Like riding, helmets are all about feel. It's about how a helmet feels on your head, how you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror when wearing it, and how you feel when you shell out the dollars for your purchase. And, like feel, it's a very personal thing. Not every helmet is suited to every rider.
When you go looking for a helmet, the first thing to do is be sure it's certified by the SEI as meeting the ASTM standard for safety. There will be a tag in the helmet stating that. All other helmets are simply apparel and not at all protective.
Next, decide how much money you want to spend and the style you need. Then go try a bunch on. Caution: If you don't want to spend $150 for a helmet, don't waste your time trying one on. The pricier helmets definitely give you a cushier feel.
When you try on a helmet, be sure it fits snugly and sits level on your head (you should be able to see your eyebrows move up and down if you wiggle the helmet while it's on your head). It shouldn't tilt up or down. Secure the chinstrap correctly, not hanging loosely. Wear your hair the way you normally do when you ride, and keep the helmet on your head for more than just a few minutes. It should become less noticeable, if it's fitting comfortably.
Adjustments
The Charles Owen, LAS, Lami-Cell and the Troxel Grand Prix Classic helmets are sized in hat-size increments, such as 7 1/8". This means you choose the exact helmet size that fits your head best. Bear in mind that if you change your hair style or add a headband or ear warmer, you may well change the fit of that helmet. You could find yourself needing one helmet for wearing your hair up and another for wearing it down.
Other helmets are sized as small, medium or large. These helmets have fitting-adjustment devices, either in the form of a dial, a push lever, a padding system or a combination. We especially like the Troxel Flip-Fold Headliner padding system, which is easy to increase or decrease padding and accommodate different head shapes well. You can adjust the fit at the sides, front or back. It's also removable and washable, and replacements are available for $9.95.
With both sizing systems, it's important to realize that a head measurement is only a reference to size. The shape of your head is important, too. Two people can both measure 7" but wear two differently sized helmets due to their head shape. That's one of the reasons it's tough-but not impossible-to order a helmet via the Internet or a catalog. That 7" in the Charles Owen may feel totally different than a 7" LAS, let alone a helmet marked S-M-L.
There's sometimes variation in shape among the same brand helmets. But that's good, really, so that if you have your heart set on a Troxel, you should find one that works for you. Frankly, as a manufacturer, Troxel goes overboard in helmet choices. They even offer two different adjustment choices, both that come with the Flip-Fold insert system.
The Troxel GPS III is a tensioning mechanism you push or pull apart for a close fit. This style comfortably accommodates long hair styles and pony tails. We found it difficult to adjust while on our head and found ourselves taking it off and on again to adjust properly. However, it's comfortable once it's set.
The Troxel GPS II is a soft-touch dial system, which allows the rider to tighten or loosen the fit with one hand. We found it easier to use, but it's not quite as comfortable as the slide, and it doesn't work well with a pony tail. If you like the dial system, try the Aegis helmets from Devon-Aire. Their dial system was a bit more comfortable and just as easy to use.
