Bad helmet?

[Ekt36]

So..... I’m a first time street rider (grew up on dirt) I got my street cup back in July. I just got to 2k miles today. I’m having issues going over speeds of 70mph. Highway riding is incredibly uncomfortable for me. I think I need a new helmet. I currently have a Bell Qualifier DLX. Once I hit 65/70mph it’s hard for me to go any faster because I’m focused on keeping my head still. It feels like any moment it would just snap off. I end up with pretty bad neck pain after a 15-20 minute ride on the freeway. Basically it’s so uncomfortable/ painful I can’t exceed speeds over 70 and I don’t enjoy riding on the freeway. Is this just something I have to deal with naked bikes or could it really be my helmet. If it is the helmet does anyone have a recommendation on a new one? I’m dying to get back out again.

 

[CarlS]

I ride with a windscreen for that reason plus the wind pressure on my torso. I find ridinmg at 70 mph and above with no windscreen is extremely uncomfortable and tiring after a few minutes. A change of helmet might reduce the headshake stress some.

 

[Rocky]

Answer: stay off the freeway and slow down
Seriously, it's probably not the helmet but is more about speed. You could go broke trying to find the perfect helmet and never find it.
The helmets these days re pretty aerodynamic so I don't think a change will do much, but others may have some suggestions.
At 70+ mph you're dealing with a lot of wind force and it certainly can get wearing in a short time.

 

[Wire-Wheels]

The only problem I have had this way is the wind trying to lift my helmet. It depends on which helmet I'm wearing. I enjoy riding without a windscreen myself, but it can be a little tiring on a longer ride. You just have to find a setup that works for you. On long, high speed rides I usually ride my Sprint which has a fairing and leave the naked bikes in the garage. ...J.D.

 

[triumph david]

Some times a face shield help help.

 

[Ekt36]

Answer: stay off the freeway and slow down
Seriously, it's probably not the helmet but is more about speed. You could go broke trying to find the perfect helmet and never find it.
The helmets these days re pretty aerodynamic so I don't think a change will do much, but others may have some suggestions.
At 70+ mph you're dealing with a lot of wind force and it certainly can get wearing in a short time.

Well that’s not an option! Seriously though it’s a safety issue. I live in Houston and everyone on the freeway goes 80+ and drive like maniacs. I need to be able to keep up with traffic and pass people. The freeway is necessary because all the twisty roads are out in the country. (30-60 miles out) I’ll probably try one more helmet and if that doesn’t work I’ll just deal with it. My first helmet was pretty inexpensive and it’s already beaten up a little.

 

[Qship]

Looked up your helmet and does not appear to be a bad helmet, just on the lower end of helmet pricing. If the fit is not right and you have too much play it will move around on your head at highway speeds causing shaking and distortion through the visor. Is there a place near you that you can try on different helmets and maybe something more high end like a Shoei or Arai that will fit you and work better?
Biking will be no fun if you're sore and stiff after a short ride.

 

[CarlS]

Looked up your helmet and does not appear to be a bad helmet, just on the lower end of helmet pricing. If the fit is not right and you have too much play it will move around on your head at highway speeds causing shaking and distortion through the visor. Is there a place near you that you can try on different helmets and maybe something more high end like a Shoei or Arai that will fit you and work better?
Biking will be no fun if you're sore and stiff after a short ride.

I have found it is not so much the price of a helmet as it is the head shape the helmet is designed for. I cannot get helmets designed for round heads to fit me regardless of the helmet's price. I have a narrow head and need a long oval helmet.