You are in an unfortunate situation since you are not able to try on several helmets. The bottom line is regardless of price that the helmet fits properly. It truly amazes me that people will go through all the trouble of learning how to ride, but will skimp on the very things that will protect them in the event of an unfortunate crash.
What you do get from the top two helmet makers Arai and Shoei is a solid fit and finished helmet. One of the major reasons that the helmets fit better is because they make different shells for different heads - makes sense so far right. On the off chance that a particular brand fits you well then go for it. You do want the helmet a little bit snug as the foam will form to your head. A majority of riders I have seen have helmets to big for their head. If you move the helmet up and down while strapped on it moves easily and shifts or left to right and does the same. A good fitting helmet will initally be a little tight and should be tight enough that when you lift up and down holds onto your head and doesn't just lift/shift. You don't want the vulcan mind skull tight, but snug is good.
You can find Arai's and Shoeis for less than the 400 - 600 premiums on ebay brand new.
What you do get from the top two helmet makers Arai and Shoei is a solid fit and finished helmet. One of the major reasons that the helmets fit better is because they make different shells for different heads - makes sense so far right. On the off chance that a particular brand fits you well then go for it. You do want the helmet a little bit snug as the foam will form to your head. A majority of riders I have seen have helmets to big for their head. If you move the helmet up and down while strapped on it moves easily and shifts or left to right and does the same. A good fitting helmet will initally be a little tight and should be tight enough that when you lift up and down holds onto your head and doesn't just lift/shift. You don't want the vulcan mind skull tight, but snug is good.
You can find Arai's and Shoeis for less than the 400 - 600 premiums on ebay brand new.
