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There are five key steps in
determining proper racing helmet fit:
1. Measurement
2. Try on
3. Horizontal and
movement check
4. Retention check
5. Pressure point
check
1. MEASUREMENT.
Measuring the head is a starting
point for the entire sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes
heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a
tape may not necessarily fit the same racing helmet size. The
circumference of the head should be measured at a point
approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front and at a
point in the back of the head that results in the largest
possible measurement. Take several measurements to make sure
you have the largest one.
2. TRY ON. Once
you have determined your preliminary tape measurement, try on
a racing helmet. Select the racing helmet that is closest in
hat size to the tape measurement. If it is between sizes,
round up to the next largest one. If you are not familiar with
racing helmets, here are instructions for putting one on.
A) Grasp the racing helmet by the chin straps, with the front
of the racing helmet facing you and the top of the racing
helmet facing down. B) Place the thumbs on the inside
surface of the straps and balance the racing helmet with the
index fingers. C) Spread the racing helmet apart with
the hands, and slip down over the head. If the racing helmet
slides down on the head with no resistance, you have your
first indication that it may be too large. Obviously, if it
will not slide down over the head at all, it is too small.
Many people unfamiliar with racing helmets are reluctant to
pull down if they meet resistance as the racing helmet goes
on. A trained eye can tell if it is really too small, or
just snug going on, and you should encourage the effort
to get the racing helmet on. Only if the racing helmet is
impossible to put on should you move up to the next size, as
racing helmets that go on snug generally fit very well once
all the way on. Remember, most people will select a racing
helmet that is too large for them if left to make their own
choice. The eyes should be approximately in the center of the
eyeport with the top edge of the liner padding just above the
eyebrows.
3. CHECKING
HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL MOVEMENT. Now that
you are wearing the racing helmet, look carefully at the
way it fits. Check to see if the cheek pads are in contact
with the cheeks. Is there excess pressure on the cheeks? Look
for gaps between the temples and the browpad. Check the back
of the racing helmet where the neckroll (if the racing helmet
has one) makes contact with the neck. Does it touch at all? Or
is it pushing the racing helmet away at the rear, causing it
to roll down over the eyes in front? After you have made your
visual check, grab the racing helmet in your hands-one on
either side- and try to rotate the racing helmet from side to
side. Note any movement of the skin while doing this, as well
as the amount of resistance to movement. If necessary,
remember to hold your head steady. Next, check movement
up and down, again, noting skin movement and resistance. If in
either test there was little or no skin movement, and/or the
racing helmet moved very easily, the helmet is too large. A
properly fitted racing helmet will cause the skin to move as
the racing helmet moves. And, it will feel to the wearer as if
evenly distributed pressure is being continuously exerted
around the head. NOTE: Racing Helmets are a little like shoes,
in that they do break-in a little. For this reason, the best
attitude to have when fitting is that the racing helmet should
be as tight as the customer can stand to wear it.
4. RETENTION
CHECK. Now fasten the chin strap, so you can check
it. After the strap has been tightly fastened, hold your
head steady, warning that this test may be a little
uncomfortable, but that it is very important. Reach over the
top of the racing helmet, grabbing the bottom edge with your
fingers. Then try to roll the racing helmet off the head. If
it comes off, it is undoubtedly too large. WARNING: Do
not keep a racing helmet that can be rolled
off the head with the strap fastened.
5. PRESSURE POINT
CHECK. Finally, unfasten
the chin strap and remove the racing helmet. Immediately after
the racing helmet has been removed, observe coloration of the
skin on the forehead and cheeks. A reddening of the skin in a
small area may indicate a pressure point. Pressure
points sometimes are not noticed by the wearer for several
minutes, or even hours later. They sometimes cause headaches,
and are at the least, uncomfortable. If you notice a pressure
point, did you have discomfort there while wearing the racing
helmet? If you cannot remember, put the racing helmet
back on for a few minutes, paying particular attention to the
anticipated pressure point. If you experience pressure
point discomfort either time, go to the next larger size,
repeating steps four and five. CONFIRM PROPER FIT. One
way to compare this evaluation of proper fit is to try
on racing helmets that are one size larger and one size
smaller than the one you think is right. Keep in mind
some people gravitate toward larger sizes. Call 866-505-2739
for assistance.
REMEMBER: SIZING
CHARTS ARE GUIDELINES AND NOT 100% GUARANTEE OF FIT - WE
HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRYING RACING HELMETS AT YOUR LOCAL SHOP OR
DEALER. KEEP IN MIND THAT A MEDIUM IN ONE SIZE RACING
HELMET MAY FIT DIFFERENT THAN A MEDIUM IN ANOTHER BRAND SO
CHECK SIZE CHARTS WHEN CONSIDERING SIZES.
WE OFFER A FREE
EXCHANGE PROGRAM ON UNUSED RACING HELMETS WITHIN 10 DAYS - NO
RESTOCK FEE, CUSTOMER PAYS FOR SHIPPING CHARGES AND HELMET
PRICE DIFFERENCE (WHERE APPLICABLE).
Source:
BELLracing.com
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