I'm just about to order a Bell Custom 500 helmet online and, wouldn't you know it: The sizing chart is just one big tease for me. A crapshoot if there ever was one.
My head measures exactly 23 1/2", which places me right smack in between a Large (which goes up to 23 1/4") and an XL (which starts at 23 5/8").
I wear a Large Shoei, but a Medium Nolan (go figure). I know the helmet SHOULD break in a little, but am hesitant on ordering a Large, for fear that it won't give in that much and I'll end up with a hot spot somewhere on my noggin. XL might be too loose, on the other hand.
Anyone here had that same problem? What size did you get? Any regrets?
Thanks in advance for all your help and input.

 

Any stores in your area at which you can try on the helmet? I'd never buy a full that I didn't try on first.

 

I would say you might be better off with an XL. I measure right at 24", which is at the top of the XL size, but since XXL started at 24.5,
I chose the XL. I ended up having to return it because it was so damn tight, it gave me a headache just wearing it in the house.
I know they should break in a little, but this was just way too tight for me.
Reordered an XXL, and it fit me perfectly. I would say their size charts are a bit off.
Would suggest that if your at the top of your size in the charts, go up another size, and it should be good.
No other regrets at all, it's a great helmet for under $100!

 

Don't know if this will help you. But I have a Bell 500 custom and a Bell Drifter half helmet. The sizing is the same on both helmets.

If you can find a drifter to try on somewhere, the sizes should match up perfectly.

Cheers,

Tom

 

Depends who you are ordering from. Many big internet sellers will let you pay for two, then return the one that DOESN'T fit for a full 100% refund. All your out is a few bucks return shipping costs. Jafrum and Leather Up are famous for doing this. I am ordering the Bell 500 myself. I am stuck right between the medium and large. I am doing just this through Jafrum when they are on sale, and have done it with them in the past.

 

I tried on the XL size that all my other helmets have been for 35 years. I thought it was a bit tight, pushing on the center of my forehead but I liked that it sealed along the sides. The XXL had gaps on the side of my head but didn't push on my forehead.

I bought the XL, took some 40 grit sandpaper and reached in between the padding, getting to the styrofoam, and sanded out the area pushing on my forehead. 60 seconds later I had one great fitting helmet. I took it on a 10 day trip and always felt comfortable.

 

I bought a Bell 500 and I had to get the next size up from what I had been wearing. I wore a Large in all my other helmets but needed an XL in the Bell 500.

 

Get the large. My head is 22 1/4. Puts me in a Med. The small stops at 22. I got the small.....
Best fit I have ever had. No movement at Highway speeds. I got mine at Revzilla.com Free shipping. And free one exchange. This is my second riding season with it.

 

I just bought a Large Custom 500 Stunt Helmet (worn only three times so virtually brand new). My head measures 23 ⅜" (59.5cm) and this Large helmet fits perfectly. I, too, find my self between a Large and XLarge (even got an Outlaw in XXL) and was questioning between a Large and XL in the Bell.

Go with the Large, I think you'll be fine...