Knowing how to measure ATV helmet size should top the list of your pre-purchase responsibilities. Because the top-quality ATV helmet featured with the sophisticated features will fall short of serving your purpose if it is not your size.
So, determining the right helmet size means to ensure the comfortable and safe fit – pretty crucial for off-road time. And your accurate head size and exact skull shape together can ensure the safe and comfortable fit.
When I am referring to the right size, it means a helmet that fits snug, neither too tight nor loose. That is the challenge because ATV helmets come in an array of sizes and shapes.
But you can overcome the challenge. Just start by knowing your head’s measurement and recognizing the shape of your head. In this article, we shall take an in-depth look at how to take ATV helmet measurements, tips for accurate ATV helmet measurements, among other related ideas.
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Measure ATV helmet flawlessly in 5 Steps
Knowing the correct ATV helmet size might be a tall order. However, you can take head measurements as one of the crucial steps of choosing an ATV helmet. This way, you will know whether you need to purchase a large, small or medium helmet matching your head size and shape. Here are the precise steps when measuring for your ATV helmet size:
1. Know the shape of your head
Before you get started, know the shape of your head. Fortunately, manufacturers usually take this into consideration whenever they are designing various helmets for sale. In most cases, most ATV helmets are available in 3 main shapes. These include:
Long oval
Such kind of head is usually longer from the front to the back, than side to side. A long oval helmet is usually 0.5 inches than an intermediate oval.
Intermediate oval
The above-mentioned head shape is generally circular in shape but has a wide side-to-side measurement shorter than front-to-back measurement. To take these measurements, you have to start taking them from the forehead to the largest area located at the back of your head’s skull.
Round oval
Compared to the intermediate oval shape, this shape head usually has a longer side-to-side measurement than the front-to-back measurement.
2. Take the measurements of your head
After determining the shape of your head, the next step is to measure its size. When measuring your head’s size, place the tape measure at the middle of your forehead. Ideally, the tape measure should rest slightly above your eyebrows.
Thereafter, wrap it around the middle of your head. For sure, this one is the thickest part of your head. For optimal results, wrap it all the way, such that it goes above the occipital bone. Let the tape measure go all the way to the point of forehead where you start taking the head measurements from.
When wrapping the head with the tape measure, ensure that the tape measure is not too tight. Instead, it should be snug for accuracy and a comfortable helmet fit. Once you are done, read the measurements and then record them somewhere. Better to take help from a family member or friend so that you can take precise head measurements.
Reminder, what you have got as a head circumference, the head size for helmet would be one inch bigger than that. Say, your head circumference is 19” and so your helmet size should be 20”.
3. Compare with the manufacturer’s size chart
For you to choose the correct ATV helmet size, now compare your head measurements (determined following the above guideline) with those presented on the manufacturer’s size chart. Remember that the manufacturer normally offers their measurements chart based on the ATV helmet design.
The following is a chart to use an example you determine the right adult ATV helmet to invest in:
Adult Helmet Size Chart
| Helmet size | Inches | Centimeters |
| Extra small | 20.5 -21.5 | 52-54.6 |
| Small | 21.5-22.5 | 54.6-57 |
| Medium | 22-23 | 55.9-58.4 |
| Large | 23-24 | 58.4-61 |
| Extra large | 24-25 | 62.2-63.5 |
If you want to get an ATV helmet for your younger siblings or kids, here is an example chart that can help you choose the best model:
Kids Helmet Size Chart
| Helmet Size | Inches | CM |
| S | 18.5-18.9 | 47-48 |
| M | 19.3-19.7 | 49-50 |
| L | 20.1-20.5 | 51-52 |
It is imperative to note that the above-mentioned measurements are just average sizes for ATV helmets. With these helmet size measurements, you will have a good idea of the size available there. You can go through other guides on helmet size for clearer ideas.
Be careful when selecting a helmet for youth. Any youth helmet size chart will tell you that there are small, medium, and large sizes for youth ATV helmets. Interesting fact is youth ATV helmet size has several sub-categories based on head size. And when searching for a youth helmet; you have to go by youth ATV helmet size chart by age. Whatever the age you are searching for a helmet for, determine the shape and size and then compare that with that of the manufacturer’s chart.
If your head is smaller than the extra small size, consider going for the smaller than extra small size. Such a head is usually below 20.5 inches. On the other end, if your head is larger than the extra-large size, consider getting the larger than extra size helmet, whose head circumference is beyond 25 inches.
4. Finalize the Size for Adult and Kids
It is no news now that helmet size charts are brand-specific and so no helmet size chart is universal. But the established size range for adult helmets is 20-21” and those of the Kids-youngsters’ – 17.5-20”.
What I mean by finalizing the helmet size is that you better go for 1 size smaller as the helmet featured with inner lining cushion will go a bit loose after the breaking-in period. But when it is to choose the kids helmet, you can go both 1 size smaller than the snug fit as the head will fit in comfortably after the inner cushion and layer stretched in. But minding the scenario that kids head outsizes the helmet size pretty faster, going one size bigger will not affect the fit significantly.
5. Ensure the Fit by wearing it
Yes, you can develop a clear impression of the size category and you may find your needed helmet of your fit from the manufacturer size chart. But to reach the desired snug fit, the flawless method is to try the helmet and feel how it feels.
Take a helmet matching the size and shape of your head from the store and wear it. If it is painfully tight, this is not your cup of tea. On the contrary, if the helmet moves at your head movements and you feel it comfortable, it is a good fit. But if the helmet stays as it is while turning your head, it is too loose and will fall off your head in case of an accident.
Another trick to finding a loose helmet is to try to let your finger slip in, if the finger slips in easily between your forehead and helmet front end above eyebrows; this is a loose helmet to avoid.
To check whether a helmet is too tight or snug, keep it worn for a certain period. If you feel any over-stressed spot across your face and head, it is bitingly tight not snug. A comfortably fit helmet will not glide with your head movement nor will it cause your cheek, forehead, and chin to feel sore or any pressure point.
Tips and Precautions for flawless helmet size
If you are a beginner in ATV riding you might be confused when measuring and selecting the correct size of your intended ATV helmet. Here are some of the ideas that can help you get started:
Tips
- Remember to use a flexible tape measure to take measurements of your head. If possible let someone take these measurements for you so that you can get it right.
- Record these measurements and then compare them with your preferred helmet’s manufacturer. This way, you will get an idea of the correct size for your ATV helmet.
- Try helmets of 3 or more manufacturers and then choose the one that feels comfortable for your head.
- Size and shape consideration will the same whether it is snowmobile helmet, ATV helmet or motorcycle helmet.
- For optimal results, ensure that you try your helmet during a test drive as the feel at the store might be different from that experienced when riding an ATV.
Precautions
- Put the eye port of your intended helmet above your eyebrows to get decent amount of peripheral view.
- Check your target helmet has a detachable visor or not. A removable helmet visor usually featured with cheek pad to be tailored to your fit.
- The inseam of the ATV helmet must be within one inch above your eyebrows and should be a snug fit.
- Make sure you visit the manufacture website to check the right size your target helmet.
- While a snug fit helmet will not allow even a single finger to slip in, the chin strap should allow it but not more than two fingers. A chin strap as snug as the helmet will cause discomfort.
- If you have to purchase an ATV helmet for youngsters and kids, ensure that you do not prefer too large a size helmet thinking that they can wear a large size for years without need to buy a new one. Instead, pick an ATV helmet that fits them at that moment and then purchase a bigger model as your sibling advance in age.
How do I tell if my ATV helmet fits well?
If your preferred ATV helmet is a little bit tight on your head without essentially making you feel uncomfortable, be sure that fits well. Ideally, your ATV helmet of choice should not move whenever you try to shake your head. To tell your helmet is well fitted, ensure four things below:
- Adjust your chin strap and now pull on the helmet. Move your head side by side and watch out for Play. A safe and comfortable fit helmet will have no play.
- Another test is to grab the helmet to see it goes upward at pull. It passes the test, if you are unable to lift it up.
- The easy and popular test is to trying a finger to slip in between the helmet front and forehead. If it doesn’t slip in, it’s okay.
- Put on the helmet and leave it as it is for few minutes, if you feel pressure points and spots across check worsen over time; it is too tight to give the safe fit.
FAQs
How should my ATV helmet fit?
Once you put on your ATV helmet, its eye port should sit snuggly above the eyebrows of your face. In case you can insert a finger between the helmet and your head, chances are that it is too big for you. Therefore, you might have to look out for a smaller ATV helmet. Ideally, you should not be able to rotate the ATV helmet around your head.
How tight should ATV helmet be?
Well, your ATV helmet of choice should fit snugly while offering the much-needed comfort to your head. You might feel uncomfortable in the beginning but if this continues, consider looking for another helmet altogether.
Is it better for an ATV helmet to be loose or tight?
Your ATV helmet of choice should neither be too loose or right. Instead, it should have a snug fit around your head so that you can be comfortable when wearing it. This way, you will not strain other parts of the body such as the forehead, chin, neck and so forth. Additionally, a snug fit ATV helmet will offer the much-needed protection in the event of crash landing or collision with a tree or a rock.
How do I know my helmet size without tape?
In case you do not have a non-stretchable measuring tape, consider using a non-stretchy string. Here, you should wrap it around the thickest part of your head like you would with a tape measure and then mark it once you arrive at the starting point. Thereafter, lay the string on a flat surface and use a ruler to take measurements of your head.
Be Precise with Your ATV Helmet Size
Taking the correct measurement of your ATV helmet is one of the crucial steps towards selecting the right helmet for your safety during ATV riding or any other powersports. Since powersports helmets, be it snowmobile or ATV helmet or dirt bike one, come in a variety of sizes, measure your head first and then use the manufacturer’s chart to choose the model that suits your needs.
More importantly, ensure that your preferred helmet fits snuggly while offering your head the much-needed comfort. Now that you know how to measure ATV helmet size, you can now go ahead and buy an ATV helmet that suits your needs. Consider all the ideas, tips, and precautions we have mentioned here and you will end up with the precise helmet size. However, keep your ATV helmet clean to get the best out of the right fit and high-end head gear.