The about effective and of import condom measure a motorcyclist can invest in is the helmet. No other single piece of motorcycle gear provides more protection, or more return on investment, in the issue of a crash. This explains why a motorcycle helmet should non be bought based on the price or appearance. A passenger should buy the all-time plumbing fixtures, most highly rated helmet he or she can afford.

Buying a helmet requires a bit of research to understand the different shapes and how to buy the best fit. In this motorcycle helmet sizing guide we encompass the post-obit essential aspects to choosing the correct motorcycle helmet:

  • Shape
  • Sizing a Motorcycle Helmet
  • Helmet Fit
  • Types of Motorcycle Helmets

But commencement, it'south important to know a little nearly condom ratings. All helmets approved for utilize in the United States come with Department of Transportation (DOT) rating. Other safety ratings include Snell and the Economical Committee for Europe (ECE). Snell and ECE tend to take more than rigorous testing merely that doesn't mean a DOT-simply approved helmet is any less rubber for highway travel. You can read more than about condom ratings by reading The Big List of DOT, Snell & ECE Approved Motocross Helmets.

The bottom line is the best helmet is the i that fits is comfortable and allows yous to ride without inhibiting your range of motion or ability to perform the necessary functions to safely operate a motorbike.

Shape

The most of import helmet plumbing equipment aspect to consider earlier determining helmet size is helmet shape. The shape of the rider's caput plays a crucial function in selecting a proper plumbing fixtures motorcycle helmet. All helmet manufacturers pattern their lids to fit a specific caput shape. These often range across three master designations - long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval.

  • Long Oval - Shaped for a head which is longer front-to-back (from forehead to the back of the skull) than it is side-to-side (ear to ear).
  • Intermediate Oval - Shaped for a head which is slightly longer front-to-back than information technology is side-to-side. Nigh motorcycle helmets volition fall into this category as it is the virtually common head shape; if a helmet does not state its shape, this is usually it.
  • Round Oval - Shaped for a head which has almost identical front-to-back and side-to-side measurements.

Once the caput shape is determined, it is easier to filter the enormous selection of bachelor motorcycle helmets down to a smaller, more appropriate list of those which will fit the passenger'due south head. At present it is time to detect the right size of the motorcycle helmet.

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Sizing a Motorcycle Helmet

Measuring for motorbike helmet size is as simple equally looking for a good fitted hat. The difference is in how the helmet fits over the rider's head. The all-time tool for this is a seamstress or tailor's tape measure. Information technology is flexible enough to wrap around the rider'due south skull and marked in useful increments for determining an authentic size. Use it to discover which size of helmet suits yous:

  • Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest function of the head - this will be just above the ears and about a half-inch above the eyebrows for most - and accept the measurement at the forehead. To go the most authentic measure, have a friend help with this step.
  • Accept the measurement and compare to the size chart on the folio for the desired motorcycle helmet (you might have to curl down). Each manufacturer has sizing which is specific to its ain models, and so only rely on the size nautical chart produced for the motorcycle helmet existence considered.

Some variance occurs, fifty-fifty between different models from the same manufacturer, which is why MotoSport offers a "Free First Commutation" program if your helmet does not fit properly.

Example of a motorbike helmet size chart

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Helmet Fit

When a new helmet is kickoff worn, information technology should actually be slightly tight, with the interior coming into contact with most of the head, only not so restrictive that it causes any pain. There should be no "hot spots" - places where the helmet's interior puts pressure on specific points of the skull or face - simply information technology should non move around freely. With time, a helmet adjusts to match the shape of the rider's head as information technology is worn, "breaks-in" and loosens a piffling. However, information technology should never go loose plenty to hands turn from side to side.

  • Put the helmet on - it should be a footling tight as it goes on over the head.
  • The helmet should sit on the head evenly with the eye port's upper edge only higher up the eyebrows and offering expert peripheral vision to see side-to-side.
  • Put a finger between the helmet interior and the head. If it easily fits, endeavor a smaller size. Some helmet models allow a change in the cheek pads for better fitment, so consider this when checking for proper sizing.

Finally, when deciding on a helmet style - it's mostly up to personal choice for color, patterns and shield tint just call back the brighter and easier to come across a helmet the more than likely drivers spot a rider. The face shield should not obscure the rider's vision in any way and tinted visors should but be used for sunny days.

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Types of Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmets come up in dissimilar types, or styles, each offer certain benefits to address a rider'southward needs. Some riders like full all-around protection while others prefer a slim approach that mostly allows them to ride legally in those states that have helmet laws. Regardless, you have many options to cull from:

  • Total Face Helmets
  • Modular Helmets
  • ADV Dual Sport
  • Open Face Helmets
  • Half Shell Helmets

Clearly, deciding on the best motorbike helmet tin can exist a bit daunting. Read Picking the Best Motorcycle Helmet which discuss these helmets a bit more in-depth and asks some questions that help you narrow downward the best mode of helmet for your riding style. Meanwhile, some pop suggestions in the riding community include:

ICON Airflight - Full Face Helmet

Shoei Neotec 2 - Modular Helmet

Arai XD4 - Dual Sport Helmet

HJC IS 5 - Open Confront Helmet

Fly Racing 9MM - Half Beat Helmet

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Decision

A well-plumbing fixtures motorcycle helmet contributes to a safer and more comfy ride. If the helmet does non fit correct, it can cause pain which often leads to dangerous distractions, and it may non completely protect the passenger'south head in a crash. Therefore, finding a motorcycle helmet which fits the passenger correctly is very important to the helmet's twin missions of comfort and safety. Spend enough fourth dimension finding the right helmet and you volition find that the helmet almost disappears while wearing and yet it is correct where information technology needs to exist should the ride go wrong. Exist smart. Be safe. Ride with a correctly sized motorcycle helmet and enjoy the road for years to come.