Modern Vespa

I'm after a new helmet, the old one having clocked up quite many good years already.

I started by checking out what's new out there, browsing comparison reviews.

Until I went to an actual store to try some on and got reminded why I learn next to nothing from all the reviews.

'Long oval' is the closest description of my head shape. This, with a bumpy backside, makes a good fit a bit of a challenge.

Now, I've seen many reviews comparing a 'round/ short oval head' helmet (e.g. many Shoei models) to a 'long oval' helmet (e.g. some Arai models).

How the heck one rider can compare these helmets, when his head clearly fits well only in one of the models?? Comfort, noise, ventilation....all depend on how well your head fits insides of the helmet.

They are comparing apples to oranges, right?

So, watching all these vids, did I just waste my time...

Yep, watch an expert describe proper fitting of a helmet....take that knowledge and spend an hour in the helmet section of a big motorcycle shop trying on helmets.
Then keep it on for 20 mins - see if uou still like it.
Anything else is guesswork.
O.S.

Another "long oval" here. Before even putting a helmet on, one of the first things I check is whether or not I can change the thickness of the cheek pads. It makes a world of difference.

Any good motorcycle dealer will take the time to properly fit you. That's why you never mail order a new helmet brand you've never used before. You'll get something that may fit weird, if at all. My co-worker just purchased a new helmet and when I saw it in the locker room, the first thing i said when I saw him was "How do you get your glasses on?". I know the brand and their not glasses friendly. He said he doesn't wear them when he rides! Not a fair trade-off and I have no idea why the brick and mortar store he purchased it from note this as well. Go to a GOOD motorcycle store and get fitted.

I would not say its a complete waste of time if the review talks about each helmet's features and functionality. This might come in handy when you're in the store tying to decide between two helmets with comparable fit/comfort.

I also tend to ask more educated questions while at the store if I've done an little recon beforehand.

This is a good point. I studied my current helmet and got reminded that I've added +5mm thicker cheek pads for this one too.

A fair point. I did pay attention to shield latches (looking for a FF helmet) after some comments in the vids.

Since you're in Europe, I believe Shoei, Schuberth, and Arai all have customized fit programs for their 22.06 helmets.

IDK anything about them firsthand, but it might be an option if you find a helmet you want to love that doesn't quite fit right.

ote="mayorofnow"]
Since you're in Europe, I believe Shoei, Schuberth, and Arai all have customized fit programs for their 22.06 helmets.

IDK anything about them firsthand, but it might be an option if you find a helmet you want to love that doesn't quite fit right.
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That's something I should study more, thank for reminding me.

Both Arai and Shoei seem to have models with either 'peel away' layers or changeable pads, but now that you mention this, I've seen something along those lines at least with Shoei.

Around here, I've also learned that Shoei and Arai helmets are not sold in the same places - don't know if this is a brand policy or a local twist, but makes comparisons just a bit harder.

The great thing about YouTube is that literally anyone can make a video and share their expertise.

The great thing about YouTube is that literally anyone can make a video and share their expertise.

I have a lot of bias on this, as both a YouTuber and as someone started his career working in a motorcycle dealership and doing Arai helmet fittings...

Honestly, I *hope* you can still learn about some of the specs and features of the helmets from the videos... but I don't know if you can learn them any faster than you could checking out the helmet manufacturers' own websites. The manufacturer's know they need to communicate the most amount of information in the most efficient way because internet attention spans are...

Flip side to that is... The manufacturers are all going to say their helmets are great... You have to hope that your youtuber knows good from bad and can explain it...

All in all... not a total waste of time, but my vote, get your head in some shells and talk to some shops, and make sure they know more than you do, otherwise leave immediately and go some place else.

I really have to go to the shop and try the helmet on. I am a Ronald Roundhead.
I do not like the full bell helmet. I prefer the flip front.

Bob Copeland

This isn't a small deal here: the shape of a helmet might work out fine, but the pads might be too tight or loose. That being said, you do want the fit to be snug. Also remember that those pads do break-in over a short time: when I got my second HJC RPHA 70 ST (after my first accident last year) it took over a month of wearing for the cheek pads to settle-in comfortably, just as it did with the first RPHA. Unfortunately, just before things got properly comfy, I had my second accident in December. When I got my third RPHA last month (sigh…) I chose to pull the pads from the second RPHA and use those in the new helmet, so now I have a spare pad set whenever I need 'em. At least I know what works now. Agreed: reviews can cover certain details I might otherwise miss, and subsequently deem important. I've done my own crash-test-dummy work, however.

Online reviews will likely only give you enough information and details to eliminate some helmets for your consideration. There is no replacement for going to a physical store and handling the helmets first hand. hopefully a good sales person is on hand to help you with more difficult questions..