Helmets for my giant noggin

[allegro 0]

Hey all,

I'm a brand new player who's been working on getting the time and energy to learn hockey for the last few years. I'm now set it as an absolute must-do for 2012 and am starting with my local rink's learn to play hockey program. I had purchased a full set of gear in 2006-2007 and it still all fits well, despite my gaining about 30 lbs since then.

I've got a lot of weight to lose before I'll be in the 'healthy' range and I'm hoping hockey can be a great tool to help me with that, but one problem I'm having right away is that my helmet (NBH 4500 in XL) no longer fits. All of the screwed-in adjustment points are all the way out, and while I can fit it down over my head, there's a significant amount of pressure on two spots on the back of my head (same spot, different sides). I tried wearing it for about 20 minutes just to see if I needed to get used to it, and when I took it off I immediately got a headache, so I'm guessing this is going beyond 'snug fit' to something that needs to get corrected. I'm 6'6" so I'm used to having to try and find stuff in odd sizes... but I can't seem to find much in the way of resources for large helmets.

I'm waiting for a call back from my LHS to set up some time to see the chief guru there to see if he has any ideas, but I figured I'd check on here too.

[AIREAYE 248]

IMO your buddy at the LHS seems to be your best option as he's the only one who can have a look at different helmet fits, not us here. Though people will naturally suggest larger-fitting helmets, your best route is to wait for that call-back and get over there.

[ruffage 6]

I have a pretty big head as well. When I was shopping for a new helmet a couple of years ago or so, the only ones that fit me were the Reeboks. I went with the 6K. Assuming they fit the same/similar in the new model line, I would try those for sure. Very comfy too!

[SouthpawTRK 1]

I have a large skull myself; my hat size is close to 7 7/8". I tried on various helmets, but the one that fit my head the best was the RBK 4K in XL. The helmet fit very comfortably; not painful pressure points and no headache after a game. Best of luck with the search for a new bucket and for having the goal of learning to play hockey!

[Chadd 916]

Unlike hats, that will form to any head shape, helmets have to be the correct size and shape for your head. The best solution is to try on as much as you can and go with what feels best. RBKs are a good option for those with wider heads. CCM V08s work for large heads that are a little more narrow. If you have the ability to try on a few more helmets and are still having issues, let us know and perhaps someone will have had a similar problem and can share their experiences as well.

[allegro 0]

Well, this turned out to be a non-issue - was able to get in to see the LHS dude and it turns out the teenager who had taken an initial look didn't know what he was doing - the helmet was NOT all the way out and in fact wasn't even adjusted the same on both sides. After pulling the earpieces off it fits really well.

[wrangler 157]

That makes a lot more sense than the 4500 XL being that tight.

[stuie7 6]

I have a huge head and my Mission Intake fits perfectly, worth a look if you can still find one..!

[bar down 1]

i to have a large head and went rbk

[Chadd 916]

The issue was resolved, no need to continue piling on.