How Is Helmet Size Measured? Motorcycle Helmet Size Chart

The process of choosing the correct helmet size measurement can be pretty straightforward. Here is an overview of what you will need to do:

• Determine your head size and shape

• Choose a helmet style

• Wear or try on the helmet

• Check if it is a proper fit (Try wearing it for 30 minutes to an hour).

Before you whip out the measuring tape, you first need to start by identifying your head shape. This can require the help of an additional person. So ask a friend or family member to take a picture of your head from above (top view). Flatten your hair as much as possible, as it can obscure your actual head shape.

You will generally fall under one of these three categories:

- Round Oval: Your head size from front to back is slightly longer than your head size from side to side. Your head will almost look round.

- Long Oval: The length of your head, front to back, is of greater length when compared to the measurement of your head from side to side. It will almost resemble a long oval.

- Intermediate Oval: Unlike the long oval, the length of your head, front to back, is not greater by a considerable margin than your side-to-side head measurement, but there is still a slight difference. An intermediate oval will sit somewhere between a long oval and a round, oval head shape.

Once you have figured out your head shape, you can finally move on to taking your measurements. You will need a soft measuring tape to measure your head's circumference to do this.

You can also use thread or a thin piece of rope to take measurements. However, since this is a crucial step, it is recommended that you get a seamstress's measuring tape as it will give you the most accurate measurements.

Once you have measured your head circumference with a measuring tape and noted down your measurements, the next step would be to refer to a helmet size chart. The specifics of a sizing chart can vary with each helmet manufacturer, so ensure that you check the correct sizing chart when buying a helmet.

Here is an example of a size chart with helmet size measurements that you can find with most helmet manufacturers.

To identify your helmet size, compare your head circumference with the helmet size measurement, and choose the size that corresponds to your head circumference. The chart given here is used for adults. Children often have a separate size chart.

With some manufacturers, you can also look at helmet size charts by age, but those tend to be less accurate.

Now that you know your exact helmet size, it is time to choose the style of helmet you want. Most helmet manufacturers offer a wide variety of designs and styles to their customers, like

- Full-Face Helmets: This style of helmet covers the rider's whole head. A face shield covers the rider's nose and eyes, and a chin bar (an extension of the outer helmet shell) covers the bottom of the rider's face. A full-face helmet is the least ventilated, but they are the best for race tracks since they offer the most protection.

- Open-Face Helmets: This is the least restrictive and protective helmet style. They allow for tons of airflow, do not cover the rider's face and chin, and only enclose the top and sides of the head. These are also less expensive and tend to be worn by riders on cruisers, retros, and classics.

- Modular Helmets: A subset of full-face helmets. They have a release mechanism that the rider can hit to swing away the face shield and chin bar to convert it into an open-face helmet from a full-face helmet. The trade-off with these helmets is that they are often heavier and noisier than traditional helmets.

- ADV Helmets: ADV or adventure helmets are suitable for on-road and off-road riding. They comprise a face shield and a street-legal safety rating. They mimic a dirt bike by having a beak (a bill or a cap over the eyes), lots of ventilation, and compatibility with goggles. These are commonly used by dual sport and ADV riders.

- Dirt Helmets: This is best exclusively for off-road riding. Dirt helmets provide plenty of air ventilation and a prominent peak to keep dirt and dust out of the rider's eyes. These helmets are intended to be worn with goggles (sold separately). The caveat here is that these do not require a Department of Transportation (DOT) rating, so they might not be street-legal. Similar to comparing and choosing the right helmet style and design, you must be just as deliberate when you compare two-wheeler insurance. This will ensure you get the right plan and coverage for your bike.

After selecting your helmet size, style, and design, try it on. The right-size helmet should have a snug fit rather than a comfortable fit. Grab the straps and spread them apart to slip the helmet over your head, and once it is one, shake your head side to side to see if the helmet slides. If it slides, it is too loose for your head.

Further, if the helmet fits as it should, the cushions should slightly push against your cheeks, pushing them up a little. When you grab the chin bar and move it around a little, your cheeks should move, not the helmet.

Pro tip: Wear the helmet for about 30 minutes to an hour. You should feel some tightness, but if you feel any pain and need to remove the helmet to stop it, it may not be the helmet size for you. Similarly, if you have a big red line/indentation across your forehead when you remove the helmet, it isn't round enough for your head shape.

Most helmets take 15 - 20 hours of break-in time, so some initial discomfort is warranted. Afterwards, the helmet interior should mould to the shape of your head to some degree. Any sort of pain and increased difficulty in breathing are not normal.

Along with purchasing a new helmet, consider getting an update or a renewal of your bike insurance policy from Tata AIG. Good insurance for your 2-wheeler plays just as great a role in your safety as your helmet size.