All motorcyclists know how important your motorcycle helmet is.
An essential piece of safety gear, wearing a motorcycle helmet helps maximise safety in the case of an accident, but getting the right size is crucial.
A well-fitting helmet contributes to a safer, more comfortable ride. If your helmet doesn’t fit right, it can cause pain or distraction and may not provide you with full protection in the instance of a crash.
Try them on
With such a variety of motorcycle helmets for sale, trying some on before buying is essential to getting the right fit. Your motorcycle helmet needs to be well-fitted to ensure it provides you with maximum safety and comfort.
When trying on a helmet, pull the straps out and pull the helmet on by inserting your head, sliding the back of your head along the back of the helmet, rotating the chin of the helmet down, so that it’s not pushing against your face.
Don’t pull the helmet straight down over your head as this causes you to pull down on the widest part of your head, with your temples, cheekbones and chin in the way.
Once the helmet is on and the straps secured, move it around with your hands to see how it connects with your face and head. Make sure it sits squarely on your head and is not tilted back on your head. The cheek pads should touch your cheeks, but not press uncomfortably, and there should be no gaps between your temples and the brow pads.
The helmet should fit tight enough that it does not rotate forward if pushed up from the back and snug enough that it should not shift easily from side to side when pushing the helmet horizontally. If your helmet is too big, it will move around. This can cause it to let in wind and it may come off in a crash.
With full-face helmets, press on the chin piece to make sure the helmet or face shield doesn’t touch your nose or chin.
Take notice of any pressure
When first worn, your new motorcycle helmet should be slightly tight-fitting, with the interior coming into contact with most of the head, but not so restrictive there is any pain or severe discomfort.
Take note of any uncomfortable pressure points, as these may be indicators it is not the right fit for you. There should be no places where the interior of the helmet puts pressure on specific points of the face or head. Tightness is okay, but if it feels like you need to take the helmet off to relive any pressure, then it may be too tight.
Discomfort will generally be felt in two places, the forehead and just above the temples. If you have a red mark on your forehead after taking the helmet off or if it’s squeezing your temples during wear, it’s not the right fit. Most helmets also have removable interior padding, which can impact the fit. You should feel the cushions snugly against your cheeks.
You don’t want your helmet to move around too freely, so it is generally recommended to get as snug a fit as is comfortable, as with time and wear, your helmet will adjust to match the shape of your head and will loosen a little. You don’t want it to become too loose, which is why it is better to get one that is slightly tighter when you first wear it.
Measure your head
Before you start trying helmets on, take measurements of your head to give yourself a starting point.
Everyone’s head is different, and the shape of your head significantly impacts on what type of helmet will fit you best. Motorcycle helmets come in different shapes, including round, oval and intermediate. The shape of your head will affect any pressure points you have when wearing a motorcycle helmet.
Use a measuring tape to measure the different points of your head. This can help you determine what shape and size of helmet that may be best suited for you, helping you narrow down the options.
Motorcycle helmets come in many different shapes and sizes, and you may find that some brands cater to your required size and shape more so than others, with more style options to choose from.
Get the right fit
A high-quality, well fitting motorcycle helmet is an important investment for all motorcyclists, so you should get the best fitting, most highly rated helmet you can afford.
The best helmet is one that fits comfortably and doesn’t inhibit your range of motion or ability to perform the necessary functions to safely ride a motorcycle.
If you’re unsure about helmet fit, make sure to get expert advice when trying them on so you can safely enjoy getting out on the road.
Visit us at Peter Stevens to view our large range of motorcycle helmets for sale, and get expert advice on finding the right fit for you.
