Different helmets fit differently sized and shaped heads. Your helmet should fit snugly, but not so tight that it gives you a headache. If it does not fit snugly, try a different size, style or brand.
Look up with your eyes, to make sure you can see the brim. Your helmet should be worn low on your forehead and level on your head. There should be no more than a finger's width of space between your helmet brim and your eyebrows. You should not be able to push the helmet off your forehead.
Position the side buckles so they rest just below your ears. The proper placement of the bucklese will keep the helmet from pushing off your forehead in a crash. If you can push your helmet off your forehead, shortening the front straps will keep the helmet in place.
Buckle and tighten the chin strap so it is snug. When you open your mouth wide, you should feel slight pressure on the top of your head. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the strap and your chin. Loose straps can allow the helmet to shift off your head in a crash.
- Check the fit and readjust your helmet frequently.
- Visor caps and hats will affect helmet fit. Re-adjust accordingly.
- Helmets are one-hit-wonders. If your helmet sustains any impact from crash, you need to replace it, as an impacted helmet is less likely to protect you in a future crash.
- The helmet materials degrade over time. Helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three to five years.