How to Choose the Right Helmet for Your Head Size

When it comes to safety on the road, your helmet is your best friend. It’s not just about picking a design you love, but ensuring it fits you perfectly. A well fitted helmet is important for maximum head protection. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right helmet for your head size, including the importance of shell sizes.

1. Understanding Parts of a Helmet

A helmet is made up of several key components that collaborate to offer maximum protection. These components include the outer shell, the impact-absorbing liner, removable soft lining, and the retention system. The shell, impact absorbing liner and the inner soft lining also work together to determine sizing and fastened correctly of the helmet. Understanding these components is crucial, as they play a direct role in determining the correct helmet size.

The shell of a helmet is its outermost layer, designed to absorb impact and protect your head. Different helmets come in various shell sizes, catering to different head circumferences. At SMK, we offer multiple shell sizes for most models, enabling the riders to choose the right shell size to offer maximum safety and comfort. Most of SMK Helmets are available in 2-3 shell sizes, making them suitable for a large group of riders with different head sizes.

2. Measuring Your Head Size

Before selecting a helmet, you need to measure your head size accurately. Here’s how:

1. Use a Flexible Tape Measure: Place the tape measure about 2 cm above your eyebrows and ears, wrapping it around the widest part of your head.
2. Take the Measurement: Note down the measurement in centimeters.
3. Repeat for Accuracy: Take the measurement a few times to ensure accuracy.

3. Matching Head Size to Helmet Size

Different brands, including SMK, offer a variety of helmet sizes. Here’s a general guide to match your head measurement with the correct helmet size:

If your head size measurement falls between two helmet sizes, prefer the smaller size for better safety. Check the helmet size chart provided by SMK to ensure you pick the right size.

4. The Importance of a Proper Fit

A properly fitted helmet should be snug but not uncomfortably tight. The fit must be comfortable and tight enough both on the head and on the cheek-pad area. Here’s how to test the fit:

1. Put on the Helmet: It should sit squarely on your head with the front just above your eyebrows.
2. Adjust the Straps: Fasten the chin strap securely. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your chin.
3. Check for Movement: Try to move the helmet from side to side and up and down. It should not move excessively but should also not be so tight that it causes discomfort.
4. Wear the Helmet for 3 Minutes: Wear the helmet for 15 minutes straight. If you find it uncomfortable after this period, go for a larger size. Sometimes, riders find a helmet suitable right after wearing it, but after some time, they start feeling pressure near the cheek area. Testing it for a longer time helps avoid this issue.

5. Instructions for Helmet Usage

A. Check Your Helmet for Proper Fit:

1. Check the Lining: Ensure the helmet lining fits snugly around your head.
2. Top Pad: Make sure the top pad touches closely to your head on the top.
3. Cheek Pads: Check that the cheek pads are in contact with your cheeks.
4. Forehead Fit: Ensure there is no space between your forehead and the inner lining where you can insert your fingers.
5. Movement Test: Hold the helmet with your hands on both sides, without moving your head, try to move the helmet up and down and side to side. You should feel pressure on your cheek and forehead. If you can move the helmet easily, it is too large.

B. How to Wear a Helmet:

1. Hold the Ends: Hold the ends of the chin strap and pull them outward.
2. Wear the Helmet: Put the helmet on your head.
3. Fasten the Chin Strap: Secure the chin strap properly.

C. Check Chin Strap for Fastening:

1. Pull Test: Try to pull the chin strap away from your chin. If it moves or loosens, readjust the length and fasten it again.
2. Pull Off Test: Hold the helmet from the back and try to pull it off your head. If it starts to come off, tighten the chin strap or choose a smaller helmet size.

6. Considering Helmet Shape

Helmets come in different shapes and eps-liner combination to accommodate different head shapes. The three main types are:

• Round Oval: Best for heads that are almost as wide as they are long.
• Intermediate Oval: Slightly longer front to back than side to side (most common head shape).
• Long Oval: Much longer front to back than side to side.

Knowing your head shape can help in selecting a helmet that fits more comfortably.

7. Additional Tips for a Perfect Fit

• Try Helmets with Your Riding Gear: Wear your riding jacket and glasses (if you use them) when trying helmets to ensure compatibility.
• Check for Certification: Ensure the helmet meets the safety standards and rules of the country where you drive, such as ISI, DOT or ECE

Conclusion

Choosing the right helmet is crucial for your safety on the road. By understanding the importance of shell sizes and following the steps outlined above, you can find a helmet that fits perfectly and provides the best protection. At SMK, we are committed to offering a range of high-quality helmets that cater to every rider’s needs. Always strictly follow the road rules. Ride carefully and stay safe!