I purchased a Bell SC-X Python helmet online. I measured my head prior to purchasing and my head size fit within the range of their XXL helmet (they didn't have an XXXL which is hard to find. What I looked for is the helmet is both DOT and Snell 2005 rated which it is.
Upon receiving the helmet I found two things.
1. The helmet is very, very difficult to get over my ears. Once it passes that point it fits fine. It's not tight or too loose. I read many articles on helmets and the mistake that most people make is getting a helmet that is too loose. Does this mean that this is the wrong helmet for me is this something that is relatively normal?
2. The helmet doesn't have any padding on the ears themselves. My buddies helmet (with is rated less than this helmet has ear pads. I was surprised that this didn’t'. Is it normal for some helmet not to have padding on the ears themselves - remembering that it is both DOT and Snell 2005 rated?
3. Are Bell known to be good helmets?

Unfortunately, I don't have any decent motocross stores near me where I would be able to try multiple helmets on. I know that trying them on is the best way to determine fit.

 

Bell's are decent. If it's rated Snell and DOT it will provide good protection. As you get into high $$$ you get a bit nicer fabric, ventilation, and maybe lighter.

Many helmets have kind of a pocket or void for your ears, since a lot of people find padding pressing on the ears to be uncomfortable over time.

If it fits snug (doesn't slop around) it's probably OK. They do tend to break in a bit, though.

 

SNELL rating is the good one, you did well there.

Yes the tightness going on is normal. You are actually supposed to "spread" the helmet using the straps as you pull it on. If you put it on using the straps as holders, you can spread the helmet out as your pull it on. This will ease the pain on the ears as you pull it on. Many people end up with helmets that are too big because they feel too tight going on. But the good helmets are supposed to fit that way. If it wants to pull your ears off it fits perfect...lol.....

What matters is how it feels once it is on.....too tight will give you a headache eventually. Too loose and it will slide around as you turn your head left/right or up/down. It sounds like you have the right size.

As far as the ear padding goes, that is normal. None of the higher quality helmets will have pads on the ears. Around the ears yes, but on them no. Cheap helmets often have padding on the ears because they are not well designed..... That padding on your ears will affect your ability to hear. You want to be able to hear other engines coming. Some even have space now for helmet-to-helmet communication pieces.

Bell helmets are excellent, very high quality and among the best on the market. Aria, Shoei, Troy Lee Designs, and Bell are all at the top of the food chain in helmets. But many of the others have stepped it up now and you can get great lids from any number of gear makers. You certainly cannot go wrong with a Bell helmet of any price range.

 

Some people say if you can fit two fingers up by your cheeks with easyness then that is perfect. I have big ears too and it is hard to get my helment on, getting it off is the easy part.

 

In addition to size, people's heads seem to vary in proportion and you may find one brand or model fits better than another in the same size range. For me Shoei helmets usually fit best.

Price wise, if it is snell rated and fits properly it will provide good protection. Higher priced helmets will get better ventilation, maybe nicer more moisture wicking fabric, less wind noise, and lighter.