Helmet Basics
When it comes to picking your next (or first) helmet, getting the right fit is crucial. It’s not only important for comfort, but the fit also plays a role in the overall safety of your helmet. Regardless of the safety technology packed into it, a properly sized helmet will always be safer than one that is too small or large.
However, online shopping may be most people’s only means for getting a helmet, so trying one on before purchasing may not always be an option for you. So how do you know what size you need without actually having the helmet on hand?
Measuring
The first thing we need to do is collect your measurements. This data will be used to select the specific size. It’s important to have this data as helmet sizes vary across brands and even models. So just knowing that you typically wear a medium in one brand isn’t enough.
Using flexible measuring tape or a piece of string, you’ll want to measure the circumference on your head. Starting in the middle of your forehead, just above your eye brows, wrap the tape around your head, above your ears, and back around your head to the middle of your forehead where you started. Put simply, you want to measure your head where your hat would normally sit or where you would imagine the helmet to fit on your head just above your eye brows.
Using the measuring tape is pretty self explanatory, as whatever number you end up on is your size. From there you may need to convert inches to millimeter or vice versa depending on the sizing chart’s data. If you used the string to measure, then you’ll want to make a mark on the string at the end point. Remove the string from your head and use a traditional tape measure to measure from end to end of the string.
Sizing Charts
Now that you have your measurements, you can refer to helmet sizing charts to determine the size you need. Make sure the chart you are using is for the specific brand or model of helmet you’re interested in purchasing. This is because sizing can vary across different brands, so you want to ensure you’re viewing chart data that specifically applies to what you’re buying. A quick google search or visiting the manufacturer’s website are all easy ways to find sizing charts. Or you can always give us a call here and we can help refer you to the proper sizing chart.
Pro Tips & Alterations
In some rare cases, you may find that you’re between helmet sizes. In this case, you’ll want to select whichever you’re the closest to. But keep in mind that as you continue to use the helmet, the pads will begin to break in. Worn in pads will give the helmet a looser fit so your new helmet should almost fit too tight at first.
Another consideration for those who can’t find the exact size is to buy additional helmet pads of a different size. Let’s say you bought a Large helmet but it’s just too loose, then you could purchase a set of Medium helmet size pads and it will snug up the fit.
But as mentioned before, these are pretty rare situations. So as long as you take the extra step to measure and view the sizing chart, you should have no issue when purchasing your next helmet. We here at Full Tilt Bike Co. carry a large selection of BMX Racing and Moto style helmets. We’re based out of St. Augusta, Minnesota and ship internationally. So no matter where you are we can help you get the race equipment you need.
