Proper Fitting Helmet

Proper Fitting Helmet

by Jeanne
(Oswego, IL)

I just started riding last year and I am having the hardest time finding a helmet that feels like it fits right. First I had a Scorpion 200 series and I felt like a bobble head. It seriously was so big it was hurting my neck to hold my head up while riding, and it felt like it was blowing off backwards. I determined that it must not fit properly. Then I got a smaller 1/2 helmet. The problem is, it feels like it pushes up and off the top of my head. It's hard to describe, but it feels like the helmet holds onto my hair, but then my hair slides upward, making the helmet feel like it's gonna fall off again. The chin strap obviously holds it on, it just feels uncomfortable. Is this just how a helmet is suppose to feel, or does someone have some advice on how to make it stop sliding up with my hair?

Comments for
Proper Fitting Helmet

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Apr 04, 2011

Getting the Right Fit
by: coffeepoet

Just as varying brands of shoes fit differently, every helmet manufacturer uses a proprietary last, or "head shape". Most asian manufacturers use lasts that mimic the Asian head, which is notable more round than the typical American head. (obviously this is a generalization)

Scorpion bases their lasts on 40 years of US Army head measurements, so their helmets are a long oval. Shoei uses a modified Asian last, somewhere between round and oval. HJC and Gmax are both Asian (rounded) shape. I don't sell HD helmets, so I don't know who makes theirs.

Several manufacturers offer cheek pads in different thicknesses. This is great if you have chubby cheeks. I often take the cheek pads out of a helmet so that the customer can focus on the fit of the top of the helmet. Most people assume that if it is tight on their cheeks, the helmet is too small. A better gauge is whether the helmet feels like it's ripping your ears off when putting it on or taking it off.

The "hatband" area of the helmet should be snug enough that the helmet moves with your head with only minor slippage when you hold the helmet and shake your head. Also, you should be able to slip two fingers (albeit snugly) between your forehead and the padding. The chin strap should have little bearing in the fit of the helmet, except in a half-helmet.

Mar 24, 2011

Fit
by: Lois

If you have a motorcycle shop around go in ask for help fitting a helmet, most are very happy to help and they can fit you with the right brand for your shape. Not all heads have the same shape, not all helmets fit every head. Remember, you want a good fit your going to be wearing it a lot. I have a fullface and a modular both Scorpion.

Mar 24, 2011

Helmet
by: Jeanne

I finally found a helmet that fits. I tried the Harley Davidson Skyline, they have adjustable padding, but the large was soooo snug, I could not even get it on. Apparently I have a huge head, which I never noticed! While trying on the helmets at the Harley shop, I saw a Pink Dazzle helmet. It looks like an old fashioned Bell 3/4 helmet. No visor, but I can purchase a snap on visor for it. I love this helmet, it fits right, it feel good and it is comfortable. Hopefully I don't cook in it in the summer, it has no venting but for now I am happy. Other than the fact I have a freakishly large and misshapen head!

Mar 14, 2011

HD
by: Caroline

Hi Jeanne,

I don't know what kind of bike you ride, but I have and LOVE my Harley Davidson Skyline helmet. It's a 3/4 model and has a full visor. It fits very well, and when I am at a red light or inner city I can easily flip up the visor to get more air. I have also worn a kerchief under it on long rides and that works really well to keep all the wee hairs from tickling my face (keeps the hairdo under control too). Check it out!

Mar 08, 2011

Wear a Dew Rag Under Helmet
by: Sassy2731

I have found that if I wear my dew rag under my helmet it fits snugger and feels much better on my head and it also keeps my hair out of my eyes while riding. It also absorbs the sweat in the summertime. You can wet it slightly with water before putting it on and it helps keep you cooler in the summer months also. A dew rag helps in many ways if you think about it. I wear a full face with a shield in the winter months and a half shell in the warmer months.

Mar 04, 2011

HJC
by: Sandra

I went with the HJC FS-3 last year after I did not care for the way my Bell Shorty seemed to slide backwards during a ride. The HCJ FS-3 is one of the very few SNELL approved helmets I was able to find that is not a full face helmet (I did not want a full face helmet). Take measurements of your head very carefully and follow the size chart for HJC - I found it to be accurate. Good luck!

Mar 04, 2011

Helmet Fit
by: Anonymous

First of all your local dealer should be able to help get a proper fit on a helmet, but if they don't. All helmets (except maybe the 1/2 helmet) should be pretty snug, Should NOT be able to move it backwards/forwards or side to side on your head with your hands, and you'll kinda look like a chipmunk.

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