Safety is paramount for motorcycle club members, and one of the most crucial safety measures is wearing a properly fitted helmet. While it may be tempting to choose a helmet based on its appearance or brand name, these factors should take a back seat to finding the right fit. In this article, we'll explore why the right fitting helmet is essential and provide tips on how to find the perfect helmet for your needs.

Why You Need the Right Fit

Wearing a helmet that fits correctly offers numerous benefits. Firstly, a properly fitted helmet is more comfortable, increasing the likelihood that you'll wear it consistently. After all, investing in a helmet is meaningless if it ends up collecting dust on a shelf.

Additionally, the individual features of a helmet, such as ventilation, sound dampening, and view range, are designed to work optimally when the helmet fits correctly. These features rely on specific placement on your head, ensuring maximum effectiveness. Wearing a helmet of the wrong size can render these features ineffective and compromise your safety.

Furthermore, the primary purpose of a helmet is to protect your head in case of an accident. If your helmet doesn't fit properly, it won't be able to fulfill its intended function adequately. Ill-fitting helmets can be noisy, allow wind to penetrate, shift and lift at high speeds, and may even come off in an accident. Therefore, finding the right fit is crucial for your safety.

Understanding Safety Ratings

When searching for the right helmet, it's also essential to consider safety ratings. In the United States, two common safety ratings are DOT and SNELL.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires helmet manufacturers to meet specific safety standards to label their helmets as DOT FMVSS 218 approved. These standards include thickness requirements, sturdy chinstraps, solid rivets, weight restrictions, and appropriate design.

The Snell Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that conducts extensive impact testing on helmets. Manufacturers can submit their helmet models for testing, and if they withstand the rigorous testing, they receive SNELL Certification. The latest standard is SNELL M2015 Certified. These certifications ensure that helmets meet stringent safety criteria.

Understanding the Different Helmet Types

There are three basic types of helmets to consider when selecting the right one for your motorcycle club activities:

1. Full-face helmet: This type provides comprehensive coverage, protecting your entire head and face. It features a movable face shield that you can lift and lower.

2. Modular helmet: Similar to a full-face helmet, a modular helmet has a front part that can be lifted, allowing access to the face area.

3. Open face helmet: Also known as a half helmet, this type only covers the top and sides of your skull and offers no face protection.

Measuring for the Perfect Fit

To find the right fitting helmet, you'll need to measure your head accurately. Start by measuring the circumference of your head, beginning in the middle of your forehead. Wrap the measuring tape or a piece of string around the widest part of your head, slightly above your ears and about an inch above your eyebrows. Make sure the tape is neither too loose nor too tight. Measure the length of the string on a ruler to obtain your head circumference.

Refer to the helmet manufacturer's size chart using your head circumference measurement. Keep in mind that each manufacturer may have a different size chart, and some brands may even have specific size charts for different helmet models. Find the size that corresponds to your measurement for the most accurate fit.

Ensuring Proper Fitment

When trying on a helmet, it's crucial to achieve a snug fit. Your helmet should feel secure on your head without causing pain or excessive pressure. Remember that helmets may feel slightly tight initially, but they should not be painfully tight.

Check for any "hot spots" or areas of excessive pressure. These hot spots often occur on the forehead, back of the head, or temples. If you experience discomfort in these areas, it may indicate that the helmet's shape is not compatible with your head shape. We'll delve into head shapes and how to address fitting issues shortly.

When trying on a helmet, hold the chin straps in each hand, with the bottom of the helmet facing you. Gently pull your hands apart to expand the helmet slightly and slip it down over your head.

Understanding Helmet Sizes and Head Shapes

Helmets are typically marked with sizes such as XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL. However, the actual sizes may vary between manufacturers. Therefore, it's crucial to consult each manufacturer's size chart to determine the correct fit. Don't assume that the same size will fit across different brands.

In addition to sizes, helmets also come in different shapes to accommodate various head shapes. The three main helmet shapes are round, intermediate oval, and long oval. Identifying your head shape will help you find a helmet that fits properly.

To determine your head shape, take a picture of the top of your head. Compare the distance between your ears and the front-to-back distance of your head. Pull your hair tightly against your head to focus on bone structure rather than hairstyle.

• Round helmets: These helmets are suitable for heads that are mostly circular or have a wide oval shape.
• Long oval helmets: Designed for heads with ears that are narrowly placed together and a longer front-to-back distance.
• Intermediate oval helmets: These helmets have an average oval shape, falling between round and long oval.

Addressing Fitting Issues

If the helmet you're trying on doesn't fit snugly, it's too big for you. Try the next size down to achieve a more secure fit.

On the other hand, if the helmet feels excessively tight and causes pain all over, it's too small. Try the next size up until you find a helmet that fits snugly but comfortably.

Identifying hot spots in specific areas can help determine the right helmet shape for your head. If you experience pressure on your forehead, it indicates that the helmet is too round for your more oval-shaped head. If your cheeks feel compressed, the helmet may be too oval for your round face.

If you feel excessive pressure on your temples or at the back of your head, the helmet is likely too narrow. Look for a helmet with a wider middle section to address this issue.

If the helmet doesn't cause hot spots but your cheeks aren't compressed, you may require thicker cheek pads for a better fit.

If the cheek pads compress your cheeks too much, you can manually compress them by taking them out of the helmet and placing them under something heavy for a few days. This process can expedite the break-in period.

If you're between sizes or find that a particular helmet model doesn't match your head shape, consider trying another brand or model. Head shapes vary, and different models are designed with specific fits in mind.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

When selecting a helmet, it's crucial to avoid falling into common misconceptions. Here are some myths debunked:

1. Glasses: You don't need a larger helmet because you wear glasses. Instead, focus on finding a helmet that allows for comfortable glasses wear. Consider different helmet styles and assess your frames to ensure compatibility.

2. Ponytails: Helmets are not designed to accommodate ponytails. Remove your high ponytail before putting on your helmet. Braiding your hair can also prevent knots caused by wind.

3. Food and Drink: Do not compromise safety for the sake of convenience. Modular helmets may tempt riders to seek more space for eating or drinking, but it's essential to prioritize safety. Remove your helmet when consuming food or beverages to minimize distractions.

4. Ears: Don't choose a larger helmet to accommodate your ears. Instead, put on the helmet by gently pulling the straps outward to help alleviate any discomfort around the ears. The helmet's curvature at the bottom ensures a secure and quieter fit.

5. Sweating: Sweating is natural when you're riding in the elements. Look for a helmet with proper ventilation and sweat-wicking fabric to mitigate this issue.

6. Comfort Liners: Swapping out the comfort liner is not a reliable solution for a poor fit. The outer shell and EPS liner may still be the wrong size for your head, compromising safety. Comfort liners primarily provide added comfort, not safety adjustments.

7. Previous Comfort: Your old helmet may have stretched and conformed to your head over time. Give your new helmet some time to settle in and adjust. The side and cheek pads of the comfort liner may compress over time, providing a more comfortable fit.

8. Head Size and Height/Weight: Your helmet size is independent of your height and weight. Head size is the determining factor, so make sure to measure your head accurately. Age doesn't dictate helmet size either—some kids can wear adult helmets, and vice versa.

9. Universal Sizes: Don't assume that you can wear the same size across all brands and models. Each manufacturer has its own size chart, and different models may have distinct fits. It's important to consult the size chart for each specific helmet you're considering.

Finding the Right Fitting Helmet

Investing in a properly fitted helmet is essential for motorcycle club members who prioritize safety. Remember the following key points:

• Focus on fitment over looks, brand names, or price.
• Choose a helmet that matches your head shape—round, intermediate oval, or long oval.
• Measure the circumference of your head to determine the correct size.
• Ensure the helmet feels snug without causing pain or excessive pressure.
• Check for hot spots and address them accordingly.
• Avoid common misconceptions about helmets.
• Give your new helmet time to break in and settle comfortably.

By prioritizing fitment, you can ensure that your helmet functions as a reliable safety device, providing optimal protection during your motorcycle rides. Stay safe and enjoy the thrill of riding with peace of mind!

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