Helmet fit & buying experiences?

[Stig / Major Tom]

I get a lot of compliments on my helmet.....well, actually it was just one guy, "Day-em! That's a BIG helmet!"
I wear a XXXL or a XXXXL, depending on the brand.
While shopping for my first scooter at my local power-sport dealer, I waded into their 100's of helmets. ALL of the equipment sales people are young females wearing too much make-up and their little sister's jeans and tank-tops. {you get the picture of what I'm dealing with}
Two girls trying mightily to get me to agree that their L or XL or XXL helmets fit me.
Three visits later I'm still trying....finally the senior sales lady - perhaps the grandmother of the girls (I like to think of her as the "Madam" of the flock) - pushed through the girls and dug out an old dusty box containing a modular HJC helmet in XXXXL size which fit perfectly. I asked her for a group hug.*

3 days to get a helmet. The parts and service depts. were just as impressive - hence my new-found hobby of DIY scooter repairs.

I watched several videos on helmet sizing - the best advice I heard was to try it on,  and walk around for 20 mins  to see if it is comfortable, yet very snug in the right places.

I also learned that this drives sales people c r a z y! 

*My wife chewed me out for coming home & buying the helmet from Revzilla. Considering the damage they did for 3 afternoons to my ears and nose & glasses - they should have agreed to a group hug.

How went your first helmet buying experience?
Stig

[ScooterLar]

How old is the helmet? Most helmets have a tag with a date on them inside the helmet. You don't want a helmet that's been sitting on the shelf for several years because they deteriorate over time. Helmets should be replaced after 4 years or so.

[Stig / Major Tom]

How old is the helmet? Most helmets have a tag with a date on them inside the helmet. You don't want a helmet that's been sitting on the shelf for several years because they deteriorate over time. Helmets should be replaced after 4 years or so.

The white HJC from Revzilla was fine - then I upgraded to a yellow NOLAN last summer.
Wife planted summer squash in Big White.
Stig

[Mr. Paul]

I ordered an HJC full face helmet on line from Revzilla. Just measured my head and it fits fine.

[GLV55]

Luckily, my local scooter dealer carries a large variety of G-Max helmets, from half to 3/4 to modular to full, in a bunch of sizes and styles. I won't buy a helmet unless I can try it on because even the same size in the same brand varies a bit from one type of helmet to the other. I'm lucky to have a head that fits consistently in most size L helmets they carry. Another reason I don't mail order a helmet - I want to support my local dealer. I guess Stig needs to move to Boise!

[blue]

Brother making fun of sister's bun. She's looking for a place to punch him that's not armored.
 
My sister would just take me down. one slug between the legs. 

[TroutBum]

Went to Road Riders in San Jose. The have a huge selection of MC accessories with Internet comparable pricing. Tried on six or seven brands and different sizes from each of their helmet until I found the right one, a Scorpion EXO 1100.

Too bad Revzilla is being sold to Cyclegear. Every time I walk into a CG store I ask myself why bother. The sales reps are your typical knowledge from the Internet wannabe bikers. They have no personal knowledge of any of what they sell or MCs in general and don't get me started about them and scooters. 

[randyo]

How old is the helmet? Most helmets have a tag with a date on them inside the helmet. You don't want a helmet that's been sitting on the shelf for several years because they deteriorate over time. Helmets should be replaced after 4 years or so.

that is fear mongering, unless the helmet is placed where it is exposed to ultraviolet light or corrosive fumes, an unworn helmet will not significantly deteriorate.   

[blue]

that is fear mongering, unless the helmet is placed where it is exposed to ultraviolet light or corrosive fumes, an unworn helmet will not significantly deteriorate.

So true...I have a few helmets I would love to keep.I like the outside shell.But the insides are all gone from roding away....Wish they would make replacemets for the insides............

[2wheelfun]

My reproductive organ requires an XXXL rubber to be squashed. You have a big head stig! I'm not bragging here.

[Stig / Major Tom]

So true...I have a few helmets I would love to keep.I like the outside shell.But the insides are all gone from roding away....Wish they would make replacemets for the insides............

Blue, if you're talking the hard foam padding I can't help.
But some companies do offer replacement soft pads, in different thicknesses as well to tighten or loosen a helmet fit. After riding in the winter with as many as two balaclavas on at the same time - my HJC helmet pads were a bit loose come summer. So I bought a replacement set from Revzilla (I think) and snapped them in to return to a nice snug  fit. Also good to do if you just want to freshen the guts of your helmet - smells better and looks clean and fresh.
BaddaBing, like a new helmet.
Stig