Six Key Steps In Determining Proper Helmet Fit.

1. Measurement
2. Try-on
3. Horizontal and Vertical Movement Check
4. Retention Check
5. Pressure Point Check
6. Confirming Proper Fit

1. Measurement

A small metal tape measure, or a cloth tape may be used to make your initial measurement.

The circumference of the head should be measured at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements, to make sure you have the largest one.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A ROUGH GUIDE AND NOT EXACT. THE SHAPE OF YOUR HEAD IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE MEASUREMENT WHICH MAY AFFECT FINAL FIT!

Size Cross Reference

Motorcycle Helmet Sizing Chart

YOUTH HELMET SIZE	HEAD CIRC. (IN)	HEAD CIRC. (CM)	HAT SIZE
Youth SM	19 1/2" - 20"	50cm - 51cm	5 7/8 - 6 1/8
Youth MD	20" - 20 1/2"	51cm - 52cm	6 1/8 - 6 3/8
Youth LG	20 1/2" - 21"	52cm - 53cm	6 3/8 - 6 5/8

ADULT HELMET SIZE	HEAD CIRC. (IN)	HEAD CIRC. (CM)	HAT SIZE
XS	20 7/8" - 21 1/4"	53cm - 54cm	6 5/8 - 6 3/4
SM	21 5/8" - 22"	55cm - 56cm	6 7/8 - 7
MD	22 3/8" - 22 3/4"	57cm - 58cm	7 1/8 - 7 1/4
LG	23 1/4" - 23 5/8"	59cm - 60cm	7 3/8 - 7 1/2
XL	24" - 24 3/8"	61cm - 62cm	7 5/8 - 7 3/4
XXL	24 3/4" - 25 1/4"	63cm - 64cm	7 7/8 - 8

Auto Helmet Sizing Chart

ADULT HELMET SIZE	HEAD CIRC. (IN)	HEAD CIRC. (CM)	HAT SIZE
XXS	21 1/4" - 21 5/8	54cm - 55cm	6 3/4 - 6 7/8
XS	22	56cm	7
SM	22 3/8"	57cm	7 1/8
MD	22 3/4" - 23 1/8"	58cm - 59cm	7 1/4 - 7 3/8
LG	23 1/2" - 23 7/8"	60cm - 61cm	7 1/2 - 7 5/8
XL	24 1/4"	62cm	7 3/4
M3 XTRA 8	25 1/8" - 25 1/2"	64cm - 65cm	8
M3 XTRA 8 1/4	25 7/8" - 26 1/4"	66cm - 67cm	8 1/4
M3 XTRA 8 1/2	26 3/8"	68cm	8 1/2

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2. Try-On

If you are not familiar with helmets, you should use these instructions on the proper procedure for putting one on: A. Grasp the helmet by the chin straps, with the front of the helmet facing you and the top of the helmet facing down. B. Place your thumbs on the inside surface of the straps and balance the helmet with your index fingers. C. Spread the helmet apart with your hands, and slip it down over your head.

Helmets of different shapes go on differently. Sometimes, the front of the helmet must go on first; other times, the rear. If the helmet flops down on your head with no resistance, you have your first indication that it may be too large. Obviously, if it won't slide down over your head at all, it is too small.

Many people unfamiliar with helmets are reluctant to pull down if they meet resistance as the helmet goes on. To tell if it is really too small, or just snug going on you should continue the effort to get the helmet on. Only if the helmet is impossible to put on should you move up to the next size, as helmets that go on snug generally fit very well once on all the way.

Remember, most people will select a helmet that is too large for them. They will regret it later, because ill-fitting helmets are more likely to be noisy, windy and fatiguing to wear.

We have noted that some people have a tendency to wear a helmet perched on the backs of their heads, like hats. Be sure that the helmet is sitting squarely on your head. Use the location of the eyes in the eyeport of a full face model as a gauge.

The eyes should be approximately in the center, with the top edge of the liner padding just above the eyebrows.

3. Checking Horizontal and Vertical Movement

Look for gaps between the temples and the brow pad.

Check the back of the helmet where the neck roll (if the helmet has one) makes contact with the neck. Does it touch at all? Or is it pushing the helmet away at the rear, causing it to roll down over the eyes in front?

After you have made your visual check, grab the helmet in your hands - one on either side - and try to rotate the helmet from side-to-side. Note any movement of the skin while doing this, as well as the amount of resistance to movement. Hold your head steady to do this.

Next check movement up and down, again noting skin movement and resistance. If in either test there was little or no skin movement, and/or the helmet moved very easily, the helmet is too large.

It is important to note here that you should think about the comfort of the helmet during the fitting process - with respect to comfort, pressure points, or anything else that will help you make the right sizing choice.

A properly fitted helmet will cause the skin to move as the helmet moves. And, it will feel to the wearer as if evenly distributed pressure is being continuously exerted around the head.

NOTE: Helmets are a little like shoes, in that they do break in a little. For this reason, the best attitude to have when fitting is that the helmet should be as tight fitting as you can stand to wear it - taking into consideration the length of time it will be worn.

For Example: A drag racer's helmet can be very tight, because it will only be worn for a few minutes at a time. On the other hand, a police officer, who wears a helmet for hours at a time is more concerned with comfort.

4. Retention Check

NOTE: Do not use a helmet that can be rolled off the head with the strap fastened! Try not to cause severe pain, but do give a good, strong pull on the helmet. THIS TEST IS VERY IMPORTANT.

5. Pressure Point Check

Pressure points sometimes are not noticed by the wearer until after several minutes, or even hours of wear. They sometimes cause headaches and are, at the least, uncomfortable.

If you notice a pressure point, note if you experienced discomfort in that area while wearing the helmet. If you can't remember, put the helmet back on for a few minutes, paying particular attention to the anticipated pressure point(s). If the pressure point discomfort continues, go to the next largest size, repeating steps three, four and five.

6. Confirming Proper Fit

Another way, is to wear the helmet around the store for a few minutes. This will allow any pressure points to show up.

WARNING: No helmet can protect the user from all foreseeable impacts. For maximum protection, a helmet must fit securely and should provide adequate peripheral vision. The chin strap must be securely fastened.