I have come to the conclusion that I have a very odd shaped head. I first asked a simillar question a couple of months ago and have spent the time since trying helmets any time I go anywhere near a bike shop. And I am struggling to find one that is a good fit.
So, IXS Trail RS Evo wearers. Do you too have an odd shaped head? More specifically, my head seems to be particularly wide just behind the top of my ears. With the result that many full coverage trail/enduro helmets nip a bit in that area. MY head measures 58cm which is around the max for most companies medium size lids but large versions always seem way too big.
So far, only the Giro Chronicle in medium seems to be anything like a decent fit but still isn't perfect. Plus, I was hoping to get something with a full shell wrap, hence the question about IXS.
Other half has a Bell Super 3 in medium which is also almost a good fit as in it feels the right shape but it is possibly just a bit too snug overall and I suspect it will get hot.
You sound like you have a similar shaped head to me (size-wise too). Large are usually too big and some medium are usually too small.
Troy Lee A1 in M/L is a good fit for me. Also, Bluegrass Goldeneyes in medium was probably the best fitting helmet I've had.
I tried a variant of the IXS Trail RS a year or so ago and it was just way too thin to even go on my head (that was a medium). Might be worth trying a large in that as I thought it came up small.
I find the IXS a similar fit to giro if that helps, maybe slightly more roomy
Similar here, wide head above ears with a few lumps. Most lids rub front and back, my large sweet one is terrible. My ixs trail is really nice, fits really well but totally subjective so try one on.
@johnw1984 cheers!That's a couple of lids I haven't had the chance to try yet, but will have a good look out for them.
@yoshimi Cheers! That could be useful to know. Kind of depends which model Giro though. The Chronicle almost fits me but the Montaro is a realy bad fit.
@nickdavies Cheers! Would like to try one but can't find any stockists locally. Will probably order one to try but thought I'd ask on here first to see if it was going to be another waste of time and return postage.
Heads up if you go for the IXS. Bike discount are selling them for £60
Ah - Montaro and Xen
I have a M/l Ixs trail Rs, which replaces a large Giro Zen.
They both fit me just fine. The ixs is only just big enough, but it’s a great snug fit.
I’ve got a too wide a head for any other brands helmets. The IXS helmets are not the most durable however, as I’ve broken the inside plastic fittings on 2 of them already. Lasted 3years tho, so not too bad.
weirdly I have a very narrow long head and these helmets are the only ones that have ever properly fitted me snugly and without looking like a mushroom
Cheers guys! All good info, they do seem to fit a wide range of head shapes. All of the pro reviews I have read about them says they seem to fit a wide variety of heads. I supose, if the retention system is good enough then it might not matter if the shell is a bit large in places.
The ixs trail RS Evo is being replaced by the ixs trigger
Yes I just saw that the other day. Wonder how they size up. Interesting how they don't offer a mips version. I wonder why.
I’ve ordered one. I don’t like mips. I’m selling my bell sixer helmet, purely because of the mips.
Update - for anyone who is considering one of these and wondering about shape etc.
CRC currently have the camo versions of these on offer for £44.99 so I took a chance and ordered one. Hurray - it fits!
So, what can I say that might make sense. Well, I'll compare the fit to a Giro Montaro as most people should be able to try one of those in a shop. On my 58cm head the medium(55-59cm) Montaro is a good fit around the front half of my head but the low section behind the ears nips uncomfortably tight. The large(59-63cm)Montaro is just way too big. The M/L(58-62cm) IXS is a comfortably snug fit(can still fit a thin hat under it) around the front half of my head and is nice and roomy around the back behind my ears.
So, in conclusion. I would describe the Montaro as fitting an oval that is a little wider at the front than the back. Whereas the IXS Trail RS Evo is the opposite shape and is wider at the back than the front.
Incidentaly, I did have the opportunity to try a Large Bontrager Rally MIPS In a store and that was a pretty perfect fit too but I didn't like the feel of the thin wires of the BOA system against my baldy head.
I got one of these when my Bell super 2 tried to cook my head last summer! The xl is the same size as the L (58 to 62cm) but in a wider fitting.I am at the other end of the fitting chart at 62cm but there is loads of adjustment.One thing I will warn you of is that the helmet comes to low point in the middle of your forehead and is in your field of vision at all times. To be honest it annoys me for a bit but when the first techcy bit happens and I have to concentrate I no longer notice it.