How does handle helmet sizing? Still a newbie.. I know it should be tight at the cheeks. This one is a small, the other one I have is a large but it's partial helmet or whatever they call it. Probably should get a medium in hindsight. This helmet was on sale for $49.
Helmet sizing
- Thread starter wander2039
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I just purchased a helmet and experienced this process.
My Bell instruction manual says to fasten the chin strap so that it is snug. Wiggle the helmet forward and back, as well as side to side and your skin should move with the liner.
While still wearing the helmet, try to roll it off of your head in both the forward and rearward directions by pushing up and the base. The helmet must not come off your head under any circumstances!
My Bell instruction manual says to fasten the chin strap so that it is snug. Wiggle the helmet forward and back, as well as side to side and your skin should move with the liner.
While still wearing the helmet, try to roll it off of your head in both the forward and rearward directions by pushing up and the base. The helmet must not come off your head under any circumstances!
Similar to bike helmets then.. although those have adjustable straps which makes it easy. Based on that the large is way too big but the small might be ok. The small isn't coming off at all. Probably need to visit a few more shops eventually.
Every helmet maker has their own sizing no matter what the label says. Size / fit varies a lot. Test fit is the only way to properly fit. Only way I've been able to online buy one is with the same maker with one you may have already or tried on. I can run the range of XL to XXXL.
Helmet should not move around a lot when you shake your head up and down and left to right. Snug but not tight.
I have a few summer and winter helmets and have used sizing pads to fine tune them to fit my big noggin.
Helmet should not move around a lot when you shake your head up and down and left to right. Snug but not tight.
I have a few summer and winter helmets and have used sizing pads to fine tune them to fit my big noggin.
When you find a helmet get a health card attached to it. I started seeing this a few years ago. A small piece of paper with blood type, allergies to medications etc. It folds and stores in a small pocket. Second I'd suggest a helmet with either the FIA, Snell, or SFI certification. From my understanding those are more rigorously tested than inexpensive motorcycle helmets.
True.. I've did the same thing with regular bike helmets. Stinks you have to try to find a place to try one on. I would need a slightly bigger one for my balaclavas.
Interesting didn't think of that. I know about the Snell and one of mine has it, have to look at the others.
A quick and easy way to check correct fit of a prospective helmet is to begin
with a large size and work your way down to a snug fit... and that is after you
get it on your head and without buckling the chin strap, snap your head side to
side in quick movements... if the helmet stays snug and follows your head then
the size is probably correct... if it moves about then it is too large... try next
smaller size... what you'll end up with is knowing what is too large and what is a
snug fit without going too tight... in other words the correct skid lid for your cranial...
with a large size and work your way down to a snug fit... and that is after you
get it on your head and without buckling the chin strap, snap your head side to
side in quick movements... if the helmet stays snug and follows your head then
the size is probably correct... if it moves about then it is too large... try next
smaller size... what you'll end up with is knowing what is too large and what is a
snug fit without going too tight... in other words the correct skid lid for your cranial...
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One thing to consider is getting one that is generally quite snug when new. They will "break in" slightly once you wear them often and the cheek pads compress a bit. I have an issue of having to buy the largest one I can from a manufacturer and hope it breaks in as I have a large head. As stated before, there are areas you can get away with saving money, a helmet is not one of them. Is your head worth more than $49?
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- Oct 15, 2022
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Different helmet brands and models have different shapes and sizes. Your best option is to try on a bunch of different helmets to feel what fits best.
Overall, you want a tight fitting helmet. Generally, your cheeks should look like a chipmunk and your helmet should NOT MOVE on your head even without the chinstrap.
I used to work at a motorcycle shop years ago and generally speaking most guys will choose a helmet that is too large for their head.
I have fitted hundreds and hundreds of people for helmets and I cringe when I see guys just buy a helmet online without knowing their actual size or head shape. A poor fitting helmet, or one that is too big, can work against you for safety.
Don't be surprised if you find a helmet that fits well but may need to also swap cheek pads for a better fit.
And remember, that helmet will break in as you wear it moving that helmet size up 1/3 to 1/2 a size.
HJC is a solid choice and the lowest price point i would recommend. Avoid no name brands and $50 specials.
Arai and Shoei are top notch if you're willing to spend the money
Also, as a side note, your hair isn't included in the helmet sizing.
Overall, you want a tight fitting helmet. Generally, your cheeks should look like a chipmunk and your helmet should NOT MOVE on your head even without the chinstrap.
I used to work at a motorcycle shop years ago and generally speaking most guys will choose a helmet that is too large for their head.
I have fitted hundreds and hundreds of people for helmets and I cringe when I see guys just buy a helmet online without knowing their actual size or head shape. A poor fitting helmet, or one that is too big, can work against you for safety.
Don't be surprised if you find a helmet that fits well but may need to also swap cheek pads for a better fit.
And remember, that helmet will break in as you wear it moving that helmet size up 1/3 to 1/2 a size.
HJC is a solid choice and the lowest price point i would recommend. Avoid no name brands and $50 specials.
Arai and Shoei are top notch if you're willing to spend the money
Also, as a side note, your hair isn't included in the helmet sizing.
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In addition to size, there is also the shape of the helmet. Which ideally will match the shape of your head. I've worn Arai helmets for 25 years. Arai has three different helmet shapes.
Bottom line: You need to try on any helmet in question for proper fit.
Bottom line: You need to try on any helmet in question for proper fit.
That pic looks like the helmet is too big.
As said above, a brand new helmet almost needs to feel too small.
As the pad material wears it will loosen up a touch.
Also when trying them on, walk around the shop for a bit with it on. You will start to feel if it is too tight (especially if you have an oval head and are wearing a round helmet, very tight at the forehead after a few minutes, but feels fine at first).
While I hate doing it, I have used my local bike shops as a fitting room, and then order online for a better price.
My local Honda/BMW dealer has a decent helmet selection, but are priced 20-30% higher than online prices.
I asked the sales manager if they would match (or at least lower) their price closer to online, and said "nope, we charge what we charge".
I have a CycleGear store nearby now, and they have a huge selection, and their prices are not bad.
Last helmet I got (a Bell Qualifier MIPS) I went to the store and tried on several helmets and different sizes. Found a size that fit well, but they did not have the color I liked in store. Got online and ordered it to my house (and was on clearance online).
As said above, a brand new helmet almost needs to feel too small.
As the pad material wears it will loosen up a touch.
Also when trying them on, walk around the shop for a bit with it on. You will start to feel if it is too tight (especially if you have an oval head and are wearing a round helmet, very tight at the forehead after a few minutes, but feels fine at first).
While I hate doing it, I have used my local bike shops as a fitting room, and then order online for a better price.
My local Honda/BMW dealer has a decent helmet selection, but are priced 20-30% higher than online prices.
I asked the sales manager if they would match (or at least lower) their price closer to online, and said "nope, we charge what we charge".
I have a CycleGear store nearby now, and they have a huge selection, and their prices are not bad.
Last helmet I got (a Bell Qualifier MIPS) I went to the store and tried on several helmets and different sizes. Found a size that fit well, but they did not have the color I liked in store. Got online and ordered it to my house (and was on clearance online).
The shape of the helmet is very important. I stick to certain models of Arai helmets, because I have a "Long-Oval" shaped head. LS2 & Icon also make Long-Oval helmets.
From Revzilla's website, Arai's helmet shape & associated models are described below:
LONG OVAL (very long front-to-back, very narrow side-to-side). On this end of the scale, we have the Signet-Q model, offering additional forehead room for those who find that most helmets have pressure points in the forehead.
INTERMEDIATE OVAL (a little shorter front-to-back and a little wider side-to-side than the Long Oval). This next fit package comes in the Corsair V, XD-4, Vector and Vector 2 models, which begins the shift from oblong towards round.
INTERMEDIATE ROUND OVAL (even a little shorter front-to-back and a little wider side-to-side). This next fit package is represented by the RX-Q. While the "roundness" is not dramatic like an HJC or Nolan helmet it is a slightly more round and forgiving fit for more Touring applications and wider brows. The RX-Q is Arai's newest most comfortable shape which should fit even more of a range of riders more perfectly.
All good advice. Some helmets have removable pads in different sizes which will help with getting the fit correct. This is where trying them on at a pro shop helps.
Saw this sign in the helmet section at a Honda dealership years ago: "Get a $10 helmet if you have a $10 head"
Saw this sign in the helmet section at a Honda dealership years ago: "Get a $10 helmet if you have a $10 head"
Once the piece is pulled down it squeezes together more, pushes the cheeks a little. Only problem is it bothering my ears a little. But maybe like you said it'll break in.
That's good info.. probably why helmets fit weird no matter what type. I have a long oval.. guess I didn't sleep on my back much as a baby.
I have had good fitting helmets with small ear pockets for my ''dumbos'' and have opened up those pockets.
