How Should Dirt Bike Helmet Fit? | Hunt or Shred

Dirt biking is an exciting sport that requires the right gear to ensure safety while enjoying the ride, and that includes a well-fit helmet.

A well-fit dirt bike helmet should be snug and tight enough that you can feel it all around your head. It should sit squarely on your head with the visor pointing directly ahead. The front opening should be even and the center of your vision. Generally, dirt bike helmets need to be slightly tighter than regular motorcycle helmets.

As a bike enthusiast, I understand how the importance of a well-fitting helmet is important, and that’s why I have researched to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right dirt bike helmet. I’ll take you through how a dirt bike helmet should fit to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

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How Should Dirt Bike Helmet Fit?

When it comes to dirt bike riding, one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can invest in is a properly fitting helmet. A well-fit helmet can help protect you from serious head injuries in the event of a serious accident. So, how should a dirt bike helmet fit?

A dirt bike helmet should be snug and tight enough that you can comfortably feel it all around your head. It should sit squarely on your head with the visor pointing directly ahead. The front opening should be even and the center of your vision.

Generally, dirt bike helmets need to be slightly tighter than the regular motorcycle helmet because they’re meant to protect you from rough off-road terrains.

Most helmets come with a sizing chart that indicates the helmet size based on your head measurement. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is that the helmet should fit so that it is snug around your head but not too tight that it causes pressure points or discomfort.

It's important to note that different brands may have slightly different sizing, so it's always best to measure your head and check the sizing chart for each individual helmet you are considering. If you’re buying for a young person, ensure you get the youth helmets, as they’re more customized for the young ones.

Lastly, if you’re buying online, ensure to check the seller's return policy in case you need to exchange the helmet for a different size.

How to Choose Well-Fitting Dirt Bike Helmets

So, what steps should you take to ensure you get yourself a well-fit dirt bike helmet? Here are important things to remember:

Measure Your Head Correctly

First, it's important to measure your head correctly. Use a cloth tape measure to wrap around your head about a half inch above your eyebrows, above your ears, and around the back of your head at the largest point.

Compare your head size with the specific helmet manufacturer's size chart to find a match. Most helmet manufacturers provide a size chart to help you determine the right size helmet for your head.

Here's how you can measure your head using a cloth tape measure:

  1. Take a cloth tape measure and wrap it around the circumference of your head, starting at the forehead, just above the eyebrows, and ending at the widest part of the back of your head.
  2. Ensure that the tape measure is snug but not too tight or too loose, as this can affect the accuracy of the measurement.
  3. Note down the measurement in centimeters or inches, depending on the unit of measurement used by the helmet manufacturer.

Before purchasing a dirt bike helmet, especially when buying a helmet online, it’s essential to measure your head to ensure a perfect fit.

Pay Attention to Your Helmet’s Visor

When trying on a few different helmets, make sure to pay attention to the helmet's visor. The visor should be level with your eyebrows and not obstruct your vision. If the helmet is tilted back too far, it can obstruct your vision while riding.

Check Your Helmet’s Chin Strap

Your helmet's chin strap should fit snugly under your chin, and the chin guard should be touching your chin. You should not be able to fit more than one finger between the strap and your chin.

Ensure It’s Snug and Comfortable

When you put on the helmet, it should be snug and comfortable. When shaking or moving your head side by side, ensure your helmet does not move around.

The cheek pads should fit snugly against your cheeks without causing discomfort. You should not manage to fit a finger under the front padding, the rear padding above the neck, or under the cheek pads.

Consider Your Head Shape

Lastly, it's also important to consider your head shape when choosing a helmet. Some helmets are designed for round heads, while others are designed for oval-shaped heads. Ensure to choose a helmet that fits the shape of your head.

To determine your helmet size, you need to measure the circumference of your head. Once you have your measurement, you can use a size chart to find the right helmet size.

Different helmet manufacturers have different size charts, so it's essential to check the size chart for the brand of helmet you're interested in. Most size charts will have a range of head circumference measurements that correspond to different helmet sizes.

Here are some tips to help you find the right helmet size:

  • Measure your head circumference accurately to determine your size.
  • Check the size chart for the brand of helmet you're interested in.
  • Try on a few different helmets to ensure you get one with a proper fit.
  • Adjust the straps to ensure they're not too tight or too loose.
  • Consider the shape of your head when choosing a helmet.
  • Consider buying a new helmet.
  • Wear glasses when trying on helmets to ensure a comfortable fit.
  • Lastly, avoid secondhand helmets as they might not fit you properly.

Helmet Components and Their Role in Fit

When it comes to fitting a dirt bike helmet, it's not just about the size of the helmet. There are several components that play a crucial role in ensuring a proper fit. Here are some of the key helmet components and their role in fit:

Component Use Fit Recommendation
Cheek pads They help keep the helmet snug against your cheeks and prevent it from moving around. Cheek pads should fit snugly against your cheeks without feeling too tight or uncomfortable.
Helmet liner It’s the foam padding inside the helmet that provides cushioning and absorbs impact and plays a critical role in protecting your head from injury. A properly fitting helmet should have a liner that fits snugly against your head without any gaps or spaces.
Chin strap It keeps the helmet securely in place on your head. It should fit snugly under your chin without being too tight or uncomfortable.
Chin guard It covers your chin and jaw and helps protect your face in the event of an accident. The chin guard should fit snugly against your chin without being too tight or uncomfortable.
Helmet’s visor It protects your eyes from the sun and debris The visor should be in the center of your field of vision and not too high or too low.
EPS liner It's a hard foam layer inside the helmet for absorbing impact. It’s designed to compress upon impact and absorb the energy of the impact. It should fit well against your head without any gaps or spaces.

Potential Issues with Improper Fit

Wearing a dirt bike helmet that does not fit properly can lead to several potential issues. It’s important to ensure that your helmet fits snugly without being too tight or too loose.

Here are some of the potential issues that you may face if your helmet does not fit properly:

  • If the helmet moves or is loose, it can shift during an accident, leaving your head vulnerable to serious injury.
  • If your helmet is too tight, it can create pressure points on your head that can be uncomfortable or even painful.
  • A loose-fitting dirt bike helmet can cause discomfort, as the off-road terrain can cause more jostling and movement.

Key Takeaways

  • Dirt bike helmets are specifically designed to provide max protection for off-road riding.
  • The inner layer of the helmet is made of foam designed to absorb the shock of impact.
  • Your helmet should be snug and tight enough that you can feel it all around your head.
  • Dirt bike helmets need to be slightly tighter than regular motorcycle helmets.
  • Measure your head and refer to your manufacturer's sizing chart to find the best fit.

About THE AUTHOR

Gary

Gary

45 years old. I'm in business marketing. I write for Hunt or Shred on the side. I love hiking, camping, and everything outdoors with my family. I have 6 years of experience working at an ATV shop selling, fixing, and test driving all brands and models.

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