Helmet size?

Hello all, quick query. If my head measures 58cm, what size helmet do i need. I've seen some ranging from 58-62 in a large category and similarly, some ranging 54 - 58 in a medium category? (I would think a little extra room may accomodate my ego which unlike my tackle doesn't shrink at -10 - see thread 5 mistakes 30 % of women do)

Would the extra room allow for a hat or room to breathe or does it need to be tight?

It depends... helmet sizes and, more importantly, shapes do seem to vary a bit. An XXL Head Helmet claiming to be 58cm was too large for me (seemed too "wide", but about the right length), but an XL Salomon lid (also claiming to be 58cm) is a perfect fit.

So... really important that you try them for fit before you buy.

If there's room for a hat then it's way too big - many modern helmets have a lining / webbing arrangement that a) allows an adjustable fit and b) permits air to flow through between your head and the shell.

You definitely don't want it to be loose - snug but comfortable.

Admin, you have just saved me £40! Thank you kindly!

I would echo Admin's comment that it's something you need to try on. It's important that it sits on your head the right way. That the front is just above your eye brows and that it doesn't ride back or forward.

Trencher

I am not a helmet person, (yet). However, I would caution on any restrictions that helmets place on one's hearing.

I have a vivid everlasting memory of racing my son down the Niederau schuss, in the egg position, but, due to the extreme cold, and the consequent wearing of a Russian type hat, I could not hear.......

.....the piste machine coming towards me, until I looked up, and saw the churning blades, around 15 feet from me, with the white face of the machine driver in the cab.

I can verify that was the sharpest left turn of my skiing career.

Whatever head gear you wear, make sure that you can hear.

That's a good point Dave Mac. That's why I prefer a Full helmet and not the short type with pads over the ears. Inside the full (not full face) helmet there is nothing touching most of your ear and hearing is very good.

Trencher

My husband and I wear GIRO helmets. They have different shapes depending on your head - try them on because you need the right fit - firm, but not squeezy!
A friend bought the wrong shape when the sales assistant told her she was "between sizes", and it was way too big. She had my husband's shape helmet, tried mine on and it fitted perfectly.

You don't need to wear a hat under because they are quite warm, and if you get hot, there's a vent you can open for "air conditioning"!

I note the person who couldn't hear was not wearing a helmet. The Giros are a shorter helmet, and have some padding over the ear, but you can hear perfectly!

Most brands have different shapes.

Just remember you are negating the reason for wearing a helmet if they don't fit right! -)

Thanks for all the responses, i was initially gonna buy one from the bay, so i assume it may be best to buy one on hol? Are they much cheaper abroad?