Is this no longer a thing? I received a Smith helmet in the post yesterday and the padding inside is minimal and there were no additional pads supplied. I'm between a M and a L so went L. The only way to achieve a good fit is via a few more pads i think, otherwise im over reliant on the ratchet at the back which creates a bit too much pressure on the back of my skull. Why cant they supply a few extra pads FFS?
Why cant they supply a few extra pads FFS?
Cost for one, and it probably needs to fit properly without extra padding to meet any certification.
At a guess.
Padding and cradles do not affect fit - only comfort. the key component of fit is the gap between shell and head. If that gap is too big the helmet is grossly compromised in effectiveness.
Return the helmet and get one that fits properly
But its the comfort thats the issue. When the cradle is nipped up snuggly, the fit is fine, but the Smith has these very small grips that concentrate all the cradle grip on two points just above the neck / base of skull area. If i release the cradle the helmet becomes loose, if i tighten it up a click or two the helmet stays put but the two points cause discomfort.
If you have to nip the cradle up the shell is too big. Read the TRL research ( very pro PPE) on helmets
But you always have to nip the helmet up don't you. With almost zero padding, a smooth inner shell and my grade 3 haircut any helmet would slide all over the place without the cradle being done up properly.
NOt if you have the right size shell and the chinstrap is done up properly. Can you get a finger in the gap between shell and head at any point? If so the shell is too big.
I have a roll of self adhesive insulation, like neoprene.
I used it on my on one lid to stpp it slopping around.
Dm me on here amd i will send you a length
Its 6mm thick and dries out well and doesnt retain moisture, in fact its better yhan the chinesed padding in there already
its an arse (especially with covid!) but if it doesnt fit nice send it back and get a different lid that fits nice.
Hmmm I have just done TJs finger under the lid thing and yes, i can get a finger in there. Annoyingly i have cut the labels off and these are supposed to remain on for an Alpine Trek return. But i have emailed them to see what they can do.
I've bought several kids and skateboard/bmx helmets that came with different thickness padding. The fitting advice I've always followed is 2 fingers above the eyes, doesn't move when shaking head, doesn't slip off when bent over and no more than two fingers inside chinstrap. Different padding is provided to achieve that.
From ROSPA:
"Padding can also be added to the helmet to get a better and more comfortable fit"
Source:
Singletrackmind - Thats a really kind offer. I'll see how i get on with sending it back first. Cheers
Helmets are like shoes, if it doesn’t feel right then move on to another model, it will never be comfortable otherwise.