Power Kite Forum

Helmet for a big head

Chip - 21-4-2004 at 01:22 PM

Hello,

I'm looking for a helmet for buggy and land boarding. The problem is that I have a big head and have had trouble finding one that fits good. Currently I have a bicycle helmet, but it only protects against top impacts. I'm looking for something with a little more side/back protection.

I've tried on some of the more prevalent brands of skateboard and snow board helmets at some local sports shops. Only one of them could even fit on my head, but not without squeezing my head something fierce.

My hat size is 7 5/8 (24 in or 62 cm)

Any suggestion on where to find a helmet for a large head?

-Chip

doomwheels - 22-4-2004 at 12:53 AM

In my opinion, the best helmets for kite traction are those used by paragliders and Moto-cross bikers (basically the same helmet, but the MX helmet usually costs less). This helmet style offers full-face protection, but has a wider sight range than regular motorcycle helmets. This allows you to see where you're going and what you kite is doing.

Regarding size... sorry, can't help you much there. You'll just have to find a shop and try out what they have. I just bought a motorcycle helmet (not for buggying) and noticed they had sizes up to XL. Hopefully you will have good luck once you narrow your search. Try shops selling one of the helmet styles I mentioned and let us know how you fare.

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helmet

Kiteboy - 22-4-2004 at 05:47 AM

I've been using the Giro nine9 MX (with visor) for about a year and I'm in the same space needing a large helmet. The Giro XL Nine9 is perfect for me, reasonably priced, and although designed for snowboarding and skiing, all the vent stops and ear flaps can be removed for all season use. It is also a very light helmet. The one draw back is that if you crash hard and the helmet absorbs tremendous impact then it is recommended that you have the helmet checked for cracks. I've taken some hard tumbles off the snowboard and my share of OBEs and the Giro has held up very well. It has been the most comfortable helmet for all season use.
kb

Kiteboy - 22-4-2004 at 10:10 PM

Chip
Any luck with a helmet?
kb

KYTE SLINGER - 23-4-2004 at 08:55 AM

CHIP
you'll be amaze on what you can find at the BMX bike shops online and at a good price on close outs.

Vented helmets are the way to go when the heat gets up there, I use to have a Giro, but it didn't have the jaw bone and all it takes is one time to face plant and you'll wish you had a good dential plan or that you spent the extra for the jaw bone

If your still having problems finding a MUT to fit your head go factory direct like FOX RACING INC, FLY RACING, O'NEAL to name a few

Chip - 29-4-2004 at 08:30 PM

I've found a local skateboard shop that has a skateboard style helmet mostly fits, but it doesn't have the front face protection.

I've looked at several local bike shops, but have had trouble locating any that carry more that a basic amount of BMX stuff, and mostly youth sizes.

I've done some searching online and found several sites with the different models mentioned, but only sizes ranging S to XL, and I don't trust that at all. I've tried on several "XL" helmets that I couldn't even get halfway on.

Does anyone know of any specific websites that have motocross helmets? But they need to list sizes with dimensions other than "XL", I need inches or cm to trust buying on online.

I also need to keep the cost down as much as possible, since I just blew my wad buying a complete used buggy rig. (PL Comp buggy, all 5 Quadrifoil X series kites, a Q2000 Qusic and enough spare bits to almost make another buggy, sans wheels.) So unless it's a real good deal, I'm leaning towards the skating helmet for now, and then maybe the MX helmet down the road.

Thanks for all the suggestions

Kiteboy - 29-4-2004 at 09:56 PM

Chip:
I know that the Giro nine9 MX comes in XXL and I think there is a version that comes with a face guard.
Have you thot about a paragliding helmet?
kb

Chip - 29-4-2004 at 11:11 PM

So where would one begin to look for a paragliding helmet?

Chip - 29-4-2004 at 11:37 PM

Scratch that last post, I've found a few online stores. But there a bit out of my price range for a while. And all of them are not vented, so I would think they'd be a lot warmer.

The basic one i found local is only $30. No face guard, but I do have a good dental plan, and I'm not going to be doing anything real extreme for a while as I try to learn the basics.

And I haven't had any luck finding a Giro nine9 with face guard. Though I did find one with built in headphones in the ear-pads!