As much as you could have the best helmet on the market, it won’t do you any good if it doesn’t fit right. Therefore, before purchasing any helmet, one has to determine the size of their head by measuring it to avoid the tiresome return policies and processes.
Measure Head for A Helmet
When deciding on the appropriate helmet for your task, one of the direct factors to consider is fitting. If a helmet doesn’t fit correctly, it will not help in providing adequate protection during a crash or accident. That’s why measuring your head to fit an appropriate helmet will come into play. Measuring your head is an easy job, but it’s essential to ensure that you wear the proper helmet size. This is a complete instruction on measuring your head to get an appropriate size helmet:
1. Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
Before you begin to measure, make sure you have a comfortable measuring tape. If you don’t own a soft measuring tape, you could use a string length and test it against the ruler.
2. The Measuring Tape Should be Placed
The most significant portion of your head is usually close to your eyebrows and ears. Be sure your tape is level across your head to warrant a precise measurement.
3. Make the Measurement
The measuring tape should be wrapped around your head, ensuring it’s not overly snug. Note the measurements in inches or centimeters by the guidelines that the manufacturer of your helmet provides.
4. Check the Measurement
Have your head measurements, then refer to the measurement chart supplied by the maker. Different models and brands could be slightly different in size, so it’s essential to stick to the guidelines specific to the particular helmet you’re looking at.
5. Take a Look at Different Sizes
If you are between 2 sizes adequate to the measurements, it is recommended to test with both sizes to find the accurate fitting. Remember that an adequately fitted helmet must feel secure and snug and not cause discomfort or tension in places.
6. Think about Adjustable Systems
A few helmets have adjustable fitting systems, such as a dial-adjust mechanism or adjustable padding. These allow you to tailor your fit adequately to your head form.
How to Measure Head for A Helmet
Measuring your head for a helmet is crucial to ensure a proper fit and maximum safety. Follow these steps to measure your head accurately for a helmet:
Materials Needed
1. Flexible measuring tape
2. Mirror
Steps
Get a Measuring Tape: Use a flexible measuring tape, as it can conform to the shape of your head easily.
Positioning: Place the measuring tape around your head, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows. The tape should sit above your ears and encircle the widest part of your head. Ensure the tape is level all the way around.
Measure: Note the measurement in centimeters or inches, depending on the sizing chart provided by the helmet manufacturer.
Repeat: To ensure accuracy, measure your head a couple of times. If possible, get someone to assist you in measuring to ensure it’s consistent and precise.
Check Sizing Chart: Use the measurement to determine the appropriate helmet size based on the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Different brands might have slightly different sizing guidelines, so always refer to the specific chart for the helmet you’re interested in.
Try the Helmet: Once you have the helmet that matches your measurement, try it on. Ensure it fits snugly but comfortably. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. The helmet should sit level on your head, not tilted backward or forward.
Step #1: Determining The Circumference of Your Head
Determine the Shape of the Helmet
Shape plays a big deal in determining under which profession or activity a helmet would be used.
Before considering the size of the helmet, you should check its shape first to find out whether the helmet you need would be a cycling one or one found in construction sites.
You obviously cannot use a helmet meant for cyclists in an industrial or construction environment because it may not have been designed to withstand the type of hazards present in such environments.
There are usually three types of shapes involving helmets, including long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval.
Long oval – The shape of the head tends to be longer front-to-back rather than side-to-side.
Intermediate oval – The shape of the helmet would be slightly longer from front to back as compared to side-to-side. This also tends to be the most common shape.
Round, oval shape – The shape of the helmet is almost equal from side to side as it is front-to-back.
Measure the Circumference of Your Head Employing a Flexible Measuring Tape
Using a flexible measuring tape, wrap it around your head. You are advised to position it above your eyebrows and ensure that the tape lays flat against your head and doesn’t pinch at any corner. Generally, the tape should be considered level all around. Also, note that:
1. Measuring your head’s head circumference could prove to be a challenge, and, therefore, you are advised to ask a family member or friend for help.
This would increase your chances of survival. Alternatively, you can use a mirror to enable you to level the tape better.
2. If you’re entirely on your own, be sure to cross the ends of the tape on the front of your head for the readings to be much more comfortable.
Note the Measurement on the Tape
For accuracy reasons, you are advised to make several measurements and settle for the largest one.
After that, you are required to note this measurement down for future reference when it comes to choosing the right-sized helmet for your head.
Step #2: Trying the Helmet On
We also have a detailed review on how to size a motorcycle helmet in case you want to check that out!
Determine the Type of Helmet Needed
The kind of helmet picked solely depends on what it would be used for or the type of environment it would be subjected to.
Each type of helmet is designed by its manufacturers to withstand specific types and forces of impact that are unique to that purpose or environment.
For example, you can’t use a baseball helmet as a hard hat on construction sites or vice versa.
At times, several types of helmets are designed for the same purpose or work environment, and it’s up to the user to figure out the best one that suits them perfectly.
Choose the Helmet that Fits your Head Circumference
Most helmets in the market are designed to fit a wide range of head sizes or circumferences, as listed by the manufacturer in their packaging.
You may notice size designation – small, medium, or even large – that correlates with a specific helmet sizing chart with all the head circumferences listed.
Try on the Helmet
Before purchasing the helmet, if you’re in a position where you can try it out, it would be helpful. This would help you ensure that it perfectly fits your head, covering both the forehead and back of your head while still being comfortable enough.
To get the right fit, you should put on the helmet and shake your head front-to-back and side-to-side. If you notice that the helmet wobbles in either direction, then it isn’t the right-sized one.
Similarly, if someone were to put their hand on top of the helmet, while you’re wearing it and twist it, your head should go in the direction of the helmet. If you notice the helmet turning freely on your head, it might be too loose for you.
However, there are other types of helmets with suspension points and straps to hold your head in place, even if it may seem a bit bigger. These helmets, also known as hard hats, are designed in a way that they can hold in place the wearer’s head without being loose.
Such safety helmets come with intricate designs and features that provide extra safety measures for work environments such as construction sites and industrial areas. These jobs have a higher potential risk of hazards as compared to others as much as they all possess life-threatening accidents.
Step #3: Checking the Helmet Before Using
You need to check the helmet for a few weak points because as much as it may fit perfectly, you cannot be 100% sure that it’s fail-proof.
Adjust the Straps
If the helmet includes straps that hold your head in place, be sure to check whether they are in the right condition. For example, if you’re dealing with chin straps, ensure that they fit comfortably and don’t pinch.
Also, ensure that they don’t restrict your ability to breathe, swallow, or even speak comfortably. However, it shouldn’t also be too loose at the same time because this would enable the helmet to come off quickly.
Consider Additional Padding
Most helmets come with removable padding that helps keep you comfortable throughout their use.
However, you can consider getting extra padding as you wash the original one to keep them hygienic enough and clean if you don’t prefer disposal.
Inspect the Helmet before Use
This is one very essential step that you are advised never to ignore. As much as it might be a new helmet.
It can be faulty, so you are advised to check for any weak spots available. For the helmet to be effective, you have to take the necessary steps to ensure that it is in the right working order.
1. Know the History of the Helmet
Know where the helmet had been stored in inventory before it was sold because adverse atmospheric conditions are capable of weakening it.
2. Carry out Preliminary Observations
This includes checking the serial number and the CE mark to confirm that the helmet is an authentic safety device before buying it.
You should also check whether any of the parts listed in the packaging by the manufacturer are missing from the helmet.
3. Inspect the Shell of the Helmet
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the helmet, you should carefully inspect the shell to ensure no marks, deformations, impacts, cracks, bumps, wear, or signs of chemical products there. If you happen to notice any of these signs, then the helmet isn’t suitable for purchase.
It doesn’t matter whether the helmet is new because, during transportation or storage, it might have been subjected to poor conditions that could’ve led to the emergence of any of the above red flags.
4. Check on the Hardliner
Look for things such as cracks, marks, or even missing parts in the hardliner. You are also advised to remove the comfort pads to get a better view of the potential damage that may be present.
5. Check on the Webbing
Check on the helmet’s webbing while looking for significant signs of any wear, cuts, bums, or even deformations of various plastic pieces.
You cannot ignore the smallest of details because as minor as the warning signs may be, they can interfere with the entire helmet’s safety. Everybody knows how to measure the head of a helmet.
6. Inspect the Headbands as Well as Attachments
Check on the headbands and their attachments while looking out for red flags. You can again remove the comfort pad for better analysis.
7. Make Sure the Adjustment System functions Appropriately
Ensure that the crank moves in both directions smoothly, and the safety device isn’t missing any parts.
8. Inspect the Foam
Ensure the foam is not worn out, dirty from dust, or even missing chunks or various flaking material.
9. Inspect the Additional Accessories
These include face shields, headlamp clips, ventilation parts, and suspension points, among others. Ensure there aren’t any signs of wear or deformation on them before purchasing the helmet.
(FAQs)
Q: Why is it important to measure my head for a helmet?
A: It’s important to measure your head for a helmet because a helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t provide adequate protection in the event of an impact. A helmet that is too loose can shift around during a crash, while a helmet that is too tight can cause discomfort and even headaches.
Q: How do I measure my head for a helmet?
A: To measure your head for a helmet, use a soft measuring tape and measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows and ears. Make sure the tape is level and snug but not too tight. Record the measurement in centimeters or inches.
Q: What size helmet should I buy based on my head measurement?
A: Helmet sizes vary by brand and model, so it’s important to consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer for the specific helmet you’re interested in purchasing. Generally, if your head measurement falls between two sizes, it’s best to go with the larger size and use the helmet’s adjustment features to fine-tune the fit.
Q: Can I use a string or shoelace to measure my head instead of a soft measuring tape?
A: While it’s possible to use a string or shoelace to measure your head, it’s not recommended as they can stretch and provide an inaccurate measurement. A soft measuring tape is the most accurate and reliable tool for measuring your head for a helmet.
Q: What if my head measurement falls between two helmet sizes?
A: If your head measurement falls between two helmet sizes, it’s best to go with the larger size and use the helmet’s adjustment features to fine-tune the fit. If the helmet feels too loose, you can use the padding or fit system to make it snugger. If it feels too tight, you may need to try a different brand or model of helmet that is better suited to your head shape.
Final Thoughts
Finally, you should always ensure that the helmet meets all ANSI, OSHA, or any other significant safety organization requirements before buying it.
You can never be too careful when looking for the perfect helmet meant to protect your head and life in general from various safety hazards.
Follow the above steps when curious about how to measure head for helmet or head to get the best results.
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