How Should an MX Helmet Fit?

January 17, 2020
Uncategorized

If you're asking this question, it means you're taking your safety gear seriously, and that's a good thing. A properly fitting motocross helmet can make the difference between walking away from a yard sale or being carried away on a stretcher. Whether you're eyeing cruiser full face helmets or the classic MX look with extended chin protection, the steps to finding the right fit are the same.

Figure Out Your Head Size

  • Use a soft measuring tape to measure your head a half inch above your eyebrows and ears. Go all the way around the back of your head at its widest point.
  • Look at manufacturer's charts and find which brand and style of helmet is the closet match to your head measurements. Every brand has different sizing, so be persistent.
  • Try the helmet on. It should sit squarely and level on your head. The top of the helmet's eye port will be just above your eyebrows.
  • If it moves at all or you can slip your fingers between your head and the helmet, it's too big.

    • Figure Out Your Head Shape

    How should a motorcycle helmet fit? To achieve the snug fit that offers the greatest safety, you also need to know your head shape. You can try eyeballing yourself in the mirror, but the easiest way to determine your head shape is to have a friend stand above you and take a photo of the top of your head. Looking down on your head from above, does it appear to be a long oval, round oval, or intermediate oval? Here is a helpful guideline:

    • Use a soft measuring tape to measure your head a half inch above your eyebrows and ears. Go all the way around the back of your head at its widest point.
    • Look at manufacturer's charts and find which brand and style of helmet is the closet match to your head measurements. Every brand has different sizing, so be persistent.
    • Try the helmet on. It should sit squarely and level on your head. The top of the helmet's eye port will be just above your eyebrows.
    • If it moves at all or you can slip your fingers between your head and the helmet, it's too big.
    • Long Oval - This head is longer from front to back and more narrow from side to side.
    • Intermediate Oval - This shape is closer to round with the front to back and side to side being almost or nearly equal.
    • Round Oval - This head is longer from side to side than front to back. It is therefore the reverse of the long oval.

    Most companies make their helmets in the intermediate oval shape. If that is your head shape, you should have no trouble finding a well-fitting helmet. If your head is long or round oval, you will need to find a helmet made specifically made for that shape.

    Figure Out Your Helmet Style

    Some styles will feel great, like a second skin, and some will feel clunky and awkward. For this reason it is crucial that you spend quality time helmet shopping. For example, if you find carbon fiber dirt bike helmets on sale, try several different manufacturers and styles before you decide on one. Don't assume they will all fit the same simply because they are made of the same material.

    After you find the one with the best fit, be sure to check for safety features such as a tight, well-fitted chin strap, impact-absorbent lining, venting for optimal airflow, and adequate safety ratings from SHARP, the Snell Foundation, and other watchdog organizations. You only get one noggin. You'll want to protect it with everything you've got.

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