Helmet Size: Size down or up?

[Thepandamancan]

So I have a rather large head and have a tough time buying hats and now helmets. I'm usually in between sizes (7 1/2). I was wondering what is better: getting a helmet that fits snug at the largest setting or getting one that you size down (almost) all the way?

I wear a skull cap which makes a perfectly fitted helmet at the largest setting fit a lot tighter. When I go a size up and fit it down, it's slightly more comfortable but feels looser.

Any safety benefits/disadvantages to either? I play in a beginners roller hockey league. It's non checking but guys can't skate and crash into one another.

[blueberrydanish]

Thats same hat size as me and I wear a large in bauer helmets. I have plenty of room to adjust bigger or smaller for it too. So that would be my suggestion.

[Gino 14]

Try before you buy. I have a fat head, 7 5/8, and can't get a Bauer to fit but the CCM is great. You really need to try them on to see how they fit, your head shape and size may not work for one but will for another.

[Crosbyfan]

Originally Posted by Thepandamancan

So I have a rather large head and have a tough time buying hats and now helmets. I'm usually in between sizes (7 1/2). I was wondering what is better: getting a helmet that fits snug at the largest setting or getting one that you size down (almost) all the way?

I wear a skull cap which makes a perfectly fitted helmet at the largest setting fit a lot tighter. When I go a size up and fit it down, it's slightly more comfortable but feels looser.

Any safety benefits/disadvantages to either? I play in a beginners roller hockey league. It's non checking but guys can't skate and crash into one another.

Assuming equal fit and equal helmets:

Generally you get more protection at the smallest setting (Good luck finding one at 7 1/2 at smallest setting though)

[noobman]

Something in the middle gives you leeway for both.

I had to shrink my helmet a bit when I started shaving my head, but I bought one in anticipation of growth, and had to replace it.

Actually, you should be replacing your helmet every 5 years or so. I don't know about the more expensive ones, but your mid-range helmet will start to fall apart by then and the padding will lose its shock absorbing ability.

[CptKirk]

Try it on. Though I would go with the one that you can adjust down in case you ever get rid of that skullcap, if you can. But the shape of each helmet and the individual sizing may be very different- my 7 LO head fits a Bauer 5000 in medium nicely, but is way too narrow for a 1052 tacks helmet (same fit as the RBK line now) in the same size, even adjusted as small as it'll go.