When trying on a motorcycle helmet, many riders wonder if it should squeeze their cheeks. The simple answer is yes, but it should not be painful. A good fit is key to safety and comfort. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Should a Helmet Squeeze Your Cheeks?
A well-fitted helmet touches all parts of your head, including your cheeks. This keeps it from moving in a crash. Many racers wear helmets that press their cheeks up, but for everyday riders, it should be snug but not too tight. The padding softens over time, so a new helmet may feel tight at first.
The Importance of Proper Helmet Fit
Before we dive into cheek pads, let’s talk about the basics of helmet fit. When you’re looking for a helmet, you need to make sure it fits snugly all around your head. This isn’t just about making sure it doesn’t feel too tight; it’s about safety. A well-fitting helmet can make the difference between a minor injury and something more serious in a crash.
Measuring Your Head
It all starts with measuring your head. Here’s the trick: Use a fabric tape, a string, or even a shoelace if you don’t have one handy. Measure around your head about an inch above your eyebrows, circling the widest part of your skull. Once you have that number, check the size chart for the helmet brand you’re interested in. Keep in mind that different brands may fit differently, so it’s always best to double-check.
But, it’s not just about size. Heads come in different shapes too. You’ll find three common types:
- Round oval: This is the most common shape, where your head is slightly longer front to back.
- Intermediate oval: A more rounded shape, but still slightly oval.
- Long oval: A head that’s noticeably longer front-to-back.
Knowing your head shape can help you pick the right helmet, so don’t skip this step!
How to Check if Your Helmet Fits Right
If you are trying on a helmet, follow these simple steps:
- Put It On
- It should go on with a little resistance but not hurt.
- It should sit level on your head, not tilted.
- Check the Cheek Pads
- They should press your cheeks slightly, making a small roll of skin when you smile.
- If they cause pain, the helmet may be too small.
- If you can fit a finger between your cheeks and the padding, it is too loose.
- Try Moving Your Head
- Hold the helmet at the sides and try turning your head inside it.
- Your head should move with the helmet. If your head moves inside, it is too loose.
- Bite Test
- Open and close your mouth. Your cheeks should touch your teeth but not get pinched hard.
Why Helmet Fit Matters
The fit of a motorcycle helmet is vital. It affects safety and comfort. A well-fitted helmet can save your life.
Safety First
A helmet that fits well protects your head. It can reduce injury in a crash. Loose helmets do not offer the same protection.
Comfort Is Important
Comfort is also crucial. You will wear the helmet for long rides. An uncomfortable helmet can be distracting.
How a Helmet Should Fit
So, how should a helmet fit? It should feel snug, but not too tight. It should not move around on your head.
Testing The Fit
When you put on a helmet, it should fit evenly. Your cheeks should feel a bit of pressure. This is normal.
Check The Cheek Pads
The cheek pads play a big role. They should press against your cheeks. This helps keep the helmet stable.
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Breaking in Your Helmet
A new helmet will loosen up after some use. The padding compresses over time. Start with a snug fit so it does not become too loose later.
- Wear it at home for 10-15 minutes to check for pressure points.
- Keep the visor film on in case you need to return it.
- Some brands offer different cheek pads for a better fit.
Cheek Pads: What They Do and How They Should Fit
Now, let’s get into the real focus of this article: cheek pads. They might not always get the attention they deserve, but they are super important for helmet fit.
Here’s the deal: When you put on your helmet, the cheek pads should gently squeeze your cheeks. You shouldn’t feel like your face is being crushed, but there should be a slight compression when you close your mouth. Why? Because that tightness helps keep the helmet in place during a crash. If the helmet is loose, it could shift and fail to protect you properly.
Here’s what to look for:
- Snug, but not painful: The cheek pads should press your cheeks firmly, but it shouldn’t hurt. If it does, you might need a different size or a different shape of helmet.
- No excessive pressure: If you notice red marks on your face after wearing the helmet, it might be too tight. While a snug fit is necessary, discomfort isn’t worth it.
- Stability: Try moving the helmet from side to side. It should stay in place. If it shifts easily, it’s too loose. In a crash, that could increase your risk of injury.
- Break-in period: New helmets often feel tight when you first put them on. Like new shoes, the cheek pads will loosen a bit after a few rides. But it shouldn’t feel uncomfortably tight right from the start.
Adjusting Your Cheek Pads
Sometimes, stock cheek pads don’t offer the perfect fit. If that’s the case, no worries—many helmets come with replaceable cheek pads in different thicknesses. This is great because you can swap them out to get a better fit. Some helmets even let you adjust the cheek pads yourself.
But here’s a tip: Be careful if you decide to shave down or modify the pads yourself. Altering the helmet could impact its safety features and void your warranty. So, always check with the manufacturer before making any changes.
The Dangers of an Improper Fit
Whether your helmet is too tight or too loose, it can cause serious problems.
- Too tight:
- Headaches and discomfort: A helmet that’s too tight can cause a lot of pain, especially during long rides.
- Restricted blood flow: In extreme cases, a very tight helmet can cut off blood flow to your head, leading to dizziness or even fainting.
- Helmet riding up: A tight helmet can shift during a crash, leaving your forehead exposed.
- Too loose:
- Helmet shifting: A loose helmet can move around, or worse, come off during a crash, putting you at risk.
- Increased head movement: In a crash, a loose helmet means your head could move too much inside the helmet, leading to a higher chance of a concussion or worse.
- Less protection: A loose fit means the helmet won’t absorb impact properly. This can make injuries much worse.
And don’t even think about wearing a helmet without cheek pads! They help keep the helmet snug against your face, minimizing movement. Without them, your helmet won’t stay in place, and that’s a serious safety issue.
Why a Loose Helmet is Dangerous
A helmet that is too big can shift at high speeds. This reduces protection and can make riding noisy and tiring. Helmets never get tighter, only looser, so avoid starting with one that is already too loose.
When to Try a Different Size
If the helmet causes painful pressure that does not go away after a few minutes, or if it moves too much, try another size or model. Different brands have different shapes, so find one that suits you best.
Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards
When buying a helmet, always check if it meets safety standards. In the U.S., for example, helmets need to meet the FMVSS 218 standard from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This ensures the helmet provides a basic level of protection.
Other standards to look out for include:
- DOT (U.S.): Tests include impact resistance and retention system strength.
- ECE 22 (Europe): Similar to DOT but includes additional tests for things like UV light exposure.
- Snell M2020/SA2020 (Worldwide): A stricter standard with additional tests for different types of impacts.
- SHARP (UK): Rates helmets on a 5-star scale based on their impact absorption.
Always choose a helmet that meets these standards, as it gives you a guarantee of safety.
Why the Cheek Squeeze?
You might wonder why the helmet should squeeze your cheeks. There are good reasons for this.
Stability And Safety
The squeeze helps keep the helmet in place. It does not move around. This is very important in a crash.
Better Comfort Over Time
At first, the squeeze may feel strange. But over time, the helmet will mold to your face. It will become more comfortable.
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Getting Used to the Fit
It may take time to get used to the fit. Here are some tips to help.
Wear It At Home
Wear your helmet at home. This helps you get used to the feel. Try wearing it for short periods at first.
Adjust The Cheek Pads
If the squeeze feels too tight, you can adjust the cheek pads. Some helmets come with different sizes of pads.
Choosing the Right Size
Choosing the right size helmet is key. Here is how to find the right size.
Measure Your Head
Use a tape measure. Measure around your head. Measure above your eyebrows and ears.
| Helmet Size Guide | |
| Head Size (cm) | Helmet Size |
|---|---|
| 52-53 | XS |
| 54-55 | S |
| 56-57 | M |
| 58-59 | L |
| 60-61 | XL |
| 62-63 | XXL |
Try Before You Buy
Always try on a helmet before buying. Make sure it fits well. Remember, it should squeeze your cheeks a bit.
Signs of a Good Fit
How do you know if the helmet fits well? Here are some signs.
No Pressure Points
You should not feel any pressure points. The helmet should feel snug, but not painful.
Stable On Your Head
The helmet should stay in place. Move your head side to side. The helmet should not shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should A Motorcycle Helmet Squeeze Your Cheeks?
Yes, it should. This ensures a snug fit for safety.
How Tight Should A Motorcycle Helmet Be?
The helmet should be snug but not cause pain or discomfort.
Why Do Helmets Squeeze Cheeks?
Cheek pads ensure the helmet stays in place during a ride.
Can A Helmet Be Too Tight?
Yes, if it causes pain or leaves marks on your skin.
Conclusion
A helmet should squeeze your cheeks slightly, but it should not hurt. A snug fit is important for safety. Follow these steps to check your fit and choose the best helmet for your ride. A well-fitted helmet keeps you comfortable and protected on the road.
