How To Size And Buy A Motorcycle Helmet

When it comes to motorcycle safety, choosing the right helmet is paramount. Many riders make the mistake of thinking that selecting a helmet is merely about finding their size and picking a paint job that matches their bike. However, the reality is much more complex. A helmet isn’t just an accessory; it’s a critical piece of safety gear that can mean the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. Understanding how to size and buy a motorcycle helmet correctly can significantly impact your safety on the road.

The Importance of Proper Fit

Why Fit Matters

The fit of your helmet determines how effective it will be in protecting you during an impact. A helmet safety rating, which indicates its ability to withstand forces during a crash, is only valid if the helmet fits correctly on your head. If there’s too much space between your head and the interior padding, you’re essentially setting yourself up for injury. In such cases, during an impact, your head could move inside the helmet, leading to severe injuries instead of protection.

The Dangers of Poor Fit

If there’s too much room inside your helmet, it won’t function as intended. The impact-absorbing liner is designed to manage forces during a collision; however, if it doesn’t sit snugly against your head, you may as well not be wearing any protection at all. Conversely, if your helmet is too tight due to insufficient space or padding, you’ll likely experience discomfort that could distract you while riding or even cause pain over extended periods.

How To Size And Buy A Motorcycle Helmet

Measuring Your Head

To find out what size helmet you need, start by measuring the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows and ears using a flexible measuring tape. This measurement will give you a good indication of what size range you should be looking at when shopping for helmets.

Trying It On

Once you've determined your size based on measurements, it's time to try some helmets on. Here are some tips for ensuring proper fit:

1. Check for Snugness: When putting on a helmet, it should feel snug but not overly tight. You should be able to move your head slightly without feeling like it's going to come off.

2. No Gaps: Ensure there are no gaps between your forehead and the padding inside the helmet; this includes checking around your temples and back of your head.

3. Chin Strap: Fasten the chin strap securely but comfortably; it should hold the helmet in place without causing discomfort.

4. Movement Test: Shake your head gently from side to side and up and down; if the helmet shifts significantly or feels loose at any point during this test, it's not fitting correctly.

5. Time Test: Wear the helmet for 15-20 minutes while stationary; this will help identify any pressure points or discomfort that might arise over time.

Understanding Liner Technology

Some modern helmets come equipped with slip liners designed specifically to reduce rotational forces during impacts—a common cause of serious brain injuries in motorcycle accidents. These slip liners work by allowing slight movement between layers upon impact rather than transferring all force directly onto your skull.

However, for these features to work effectively, they must fit well against your head without excessive gaps or pressure points—again highlighting how crucial proper fitment is when considering how to size and buy a motorcycle helmet.

Comfort vs Safety: Finding Balance

A well-fitted motorcycle helmet strikes an ideal balance between comfort and safety:

• Comfort: If you're uncomfortable in any way while wearing a helmet—be it tightness around certain areas or excessive weight—you’re less likely to wear it consistently.

• Safety: On the other hand, if comfort leads you toward choosing an ill-fitting model (too loose or too tight), you're compromising safety in exchange for short-term comfort.

Finding that sweet spot where both comfort and safety coexist can make all the difference in ensuring you're protected while enjoying every ride.

Choosing a motorcycle helmet goes far beyond simply picking out colours or styles; understanding how to size and buy one correctly can save lives—yours included! Remember that proper fitment determines just how much protection you'll receive from impacts on the road.

Take time measuring accurately and trying various models until you find one that fits snugly yet comfortably against your head—this diligence ensures that when you're out riding with wind in your hair (and hopefully not hitting anything), you'll have peace of mind knowing you've made an informed choice about one of life's most important pieces of gear!

Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear

Check out our full range of motorcycle helmets, including full face motorcycle helmets, open face motorcycle helmets, flip front motorcycle helmets, off road motorcycle helmets and childrens motorcycle helmets, available online or by visiting our Darwen store today. If you have any questions regarding any of our ranges, please call our customer service team at Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear store on 01254 704 000 and we will be more than happy to help.