Helmet Sizing

I'm making my debut in wheel-to-wheel at Road America in a few weeks, and have been working on getting the necessary gear together. I've been able to get loaned equipment that will cover most of the requirements, but want my own helmet. Speedway Motors has the cheapest new Snell-cert'd helmet I could find (I know I know, buy the helmet that matches the value of your head; money's tight, and I probably won't be doing much racing before the certification expires anyway). Its a Stroud helmet (there are two models, each $150). They have a no-return policy on clearance items, so I want to get the right size the first time.

I measured my melon (string wrapped about an inch above eyebrows) and comparing against their sizing chart, I'd be... above their highest measurement. Highest size on chart is XL, I'd guess I'd be a XXL by their reckoning.

I know helmet sizing varies brand to brand, but I wear a large motorcycle helmet, and am having a hard time believing I'm a XXL.

Anybody have any thoughts or insight on this? Anybody got a certified helmet for a fat-head they want to sell me cheap?

Don't know about that brand, but Jegs may have cheaper options. Mine was under a bill. Opposite problem. Tiny melon. Can't help you with that brand issue, though. no clue.

Is there any place near you that sells helmets? You really should try it on for optimum fit. Also, a helmet should fit very snuggly to begin with; it will "loosen up" after wearing it a few times.

I broke my helmet in by sitting on the couch with it on while playing Forza Motorsports 4. My significant other at the time thought I was nuts.

Sky_Render wrote: Is there any place near you that sells helmets? You really should try it on for optimum fit.

My thoughts as well - different brand helmets have different shapes, and you need one that fits comfortably. In my case, Simpson helmets fit well but Bell helmets don't work - no matter what size they give me a headache within a few minutes.

It can be tricky - as mentioned the helmet should be snug, but you want to make sure it's not going to turn into a torture device either.