HELMET SIZING & FITTING GUIDE

Proper Fit

Never buy a used helmet or borrow someone else’s helmet. This is not like a used car – a used helmet or an improperly fitted helmet will add serious and unnecessary risk to your health.

Improperly fitted helmets (i.e. ones that jostle around) will not provide the adequate protection you need in the even of a crash. You made open yourself to serious injuries.

Selecting the Right Size

Measure your head. Wrap a tape measure around your head about one inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows.
Use the sizing chart to find the helmet size matches your head’s circumference the best. If your head size is between two sizes try both on before deciding. Click here to see the sizing chart.
To try a helmet on grasp both chin straps and pull the helmet snuggly onto your head (make sure the top of your head touches the helmet’s interior lining)
Check for a proper fit:
- The helmet inner lining feels snug all around your head;
- The top pad is pressed firmly on your head;
- The cheek pads touch your cheeks, and;
- There is absolutely no space around your brow under the inner lining (if you can fit your fingers between the helmet and your forehead it is not snug enough – try a smaller size).
Check your field of vision. Make sure to look in all directions when you have found a helmet that meets the above specifications.
Always make sure you can see well enough to safely operate your motorcycle.
Fasten the chinstraps as tight as possible under your jaw to make sure it feels comfortable, feels snug and that the retention system feels secure.
Test the retention system (chinstrap)
- Put your hands on the back of the helmet and try to push the helmet off by rotating it forward.
- Put your hands on the front of the helmet above your forehead (or on the chin guard) and try to push the helmet off by rotating backward.

Test the helmet fit by placing your hands on each side of the helmet. While holding your head as motionless as possible, try rotating your helmet from left to right then up and down. The helmet should not shift and the inner padding must not be disturbed by the bit of movement you force.

Choosing an On-Road Helmet

There are three basic helmet types of On-Road or Street helmets:

full-faced (Full Face);
three-quarter shell (¾), and;
half shell (½) helmets.

Each style has its advantages and disadvantages, however it is generally agreed that the full-faced helmet provides the greatest protection and the ½ shell the least. Accordingly, full-faced helmets tend to be heavier than their ¾ and ½ shell counter parts.

These helmets cover the entire head and the majority of the face. Extending from the brow over the cranium and to the base of the skull provides maximum protection in the case of an accident. On the side of the head, the hard shell covers along the cheekbones and encompasses the entirety of the jaw and chin. The adjustable visor protects your eyes and the rest of your face from the elements and from debris, bugs and other hazards.

PHX full faced helmets come standard with our ventilation system that provides relief in hot environments and which can be shut in the cold.

The inside of this helmet is extremely durable with formed padding which protects your head and provides a high level of daily comfort.

PHX full-faced helmets are the safest helmet type. Their total head and face protection is simply the smartest move. The disadvantages – minor, we think, in comparison to your safety – is the extra weight, increased heat on hot days and reduced field of vision compared to other helmet types. While the extra weight can potentially contribute to neck fatigue, practice will make any rider accustomed to the helmet’s weight.

Somewhat similar to the full-faced helmet, three-quarter shells do not wrap fully around the face. Like the full-faced helmet the exterior hard shell protection extends from the brow over the cranium to the base of the neck, while covering the side of the head over the ears. Three-quarter shells come with a chinstrap as standard, a chin cup is available for some models and can provide some extra protection.

Compared to a full face, the area of vision is increased and weight decreased. Your face however, will remain exposed to the elements. Nevertheless, these helmets are preferred by, for example, police officers since it allows for easier communication and because the helmet can be removed without blocking the vision.

The half shell helmet provides basic protection around the top of the cranium and down to the brow. However, far less of your head and neck will be protected with the half-shell. That said, they tend to weigh less than the other models. This helmet is also preferred in warmer places and for inner-city riding as it is the smallest and most open class of helmets that are still capable of providing adequate head protection on standard roadways.