Helmet Fit Question - Too Tight

[Alikh[TK]]

After a number of troopings under my belt in this kit, I've been wrestling with the fit of my bucket.  It feels like its too narrow when I put it on sideways before the twist to center it.  I can get it on, but scrapes across my ears so much I risk pulling off the S trim (which obviously becomes a pain to fix when suited up).  Let alone trying to get it on while adding a mic that sits over the ear.  Front to back opening is currently a tad over 6.5inches, a little less than that when the trim is on.

 

Based on the pics below, can I widen the opening any further, or is this tightness to be expected?  Most obvious place to trim would be near the vocoder/chin area, but not sure how much of that squared out shape is required to remain.  Also I assume I'd need to fix the paint with some thinner and redo the rounded bumps after cutting into it.

 

I haven't been able to find much info here so far on this topic, so appreciate any links or advice anyone has!

 

 

[BAZINGA[TK]]

I can't help with your question however I can sympathize with getting that thing on my head.  It's a performance all the time.  I'm sure others watching me wonder what the heck is going on.  Bart

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

I would first look at reducing your padding, all I use is soft foam, 5mm on top and a block @ 1 1/2" on each side in front of the ears. You have padding on the back of the helmet which may interfere with your ear.

 

You can trim a little more but remember if you do your neck S trim will be too short. Also make sure you don't trim too much, you don't want younglings to be able to see your face under the front of the helmet

[GalacticGotham[TK]]

I have a pretty big head and it's a challenge. But I have a lot of stuff in my bucket as well. I have 4 fans, an icomm unit, and an audio amp along with the 12v power supply to drive it all. Plus I added a little hearing assist system that I designed. But I'm still able to fit my head because I removed all the padding except in the top and replaced the rest with very thin black EVA foam all around for lining and for looks. It's a process to put on and off but it fits comfortably when it's on. So even if you don't have a lot of stuff in there, removing the pads should help a lot. I also had trouble with the s trim wanting to come off for the same reason but I glued it all the way around with E6000 to take care of that. I wouldn't trim the opening except as a last resort.

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[Alikh[TK]]

Thanks for the advice, all.  Issue isnt so much the fit once its on, just getting my head through it initially.  I'll start with gluing the trim, and see how it goes from there!