Heads and helmets come in all shapes and sizes. From Long, intermediate and round, getting a helmet that sits right is a must for safety. But what does the perfect helmet fit like? What does an unsafe helmet fit like? And do you know how to measure for a motorcycle helmet? These are just some of the questions you might be asking yourself, and it's why we have the answers for you.
Your head shape will determine the overall feel and fit of a helmet and is a key thing to consider before choosing a lid. So use these five measurements to figure out yours.
Get a tape measure and a mirror
Measure the widest part of your forehead
Measure cheekbone to cheekbone
Measure the tip of your jaw to the tip of your chin
Measure the top of your hairline to the bottom of your chin
From these measurements, your head shape should fall into three categories:
Long oval
This head shape is long and thin, kind of like a rugby ball, this head shape accounts for about 25% of riders. With this head shape, you're most likely to get pressure points on the front and back of your head in a poor-fitting helmet.
Intermediate oval
These head shapes are slightly less long and thin, more like a deflated rugby ball. This head shape is the most common, seen in about 30% of people, it’s the style of all Ruroc helmets style of all Ruroc helmets.
Round
Round head shapes are much closer to the shape of a football. With about 25% of the population rocking this head shape, you’ll be susceptible to feeling pressure points on the side of your head as opposed to the front.
Once you've figured out your head shape, you can begin measuring to find your motorcycle helmet size. All you'll need is a tape measure and your head. Next, take the tape measure from the middle of your head, just above your brow, keeping it horizontal around your head.
Once you've got the circumference, use our motorcycle helmet size chart to find which size will suit you best. However, take into account that passing ECE 22.06 meant increasing the level and quality of our padding. This might mean your usual helmet size feels a little tighter under the new certification. If you still need help, check out this video to learn more.
Now that you know your motorcycle helmet size, make sure you can put one on. When most people put a helmet on for the first time, they usually try patting it down. Not only will this not work, but you'll also look like an amateur. Instead, grab both straps, position the helmet at the back of your head and roll the helmet on.
You can do a few simple steps to ensure a secure fit. Starting with the chin bar, you should be able to shake it side to side without it shifting out of place. You should also be able to pull on the helmet, moving it up and down, without it rolling off. Finally, the padding and liner should be snug fit around your head so you can't fit your fingers under the liner.
The best way to know if a motorcycle helmet size is too big is to grab the chin bar and shake the helmet side to side and up and down. If it moves independently from your head, it's too big. It's important to note also that the liner will bed in over time. So while a helmet may feel comfy with some breathing room when you first buy it, it may become loose in a few months.
A critical factor in gaining ECE 22.06 certification is ensuring that the cheek pads, liner and chin strap stay secure, keeping the helmet firmly on your head, when conducting the Roll Off test. So, if you're ever in a crash, the chances of the helmet coming off are minimal. However, a poor-fitting helmet will increase the likelihood of roll-off. Likewise, if your helmet is too small, you'll get headaches from pressure points, taking your attention off the road.
Your helmet's cheek pads and liner ultimately secure your fit. The cheek pads help keep the helmet tight to your face when battling wind resistance or during a crash. There should be a slight cheek bite from the pads, but not so much that you can't blow your cheeks out.
The liner helps add to the comfort and protection of your helmet and is designed to mould to the shape of your head for comfort and protection. However, the EPS layer mainly deals with impacts and determines the overall shape of the helmet. Making sure both of these features fit snug is important for a safe helmet.
Now you know how to measure yourself up for a helmet, you're ready to buy one. Head over to Ruroc's page to find a size and design that fits you best. If you have any questions, contact our customer service at info@ruroc.com
From Long, intermediate and round, getting a helmet that sits right on your head is a must for safety. But what does the perfect helmet fit like? What does an unsafe helmet feel like? And how do you go about measuring your head for a helmet? These are just some of the questions you might be asking yourself, so it’s a good thing we have the answers for you.