How Should Your Helmet Fit?

Wearing a helmet is very important, and having a proper fit is even more important for your safety. An improperly fitted helmet can actually do more damage in the event of an accident, especially in younger children.

So how should you fit a helmet properly? Your helmet should fit tight and snug, but not so tight that it is cutting off the circulation to your head. You should be able to feel pressure all the way around your head and in your cheeks, but you should not be biting your inner cheeks. If you can fit two fingers in your helmet at the back of your skull or at your cheeks, your helmet is too loose. Every head is different and so are helmet brands, so not every helmet will fit every head. With the helmet on, if you grab it at the mouthpiece, you should not be able to easily wiggle it around nor should you see/feel much movement there. You should also be able to see clearly through the eyehole spot.

Please note that some children (toddlers/babies) can be too young to wear a dirtbike helmet. Even the "lightest" dirtbike helmets can be too big for them. Their necks are not strong enough to hold up the weight of a helmet and this can actually cause them more damage to their heads/necks. If the helmet is too heavy for them and they crash or hit a hard bump, they risk the weight of the helmet pulling them in the opposite direction. Sometimes, BMX shops do sell bicycle or full-faced helmets that may be light enough for your little ones.

Dirt Bike Helmet Fit Test:

• With the chin strap fastened, the helmet should be tight, but have enough room to allow one or two fingers to slip between the chin strap and your throat.
• Try squeezing two fingers between your helmet and the back of your head. It should NOT be possible.
• With the chin straps fastened, lean forward and allow the helmet to roll off your head. It should NOT roll off your head. It should NOT move.
• Be sure the helmet is sitting level, not up nor down. Your eyes should be able to see forward clearly.
• The helmet padding should be cuddling your head snugly and noticeably without causing pain. You can feel the pressure of the helmet all around, though it doesn’t hurt at all.
• Your cheek pads are pushing against your cheeks but without any discomfort.
• Shake your head from side to side, and up and down, the helmet should NOT move around. It is now part of your head.
• Leave the helmet on for 20 minutes or so. Walk around, sit down, watch TV, read the newspaper, play with your phone. If the helmet starts to become uncomfortable, it is probably too small.
• Take the helmet off. If there are red marks on your forehead, then the helmet is too tight/small.
• Ideally, the helmet should continue to feel comfortable after wearing it for a period of time, while remaining snug.

Come in and let us get you fitted in the proper helmet today!