Helmet help? Weird head shape?

[BackintheTack]

Ok so I tried really hard to read through many many helmet threads but I need help because I don’t even know what the issue is with my head and unfortunately I may have to result to online ordering from places that allow returns because I’m locally so limited.

im trying to figure out my head shape… I thought I was “oval” because my Troxel ES (fits round according to threads) gives me a frontal headache ESPECIALLY with my hair up (I show in hunters). When I bought it I tried it on with my hair up and it seemed fine. However I just tried it on and realised it actually squishes my sides. My temples are the narrowest part of my head so the squish is a couple inches above (I guess my head is sort of my square when looking from the front)

i bought a Tipperary t4 because I recalled trying on a sportage and it feeling alright but the t4 has way to much air on the sides and definately squishes front to side

ovation (the lower level basic style) is all awkward and just does not fit

i tried on a one k defender in large with my hair down and omg it felt great! However when I went to try it with my hair up the lady in the store wouldn’t let me and gave me a lecture about how that compromises safety. (On that note, i have long but very thin and fine hair that makes of those weird looking skinny pony tails)

i was able to find a one k defender at another store but they only carried the long ovals. I tried a large long oval and stuck my hair up and it was too round!! (Space on the sides but tight on the forehead). How is it that the large regular fit with my hair down but the large oval is too round with it up?

The only other option I have to actually try on helmets is to drive over 3 hours to a store that sells just high end like GPA CO and samshield. I don’t mind forking our for a well fitting and well ventilated helmet but am I only going to drive to be disappointed?

[js]

Have you tried Charles Owen? You may just have to try more to find the right one or consider wearing your hair differently. maybe a tight bun at the base of your neck.

[Go_Fish]

I feel your pain. I have a square head and the only helmet that fits reasonably well is a GPA.

I would try the Samshield. My understanding is that it fits somewhere between a round and oval and the lining makes it more adjustable. I know I can’t wear one, as much as I’d like to. The venting in that helmet is miraculous.

[BackintheTack]

I have ordered a samshield from an online tack store that has a good refund policy. The only reason I’ve been steering clear of CO Is because of the lack of vents. I have a big issue with heat exhaustion as I’m super sensitive and my Tipperary, as much as it’s uncomfortable, has been a saving grace.

i did consider doing my hair differently that might be hunter appropriate. I’ve tried various forms of braids and twists pinned into some sort of pattern at the back of my head but haven’t found anything that’s not horrendously uncomfortable. My Tipperary is a no go for all of that anyways because of how far the helmet comes down.

[Gamma]

Have you tried a no-knot hairnet instead of a pony tail? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQy9gQJM6FQ Also consider what pads can be added/removed. If I’m on the shelf about fit, I usually size down until it fits the size to my shortest dimension (potentially with the pads that come with the helmet) and then see how good the fit is on my longer dimension.

[MissCoco]

I know head size/shape is so variable, when I was replacing my last helmet I found so many threads where someone says a brand is for round heads and then in another thread someone says that brand is for oval heads, it gets very confusing!
For what it is worth, I used to wear a troxel that fit ok except for being tight in the forehead, and now I am in an IRH 4G, which comes with two different sized pads. I use the thinner pad in the winter (with a headband) and the thicker one in the summer, but other helmet companies with different pad sizing/thicknesses, could be another option to get a good fit with and without your hair up.
I believe the OneK defenders have replacement liners which can be purchased in different sizes, and I would wonder if other brands do as well.

Also if you are in a low tack shop area, I always look for tack shops when I am on vacation and have some downtime, or if we aren’t on a tight timeline and are driving past a large city. That is actually where I found my helmet. Many tack shops will ship to you, especially if they have to order something in. I’ve been doing this for a couple years now, and usually over the course of a year find myself reasonably close to a decent tack shop at least every 4-5 months.

[BackintheTack]

@Gamma

Have you tried a no-knot hairnet instead of a pony tail? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQy9gQJM6FQ Also consider what pads can be added/removed. If I’m on the shelf about fit, I usually size down until it fits the size to my shortest dimension (potentially with the pads that come with the helmet) and then see how good the fit is on my longer dimension.

yes I have a bunch of those hairnets. I find the thicker band though also gives me a headache. But I try on helmets with that one and try to reproduce the flatness with 2 hairnets

[mlm7914]

Have you looked at the CO SP8? I got one recently and I love it. I live in a really hot climate and other brands I tried weren’t cutting it. I was hesitant to try the CO because I remember how hot mine from the early 2000s were, but the SP8 has proven VERY comfortable for me! It actually has a little cutout in the font which they call an “air channel”. It allows my head to breathe while relieving some of the pressure from having my hair up. I was riding in an oneK and it was just too round, especially with my hair up. Might be worth ordering one from SmarPak or another company with a good return policy and give it a go.

[BackintheTack]

@mlm7914

Have you looked at the CO SP8? I got one recently and I love it. I live in a really hot climate and other brands I tried weren’t cutting it. I was hesitant to try the CO because I remember how hot mine from the early 2000s were, but the SP8 has proven VERY comfortable for me! It actually has a little cutout in the font which they call an “air channel”. It allows my head to breathe while relieving some of the pressure from having my hair up. I was riding in an oneK and it was just too round, especially with my hair up. Might be worth ordering one from SmarPak or another company with a good return policy and give it a go.

I’ll see if I can find one on a Canadian website! I was reluctant to go with any CO because I heard they were so hot and I have a serious issue with heat exhaustion! Do they fit like other CO?

[mlm7914]

It has been great for me! I live in a climate were it is consistently 90 degrees + and 100% humidity and I myself am also prone to overheat! I usually wear a 7 1/4 in CO and had to buy this one in a 7. I think I remember reading they recommend you size down in the SP8.