Triumphrat

FunkyWilly · 10-22-2009, 12:04 AM

I bought a new SparX Corsa S07 Retro helmet. I had tried it on in a retail shop, thought the Large size fit pretty well, and then found it online for $50 less, so I ordered it from Competition Accessories: http://www.compacc.com/p.cfm/c/2011002/p/18786

Now that I have it at home and tried it on again, the fit is OK overall, but the cheek pads really seem to put more pressure on my face than is comfortable. It may just be that my old helmet was a little big on me (which I think it is), but the new one is just a bit snug on the face. Do helmet pads tend to compress and "mold to your head" over time, or is it likely that it will always feel like this? I'm hoping it will "break in" but I haven't had much experience with new helmets, so I'm looking for advice.

In all other respects, I think this is a really nice helmet.

Thanks,
Willy

LittleJoe · 10-22-2009, 12:41 PM

Yes, the padding does start to compress and breakdown over time.

aceuggy · 10-22-2009, 12:46 PM

The pads can be taken out and replaced if they are too big/small.

Coroja · 10-22-2009, 01:13 PM

Willy,

Give it a little time, the pads will compress some and you will become accustomed to the tighter fit. Soon your old helmet will feel like you have stuck your head in an oil drum. Rest assured, you didn't make a mistake; buying a new one that doesn't feel too tight, that IS a mistake!

FunkyWilly · 10-22-2009, 01:35 PM

Thanks for the reassuring replies. According to the SparX website regarding fit, it says to measure the circumference of your head 2 cm above your eyebrows. Mine measures 23" and according to the Sparx sizing chart, that's a size Medium. There's no way a Medium would fit, so I'm thinking that I'm probably good with the Large. It's snug but I think it's good. I did try the identical helmet on in a store and it fit pretty well -- and XL was way too big.

When I bought my first motorcycle (a used Yamaha V-Star 650) 4 years ago, the seller included 2 helmets. One was a half-helmet that was way too big, and the other was a HJC full-face, which I thought fit well, so I just started using it. There was no size indicated anywhere in the helmet, so I don't know whether it was L, XL, or whatever. I know that I probably should have bought a new helmet right off the bat, but I couldn't find one that I thought fit well, so I just stayed with what I have. Then I bought my second bike this summer (Triumph Speedmaster) and decided it was time for a new helmet too. I tried a bunch of different brands at stores... I thought the Bell and SparX seemed to fit best, so I wound up with the SparX.

Again, thanks for your replies. I did send an email to SparX, since they do offer replacement cheekpads, to see whether another set of cheekpads might fit my helmet but be less bulky, but I haven't gotten a reply yet.

-Willy