How to Measure Head for A Helmet
Let’s go now about how to measure head for a helmet. Helmets come in different sizes and shapes and wearing one regardless of your activity, be it sports or work, can significantly help protect you from severe head injuries. But to effectively protect yourself with the helmet you need to get the right size, which means you should know how to measure the head for a helmet.
Remember, people from diverse professions wear these safety devices. They include motorcycle riders, construction workers, firefighters, traffic officials, bicycles, and even snowboarders. Despite the low or high rate of hazards in their work environments, accidents do occur unexpectedly.
However, as much as you could have the best helmet in the market, it won’t do you any good if it doesn’t fit right. Therefore, before purchasing any helmet, one has to determine the size of their heads by measuring it to avoid the tiresome return policies and processes.
By following a few easy steps, one can figure out how to measure the head for a helmet that suits them and, thus, get themselves one effective helmet.
Step #1: Determining The Circumference of Your Head
Determine the Shape of the Helmet
Shape plays a big deal in determining under which profession or activity a helmet would be used. Before considering the size of the helmet, you should check its shape first to find out whether the helmet you need would be a cycling one or one found in construction sites.
You obviously cannot use a helmet meant for cyclists in an industrial or construction environment because it may not have been designed to withstand the type of hazards present in such environments.
There are usually three types of shapes involving helmets, including long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval.
Long oval – The shape of the head tends to be longer front-to-back rather than side-to-side.
Intermediate oval – The shape of the helmet would be slightly longer from front-to-back as compared to side-to-side. This also tends to be the most common shape.
Round, oval shape – The shape of the helmet is almost equal from side-to-side as it is front-to-back.
Measure the Circumference of Your Head Employing a Flexible Measuring Tape
Using a flexible measuring tape, wrap it around your head. You are advised to position it above your eyebrows and ensure that the tape lays flat against your head and doesn’t pinch at any corner. Generally, the tape should be considered level all around. Also, note that:
- Measuring your head’s head circumference could prove to be a challenge, and, therefore, you are advised to ask a family member or friend for help. This would increase your chances of survival. Alternatively, you can use a mirror to enable you to level the tape better.
- If you’re entirely on your own, be sure to cross the ends of the tape on the front of your head for the readings to be much more comfortable.
Note the Measurement on the Tape
For accuracy reasons, you are advised to make several measurements and settle for the largest one. After that, you are required to note this measurement down for future reference when it comes down to choosing the right sized helmet for your head.
Step #2: Trying the Helmet On
We also have a detailed review on how to size a motorcycle helmet in case if you want to check that out!
Determine the Type of Helmet Needed
The kind of helmet picked solely depends on what it would be used for or the type of environment it would be subjected to. Each type of helmet is designed by its manufacturers to withstand specific types and forces of impacts that are unique to that purpose or environment.
For example, you can’t use a baseball helmet as a hard hat in construction sites or vice versa. At times, several types of helmets are designed for the same purpose or work environment, and it’s up to the user to figure out the best one that suits them perfectly.
Choose the Helmet that Fits your Head Circumference
Most helmets in the market are designed to fit a wide range of head sizes or circumferences, as listed by the manufacturer in their packaging. You may notice size designation – small, medium, or even large – that correlates with a specific helmet sizing chart with all the head circumferences listed.
Try on the Helmet
Before purchasing the helmet, if you’re in a position where you can try it out, it would be helpful. This would help you ensure that it perfectly fits your head, covering both the forehead and back of your head while still being comfortable enough.
To get the right fit, you should put on the helmet and shake your head front-to-back and side-to-side. If you notice that the helmet wobbles in either direction, then it isn’t the right-sized one.
Similarly, if someone were to put their hand on top of the helmet, while you’re wearing and twists it, your head should go in the direction of the helmet. If you notice the helmet turning freely on your head, it might be too loose for you.
However, there are other types of helmets with suspension points and straps to hold your head in place, even if it may seem a bit bigger. These helmets, also known as hard hats, are designed in a way that they can hold in place the wearer’s head without being loose.
Such safety helmets come with intricate designs and features that provide extra safety measures for work environments such as construction sites and industrial areas. These jobs have a higher potential risk of hazards as compared to others as much as they all possess life-threatening accidents.
Step #3: Checking the Helmet before Using
You need to check the helmet for a few weak points because as much as it may fit perfectly, you cannot be 100% sure that it’s fail-proof.
Adjust the Straps
If the helmet includes straps that hold your head in place, be sure to check whether they are in the right condition. For example, if you’re dealing with chin straps, ensure that they fit comfortably and don’t pinch.
Also, ensure that they don’t restrict your ability to breathe, swallow, or even speak comfortably. However, it shouldn’t also be too loose at the same time because this would enable the helmet to come off quickly.
Consider Additional Padding
Most helmets come with their removable padding that helps keep you comfortable throughout its use. However, you can consider getting extra padding as you wash the original one to keep them hygienic enough and clean if you don’t prefer disposal.
Inspect the Helmet before Use
This is one very essential step that you are advised never to ignore. As much as it might be a new helmet, it can be faulty, so you are advised to check for any weak spots available. For the helmet to be effective, you have to take the necessary steps to ensure that it is in the right working order.
1. Know the History of the Helmet
Know where the helmet had been stored in inventory before it was sold because adverse atmospheric conditions are capable of weakening it.
2. Carry out Preliminary Observations
This includes checking the serial number and the CE mark to confirm that the helmet is an authentic safety device before buying it. You should also check whether any of the parts listed in the packaging by the manufacturer is missing in the helmet.
3. Inspect the Shell of the Helmet
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the helmet, you should carefully inspect the shell to ensure no marks, deformations, impacts, cracks, bumps, wear, or signs of chemical products there. If you happen to notice any of these signs, then the helmet isn’t suitable for purchase.
It doesn’t matter whether the helmet is new because, during transportation or storage, it might have been subjected to poor conditions that could’ve led to the emergence of any of the above red flags.
4. Check on the Hardliner
Look for things such as crack, marks, or even missing parts in the hardliner. You are also advised to remove the comfort pads to get a better view of the potential damage that may be present.
5. Check on the Webbing
Check on the helmet’s webbing while looking for significant signs of any wear, cuts, bums, or even deformations of various plastic pieces. You cannot ignore the smallest of details because as minor as the warning signs may be, they can interfere with the entire helmet’s safety. Everybody knows how to measure head for a helmet.
6. Inspect the Headbands as Well as Attachments
Check on the headbands and their attachments while looking out for red flags. You can again remove the comfort pad for better analysis.
7. Make Sure the Adjustment System functions Appropriately
Ensure that the crank moves in both directions smoothly, and the safety device isn’t missing any parts.
8. Inspect the Foam
Ensure the foam is not worn out, dirty from dust, or even missing chunks or various flaking material.
9. Inspect the Additional Accessories
These include face shields, headlamp clips, ventilation parts, suspension points, among others. Ensure there aren’t any signs of wear or deformation on them before purchasing the helmet.
Final Thoughts
Finally, you should always ensure that the helmet meets all ANSI, OSHA, or any other significant safety organization requirements before buying it. You can never be too careful when looking for the perfect helmet meant to protect your head and life in general from various safety hazards.
Follow the above steps when curious about how to measure head for a helmet or head to get the best results.
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