I've been riding for 40 years. I have always custom fit pretty much every helmet I've owned. It's not hard, just get some foam of varying thicknesses; use painters tape to temporarily install pieces to fill in loose fitting areas, and once you've got the helmet fitting how you want it, use spray adhesive to permanently or semi-permanently glue the pieces in place. That said, If I lived near one of these PFS dealers, I'd have them do it.
I went to PCP Motorsports to pick up my first motorcycle (2023 Yamaha YZF-R7), ended doing a Shoei PFS on my L-sized RF-SR (measurements say I’m supposed to be an XL) and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT… that very same sales associate in the video that convinced me into the Shoei PFS also talked me into buying an AlpineStar GP Plus R V3 ($580) with the back protector ($70), cuz I had a cheap fake leather jacket. I think he took pity on me so he didn’t charge me for the PFS ($60) cuz I had to pay for the PFS helmet padding ($16) along with everything else I bought. I didn’t give it much thought at the time about the PFS, but not a lot of people know about this service cuz of how new it is in the USA as they are testing the market. He did say out of the few I was the only guy in months to do the PFS. I started to pay attention to helmets after my PFS (cuz of my weird Asian-shaped head) I originally bought an Arai Quantum-X then returned it cuz of hot spots.
Bret without a HAT?! Surely a sign of an impending apocalypse. Great video Bret, I have a larger head and have had a few false starts with helmets over the years, would definitely use a service like this if it came to Ireland
I love Shoei helmets. My old NXR was fitted with measuring data. That was 5 years ago in The Netherlands. My current Hornet as well. It's a big difference!
I have been riding for 23 years now. Always used helmets that were too large (they felt comfortable for a while, and after 2 hours of riding, my forehead and ears started to hurt immeasurably). Then my husband went to a good store and got his helmet fitted. To our surprise, he was recommended a helmet that felt too tight. But it was actually the correct size, it did not budge. After getting used to it, he liked it a lot. So I did the same. Strangely enough, I found one ADV-helmet (I ride a sports tourer and removed the shield) which fitted me exactly. I bought it immediately, although it is not a super high-end bucket. Had it for 7 years, and now bought the exact same again. If they will ever retire this model, I am in trouble, because the search begins again. My head is a strange shape - small, but longish. Not so easy to fit. I tried a really nice Shoei once, but it did not work.
Just had two of my Shoei helmets done yesterday at a traveling P.F.S. demo for FREE! Made all the difference in the world. They can even make the helmet that you bought too large fit correctly. Check their schedule, they may be coming to a Shoei dealer near you.
Funny you upload this. I recently moved to Japan and a motorcycle gear shop I frequent has one of these Shoei custom fit stations. I always wondered what that fit station entailed. I got a big head, and I wear a Shoei XL RF1400 and luckily for me, it fits me perfectly. I was told that JDM Shoeis have a different shape for asian heads (which I am) but my USDM Shoei fits me perfectly (again, big head). Maybe after I get close to PCSing back stateside I'll get a JDM Shoei custom fitted.
Thanks for educating us about this system. I have a *really* hard time getting a good fit (even long oval isn’t long enough), so would go way out of my way to use this system. Thanks again.
I’m in Japan.. and it’s seriously helpful.. since we can’t get US shaped helmets.. we need to have it custom to fit correctly! I’ve had my fitting and then after a few weeks they tweaked it… been fine now over a year. Highly recommended!
Yeah. I always thought Bret has some kind of secret hidden behind this hat of his. But no he’s totally normal guy. I was expecting he’s an alien or something. What a disappointment 😂
I am in Japan. Since I started riding motorcycles 5 years ago, all of my helmets were purchased with the fitting service at the motorycle parts stores. Nice decent helmets are not cheap; so, I would like to make sure I get one with the good fit. Also, too big or too small helmets make your riding very unpleasant to say the least.
Long time Shoei wearer. They seem to fit my head well, though after this video I guess I can’t be sure. 🤣 I’ll look for a custom fit next time for sure.
That is the way it should be... I had to adjust my cushions (from here and there) when I bought a new - one size smaller helmet - the old one was too loose...
Where are the locations in the US? I’d love to do this. Helmet fitting is so hard and it seems no one knows how to do it. Thank you so much for the great content.
The mistake riders do is ordering helmets online and avoid running to shops to be measured. Most of the big store guys, go through training and provide great help. You don't have to buy at the store. I never had any issues with any helmet for 30 years now. Moreover, all helmets will break in after few weeks using them daily. This PFS is wonderful. HJC should do the same.
I too, have struggled with pressure points on my upper forehead and back of the head due to my “long-oval“ head. I’m guessing it was wrong to push the EPS liner in with my thumb at the pressure points… it makes sense that it may have been too big and riding too low. Definitely looking into this fitment for my next Shoei Hornet. For which I am now due…
Good to know, Bret. Hope that this P.F.S. comes over to Europe, since we can ride faster speeds. How much is that fitting service? Cheers, Günter/Nürnberg
Must admit I wasn't even aware of custom fitting of helmets. As a beginner rider instructor, I've placed a lot of helmets onto a lot of different heads over the last few years and have been asked to sell quite a few of my learners helmets for them, where they've incorrectly bought the wrong size without getting proper advice. As a rough guideline, if a helmet can slide onto one's head with gravity and even a bit of side to side wiggling, then its too large or the wearer has no ears. Helmets need to be pulled apart using the straps to clear one's ears. The next check is the squeezing of one's cheeks. Another handy test is to move one's head vigorously from side to side and check that the helmet keeps pace with the fast movements. A last check would be, if one can put one's helmet on using only one hand, then it'll probably be too big for you. Must admit, having watched many of Brett's lightning quick, cap/helmet switches over the years, he was probably conveniently wearing a size too large all along 😊
Thanks for the video and real food for thought. I have the worst time getting a helmet to fit me as I have, as Arai calls it, a Profile head. Even at that I get hot spots on my forehead. Looking forward to getting a fitted helmet for next season.
Finding a correctly fitting helmet is a pain in... Finding a correctly fitting helmet with the features you like is even worse. Shoei is on the right track. I would like to see a helmet manufacturer send you a box full of expanding foam. Stick the box over your head. Activate the the expanding foam to create a mould of your head, then return the box to have a custom helmet made. Shouldnt be to difficult.
I wish I had a Shoei head but I don't. It was either Arai or HJC for me and Arais well, they ain't cheap :) I was fortunate enough to find the rpha 70 that fitted like a glove, almost 100% uniform crown contact and cheek pads with no pressure points. Got a size M and after 5 years or so it's still snug. But yeah, this system sounds nice but I still doubt they would manage to fit one on my head. Back then I tried the NXR and the GT Air. Both were killing my temples in size M and were way too loose front and back in size L.
Where do we find a list of places with the P.F.S. ? I have a Shoei Neotec 2 that I just can't stand to wear. From the first ride it has hurt my head, I talked to Shoei tech support and changed cheek and head pads only to have a slight improvement. I've ridden in the helmet for around 2000 miles and while 500 miles away from home recently I went into a J&P cycles and bought another helmet just to get back home.
Thanks for doing this video @bretTkacs . Looks like the closest one to get a shoei PFS for Washington, would be to ride/fly to CA. One question though, Do they have to have your closest shell size available at the dealer to start the PFS ? The system suggests S for me, but not a single dealer here had an Small. Medium felt okay, but I'd rather have a near perfect fit for the $$. So if one flies down there, and then the dealer doesn't have your shell size on the specific model (say like X15.. which many dont even stock). Oh btw, your patreon link is broken :) .. might wanna remove the "/join"
The computer told me Med, they may have been able to make it fit with less work but I already bought a large before I arrived so we fitted that one to feel like the Med. The only downside is that when I order a new liner and cheekpads in a 2 yrs I will have to start over
I have a Neotec 2 for 4 years now, will change it soon for a GT Air 3 with Shoi Personal Fitting (60€). I also have the pressure point on the forehead but couldn't insert my head in a Medium size. Hopefully will be sorted out with the new helmet.
I wonder when will helmet manufacturers start designing custom moulded helmets, in a way like moulded ski boots. Not the same for sure, but some cross pollination of design knowledge must be possible.
I've found the break-in process a little tortuous. The pads only conform after a few weeks of riding. A new helmet that feels slightly snug when cold can feel too small after hours of riding on a blazing hot day.
@@BretTkacs$60 is roughly ZAR1200, which is what I paid for my current Stealth Adv-style helmet back in 2016. Not sure whether it'll pass all the minimum safety criteria but it sure has withstood a lot of usage, even as a blood sample courier rider, at one stage, as a retirement job. Of all the tumbles I've taken riding mainly dual-purpose bikes since '77, I never managed to put a scratch on any of the many helmets I've owned. Let's hopeI I won't be proved wrong with my under-spending on helmets hey 😢
Not worth it for me. Shoei hasn’t made a helmet that will fit on my head in about 6 years now. I used to love them. Then they totally changed their shape. I can’t even get a 2x down to my ears let alone over them. Some other brands I swim in the 2x. I just don’t buy the stretching out theory for a helmet either I know that’s what they say but I’ve never really had it happen. Except maybe with an old Shoei Quest. But I had wore that helmet for years. The cheek pads were hanging out of it and they no longer made refresh kits.
You can have a helmet you own fitted but most will charge a little extra. The standard is $60 for a fitting, $80 for a helmet you own. Rumer has it that PCP where I was will include a fitting with the purchase of a helmet and only charge for their cost for the inserts (around $16)
You’ve been buying helmets, have this channel, etc and didn’t understand that the media of the helmet that touches your head is going to naturally expand with use, so the first ‘fit’ should be on the side of ‘tight’? Come on ….are we kidding?
I've been riding for 40 years. I have always custom fit pretty much every helmet I've owned. It's not hard, just get some foam of varying thicknesses; use painters tape to temporarily install pieces to fill in loose fitting areas, and once you've got the helmet fitting how you want it, use spray adhesive to permanently or semi-permanently glue the pieces in place. That said, If I lived near one of these PFS dealers, I'd have them do it.
Absolutely
I went to PCP Motorsports to pick up my first motorcycle (2023 Yamaha YZF-R7), ended doing a Shoei PFS on my L-sized RF-SR (measurements say I’m supposed to be an XL) and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT… that very same sales associate in the video that convinced me into the Shoei PFS also talked me into buying an AlpineStar GP Plus R V3 ($580) with the back protector ($70), cuz I had a cheap fake leather jacket. I think he took pity on me so he didn’t charge me for the PFS ($60) cuz I had to pay for the PFS helmet padding ($16) along with everything else I bought. I didn’t give it much thought at the time about the PFS, but not a lot of people know about this service cuz of how new it is in the USA as they are testing the market. He did say out of the few I was the only guy in months to do the PFS. I started to pay attention to helmets after my PFS (cuz of my weird Asian-shaped head) I originally bought an Arai Quantum-X then returned it cuz of hot spots.
Bret without a HAT?! Surely a sign of an impending apocalypse. Great video Bret, I have a larger head and have had a few false starts with helmets over the years, would definitely use a service like this if it came to Ireland
I love Shoei helmets. My old NXR was fitted with measuring data. That was 5 years ago in The Netherlands. My current Hornet as well. It's a big difference!
I have been riding for 23 years now. Always used helmets that were too large (they felt comfortable for a while, and after 2 hours of riding, my forehead and ears started to hurt immeasurably). Then my husband went to a good store and got his helmet fitted. To our surprise, he was recommended a helmet that felt too tight. But it was actually the correct size, it did not budge. After getting used to it, he liked it a lot.
So I did the same. Strangely enough, I found one ADV-helmet (I ride a sports tourer and removed the shield) which fitted me exactly. I bought it immediately, although it is not a super high-end bucket. Had it for 7 years, and now bought the exact same again. If they will ever retire this model, I am in trouble, because the search begins again. My head is a strange shape - small, but longish. Not so easy to fit. I tried a really nice Shoei once, but it did not work.
Just had two of my Shoei helmets done yesterday at a traveling P.F.S. demo for FREE! Made all the difference in the world. They can even make the helmet that you bought too large fit correctly. Check their schedule, they may be coming to a Shoei dealer near you.
Excellent Video Brett! So important!!! I am going in for a fitting this weekend for a Shoei Helmet!
Any data from Japan on crash data, on helmets of same type versus fitted and unfitted?
Funny you upload this. I recently moved to Japan and a motorcycle gear shop I frequent has one of these Shoei custom fit stations. I always wondered what that fit station entailed. I got a big head, and I wear a Shoei XL RF1400 and luckily for me, it fits me perfectly. I was told that JDM Shoeis have a different shape for asian heads (which I am) but my USDM Shoei fits me perfectly (again, big head). Maybe after I get close to PCSing back stateside I'll get a JDM Shoei custom fitted.
Thanks for educating us about this system. I have a *really* hard time getting a good fit (even long oval isn’t long enough), so would go way out of my way to use this system. Thanks again.
I’m in Japan.. and it’s seriously helpful.. since we can’t get US shaped helmets.. we need to have it custom to fit correctly! I’ve had my fitting and then after a few weeks they tweaked it… been fine now over a year. Highly recommended!
I can't believe you allow them to take your hat off to take measurements of your head.
Yeah. I always thought Bret has some kind of secret hidden behind this hat of his. But no he’s totally normal guy. I was expecting he’s an alien or something. What a disappointment 😂
I am in Japan. Since I started riding motorcycles 5 years ago, all of my helmets were purchased with the fitting service at the motorycle parts stores. Nice decent helmets are not cheap; so, I would like to make sure I get one with the good fit. Also, too big or too small helmets make your riding very unpleasant to say the least.
Well done Bret!
Long time Shoei wearer. They seem to fit my head well, though after this video I guess I can’t be sure. 🤣 I’ll look for a custom fit next time for sure.
AWESOME information!!! I'm almost due for a new helmet and I can get to one of the dealers. Thanks for sharing. I hope they keep this service.
That is the way it should be... I had to adjust my cushions (from here and there) when I bought a new - one size smaller helmet - the old one was too loose...
Where are the locations in the US? I’d love to do this. Helmet fitting is so hard and it seems no one knows how to do it.
Thank you so much for the great content.
The mistake riders do is ordering helmets online and avoid running to shops to be measured. Most of the big store guys, go through training and provide great help. You don't have to buy at the store. I never had any issues with any helmet for 30 years now. Moreover, all helmets will break in after few weeks using them daily. This PFS is wonderful. HJC should do the same.
I too, have struggled with pressure points on my upper forehead and back of the head due to my “long-oval“ head. I’m guessing it was wrong to push the EPS liner in with my thumb at the pressure points… it makes sense that it may have been too big and riding too low. Definitely looking into this fitment for my next Shoei Hornet. For which I am now due…
Good to know, Bret. Hope that this P.F.S. comes over to Europe, since we can ride faster speeds. How much is that fitting service? Cheers, Günter/Nürnberg
Very informative Bret Thank you so much .. as usual ..
My pleasure!
Hi, I took a similar route.... The typical L became too loose after 3 months. Subsequent helmets in M and they are holding OK.
Must admit I wasn't even aware of custom fitting of helmets.
As a beginner rider instructor, I've placed a lot of helmets onto a lot of different heads over the last few years and have been asked to sell quite a few of my learners helmets for them, where they've incorrectly bought the wrong size without getting proper advice.
As a rough guideline, if a helmet can slide onto one's head with gravity and even a bit of side to side wiggling, then its too large or the wearer has no ears. Helmets need to be pulled apart using the straps to clear one's ears. The next check is the squeezing of one's cheeks. Another handy test is to move one's head vigorously from side to side and check that the helmet keeps pace with the fast movements.
A last check would be, if one can put one's helmet on using only one hand, then it'll probably be too big for you.
Must admit, having watched many of Brett's lightning quick, cap/helmet switches over the years, he was probably conveniently wearing a size too large all along 😊
It turns out that a helmet might fit and pass ll of those criteria and still be to large.
Thanks for the video and real food for thought.
I have the worst time getting a helmet to fit me as I have, as Arai calls it, a Profile head. Even at that I get hot spots on my forehead.
Looking forward to getting a fitted helmet for next season.
My head is an easy fit and they still improved it. Riders with a difficult fit really should give this a try
Finding a correctly fitting helmet is a pain in... Finding a correctly fitting helmet with the features you like is even worse. Shoei is on the right track. I would like to see a helmet manufacturer send you a box full of expanding foam. Stick the box over your head. Activate the the expanding foam to create a mould of your head, then return the box to have a custom helmet made. Shouldnt be to difficult.
That's a great idea... I suspect the issue is most riders wouldn't pay the shipping cost
Welcome back
Nice video. Thank you...
I wish I had a Shoei head but I don't. It was either Arai or HJC for me and Arais well, they ain't cheap :) I was fortunate enough to find the rpha 70 that fitted like a glove, almost 100% uniform crown contact and cheek pads with no pressure points. Got a size M and after 5 years or so it's still snug. But yeah, this system sounds nice but I still doubt they would manage to fit one on my head. Back then I tried the NXR and the GT Air. Both were killing my temples in size M and were way too loose front and back in size L.
Is the fitting included in the price of a helmet purchase?
@BretTkacs is it?
@@coolmenasin Belgium it is somedays.
Oh, this is such a great information! Thank you so much!!!
You are so welcome!
Where do we find a list of places with the P.F.S. ? I have a Shoei Neotec 2 that I just can't stand to wear. From the first ride it has hurt my head, I talked to Shoei tech support and changed cheek and head pads only to have a slight improvement. I've ridden in the helmet for around 2000 miles and while 500 miles away from home recently I went into a J&P cycles and bought another helmet just to get back home.
First time seeing this and for $60 seems like nice service.
Thanks for doing this video @bretTkacs .
Looks like the closest one to get a shoei PFS for Washington, would be to ride/fly to CA.
One question though, Do they have to have your closest shell size available at the dealer to start the PFS ?
The system suggests S for me, but not a single dealer here had an Small.
Medium felt okay, but I'd rather have a near perfect fit for the $$.
So if one flies down there, and then the dealer doesn't have your shell size on the specific model (say like X15.. which many dont even stock).
Oh btw, your patreon link is broken :) .. might wanna remove the "/join"
The computer told me Med, they may have been able to make it fit with less work but I already bought a large before I arrived so we fitted that one to feel like the Med. The only downside is that when I order a new liner and cheekpads in a 2 yrs I will have to start over
Fascinating. I just replaced my neotec 2 with the new 3. 2 fit perfectly sadly the 3 not so well. A very expensive mistake.
I have a Neotec 2 that's only a year old... Any changes besides fit that really matter?
I have a Neotec 2 for 4 years now, will change it soon for a GT Air 3 with Shoi Personal Fitting (60€). I also have the pressure point on the forehead but couldn't insert my head in a Medium size. Hopefully will be sorted out with the new helmet.
Very nice bold haircut !
Not everyone knows this, but Bret was actually born wearing that hat. True story.
🤣
Fitting service began in the States in 2016.
I was going off of the information given to me by my POC from SHOEI
I wonder when will helmet manufacturers start designing custom moulded helmets, in a way like moulded ski boots. Not the same for sure, but some cross pollination of design knowledge must be possible.
I've found the break-in process a little tortuous. The pads only conform after a few weeks of riding. A new helmet that feels slightly snug when cold can feel too small after hours of riding on a blazing hot day.
I wonder if there is a cost difference of buying Shoei in Japan, that would make taking that trip worth it.
Shoei being it to Australaisa
would say 90+% of us has a wrong sized/(non)fitted lids,,,,,, how much was that pro fitting if I can ask? Keep up good work, cheers V!
$60 including the materials but if you need new cheek pads those are extra.
awesome, thank you@@BretTkacs
You measure a helmet without wearing “the hat”? What have we come to?
Don't need it - I don't plan to crash, ahahahahaha....
Is the fitting included in the price?
Fitting is around $60
@@BretTkacs$60 is roughly ZAR1200, which is what I paid for my current Stealth Adv-style helmet back in 2016. Not sure whether it'll pass all the minimum safety criteria but it sure has withstood a lot of usage, even as a blood sample courier rider, at one stage, as a retirement job.
Of all the tumbles I've taken riding mainly dual-purpose bikes since '77, I never managed to put a scratch on any of the many helmets I've owned. Let's hopeI I won't be proved wrong with my under-spending on helmets hey 😢
Not worth it for me. Shoei hasn’t made a helmet that will fit on my head in about 6 years now. I used to love them. Then they totally changed their shape. I can’t even get a 2x down to my ears let alone over them. Some other brands I swim in the 2x.
I just don’t buy the stretching out theory for a helmet either I know that’s what they say but I’ve never really had it happen. Except maybe with an old Shoei Quest. But I had wore that helmet for years. The cheek pads were hanging out of it and they no longer made refresh kits.
wow !!! id love to be pro-fitted !!
I think you have to get it fitted and not buy on-line 🤔
You can have a helmet you own fitted but most will charge a little extra. The standard is $60 for a fitting, $80 for a helmet you own.
Rumer has it that PCP where I was will include a fitting with the purchase of a helmet and only charge for their cost for the inserts (around $16)
@@BretTkacs That sounds like a bargain, although not sure it will still be a bargain after flying from the UK!
Great content
You’ve been buying helmets, have this channel, etc and didn’t understand that the media of the helmet that touches your head is going to naturally expand with use, so the first ‘fit’ should be on the side of ‘tight’?
Come on ….are we kidding?