Helmet Pains...!

[rgarrioch]

Wondering if any readers have had similar woes -
I've used the same yellow Arai Signet GT since 2000, no accidents or damage caused so far, across 4 different bikes. A couple of years ago, I started noticing pressure-pains / aches, & it's now at the stage where I have to stop every 50 miles to get the helmet off, although simply being 'still' with the helmet on (eg. stopping for petrol) seems to alleviate the pressure too.
Going to find a new helmet in the next couple of weeks - just wondered if anyone else has found helmet ache developing from an Arai, & if you found a brand since that has been trouble free?
(p.s. I had a Shoei just after passing my test, & that was worse, with aches developing 10 - 15 mins into any ride!)
Thanks for reading,
Rob.

[Rubberchicken]

Then the shoei just didn't fit properly.

Guessing it'll be your forehead that's the sore spot? BTDT, I've got an arai head, nothing else fits me. You could try lightly compressing the relevant bits of foam with your thumb, it won't need much. I did this on my new TourX3 and it made all the difference between hurting like hell after 20 minutes and being troublefree.

But then, 10 years out of a lid... Time for something fresh anyway, even if it's an arai.

It's not the accumulating layer of cruft inside that makes your helmet tighter, right?

[tramp]

hi its a little known act that as we age our bodies change shape and that includes our heads, yours has just changed so a new helmet is the only option and at 10 years old is well ove due a change as we all only have one head unless your from Mars.

[rgarrioch]

layer of cruft

Suggesting I'm a dog fanatic?
I thought I had an Arai shaped bonce too, but perhaps the head-mutation over the years hasn't helped. Must admit I hadn't thought of manipulating the polystyrene...

[tramp]

if you really wanted to keep the helmet and change its shape try a hot air heat gun on the pressure points [polystyrene] never tried it myself.

so maybe get a bit from a skip and try it out first to see what happens, or try a small grinder head in a Dremel etc and sand/grind a bit away

[StumpyFingers]

After 10 years the foam and padding will compress, this will lead to the Helmet not fitting as it should, as you ride the wind pressure will force the helmet to move causing the pressure point. Time for a new one I think.

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Nothing seems to fit my noggin like an Arai too (shame 'cos they're a bit noisy).

Try & track down the Arai service team at larger bike shows and sometimes race meets - they can work wonders, altering various parts of the lid for a perfect fit, they will also examine the helmet inside & out & give it a clean bill of health - and no they don't condemn a lid just because it's 10 years old!!!

All FOC unless they fit new parts.

Phil

[rgarrioch]

Tend to think my problems maybe are due to length of service / gradual changing of inner shape, although I haven't done a helluva lot of riding through those years, probably average about 4k miles p/a.
Loved the look of Arborists lid at TLD last year, which was one of these I think

But doubt I'd tolerate the extra buffeting with that visor thing... Doubt anything will match Arai's quality, but going to try & look at the Shark range at the weekend - no side-pods for noise reduction... Decisions, decisions

[Mabels Old Man]

After 10 years I think you need a new lid. They're only supposed to last 5 - 7 years and you've only got one head!

[jasonbc]

Then the shoei just didn't fit properly.

Guessing it'll be your forehead that's the sore spot? BTDT, I've got an arai head, nothing else fits me.

Perhaps you have a deformed head