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Need advice on leather helmet sizes
Hey guys, I'm thinking of becoming a true leatherhead and buying a Cairns N5A, but I need advice from you guys that own them on the sizes.
The sizes of the helmets and their hat size equivalents are Medium: 6-1/2 – 7-3/8; Large: 7-1/2 –8.
Now, my size is a 7 1/4, so I fall right in the middle. I'm technically on the medium size, but on the very upper limit. So what do all you leatherheads think? Should I buy a medium helmet and potentially have a tight fit, or go for a large and have a helmet that might be too big? Right now I wear a 1010 and I like to keep the helmet tight using the ratchet on the back, since (i hope no one from OSHA is reading) I sometimes keep the chinstrap out of the way. So I'm inclined to lean towards the medium, but I'd like some advice from you guys before I go out and start shopping for a new lid. Thanks in advance.
The sizes of the helmets and their hat size equivalents are Medium: 6-1/2 – 7-3/8; Large: 7-1/2 –8.
Now, my size is a 7 1/4, so I fall right in the middle. I'm technically on the medium size, but on the very upper limit. So what do all you leatherheads think? Should I buy a medium helmet and potentially have a tight fit, or go for a large and have a helmet that might be too big? Right now I wear a 1010 and I like to keep the helmet tight using the ratchet on the back, since (i hope no one from OSHA is reading) I sometimes keep the chinstrap out of the way. So I'm inclined to lean towards the medium, but I'd like some advice from you guys before I go out and start shopping for a new lid. Thanks in advance.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rick Westerman on
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My soon to be leather bound Brother, I recently placed into service an N6A medium. I wear a fitted ball cap in size 71/8, the helmet fit is exceptional, the balance is excellent, and the cool factor cannot be measured. This helmet replaced a 1010 that now sits in my locker as a coin jar. Good luck with your purchase, happy trails be safe and wear your lid with pride.
Fraternally,
Rick Westerman -
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Permalink Reply by Some Irish Guy on
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Ahhh, thanks a lot. I was thinking a medium would be the better choice.
Out of curiosity, why did you pick the N6A? I've always been a fan of the N5A, but is there anything about the N6A that led you to pick one? -
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Permalink Reply by Bill on
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You should be fine in a medium, but if you are concerned have a rep from one of your local distributers give you one to try on. If not do any of the other guys in your dept have one you could try on?
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I don't think anyone in my dept. has a new one, actually. Everyone in my company uses a 1010, although some of the other young guys might be going to leathers in the next few years. In other companies, some of the real old timers use leathers, but I think they might be older models. I'll try getting in touch with the distributor, though.
I've noticed that most people seem to take the ratchet system out of either the N5A or N6A. Does this give it more room? -
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Removing the ratchet system on a N5A or N6A will not give you more room. I have removed mine as well as the pad the sits at the top of the suspension system. Personally I think it makes the helmet more comfortable. It seems to be a personal preference.
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Permalink Reply by SMOKEnPipesJim on
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ITs been My experiance that 99.8% of guys with "normal" hatsizes who have Chosen to go Large are unhappy. a medium will allow you IF nessisary, to open things up a little if it truely is TOO tite, while a large even "making the liner" smaller still feels Like your wearing a salad bowl.... I would suggest That if one is graced with an abnormally large melon... To even consider trying a medium 1st "opened all the way up.." and look and see where the adjustments stand .. I realize My opinion might not be so well taken, I would only state, that I have worn 2 5a's and 3 N5a's since 1977.. I can't give advice on other makers liners and even now that Msa is involved I hold my tongue when it comes to ratchets just because I know some guys feel they need them.. just keep in mind your hood and scba net have towork into the picture too..: Many guys are forced to go n6a because of NFPA requirements an entire nother bowl of hockey pucks ... anyway... the n6a is definately heavier of the two.. other then that ....
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