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So, I've had a Giro Xen for nearly 5 years, it's had a fair few knocks and I need a new helmet. The Xen has been good but for a while I've noticed it slips down my forehead when riding bumpy stuff at pace. So although comfortable it's perhaps not the best fit.
So I bought a Giro Xar. It's not comfortable. There seems to be a pressue point centrally on my crown. Helmet returned.
I bought a Giro Hex. Practically the same. Back it went.
I bought a Spesh S-Works Prevail. Much more comfortable yet not quite right. Very light but I look like a total tool in it. Like the Toad character from Mario with a massive mushroom on my head. Back this went too. Yes...I know...vain 🙂
This morning a Bell Variant arrived. Nice helmet. Again, much more comfortable than the Xar and the Hex yet there is an element of rattle when wearing it. Which may result in the slippage that I'm getting from the Xen. So this will go back too.
Grrrrrr. Am I over thinking this? Do I have a mis-shaped cranium? What should I try next? The amount of returned postage I've paid could have bought a helmet in it's own right.
For info, I've measured my head as per the usual guidelines (1 inch above eyebrows) and it's just over 58cm. Therefore I'm buying Medium helmets which usually have a 55-59 sizing.
are you attempting to put your lbs out of business?
if you are vain why would you wear a helmet at all 😉
Can you not just add a couple of the supplied pads to the Xen to stop it sliding?
Or just wear the Spesh?
You can't be THAT vain, surely? 😀
Or, radical idea I know, go into a proper shop and try a few on, then buy one from them?
Unless you're in the middle of nowhere, of course.
Uvex. They have a proper cradle inside rather than a bit at the back that pushes your head into the helmet at the front. The most comfortable helmet I've ever owned.
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=76402&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_name=UnitedKingdom ]An example, other dealers are available[/url]
Can't comment on your vanity, but I found the Fox Flux a very similar fit to the Xen, with similar good rear coverage. I'd say it's worth persevering until you find something you're happy with, I spent absolutely ages looking for a new road lid earlier this year.
Kask Mojito is worth looking at, less mushroomy than most and seems to fit a wide range of head shapes.
Las Victory Supreme works best for me though
Sounds familiar.
I was on a Xen for years. Bought a Xar and it just wasn't quite the same. Had a look about and eventually went for a Poc Trabec race. It looks almost like a Xen, fits just like the Xen and you don't even notice that you are wearing it after about 5 minutes. The Poc also has a much better finish than the Giro helmets that I've had. The finish on Giro seems to have gone downhill in recent years.
The Poc is expensive but Amazon are the cheapest by far!
Gordymac
Everyones head is different, most helmets are the same shape inside.
You may have to wear something on your head like a Buff to make it comfy or use some pads, or take a knife to the inside, its only polystyreen.
Or just dont bother wearing one.
Grrrrrr. Am I over thinking this?
Just a bit.
....and here endeth the lesson about going to your LBS to try on helmets before you buy them.
Try on helmets at LBS, decide which one you want, ask them to pricematch.
If they don't pricematch, give them half the money you've saved as a tip for letting you try their stuff on when you've no intention of buying.
Thanks folks. Of course I'm not THAT vain but the Prevail just didn't look right 🙂
Indeed, a mate has suggested visiting the LBS although, with most shops stock and products is often limited.
Thanks for suggestions folks. Will check out Fox, Uvex and Kask. I think the POC maybe TOO much of a helmet but it's worh considering all the same. They are damn expensive too.
The other two helmets I'm also going to consider are 661 Recon and Met Kaos UL as they seem to be broader size ranges.
The hunt continues...
I tried on Urge Enduo-matic but went for a POC because I wanted it more ! Both of these have great protection for the back of your head.
I have a Uvex XP100 (new on is an XP CC) which is one size fits all and have just bought a Met Kaos UL in the Wiggle Sale which seems fairly adjustable too.
Have to say that considering the Met is twice the price of the Uvex at full RRP, it isn't anywhere nearly as well made and feels like a much cheaper item.
In two minds whether or not to send it back and just get another Uvex.
or take a knife to the inside, its only polystyreen.
Um, it's that polystyrene which has been specially designed to be strong in just the right places to provide protection* - hacking bits off isn't really sensible.
*Strictly, it's built to pass the standards and still be as light and fashionable as possible, which is not the same thing.
Keep the old helmet and spend your dosh on some kind of therapy/psychiatry. You're clearly nuts.
LBS...or visit a town/city with a few...shopping like when we were kids?
This must be costing a fair bit in postage.
I have the same issue with the pressure point when wearing my xar....buff underneath eliminates it completely.
I had the same dilemma. If the Spesh Prevail fitted well but was too 'mushroomy', have you tried the Propero II? A whole lot cheaper, same fit and almost the same looks, but not as wide as it doesn't have the same side vents.