I had an ICON Mainframe.  It fit great when I got it.  It compressed...  and was sloppier than I was comfortable with.  My medium Scorpion is snug but comfortable.

[Snubnose]

The other thing you can do is go talk to someone that wears one a lot. 

I just called. Evidentally they have quite a few in stock right now, so one day this week I'll go down and try the two sizes on for half an hour each to end this internal anguish.

One thing, with this being my Third helmet,, I want to avoid the "helmet that given enough wind, pulls up on your face when doing 150K"

[Red01]

OK, When I was trying on Zox helmets at the recent bike show, Both sizes fit, M and L, and I could really go either way.

Based on what you said above, I'd go with the M.  Foam will compress some over time (as you mentioned), and therefore, I feel, the M would be the better choice.

My 2¢

[stormi]

One thing, with this being my Third helmet,, I want to avoid the "helmet that given enough wind, pulls up on your face when doing 150K"

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that's a sign of the helmet being too big, and able to move around, no?  I've hit 150K, and the Zox hasn't moved.  The first helmet I had - strangled me, and the HJC moved some, but there was no loss of breathing ability.  My helmets have gotten consecutively tighter....

[TK421]

With the chinstrap properly secured, if you grasp the helmet and try to move it around, you should feel the skin on your face and scalp moving, not the helmet.  If you can make the helmet slide around (or worse, off) it's too big.

Here's the best FAQ page on motorcycle helmets I have seen:  webBikeWorld Helmet FAQ

[RDGRider]

Snubnose,

Give these guys a call.

http://www.helmetharbor.com/

When I bought my Zox helmet I called them and they were able to tell me how the helmet fit compared to other brands I was familiar with.  The guy I talked to even tried the helmet on.  I was like you and I got the medium.  It fits snug but very comfortable.  Although I didn't end up getting my helmet from them, I have purchased a jacket and some gloves from them and they were great to deal with.

[Snubnose]

Snubnose,

Give these guys a call.

 

[Snubnose]

OK, When I was trying on Zox helmets at the recent bike show, Both sizes fit, M and L, and I could really go either way.

OK, Got my helmet from Scona Cycle in Edmonton (Locally), "Joe" brought both sizes in with no deposit required from me. He said that if I can wear both sizes and the Large is very comfortable now and the Medium is quite snug, but comfortable in a snug way, then to go with the Medium, as the pads will "pad out".  I realize now (while trying on several at the shop) that the other Medium I tried on at the bike show was a "Spectra" model, and not a "Supercomp" model and a such the two fit very differently, the Spectra is much, much tighter and hurt the frontal lobe in the Medium Size. The Large in the Supercomp did fit comfortably but I could feel the Delayed effect of weight shifting as I shook my head around (if that makes any sense)

Joe also gave me 15% off the reg price of $169.99 CDN. Incredible value for the money really!,Only ended up paying $151 including Tax (cheaper than off eBay when you include $40 for shipping to the North!).  So much better than my old HJC or even my 4 year old ICON!

And Yes Tammi, He is the Same "JOE" I knew from my other motorcycling friends (Used to race an sponsored sv650), I had a suspicion all along - Small world huh?

BTW, thanks for all the advice guys!

[Rocketjock]

I'm thinkin of goin for a Zox flipface with a retractable visor. My present HJC flip is quite noisy. Does anyone know if the Zox flip is quiet? For 200 bucks I'd just wouldn't see how.