How Tight Should Motorcycle Helmet Be? An Expert Guide for Beginners

Are you deciding to purchase a new helmet that compatibly works with the motorbike to give you the most comfortable ride? This is quite a wise decision because helmets are not only good for looks but are an ultimate source of safety. 

So, you have already decided on the color, size, and shape of the helmet but don’t overlook the fit!

Most people don’t know how tight should motorcycle helmet be because they are not aware of the fact that the tightness of a helmet makes them safer. The appropriately tight helmets reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident without feeling pressure points inside the facial or head area. So the helmet must be snug to stay on your head without bouncing. 

If you also want to prevent yourself from potential impacts, then read this article till the last line. This short guide will surely help you in getting the best helmet for the next ride.

Go ahead without further ado!

Should a Motorcycle Helmet be Tight Enough?

This is a universal fact that excess of everything is bad. This quotation fits here too. Because according to this proverb, a motorcycle helmet should not be too loose to bounce over the head, and it should not be too tight to exert pressure on your head and cheeks.

But we agree with you if you are finding difficulty in getting a best-fit helmet. We have compiled some significant considerations that will help you in picking the best-fit helmet. Have a look ahead!

Types of Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmets can be of different types according to the preference and the needs of users. Generally, they are divided into categories according to the covering of the face. Besides this classification, they have some other types as well. Find them all below!

1. The first ones are the full-faced helmets which have a shield at the front that covers the whole face. This shield gives protection against crashes and prevents the face from severe scratches and damage. And the most attractive fact about these helmets is that the shield can be replaced because it is retractable.
2. The second one is the open-faced helmets, which don’t affect the fit of the helmet but are a good source of ventilation for those riders that feel suffocation while riding with a fully covered helmet.
3. Next comes the half-shell helmets that don’t contain any chin bar and give more comfort with their compact and light structure.
4. Last but not the least, the ADV dual sport helmets. These types of helmets have combined features of both half-shell helmets and open-faced helmets because they are safer than half-shell helmets and have enough ventilation, similar to open-faced helmets.

Helmet Fit 

Helmet fit is another factor that should be noticed while checking the tightness of the helmet. When you step into the market to purchase a helmet for yourself, always try to get one of your head sizes. You can take help from the size chart that is made by the manufacturers for the convenience of the buyers.

Always remember, when you buy a helmet, it feels tight at first, but then it will become adjustable according to the head size and shape because of the inner flexible and smooth padding. And don’t prefer loose helmets because they can ultimately reduce safety and increases the risk of life-threatening injuries. 

Shape of Helmet 

The shape of the helmet is another major factor that determines tightness. Generally speaking, the manufacturers usually made three shape types oval, intermediate, and round. Now you have to check the shape of your head and then go with the one which suits the actual shape of your head. 

Some More Tips to Get a Correct-Sized Helmet

No doubt, when we think about getting a new helmet from the market, the first thing that pops up in our mind is the size, and this is highly appreciated if you check different sizes a couple of times before choosing the one for yourself. Before carrying out the simple but mandatory checks, you can take a look at your face with a helmet wearing on your head in a mirror. If it seems seated correctly on your head, then go with it without a single-second delay. 

Moreover, you should also check that: 

The helmet must not slide up and down or back and forth, or bounce over the head. It should be still, and you can check this by holding the chin part of the helmet and pulling it down. 

The cheek pads must press the cheeks of your face but don’t overlook the fact that the press must not be uncomfortable; otherwise, the firmness of the helmet will hurt the cheekbones, and you will not be able to ride with full focus. 

Once you try a helmet and then remove it after some time, if your head feels sore, then don’t decide to purchase that one. It is a clear sign that the particular helmet is giving pressure points to the head, which will create severe headaches later.

Does the Tightness of a Motorcycle Helmet Change After Sometime?

Whenever you prepare yourself for riding, you must make the helmet ready to wear. The helmets give protection, but this is also true that they become more insecure if they are not tightly fit. So the front edges of the helmet must touch the skin over the eyebrows. 

But friends, this is also a fact that motorcycle helmets start losing their fit with time, especially when you ride hard. But even after losing, if it is not wiggling due to the wind, you can surely go with it!