Choosing the right helmet is just as important as picking out the right motorcycle for you. A good fitting helmet will ensure you are comfortable and safe while riding your motorcycle and guarantee you can ride for long distances in comfort. This guide will help you do a good job of selecting your new helmet.

When buying a motorcycle helmet, follow these suggestions:

First, determine your size.  Measuring your head is the starting point for the entire sizing process.  You may use a small metal tape measure or use a cloth measuring tape.  The circumference of the head needs to be measured from the front of the forehead about 1 inch above your eye line and around to the largest point of the back of your head.  Do this several times to get the largest possible measurement.  This will give you your size in inches or millimeters.  Take this number and refer to our helmet size chart at the end of each helmet listing.   If your head measurement is between sizes, always go to the next size up listed on the chart. This will almost always guarantee a proper fitting helmet even when ordered online.

When you receive your new helmet, try the helmet on.  Follow these steps if you've never worn a helmet before:

1) Grasp the helmet by the chin straps with the front of the helmet facing you and the top of the helmet facing down.

2) Place your thumbs on the inside surface of the straps and balance the helmet with your index fingers.

3) Spread the helmet apart gently with your hands and slip it over your head.

Third, once on, if the helmet flops down on your head with no resistance, it's too big.  If it won't slide down over your head at all, obviously it's too small.

  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Most people buy their helmets too big because they don't understand that a new helmet needs to fit comfortably snug and will break in like a pair of new shoes do. A snug fit is generally a good fit for a new helmet.  Most helmets are very well padded and the pads once worn will conform to the user's cheeks and head after a few good uses.  Ideally, a good fit is one where the helmet goes on with a little resistance, fits comfortably snug and especially snug on the cheek area.  If your helmet feels good on the top of your head with no pressure on the forehead and kind of tight or snug around the cheek area, generally, this is what you are looking for in a good fit.  Snug cheek pads keep the wind noise down when riding which protects your hearing and it also prevents the helmet from falling down over your eyes as the cheek pads provide resistance to hold the weight of the helmet up.

Here are some other things to check while doing the try on.  Look in a mirror and make sure your eyes are in the center of the helmet with the top edge of the liner padding located just above the eyebrows.  Grasp your helmet and while looking in the mirror, gently move it from side to side and up and down.  If there is much movement without any resistance on your skin, the helmet may be too big.  Ideally, your cheeks should cause resistance when moving the helmet side to side and the skin of your forehead should move when moving the helmet up and down. 

Finally, unfasten the helmet strap and remove the helmet.  Look in the mirror and check for any coloration of the skin in and around your face.  If you see a reddening of the skin in a small area, it may indicate a pressure point.  Pressure points sometimes cause headaches and are at the least, uncomfortable.  It's important during the try on process to determine if there are any.  If you notice a pressure point, go up to the next largest size.

Well, that's about all there is to it.  Remember, choosing the right helmet means finding one that not only fits but that is comfortable.  You'll spend many hours inside your new helmet so make sure the one you pick is one you'll want to spend plenty of time with!

PS:  For those of you who shop on the internet:  As a retail and online seller of helmets for over 30 years, we advise folks to use the helmet company size charts as in our experience, they are the most reliable way to determine the right size.  These size charts make it really easy to order your helmet online and almost always guarantee a really good fit. For a chart example, click on  any of our helmet listings and view the helmet size chart at the bottom of the listing.  Measure as directed above and you are sure to receive a good fitting helmet as ordered online.