A motorcycle helmet should always be snug and tight enough to stay securely on your head. It is important to make sure that the chin strap is not too loose or too tight. A loose strap can come off when in a collision, while a tight one could cut off circulation in your neck.
The helmet should have a snug fit all around but not so tight that it hurts or strains your chin, forehead, or neck. In the event of a crash, a loose helmet will not offer protection, and a tight helmet could injure you. Also, a loose helmet can shift position with a lot of movement, causing it to move off your head.
How Should A Motorcycle Helmet Fit?
The perfect fit for a motorcycle helmet is when it feels snug but not too tight. Your helmet should always fit just tighter than your last layer of clothing. A looser fitting helmet can cause the chin strap to come loose, and this is something you don’t want happening.
A tighter-fitting helmet will provide adequate protection from any potential impact. In addition to a snug fit, a helmet should also be comfortable. A helmet that is too heavy can be uncomfortable to wear. It can weigh down your head and restrict your breathing.
How Do I Know If My Motorcycle Helmet Is Too Tight?
The motorcycle helmet should not be overly tight on your head, but it shouldn’t be too loose either. If the helmet is too tight, you might experience pressure on your eyes or a headache. On the other hand, if it’s too loose, a strong wind gust could blow the helmet off your head and cause serious injury to your skull. To ensure you have a safe seal around your head, ensure your ears are fully covered and the straps are tightened snugly at the chin and cheekbones.
The important thing is you have to feel comfortable wearing the helmet. If you feel your head has too much pressure, remove the helmet and loosen the fit. We have a guide to make your helmet if fit better, you can check it out here.
How Do I Know if My Motorcycle Helmet Is Too Loose?
Motorcycle helmets are designed to be snug, providing max level protection to your head. The motorcycle helmet should fit snugly over the head with no helmet shifting on the head. In addition to that, there should be a minimum of two fingers of space between the chin strap and neck. A snug fit is the key to a safe helmet.
Btw, you can buy a fit and small helmet of your size, if you think the helmet you have a too big for your head.
Breaking in a Motorcycle Helmet
Many motorcyclists will break in a new helmet by wearing it around the house or under a knit hat for extended periods of time. This method might take anywhere from about a week to even a month. It is important to make sure the helmet is not too loose during this process and know that if it is too tight.
The skin on your head may become irritated or damaged, which can cause irritation or reduced blood flow. If you are breaking in a helmet properly, you will not have to use it when riding and only when your head is exposed to the environment. Therefore, you should remove it from your head and store it in a safe place when not in use.
Will a Motorcycle Helmet Loosen Up Overtime?
Most people wear a motorcycle helmet to avoid head injuries while riding a motorcycle. However, it can be difficult to determine if a helmet is fitted properly. A loose-fitting helmet may move while the rider is in the seated position, leading to discomfort and insecurity on the road. The best way to know if a helmet is fitted correctly is by checking for clearance between their eyebrows and the front of the helmet.
The answer is yes; motorcycle helmets tend to loosen up over time and lose their fit. Suppose you ride hard, as I do, the pressure of your head on the helmet increases, as well as the downward force on your head. But it’s totally normal; if your helmet doesn’t wiggle around in the wind when riding, it’s all good!
Finding the Right Motorcycle Helmet Shape
When it comes to motorcycle helmet shape, it refers to the inner shape, the shape of the inside of the helmet. If you pay a closer look at the human head shape, you might notice all are not the shape. Different people have different head shapes, and that’s natural. You can find out someone’s head shape if you look at them from above.
There are three types of head-shape commonly seen, and that’s why inner helmet shape also resembles them. They are-
- Round Oval– Round all the way
- Intermediate Oval– Narrower in the front and back and roundish in the middle
- Long Oval– Narrower in the front, middle, and back
The most common head shape in America and Europe is the Intermediate Oval. Narrower in the front and back and roundish in the middle. Try to find out the perfect head shape for you, and that might take care of the pressure points and tightness of the helmet. Sometimes speaker points or outlets of bluetooth helmets also create pressure points, keep that in mind.
Tips for How to Wear Your Motorcycle Helmet Correctly on Your Head
- Try to find out your head shape and size first
- Attach the chin strap and see if at least two fingers can slip in your chin and the chin strap
- Put on the helmet and keep it for a minute or so to see if it’s comfortable
- The helmet should get in touch with all around the head
- Try to find gaps and pressure points wearing the helmet; if you find some, it might be the wrong size for you
- While wearing the helmet, try to move the helmet sideways; a fitted helmet should not slide or move around
- Try to tilt the helmet backward and forward; it should not slide or move around
- With the chin strap attached, try to pull from the base of the back of the helmet; it should not roll forward
These tips apply for dirt Bike helmets as well as half helmets, universal tips for helmet fitting you can say.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while testing you should remember that a motorcycle helmet should be tight and snug yet comfortable. It shouldn’t be overly tight and cause distress, and it should not loosen up while riding. The best way to know for sure whether or not the helmet is fitting correctly is to wear it practically. This can be done in an environment where you can feel the difference when the strap compresses your skin.
So, when you put on your helmet, make sure it feels snug but comfortable.