A helmet that is too tight can cause a headache or leave red marks on the forehead or top back corners of your head. But a helmet that is too loose can be dangerous or even deadly. Before buying a helmet, make sure it fits properly by fastening the chin strap. When properly secured, you should only be able to fit two fingers between your chin and the strap.
Size
The size of your head is the key to a good helmet fit. You can measure the circumference of your head with a tape measure (recommended) or use a piece of string, then compare it to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Each manufacturer has their own size charts so some variation is expected.
A helmet should be snug but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. If it is too loose the outside shell will accelerate towards your skull during an impact, reducing the safety of the polystyrene padding inside. The helmet should also not be so loose that you can easily rotate it on your head from side to side – this means it is too big and will get looser as you wear it. It should also be easy to insert your finger in between the helmet lining and your forehead. If you can’t do this or feel pressure on the temples it is not long-oval enough.
Shape
While injuries to the legs and pelvis can be incredibly painful and take a long time to recover from, head trauma is far more serious and can cause permanent impairment or death. A correctly fitted helmet is essential to ensure that the brain and skull are protected. A helmet should fit snugly and comfortably without causing discomfort in any area of the head. The cheek pads should press firmly against the cheeks and the top pad should rest close to your forehead.
A quick test is to rotate the helmet slightly from side to side with straps fastened and see if there is any movement, to know more click here gcmag.com.au/how-tight-should-a-motorcycle-helmet-be-ensure-your-safety/. A helmet that moves easily from front to back is too loose and can be dangerous in a crash. Also, remember that a new helmet will loosen slightly over the first few months of use.
Padding
The EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) padding inside the helmet is constructed from crushable foam cells designed to absorb impact energy and prevent head injuries. Each manufacturer constructs the padding slightly differently but all helmets put their liners through similar stringent tests to ensure they are safe. The padding should fit snugly around your head but without being painful. If you can insert your fingers between the lining and your forehead or the cheek pads touch your cheeks it is too loose. On the other hand if you feel pressure across your temples it is too tight and not long-oval enough.
Once you have your size and shape sorted it is time to try a helmet on. Start by securing the chin strap under your jaw, there should be no slack. Then rotate your head left and right, up and down to test for any uncomfortable pressure points. If the visor obstructs your field of vision it is too big and you should select a smaller model.
Chin Strap
If the helmet is loose, it may move around on your head while riding and could come off during a crash. It might also let in noise and wind, not to mention it’s not safe for you or other drivers on the road. Houston motorcycle accident attorneys recommend the following low-tech tests to make sure your helmet fits properly: Check the chin strap with both hands by gripping it between your thumbs and index fingers. If it slides easily or feels loose, the chin strap is too loose.
Then fasten it with both hands and recheck the fit. The strap should not be tight enough to cause discomfort or pinch your skin. If you can’t reach over your head to grab the bottom of the chin strap with both hands, it is too large. You should not have any resistance while trying to pull the helmet down over your head either. If you do, the helmet is too small and should be moved to the next size up.
Conclusion
The helmet should be tight everywhere where there is foam, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes pain or red marks. When the chin strap is fastened, it should be impossible to lift the helmet off of your head.
