How Should Your ATV Helmet Fit?  | Hunt or Shred

ATV riding is an awesome time, but it can also be a dangerous activity. This is why finding a reliable helmet that fits you well is so important.

Helmet fit can be a bit tricky, especially for beginners. You should never feel like a helmet is too tight, but if it moves around a lot this is too loose and presents potential safety risks. You need to measure your head and determine your head shape to find the right fitting ATV helmet.

Finding an ATV helmet doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. You should prioritize quality and fit as the most important factors to find the right one. This guide includes all of the critical tips and information to help you make a more informed purchasing decision for your next ATV off-roading excursion to improve safety.

If you have ever tried using an ATV helmet that didn’t fit, you understand how uncomfortable it can be. It becomes even more noticeable on rugged terrain with lots of bumps. You will start to feel a headache if the helmet is too tight or you will struggle with vision if it is too loose and moves around a lot.

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How Should Your ATV Helmet Fit?

Finding the perfect fit for an ATV helmet is important. You should not keep it too tight, but it must feel snug enough to stay on comfortably while still being secure.  If it is too tight, you might have a headache or feel constant discomfort while riding.

It feels great when it is not too tight, but still snug enough to be secure and stay on your head. You can get an idea of what size helmet you need by measuring your head circumference.

You need to consider the shape of the helmet, its size, and what brand it is. You also have to balance safety and comfort for your head to be protected from any scratches or injuries.

The helmet must be snug, but it shouldn't be too tight. It should also fit comfortably over your ears. It is important to find the perfect size for your helmet. If you are in doubt, try on a few different brands and sizes to see which one works best for you.

You should not be able to roll your helmet off your head. This would be an indication that it is too loose on your head.

If you feel tightness in the cheek area, this will typically loosen up after the first few times you wear the helmet. The most critical thing to focus on is the feeling around your head, not your face.

Your helmet will last 3-5 years and sometimes even longer based on the average manufacturer’s recommendation. You should get a helmet that is comfortable because you will be using it for a long time on many rides.

How To Measure Your Head For an ATV Helmet

There are a few steps you need to take to measure your head for an ATV helmet. It is important to know the right way to do so so that you don't have any problems when wearing the helmet. This will allow you to find the right helmet for better ATV riding and safety.

1. Measure the Circumference of Your Head

To measure your head circumference, wrap a string around your head about one inch above your eyebrows and around the crown of your head. You want to align the string or tape at the widest part of your head for the most accurate reading.

After measuring, you should write down the exact sizing because you will need this number later when shopping or looking at the exact sizing charts to find the right helmet.

2. Define the Shape of Your Head

Riders need to get a helmet that fits their head and is comfortable. This is made easy based on the way helmet sizing is done. The second part of a helmet size is based on the shape of your head.

The three shapes are oval, intermediate, and round. You can try to determine the shape by taking a photo of your head and comparing it to the sizing chart.

If this doesn’t work for you, then when you check out the sizing chart you can try on the different shapes based on your head circumference size that match your ideal head shape.  

3. Use a Size Chart for Exact Sizing

For sizing, you should use the total circumference of your head, which is measured in inches. Since this measurement can be quite difficult to get, it’s best to measure your head using the size chart provided too.

GMAX is a reliable provider of helmets and they have even created an easy-to-read sizing chart for potential customers to use.

Remember that helmets tend to fit snugly against your head and that it doesn't provide much room for growth or shrinkage over time. If you made the correct measurements, this chart will tell you your size.

4. Try-On Helmets

When buying an ATV helmet, it's important to buy the right size. Riding an ATV is a lot different than driving a car, so you must buy the right size.

One way to find the perfect fit is physically try some helmets on. This can be time-consuming for many people, so the online tools that provide recommendations based on your head size and shape are helpful but not perfect.

It's always important to test out helmets before buying them so you can make sure they will fit properly and not cause any discomfort or other issues while riding your ATV.

What Happens If Your Helmet Is Too Loose?

A helmet is supposed to protect the head. However, improper fitment of the helmet can cause more damage than good. If your new ATV helmet is too loose on you, it might not be protecting your head enough and puts you at risk.

A loose ATV helmet could be detrimental to your safety. It's important to have a tight-fitting ATV helmet for maximum protection.

For example, if a helmet is too loose and you were to fall off your machine it would likely shift when you move and not provide enough protection on impact with the ground. It can also move a lot while you ride and cause you to lose focus.

If your helmet does not fit right or if it feels like it might fall off, then you need to tighten the straps or stop riding altogether until you can buy a better-fitting one.

The key to safety on an ATV is always knowing about your surroundings. If your ATV helmet is too loose, you might not be able to see what's going on around you. This is why it is so important to find a properly fitting helmet.

Tips For Choosing a Helmet

You should always make sure to buy a new helmet and never a used one. This will allow you to check the labels and make sure it meets the DOT standards. There should be a label indicating this on the back.

You can start to test the helmet fit by trying it on and strapping it in. Then once you have done this, you can rotate the helmet sideways to see how much your head moves. If your head remains relatively still, the helmet is too big.

Try to get a lightweight helmet that is specific for ATV use. This will make it feel more comfortable while giving you the safety protection that is required for more high-risk performance machines like an ATV.

To choose the best helmet option, you need to consider your riding preferences and what type of protection you are looking for in your next purchase too. For example, many helmets will contain google holders or cheek pads for off-road excursions.

About THE AUTHOR

Kellie

Kellie

23 years old. I work at a motocross store where we specialize in gear, parts, and apparel for ATV and UTV riders.

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