Proper Fitting of Motorcycle Helmet

Executive summary about Motorcycle Helmet by Dan Ludwig

It is essential when purchasing a motorcycle helmet to ensure it is a proper fit. Not all helmets are made the same. Thinking about purchasing a motorcycle helmet? Below is a list of necessary steps you should take in determining the proper size for your head.

1. Measuring the head is a starting point for the entire helmet sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size motorcycle helmet. So remember, this is a rough guide and a starting point, and depending upon your head shape, this step alone may not provide a perfect fit.

a. Using a cloth tape measure is best, but any tape measure will work.

b. The circumference of the head should be measured at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement.

2. Hat Size. Use your hat size as another starting gauge in determining motorcycle helmet size.

3. Select a motorcycle helmet to try on based upon your head measurement and hat size. Most helmets have printed on the sizing tag either the inside diameter of the helmet, the hat size, or both. If your measurement and hat size are exactly between two sizes, round up to the next largest size as a starting point.

4. Now that you have the helmet on your head, it is time for the visual check:

a. Your eyes should be approximately in the center, with the top edge of the liner padding just above the eyebrows.

b. Now that you are wearing the helmet, use a mirror to look carefully at the way it fits. Check the back of the helmet where the neck roll (if the helmet has one) makes contact with the neck.

5. After you have made your visual check, grab the helmet in your hands, one on either side of the helmet, and try to rotate the helmet from side-to-side. If in either test there was little or no skin movement, and the helmet moved very easily, the helmet is too large. A properly fitted motorcycle helmet will cause the skin to move as the helmet moves. Keep in mind that helmets, like shoes, will break in over time. For this reason, the best approach is to select a helmet that is as snug as possible, and take into consideration the length of time it will be worn.

6. Retention Check. Reach over the top of the helmet, grabbing the bottom edge with your fingers. Then try to roll the helmet off your head. If it comes off, it is undoubtedly too large.

7. Confirming Proper Fit. One way to confirm your evaluation of proper fit is to try on motorcycle helmets that are one size larger and one size smaller than the one you think is right.

8. Do not rely on a "catch-all" sizing chart because as stated earlier, sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The sizing chart should contain the head circumference and associated helmet size, and possibly a hat size comparison.