How to Properly Fit a Riding Helmet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Our guide to fitting your riding helmet at home. This is essential for comfort and safety while riding.

How to Properly Fit a Riding Helmet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our guide on properly fitting a riding helmet at home to ensure maximum safety and comfort. This guide will walk you through each step, head to The Drillshed YouTube to watch the video edition of this tutorial.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Before fitting a riding helmet, it's essential to have your hair arranged properly.

Ideally, you should pull your hair back into a low ponytail, secured right at the base of the neck. This helps to keep the hair out of the way, ensuring a more accurate fit.

Step 2: Measure Head Circumference

The first step in fitting any helmet is to measure the circumference of your head. Use a tape measure to do this, measuring around the widest part of your head.

Be sure to position the tape just below the occipital ridge, which is the bump on the back of your head, just above the nape of your neck.

You should also measure just above the tops of your ears and about three-quarters of an inch above your eyebrows.

Once you have your measurement, add one centimeter to this number. This gives you a starting point for selecting the correct helmet size.

Step 3: Understand that Measurements Are Just a Guide

Keep in mind that head measurements are just a guide.

If you find that a helmet feels about two centimeters larger or smaller than what you measured, it’s not necessarily incorrect.

The shape of the helmet can vary, as can the shape of each person’s head.

The goal is to find a helmet that fits snugly but comfortably, matching the contours of your head as closely as possible.

Step 4: Place the Helmet Correctly

When putting on the helmet, don’t simply pull it down over your head.

Instead, roll the helmet onto your head. Place the front of the helmet against your forehead and roll it back.

As you do this, you should feel a slight suction, indicating a snug fit.

The ideal fit feels snug but not overly tight, much like a pair of new leather shoes that will eventually conform to the shape of your feet.

Remember, a helmet will feel tightest the first time you wear it and will gradually adjust to your head shape over time.

This is due to the microfit technology incorporated into all Charles Owen helmets, which is designed to stretch and mold to your head shape with regular use.

Step 5: Check for Even Pressure

Once the helmet is on, use the inside of your thumbs to feel around the interior of the helmet.

The pressure should be even all the way around your head.

You want a slight gap at the temple area, which allows for expansion as you ride and your head heats up. This will make the helmet more comfortable over long periods of use.

If you notice gaps at the front and back but significant tightness at the sides, this could indicate that a round-fit helmet might be a better option for you.

Step 6: Perform the Forehead Movement Test

Next, grab the front of the helmet or the peak if it's a peaked style. Pull it forward with a strong motion, and observe whether the skin on your forehead moves with the helmet. If the helmet moves independently of your skin, this means it’s too big, and you should try a smaller size.

Step 7: Adjust the Harness

When doing up the harness, aim for no more than a finger’s width between the harness and your cheek or chin at any point.

This ensures that the helmet stays securely in place during a fall.

If the gap is too large, the helmet could move too much upon impact, reducing its effectiveness. Make sure the harness is always snug but comfortable.

Step 8: Final Checks and Adjustments

Finally, once you’re happy with the fit, ensure all components are secure, and make any last-minute adjustments.

The goal is a helmet that feels snug without causing discomfort, sits evenly on your head, and remains in place without excessive movement.

Conclusion

A properly fitted riding helmet is crucial for safety and comfort while riding.

By following these steps, you can ensure your helmet fits well and provides the protection you need. Remember, every rider's head shape is unique, and it might take some adjustments to find the perfect fit.

With the right approach, your helmet will serve you well, ride after ride.