You wear a helmet to protect your head from injury, but you won't get the maximum protection unless it is properly sized with a snug, aligned fit. Helmets come in a variety of sizes and are usually measured in inches, but there are no standard sizes. For your safety, it is important that your helmet fits properly when you skate. The information below is designed to guide you in achieving a safe, secure helmet fit.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
- Measure the circumference of your head by wrapping a tape measure around the head above the ear and around the forehead. Double check to make sure your measurement is accurate.
- There are no standard helmet sizes. You would need to get the manufacturer's size charts for the helmet brands you are looking at to determine the correct helmet size. If your measurements are in between the manufacturer's sizes, move up to the next bigger size.
- When you find your helmet size, it is still best to try some on, since some styles or brands may keep their position on your head better.
Adjust your chin strap assembly, so the helmet can't be knocked off or shift out of place. You will know that the strap is adjusted properly if:
- The helmet sits squarely on the head
- The helmet does not slide or move around
- The helmet front rests low on the brow
- The straps form a "Y" shape under the chin just below the ears
- The chin strap assembly does not have any slack
- The helmet sits squarely on the head
- Some manufacturers offer adjustable helmet models with a headband inside that can be adjusted to the shape of your head. Or try extra padding for a better, more snug fit.
Tips:
- The helmet must sit squarely on the head with the front of the helmet low on the brow to protect the forehead.
- The padding should exert firm, uniform pressure all around the head so that the skin on the forehead moves as the helmet is rotated from left to right and from front to back.
- Do not wear a helmet tipped back on the head. Even if you can form the "Y" around the ears and eliminate slack, helmets worn on the back of the head are more likely to pop off and do not protect the forehead.
- Buckle the chin strap securely at the throat. Connect the buckle according to the manufacturer's instructions provided with your helmet, and pull on the strap until it is snug against your throat. This ensures that your helmet will not come off at high-impact
What You Need
- Tape measure
- Manufacturer's size charts
- Mirror
