How to Measure Your Helmet Size: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the right helmet size is crucial for safety and comfort, whether you’re cycling, motorcycling, skiing, snowboarding, or engaging in any other activity that requires head protection. A helmet that’s too loose won’t provide adequate protection in a crash, while one that’s too tight can be uncomfortable and even cause headaches. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of accurately measuring your head size and selecting the right helmet, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Why Helmet Fit Matters
Before diving into the measurement process, let’s emphasize the importance of a properly fitted helmet:
* **Safety:** A helmet’s primary function is to protect your head from impact during a crash. A correctly sized helmet will stay in place and absorb the energy of the impact, reducing the risk of serious head injuries.
* **Comfort:** A helmet that’s too tight can cause pressure points and headaches, making your activity unpleasant. A helmet that’s too loose can shift around, obstructing your vision and distracting you.
* **Performance:** In some sports, such as cycling and skiing, aerodynamics can play a role in performance. A properly fitted helmet can help streamline your profile and reduce wind resistance.
* **Retention:** A well-fitted helmet, combined with a properly adjusted chin strap, ensures the helmet stays securely on your head during an accident or fall. If the helmet slides off easily, it won’t offer adequate protection.
What You’ll Need
Before you start measuring your head, gather the following materials:
* **Flexible measuring tape:** A soft, flexible measuring tape is essential for accurately measuring the circumference of your head. Cloth measuring tapes used for sewing work perfectly.
* **Mirror:** A mirror will help you ensure that the measuring tape is positioned correctly around your head.
* **A friend (optional):** While you can measure your head yourself, having a friend assist can make the process easier and more accurate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Head
Follow these steps to measure your head circumference accurately:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Hair**
* Style your hair as you normally would when wearing a helmet. If you typically wear a ponytail, bun, or braids, make sure your hair is styled that way before measuring. This will ensure that the measurement accounts for the extra volume of your hair.
* If you wear a cycling cap or beanie under your helmet, wear it while taking the measurement. This simulates the actual conditions when you’ll be wearing the helmet.
**Step 2: Position the Measuring Tape**
* Stand in front of a mirror to ensure you can see the position of the measuring tape.
* Place the end of the measuring tape on your forehead, about one inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows. This is generally the widest part of your forehead.
* Wrap the measuring tape around your head, keeping it level and just above your ears. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. It should feel comfortable and not constricting.
* Ensure the measuring tape is also positioned around the back of your head at the point that will give you the largest circumference. This is usually a bit above the bump at the back of your head.
**Step 3: Take the Measurement**
* Hold the measuring tape in place and note the point where the tape meets the starting point on your forehead. This is your head circumference measurement.
* Read the measurement carefully. It’s best to have a friend double-check the reading to ensure accuracy.
* Record the measurement in both inches and centimeters. Most helmet size charts provide measurements in both units.
* If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, you can use a string or piece of yarn. Wrap the string around your head as described above, mark the point where it meets, and then measure the length of the string with a ruler or rigid measuring tape.
**Step 4: Repeat the Measurement**
* To ensure accuracy, repeat the measurement two or three times. This will help you identify any inconsistencies and get a more reliable average.
* If you get slightly different measurements each time, calculate the average of the measurements to get your final head circumference.
Understanding Helmet Size Charts
Once you have your head circumference measurement, you can use it to determine your helmet size. Most helmet manufacturers provide size charts that correlate head circumference with helmet size. These charts are usually available on the manufacturer’s website or on the helmet packaging.
**General Helmet Size Chart (Approximate)**
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and actual sizes may vary slightly between brands. Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s size chart for the most accurate information.
| Size | Head Circumference (Inches) | Head Circumference (Centimeters) |
| :—— | :————————– | :——————————- |
| X-Small | 20 – 21 | 51 – 53 |
| Small | 21 – 22 | 53 – 56 |
| Medium | 22 – 23 | 56 – 59 |
| Large | 23 – 24 | 59 – 61 |
| X-Large | 24 – 25 | 61 – 64 |
|XX-Large| 25 – 26 | 64 – 66 |
**How to Use a Size Chart:**
1. Locate the helmet size chart for the specific brand and model of helmet you’re interested in.
2. Find the range of head circumferences that includes your measurement.
3. The corresponding size listed in the chart is the recommended helmet size for you.
4. If your measurement falls between two sizes, it’s generally recommended to choose the larger size. You can then fine-tune the fit using the helmet’s internal padding and adjustment system.
Trying on the Helmet
Once you’ve determined your approximate helmet size based on the size chart, it’s essential to try on the helmet to ensure a proper fit. Here’s how to do it:
* **Loosen the Straps:** Before putting on the helmet, loosen the chin strap and any other adjustment straps.
* **Put on the Helmet:** Place the helmet on your head, ensuring it sits level and covers your forehead. The front edge of the helmet should be about one inch above your eyebrows.
* **Check the Fit:**
* **Snugness:** The helmet should feel snug but not too tight. You should be able to move your head without the helmet shifting excessively.
* **Movement:** Gently move the helmet from side to side and front to back. The skin on your forehead should move with the helmet. If the helmet slides easily, it’s too large.
* **Pressure Points:** Pay attention to any pressure points or areas of discomfort. If you feel any pinching or excessive pressure, the helmet may be the wrong shape or size.
* **Adjust the Straps:** Once you’re satisfied with the initial fit, adjust the chin strap and any other adjustment straps to fine-tune the fit.
* **Chin Strap:** The chin strap should be snug enough that you can fit only one or two fingers between the strap and your chin. When buckled, the straps should form a “Y” shape around your ears.
* **Retention System:** Many helmets have an internal retention system that allows you to adjust the fit around the circumference of your head. Use this system to customize the fit and ensure the helmet is secure.
Checking the Fit After Adjustment
After adjusting the straps, recheck the fit to ensure the helmet is secure and comfortable.
* **Movement Test:** Repeat the movement test (moving the helmet from side to side and front to back). The helmet should still move with your skin.
* **Chin Strap Test:** Buckle the chin strap and try to pull the helmet off your head from the back. If you can remove the helmet, tighten the chin strap and repeat the test. You shouldn’t be able to remove the helmet when the chin strap is properly adjusted.
* **Jaw Movement:** Open and close your mouth to ensure the chin strap isn’t too tight and doesn’t restrict your jaw movement.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Here are some additional tips to help you find the perfect helmet fit:
* **Try on Different Brands and Models:** Helmet shapes and sizes can vary significantly between brands and models. Try on several different helmets to find one that fits your head shape comfortably.
* **Consider Helmet Shape:** Some helmets are designed for rounder head shapes, while others are better suited for more oval head shapes. If you have a particularly round or oval head, look for helmets that are specifically designed for that shape.
* **Don’t Rely on Appearance:** Choose a helmet based on fit and safety, not just appearance. A stylish helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t provide adequate protection.
* **Replace Your Helmet Regularly:** Helmets degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, sweat, and impacts. It’s recommended to replace your helmet every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if it has been involved in a crash.
* **Consult a Professional:** If you’re unsure about how to measure your head or choose the right helmet, consult a professional at a local bike shop, sporting goods store, or motorcycle dealership. They can help you find a helmet that fits properly and meets your safety needs.
* **Read Reviews:** Before purchasing a helmet, read online reviews from other users. This can give you valuable insights into the helmet’s fit, comfort, and performance.
* **Check for Certification:** Ensure that the helmet meets the safety standards for your activity. Look for certifications such as CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for cycling helmets, Snell for motorcycle helmets, and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for skiing and snowboarding helmets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes people make when choosing a helmet:
* **Assuming All Helmets of the Same Size Fit the Same:** As mentioned earlier, helmet sizes and shapes can vary between brands and models.
* **Choosing a Helmet That’s Too Large:** People often choose a helmet that’s too large, thinking it will be more comfortable. However, a loose helmet won’t provide adequate protection.
* **Not Adjusting the Straps Properly:** The chin strap and other adjustment straps are crucial for ensuring a secure fit. Make sure to adjust them properly.
* **Ignoring Pressure Points:** If you feel any pressure points, don’t ignore them. The helmet may be the wrong shape or size for your head.
* **Buying a Used Helmet:** It’s generally not recommended to buy a used helmet, as you don’t know its history. It may have been involved in a crash and its protective capabilities may be compromised.
* **Forgetting to Replace the Helmet After a Crash:** Even if a helmet appears undamaged after a crash, its internal structure may have been weakened. It’s essential to replace the helmet after any impact.
Conclusion
Measuring your helmet size accurately is essential for ensuring your safety and comfort. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find a helmet that fits properly and provides the protection you need. Remember to try on different brands and models, adjust the straps properly, and replace your helmet regularly. Stay safe and enjoy your activity!