Cutting a gel pad on a helmet?

[k13 0]

I have a NBH 5500, and the gel pads by the temples are pinching me. My 8500 doesn't do this. Is it possible to cut the gel padding, in order to create some more space for my temples? The helmet fits perfectly in every other way. I was thinking of stretching the helmet a bit (my visor is kind of pulling the plastic shell outwards already, so there's lots of free room for the foam), but i'm afraid of cracking the EPP.

Am I shit out of luck? No helmet out there fits my noggin except the 8500 (butt ugly), I figured the 5500 was close enough.

[sarmalidu 1]

Sure you CAN but these kinds of mods can often have unintended consequences in terms of protection. The problem you describe is part of why I personally hate the higher end helmets. I like the smooth style of padding on helmets like the Bauer 4500, RBK 4K, etc much more than the gel pad / styrofoam stuff on most of the more expensive helmets. I find that they contour and fit my head more snugly as a result (you have more surface area touching your head, reducing pressure points).

I guess the answer is "do so at your own peril" ;)

[k13 0]

Just wondering if I cut it, the gel won't 'leak out' or anything like that?

[starsfan71 9]

I wouldn't do it it would be extremly dangerous. Just use the 8500 it might be bulky and ugly but when your brain damaged it sure as hell won't matter what you look like.

[jarret_g 5]

Yeah i definatly wouldnt cut that pad if i was you. The one thing you can do is remove it and maybe replace it with something else. Have you tried on the easton s17? I had a similar problem in my Mission Intake after going through a worn out bauer 4000 but the easton solved the problem...it has a VN temple pad which is separate from the rest of the padding and is extremly comfortable

[Scoobersti 0]

I agree with what everyone else said about not cutting the pads. I would just wear your 8500.

[njd07 0]

Hey, I had the exact problem with my 5500. Take the plastic clear ear protectors out and problem solved.

[lampliter87 8]

Am I shit out of luck? No helmet out there fits my noggin except the 8500 (butt ugly), I figured the 5500 was close enough.

What helmets have you tried? There is definitely a difference in fit between the 8500 and 5500...