MEASURING UP FOR YOUR HELMET
Choosing a helmet isn't just figuring out your size and your favourite colour. It's buying a helmet that will actually work to protect your head in the event of an impact.
Of all drivers on the road, motorcyclists are the most unguarded and vulnerable to accidents, injuries and death. Although motorcycle drivers only make up around 1% of road traffic, they account for almost 20% of all deaths and life-threatening injuries incurred on the roads.
In a study of motorcycle accidents in Europe, it was found that an additional 1,000 lives would have been saved each year by not only wearing helmets, but by wearing ones that fit properly and meet general safety requirements. Wearing a motorcycle helmet is required by law in the UK, but it can also save your life.
When a helmeted head experiences impact, the impact-absorbing liner is designed to manage those forces. But if there's too much of a gap between the helmet and your head, you're basically setting yourself up to get hurt by your own safety gear. Also, some helmets have slip liners built in to reduce injuries from rotational forces. If the liner doesn't fit well against your head, it can't function as it is intended. On the other hand, if the helmet is too tight because there is too little of a gap, the helmet will simply be uncomfortable. It could become distracting, painful or you'll just stop wearing it. A good fit prevents both problems and allows the helmet to do its job.
All helmets are not created equal with respect to fitting your head but that doesn't mean you have to pay thousands to get a good protection and fit. There are plenty of options on our website for all price points, head sizes and rising styles. You just have to pay attention when picking out your next lid.
Choosing the right helmet doesn't have to be such a daunting task with our full guide to walk you through it. All you will need is a measuring tape and a friend who can lend a hand in helping you measure up.
These are the simple steps to choosing the right helmet for you:
-
Choose the helmet style you like
-
Measure your head size
-
Try the helmet when arrived
-
Check for the proper fit and wear for half an hour
-
Go for a ride if all is good with your new helmet
1. Choosing Your Helmet Style:
Motorcyclists have never had so much helmet choices available. While it is fantastic to have all of these options, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one. Where to start? Essentially speaking, there are five basic types of helmets you should be familiar with before making your decision.
-
Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
This is an Open Face Helmet, which is the least restrictive, but also the least protective. Open Face Helmets allow the flow of air to the face, since the helmet's shell does not cover the riders face or chin, hence the name. An Open Face Helmet could be a 'half' helmet, which just covers the top of the skull, or a 'three-quarter' helmet, which covers everything except the riders face. Open Face Helmets tend to be less expensive than other types of helmets, and they're usually short on features as well. You'll typically see these helmets worn by riders on cruisers, retros and classic motorcycles.
-
Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
The Full Face Helmet, on the other hand, totally encloses the rider's head. A face shield protects the rider's nose and eyes, and an extension of the shell called the Chin Bar covers the bottom of the rider's face. Full Face Helmets are the least ventilated, but the most protective against impacts and the elements. They are also the quietest helmets available. A Full Face Helmet is the only option if you aspire to take your helmet to the track. Full Face Helmets are common around every kind of riding.
-
Modular Motorcycle Helmet
Modular Helmets are a subset of Full Face Helmets. These helmets use a hinged mechanism to swing the Chin Bar and face shield out of the way when the rider hits the release, instantly converting the Full Face Helmet into a Open Face Helmet. This modularity give the helmet it's name. Modular Helmets let riders choose between the benefits of both Open Face and Full Face Helmets, all in one. For example, a touring rider might want full face protection on the highway, but the ease of an open face while grabbing lunch at a stop. (Please note that Modular Helmets are not intended to be used in the open position while riding.) With Modulars, the compromise for its convenience is often increased weight and noise over conventional helmets, though Modular Helmets are improving every year. Modulars are especially popular with touring and commuter riders.
-
ADV/Adventure Motorcycle Helmet
If your ride takes you on and off-road, consider an ADV, or Adventure Helmet. ADV riders transition from the street to the trail in a single ride, so their helmets combine features for both disciplines. On the street, an ADV Helmet offers a face shield and a street legal safety rating. For riding in the dirt, they mimic a Dirt Helmet with a peak (like a bill on a cap over the eyes), lots of ventilation, and compatibility for goggles. Of course, their hybrid natures makes for some compromises, but there is no better choice if your adventures incorporate both street and trail. ADV Helmets are most at home with Dual-Sport and ADV riders.
-
Dirt/Off-Road Motorcycle Helmet
Finally, there's the Dirt Helmet, made exclusively for off-road riding. Note that these helmets do not require a Department of Transportation (DOT) rating, so they might not be street legal. Dirt Helmets feature plenty of airflow, plus a large peak to keep dust out of the rider's eyes. They're intended to be worn with goggles. (Goggles are always sold separately.) They're exceptionally light, though they sacrifice face shields and other comforts to make that possible. A Dirt Helmet is designed for off-road riding, so if you're going to be riding on the street, it's recommended that you choose something else.
2. Measuring Your Head Size:
Now, finding your helmet size. Helmet sizing is a little strange for most people, since we don't use head size as commonly as waist size, shirt size or shoe size in everyday life. Fortunately, it's not hard to figure it out. Ask your friend to measure your head's circumference with a tape measure. (Not the ones used for building.) The tape should run above your eyebrows and around the back of your head, including the widest part. A piece of string will also be good enough to use. Just lay it against a ruler after measuring to figure out the length. (You can do this yourself, but we really recommend getting a friend to help get the most accurate measurement possible.) Compare your results against our helmet's size chart to determine which size you need to order. We have a conversion chart which will help you out in the Footer of our website called 'Sizing Guides'.
3. Trying the Helmet On:
So you know what style of helmet you'd like, as well as your measurements. That should narrow your search down to a range of helmets that will work best for you. Time to order your helmet. When the helmet arrives, put it on, keeping in mind that you might have to grab the straps and spread them apart to slip the helmet over your head. Helmets aren't designed to be comfortable while your head is passing through the pads. You might need to adjust your ears too. That's completely normal, just like adjusting your sock after putting your shoes on. The focus should be on fitment with the helmet in place.
4. Check for a Proper Fit:
With the helmet on, how should it feel? Any severe discomfort means you should try another helmet or maybe a size up. If you have ordered an unwearable helmet after following the steps above, consider rechecking your size. You shouldn't be that far off the mark if you measured accurately and checked the size chart.
If the helmet fits as it should, you should feel the cushions against your cheeks. They'll be pushed up a little, like 'Chipmunk Cheeks'. (Note that Open Face Helmets do not have cheek pads, so they will not give this effect.) Next, grab the Chin Bar and move it around. Your cheeks should move, not the helmet. If it's sliding, go down at least one size. If the helmet is a little on the tight side, keep in mind that most helmet liners break in 15% to 20% after the first 15 to 20 hours of riding.
5. Wear the Helmet for About 30 Minutes:
Wear the helmet for a while (maybe around 30 minutes) to see if any pressure points develop. If the helmet causes a pressure point that is uncomfortable after 15 minutes, it will be surprisingly painful after a three hour ride. Tightness is okay, but if you feel like you need to get the helmet off to stop the pain, that's not the helmet for you. Discomfort is most common in two places: directly at the forehead, or just above the temples. If you have a big red line across your forehead after removing the helmet, try something else. That helmet is not big enough. If you feel the helmet squeezing your temples, it again isn't big enough for you. Keep in mind that this 30 minute period should be spent off the bike. We can't take returns on helmets once you have used them and rode in them.
​
6. Go for a Ride:
Wearing a helmet just won't be as comfortable as sitting around in your house without one. With that said, you should feel decently comfortable wearing the helmet for 30 minutes at a time. Make sure you spend some time in the helmet to pass that 15-20 hours of break-in. The helmet will mould to your head somewhat, making for an even better fit. Enjoy your new helmet!