Difference between revisions of "Measure Helmet Size"
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Whether you're bicycling, playing softball, riding a motorcycle, or gearing up for your first football game, wearing a helmet can help protect you from traumatic brain injuries. But your helmet is only effective protection if it fits you correctly. The most common way of determining helmet size is measuring your head circumference, but nothing replaces a fitting session done on your own or with a store clerk's help. | Whether you're bicycling, playing softball, riding a motorcycle, or gearing up for your first football game, wearing a helmet can help protect you from traumatic brain injuries. But your helmet is only effective protection if it fits you correctly. The most common way of determining helmet size is measuring your head circumference, but nothing replaces a fitting session done on your own or with a store clerk's help. | ||
| − | [[Category:Motorcycle Gear]] | + | [[Category: Motorcycle Gear]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Measuring your Head’s Circumference === | === Measuring your Head’s Circumference === | ||
| − | #Determine helmet shape. You should consider helmet shape before measuring for helmet size. This is especially important if you are looking for a motorcycle helmet. There are three main types of shapes, which are long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval. The helmet shape matters for most helmet types, though it is more important for motorcycle and riding helmets.<ref> http://www.motosport.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-size-guide-how-to-measure-fit-the-right-helmet</ref> | + | #Determine helmet shape. You should consider helmet shape before measuring for helmet size. This is especially important if you are looking for a motorcycle helmet. There are three main types of shapes, which are long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval. The helmet shape matters for most helmet types, though it is more important for motorcycle and riding helmets.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.motosport.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-size-guide-how-to-measure-fit-the-right-helmet</ref> |
#*Long oval means that the shape of the head, and helmet, is longer front-to-back than side-to-side. | #*Long oval means that the shape of the head, and helmet, is longer front-to-back than side-to-side. | ||
#*Intermediate oval means that the shape of the helmet will be slightly longer from front-to-back than from side-to-side. This is the most common shape. | #*Intermediate oval means that the shape of the helmet will be slightly longer from front-to-back than from side-to-side. This is the most common shape. | ||
#*A round oval shape is one that is almost equal from front-to-back as it is side-to-side. | #*A round oval shape is one that is almost equal from front-to-back as it is side-to-side. | ||
| − | #Wrap the flexible measuring tape around your head. You should position it just above your eyebrows. Make sure the measuring tape lays flat against your head but doesn't pinch. It should be level all the way around.<ref>http://store.nutcasehelmets.com/pages/helmet-fit-guide</ref> | + | #Wrap the flexible measuring tape around your head. You should position it just above your eyebrows. Make sure the measuring tape lays flat against your head but doesn't pinch. It should be level all the way around.<ref name="rf2">http://store.nutcasehelmets.com/pages/helmet-fit-guide</ref> |
#* Doing this on your own is a challenge. Ask a friend or family member for help, or use a mirror to help you level the tape. | #* Doing this on your own is a challenge. Ask a friend or family member for help, or use a mirror to help you level the tape. | ||
#* If you're measuring your head circumference on your own, cross the ends of the tape on the front of your head to make reading the measurement easier. | #* If you're measuring your head circumference on your own, cross the ends of the tape on the front of your head to make reading the measurement easier. | ||
| − | #Read the measurement off the tape. Take several measurements. The largest measurement you take is the measurement to go by. Write down this measurement so that you will remember it when it comes to choosing a helmet.<ref | + | #Read the measurement off the tape. Take several measurements. The largest measurement you take is the measurement to go by. Write down this measurement so that you will remember it when it comes to choosing a helmet.<ref name="rf2" /> |
=== Trying on a Helmet === | === Trying on a Helmet === | ||
| − | #Determine helmet type. The type of helmet you choose depends on what you need it for. Each type of helmet is designed to withstand the specific types and forces of impact unique to that sport. For example, don't wear a bicycle helmet for climbing, or a batting helmet on your motorcycle. In some instances, there may be multiple types of helmet for one sport, like biking.<ref> http://guides.wiggle.co.uk/helmet-buying-guide</ref> | + | #Determine helmet type. The type of helmet you choose depends on what you need it for. Each type of helmet is designed to withstand the specific types and forces of impact unique to that sport. For example, don't wear a bicycle helmet for climbing, or a batting helmet on your motorcycle. In some instances, there may be multiple types of helmet for one sport, like biking.<ref name="rf3"> http://guides.wiggle.co.uk/helmet-buying-guide</ref> |
#*A mountain bike helmet is made specifically for an off-road terrain. | #*A mountain bike helmet is made specifically for an off-road terrain. | ||
#*A road helmet is lightweight and compact for aerodynamic advantages. | #*A road helmet is lightweight and compact for aerodynamic advantages. | ||
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=== Checking Before Use === | === Checking Before Use === | ||
#Adjust the helmet's chin strap. If the helmet requires a chin strap, check it before use. It should fit snugly, but not pinch. The chin strap shouldn't restrict your ability to breathe, swallow, or speak. It should not, however, be so loose that you can easily fit a finger between the strap and your chin. | #Adjust the helmet's chin strap. If the helmet requires a chin strap, check it before use. It should fit snugly, but not pinch. The chin strap shouldn't restrict your ability to breathe, swallow, or speak. It should not, however, be so loose that you can easily fit a finger between the strap and your chin. | ||
| − | #Try additional padding. Many helmets come with removable padding that can be washed after use to keep them hygienic. It is also an option to buy additional padding to add to the helmet. You should only buy additional padding if you can not find a helmet that fits you snugly and properly.<ref>http://www.mecabrush.com/helmet%20information/helmet_size_chart.htm</ref> | + | #Try additional padding. Many helmets come with removable padding that can be washed after use to keep them hygienic. It is also an option to buy additional padding to add to the helmet. You should only buy additional padding if you can not find a helmet that fits you snugly and properly.<ref name="rf4">http://www.mecabrush.com/helmet%20information/helmet_size_chart.htm</ref> |
| − | #Inspect before use. Check the helmet or have it inspected before each use. The helmet should not be cracked, missing foam, or damaged in any way. If the helmet is damaged, do not use it. Instead, return it to the store, or send it back to the manufacturer.<ref> http://www.mecabrush.com/helmet%20information/helmet_size_chart.htm</ref> | + | #Inspect before use. Check the helmet or have it inspected before each use. The helmet should not be cracked, missing foam, or damaged in any way. If the helmet is damaged, do not use it. Instead, return it to the store, or send it back to the manufacturer.<ref name="rf5"> http://www.mecabrush.com/helmet%20information/helmet_size_chart.htm</ref> |
#*If you must return the helmet, do not ride, bike, or play until you receive another one. | #*If you must return the helmet, do not ride, bike, or play until you receive another one. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
