How Should A Motorcycle Helmet Fit? A Perfect Fit Guide

How should a motorcycle helmet fit? A motorcycle helmet should fit snugly and securely, with no excessive movement. It should feel even pressure around your head without any specific pressure points. Getting the right fit is crucial for your safety. A poorly fitting helmet can be ineffective in a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of achieving that perfect, safe helmet fit.

Image Source: i.ytimg.com

Why A Proper Helmet Fit Matters

A motorcycle helmet is your most important piece of safety gear. But its protective capabilities are only fully realized with proper helmet fitment. Here’s why:

• Impact Absorption: A correctly fitted helmet will stay in place during an impact. This allows the helmet’s liner to compress and absorb the energy of the crash, protecting your head and brain.

• Reduced Risk of Injury: A loose helmet can move or even come off during an accident, leaving your head vulnerable. A safe helmet fit significantly reduces the risk of severe head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

• Improved Comfort and Focus: A helmet that’s too tight will cause discomfort and distractions. A helmet that’s too loose can be noisy and unstable. A snug helmet enhances comfort, reducing fatigue and improving your focus on the road.

Grasping Motorcycle Helmet Sizing

Motorcycle helmet sizing is often expressed in centimeters or inches, corresponding to your head’s circumference. However, sizes can vary slightly between manufacturers, so it’s essential to try on helmets whenever possible. Here’s a general motorcycle helmet size chart:

Size	Head Circumference (cm)	Head Circumference (in)
XXS	51-52	20.1-20.5
XS	53-54	20.9-21.3
S	55-56	21.7-22.0
M	57-58	22.4-22.8
L	59-60	23.2-23.6
XL	61-62	24.0-24.4
XXL	63-64	24.8-25.2
XXXL	65-66	25.6-26.0

Note: This is a general guide. Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s size chart before purchasing a helmet.

Measuring Head For Helmet

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a flexible measuring tape (cloth or plastic) and a mirror.
2. Wrap the Tape: Place the measuring tape around your head, about one inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows and ears. Make sure the tape is level all the way around.
3. Get the Measurement: Read the measurement in centimeters or inches where the tape overlaps. Take the measurement a few times to ensure accuracy.
4. Consult the Chart: Compare your measurement to the motorcycle helmet size chart to determine your approximate helmet size.

Achieving Proper Helmet Fitment: A Step-By-Step Guide

Once you’ve determined your approximate size, it’s time to try on helmets and fine-tune the fit. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Trying On The Helmet

1. Open the Helmet Fully: Loosen the chin strap and fully open the helmet.
2. Slide the Helmet On: Using both hands, spread the helmet open and carefully slide it over your head. You should feel some resistance. If it slides on too easily, it’s likely too big.
3. Ensure It’s Seated Correctly: Once the helmet is on, make sure it sits squarely on your head, with the front edge about one inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows.

Step 2: Assessing The Fit

Now that the helmet is on, let’s assess the fit in detail:

Snug Helmet Check

• Overall Feel: The helmet should feel snug and evenly pressure all around your head. There shouldn’t be any specific helmet pressure points.
• Cheeks: The helmet cheek pads should make contact with your cheeks, providing a firm and comfortable fit. They should press against your cheeks enough to feel snug but not so much that it’s uncomfortable.
• Top of Head: You should feel the liner making contact with the top of your head. There shouldn’t be any gaps or spaces.
• Forehead and Temples: The helmet should fit snugly against your forehead and temples.

Identifying Helmet Pressure Points

Helmet pressure points are areas where the helmet feels too tight or uncomfortable. Common pressure points include:

• Forehead: A tight spot on your forehead can cause headaches and discomfort.
• Temples: Pressure on your temples can also lead to headaches.
• Back of the Head: A tight spot at the back of your head can cause neck pain.

If you experience any pressure points, try a different size or model of helmet. Some helmets have adjustable padding that can alleviate pressure points. If they persist, the helmet shape may not be appropriate for your head shape.

Step 3: The Helmet Movement Test

The helmet movement test helps you determine if the helmet is secure enough.

1. Grab the Helmet: With the helmet on and the chin strap unfastened, grab the helmet with both hands.
2. Try to Move the Helmet: Try to rotate the helmet from side to side and up and down. You should feel your skin moving with the helmet. If the helmet moves freely without your skin moving, it’s too loose.
3. Push Upwards: Try to roll the helmet off your head by pushing up on the back edge. If the helmet comes off easily, it’s too big.

A properly fitted helmet should stay in place during these movements.

Step 4: Fastening The Chin Strap

The chin strap is crucial for keeping the helmet on your head during a crash.

1. Adjust the Strap: Adjust the chin strap so that it fits snugly under your chin. You should be able to fit one finger between the strap and your chin.
2. Secure the Fastener: Fasten the chin strap securely using the D-rings or quick-release buckle.
3. Check the Fit: Once the chin strap is fastened, repeat the helmet movement test. The helmet should stay firmly in place.

Dealing with Common Fit Issues

Even with careful measurement and fitting, you may encounter some common fit issues. Here’s how to address them:

• Helmet Too Tight: If the helmet feels too tight overall, try a larger size. If it’s only tight in certain areas, consider a helmet with adjustable padding or try a different model that better suits your head shape.

• Helmet Too Loose: If the helmet feels too loose, try a smaller size. If it’s only slightly loose, you may be able to adjust the fit with thicker helmet cheek pads or a thicker liner.

• Cheek Pads Too Tight: If the cheek pads are too tight, they can cause discomfort and make it difficult to speak or eat. You can purchase thinner cheek pads to improve the fit.

• Cheek Pads Too Loose: If the cheek pads are too loose, they won’t provide adequate support. You can purchase thicker cheek pads to improve the fit.

Helmet Cheek Pads: A Crucial Element of Fit

Helmet cheek pads play a vital role in helmet fitment. They provide support and stability, helping to keep the helmet securely in place. Here’s what you need to know about cheek pads:

• Material: Cheek pads are typically made of foam covered in a fabric lining.
• Thickness: Cheek pads come in different thicknesses to accommodate different face shapes and sizes.
• Replaceability: Most helmets have replaceable cheek pads, allowing you to fine-tune the fit.
• Break-In Period: New cheek pads may feel a bit stiff at first. They will typically compress and conform to your face over time.

Choosing The Right Cheek Pads

When choosing cheek pads, consider the following:

• Snug Fit: The cheek pads should make firm contact with your cheeks.
• Comfort: The cheek pads should be comfortable and not cause any pressure points.
• Stability: The cheek pads should help keep the helmet stable and prevent it from moving around on your head.

Factors Affecting Helmet Fit Over Time

A helmet’s fit can change over time due to several factors:

• Liner Compression: The helmet’s liner will compress over time, which can make the helmet feel looser.
• Cheek Pad Wear: Cheek pads can also wear down over time, losing their shape and support.
• Weight Changes: Changes in your weight can affect how the helmet fits.
• Hair Style Changes: A new haircut or wearing your hair differently can also affect the fit.

It’s essential to periodically check your helmet’s fit and make adjustments as needed. If your helmet becomes too loose, it’s time to replace it.

When To Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet

Even if your helmet still fits comfortably, it’s important to replace it regularly. Here are some guidelines:

• After a Crash: Always replace your helmet after any impact, even if there’s no visible damage. The helmet’s liner may have been compressed, compromising its protective capabilities.
• Every 5 Years: Replace your helmet every five years, even if you haven’t been in a crash. The materials in the helmet’s liner can degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness.
• If It’s Too Loose: If your helmet becomes too loose due to liner compression or wear, replace it with a new one that fits properly.
• If It’s Damaged: If your helmet has any cracks, dents, or other damage, replace it immediately.

Finding The Right Helmet Shape

Just as people have different head shapes, so too do helmets. The common shapes are:

• Round Oval: Head is nearly as wide as it is long.
• Intermediate Oval: Head is slightly longer than it is wide.
• Long Oval: Head is noticeably longer than it is wide.

You’ll likely find certain brands or models fit better based on the shell shape of the helmet.

The Importance of Professional Fitting

While this guide provides valuable information, the best way to ensure a proper helmet fit is to have it professionally fitted by a knowledgeable salesperson at a reputable motorcycle gear shop. They can assess your head shape, measure your head accurately, and help you choose a helmet that fits correctly and provides the best protection.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Helmet Fit

• What is the most important aspect of motorcycle helmet sizing?
  • The most important aspect is the snugness of the fit. A helmet should fit snugly and securely, with no excessive movement.
• Can I adjust a helmet that’s too big with extra padding?
  • Adding extra padding can sometimes improve the fit of a slightly loose helmet, but it’s not a substitute for getting the right size. If the helmet is significantly too big, it won’t provide adequate protection, even with extra padding.
• Who is responsible for ensuring my helmet fits properly?
  • Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring your helmet fits properly. Take the time to measure your head accurately, try on different helmets, and assess the fit carefully.
• What are the best motorcycle helmet brands known for accommodating different head shapes?
  • Some brands are known for certain shapes. Shoei is generally good for intermediate oval, while Arai accommodates long oval shapes better. It varies by model, so trying helmets on is the best approach.
• What is the role of the Snell or DOT certification in helmet fit?
  • DOT and Snell certifications ensure that the helmet meets minimum safety standards in terms of impact protection. Proper helmet fit ensures that those safety features can perform as designed. Certification doesn’t guarantee fit, but indicates a level of quality and testing.
• What’s the difference between an uncomfortable fit and a dangerous fit?
  • An uncomfortable fit might involve minor pressure points that cause annoyance. A dangerous fit is one where the helmet is too loose, allows excessive movement, or doesn’t sit properly on the head, severely compromising its ability to protect you in a crash.

Choosing and fitting a motorcycle helmet correctly is an investment in your safety and well-being. Take the time to follow these guidelines, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure that you have the perfect fit. Ride safe!