I think I have a pretty big problem with fit. 1.5 hours into a ride today, I ended up with a radiating pain headache and nausea.
The XL cheek pads are certainly a little too tight. If I relax my mouth completely and then close it, I would be biting my cheeks.
Oh man, sorry to hear that. That's why I now wear a new helmet at home for 2 hours before using it. It's not the same as riding, obviously. But at least I know for sure if fit is a big issue or not, since you CANNOT return a helmet if it's been used outside. I'm an expert at helmet pain by now
![Wink ;)](http://zggtr.org/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
, and if you got the wrong size and/or helmet shape (need to return it), you would know in less than an hour, when your head is throbbing. If you pass the 2-hr mark, like in my case, then a center and/or cheek pad change is the worst that can happen... and both are available for this helmet. The trick is to determine if you got the wrong size, wrong shape, or both. That'd tell you if you need a larger size, or a different helmet altogether. Go to webbikeworld.com to try to determine your head shape by previous helmets used. They have the best reviews overall, but not all are completely right, so you know. Good luck, and keep us posted.
I also have the 'biting cheek' issue, but wanted to point out it should be that way for a proper fitting helmet. But if you develop pain, then you need thinner cheek pads (31mm for the GT-Air). Finally, very few will have the luck to own a helmet that fits perfectly, even when it's more or less the right shape. You always have some imperfections in your head. I, for too long, bought a larger helmet for just a specific pressure point, because people said to never touch the foam. Not anymore. MUCH safer to just adjust the foam for a millimeter or so in a specific area, than buy a larger helmet that fits too loose. And that's exactly what I do now. I've bought dozens of helmets because most didn't fit right... even though they were supposed to. And most of those times just ordered the next larger size until no more pain. Thankfully never had an accident, but it's NOT safe to wear a helmet like that. After about a dozen or so, became an expert in helmet pain, and learned what can and can't be tolerated by testing them at home. And also what needs a larger size, a different helmet, or just a small adjustment on the foam for a pain-free fit. Now I'm not going to buy another helmet that doesn't fit GOOD. Unfortunately, my stupid head requires expensive helmets, because only premium models (Arai and Shoei) seem to cover oval heads like mine. Finally seems like the GT-Air is what I needed all along. If it works out fine at the end, will buy another and just store it for future use. I could always sell it as new. Will keep you guys posted how it works out. And you do the same with yours. If your head is not oval like mine, and more neutral, you have a million options buddy... but not the GT-Air. Take care.