How To Size and Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

[@RevZilla]

To learn more about motorcycle helmets check out our accompanying article in Common Tread, or head on over to RevZilla.com to shop for a new lid of your own! Styles, Fitments, and Helmet Tips: rvz.la/2JAmQ0s Shop Motorcycle Helmets: rvz.la/30EW8sY

[@robertjennings6176]

How do you put glasses on in a helmet and do I need to cut on my pads?

[@29-mohitranganathan78]

Do you guys ship products to India?

[@John-yg2rt]

If you don't have a flexible tape measure wrap a shoelace around your head, mark where it meets, then lay that flat and measure it

[@RevZilla]

Be careful if it's a shoelace that has some stretch to it, as the measurement might not be accurate. I prefer headphone cable, since most people have them readily available and they don't stretch. I guess this is changing with Airpods and BT headphones though! Just use something that won't stretch. -DrewZilla

[@BuddhaRice]

I took a picture of my head, its rounder in the back, longer in front, and I have 2 swirls with a slight depression in between this . . . I am truly a butthead

[@Rache_777]

hahah wtf man

[@Cornflak3]

😂😂dude

[@josiahwells7442]

You butthead! Hahaha good one

[@jamesking4225]

Internet gold💀

[@danboyd6180]

I believe term is “Ass Hat”

[@numberone454]

“You are going to need a friend” looks like I am no longer going to be purchasing a helmet. 😢

[@jessekuchinski1172]

Youll make freinds going riding tho bud

[@EnergyEruption]

Head shape is sooo important, it's good that revzilla stresses it so much. I've been in too many stores where it isn't even mentioned. Most salespeople just stick a tape measure to your head and that's that. So we'll done 'zilla for mentioning head shape in every video

[@YukonHexsun]

Agreed. I got a helmet from some people that were being more impatient than I liked when I was young, and I have a giant, weird shaped head. Surprise, over time this helmet gets painful.

[@abcdefg54321x]

Your videos are THE BEST! I do pretty much all my motorcycle shopping with you because of this and your amazing customer support! Keep up the great work!

[@theshepherd160]

Revzilla, i love you. Ive been looking for a way to know my size and shape and now i do. Very informative.

[@generalyellor8188]

Videos about head shapes and sizing of helmets, have been on KZbin since the dawn of KZbin.

[@conwayfiddy4908]

This video would have been super helpful last week before I ordered the wrong size helmet lol. It’s cool though, Kyle T was super helpful and hopefully when the new helmet arrives next week it’ll fit now.

[@PaulEdwardsz]

These guys know helmets! I got a Simpson and in the review they said because of the design buy the size smaller than what the chart says. Of course I did not listen and they were right. Returning and getting the recommended size.

[@khmaiaznboi89]

Keep doing things like this. When I was a new rider everything I knew was word of mouth or the limited information I got from my dealer and MSF class.

[@BikerDarren24]

Some of the best motorcycle vids out there guys, video was absolutely spot on and your gear geeks are very helpful on your website too, an avid fan here in Scotland, UK :)

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Was skeptical there'd be anything new here. Pleasantly surprised! Great video!!!

[@amittrivedi9101]

The bottom line for an ideal helmet fit is that the lid has to fit every sq.inch of ur head without creating any pressure points whatsoever. After having burnt my fingers I strongly endorse what Spurgeon said in the end...wear the lid for an hour and if it fits well...you've got ur lid right!!

[@generalyellor8188]

Yeah? How does that "wear it for an hour" thing work when you buy a helmet from Revzilla, an ONLINE retail company?

[@NAJErEa91]

THANK YOU REVZILLA!!!! I JUST RECEIVED MY VERY FIRST MOTORCYCLE HELMET TODAY! ORDERED IT ONLINE! AND IT FITS GREAT! THANK U THANK U THANK U!

[@FNGMOTO]

Very informative video, well done guys. This is why I get all my and my wife’s gear from you.

[@justinriley8651]

very useful I subscribed keep doing good vids. selecting a helmet on your own can be frustrating.

[@He_isI]

Just received my helmet from you guys today. New rider also. Thanks for all the helpful information and videos!

[@charleskay2605]

In the UK/Europe the Shoei Neotec 2 has been homologated to be ridden in the open position although on their website they strongly recommend keeping it closed - I guess that's solely for the highly litigious US market. In fact many of our (UK) police forces can be seen riding with their modular helmets (Schuberth/Shoei) open in an urban environment - closing them out of town.

[@ikbendusan]

schuberth's c4 is also homologated to be worn open

[@frizenfreeze]

Neotecs cant be locked in the open position. AGV compact can be locked Schuberth's close to open and vice versa can be quite hard, like a lock. Latter 2 are safer to ride with in the open position. Neotecs can close unexpectedly if you whip your head down or ride across a bump.

[@djcj101]

Received my helmet, and called. Got the right pads. You guys are great!

[@TimmyBobinson]

Top videos as ever from Revzilla. Love you guys. Shame you are US and I am UK.

[@curtis1951]

According to hjc my 22.5" head takes a medium but they felt really tight. I ended up getting a lg.

[@itsvash679]

Great video much better than last helmet. You guys realize black helmets are 20 degrees or more hotter inside in hot sunny areas? Also old ladies on phones love to run over that stealthed out rider in black gear.

[@happytrails1963]

Awesome video as always! That XD-4 sure is a sweet lid. Good to see your keeping Joe busy. Hope to see you guys do a road trip video soon??

[@donaldsoncole3095]

Sharp presentation, Clarification is key to a successful purchase, Thanks for the info!!!😎

[@duckseverywhere8119]

Very helpful, thanks Spurge & co.

[@nigelslaughter3583]

Love the video! Thanks from England

[@budfans]

thats why i like a vented 3/4 helmet with flip down shield.. when weather turns to shit flip down the shield or when temps drop when your in traffic flip the shield up and you get massive airflow

[@flyaroundyourfire]

Can you do a video on the different shell sizes across manufacturers? Would be very helpful!

[@RevZilla]

We probably won't do a video on that, as it isn't set in stone. Often helmet manufacturers offer helmets with different numbers of shell sizes across their range. Generally speaking though, cheaper helmets have fewer shell sizes. More expensive helmets have more shell sizes. -DrewZilla

[@flyaroundyourfire]

RevZilla thanks for the advice about the number of shell sizes. Can you recommend any models of helmets that have the smallest shell sizes like the Shoei NXR?

[@grk651]

You should have mentioned other problems with the open face helmet. How about rocks that hits car windshields hard enough to break them, and bugs are gross when the splat on your face or in your mouth, or if your not smart enough to wear glasses, your eye.

[@FLCLIST]

Thanks for this video man,it helped me cleared up a curiosity i had about this subject

[@lenkiatleong]

Thanks for this nice video. I hope you can also come out with a new video to advise buyers on how much (price) to pay for a helmet that is enough to protect our head for ride speed below 120 kmh. As price ranges from 3 digits to 4 digits, i want to know what is the minimum price point that one must buy. Another thing is, i want to know which helmet has the strongest shape integrity, i.e., that can withstand a bus from rolling over. Or is there one in the world? Thanks.

[@redeyedfreaks]

$150-200 USD can get you a helmet with a DOT safty and if you look around you can find some that are DOT and SNELL or ECE rated. As long as it's safty rated (hopefully with more than just DOT) it'll protect you in a crash. Spending more money on a helmet doesn't make it safer. Usually price just gets you more features or premium materials.

[@RevZilla]

The most stories I've heard about helmets surviving being rolled over are about Arai helmets, the Japanese manufacturer. -DrewZilla

[@lenkiatleong]

@@RevZilla , Thank you for sharing, DrewZilla. I reckon it's due to their glance off concept that keep their helmet safer. I wish helmet manufacturers could incorporate/include test to show helmet shape integrity after being roll over with at least 500 kg weight.

[@joefeury1499]

Very interesting video,, I have been having trouble finding a helmet that fits. This sure helped,,,thanks,,,I will order one soon

[@SomeMadRandomPerson]

Another great and informative video 😎👍🏻

[@MCRoadk1ll]

Liked the video because of @6:39

[@Brunib51]

Thank you very much, your video was extremely helpful.

[@timsmotorcyclediary]

Excellent guide!

[@damarcowhitmire1734]

That was much more helpful than there other video

[@Echosong-87]

How do u get out of your fear of riding a motorcycle? And how do u balance on one when u never ride a normal bike… like how do u stay balanced?

[@stevenbolton5967]

An open face helmet is the worst design should be illegal

[@kevinstafford9466]

Motorcycles should be illegal

[@Prosecute-fauci]

I prefer to not have a nanny state.

[@MrTeddy12397]

going outside should be illegal

[@Shootinglefty]

Great vid. Thank u!

[@r21174]

i needed this info thanks

[@nicklindsey8036]

that's very helpful thanks

[@roywalls5595]

I always wear 2XL because I went to a dealer sale helmets large to tied & 3xl to lose on full face or modual helmet I am from North pacific island!

Very informative. Thank you guys for this video. It's help me alots.

[@kevinkarnes4067]

Great video. 👍 Well made and informative.

[@EVsSuck777]

For whomever it may help, Icon helmets run very small.. I’m a Medium in HJC but a XXL in Icon.

[@RevZilla]

This sounds like it's more an issue of head shape difference than sizing. Most HJCs are intermediate oval or round oval in shape, whereas Icons are mostly very narrow/long oval with compact neckrolls/neck openings. Someone with an intermediate to narrow oval head shape will very likely wear the same size in an intermediate oval HJC (RPHA series) as s/he would in Icon. -DrewZilla

[@ertai222]

Good video guys.

[@tijmenwiesenekker9224]

Incorrect the shoei neotech 2 modular helmet is actual designed to be used open and locked in the second open position

[@rodriguezahr]

Great advise and info.

[@generalyellor8188]

Good video, just wish your "review" videos were actual critiques of the equipment and apparel when they're really just introductions to whatever product your featuring.

[@scottwilloughby3840]

Great very informative video

[@rick343]

I've got a 58 cm oval melon, it really sucks cause large is to big and medium is way too tight, so I have to find a manufacturer that just happens to make one that fits, depending who I buy from is all I have to go by

[@RevZilla]

Look at AGV in size ML (medium-large) and also consider that Shoei offers accessory liners that are in between sizes. -DrewZilla *bit.ly/AGV_Helmets_howtosize *bit.ly/Shoei_Helmets_howtosize

[@mightymate9650]

Great information. Thank you

[@laurak.5413]

I've got a question, what is your opinion on smart helmets? For example "livall smart motorcycle helmet" do you think it's necessary? And if you like the concept of it could you review it?

[@FernandoM69619]

Thanks for the info grate guide vid

[@YukonHexsun]

I personally would have named this video differently if you weren't going to cover Snell or Ece, because those are definitely important to the process of buying a helmet, considering how little DOT can mean. But, I did come to this video precisely for motorycle helmet fitting, not safety information, so maybe I'm bringing up a problem that doesn't happen. Good video either way.

[@OctaneStreet]

Thanks Spurge

[@juantrujillo1981]

Thank You for this and all your other videos. My helmet just arrived. Round Oval/xtra small. New rider so I have zero helmet knowledge. Is it normal to feel like your peripheral vision is limited?

[@petergarcia5506]

very nice content! informative!

[@caseymcmurtry2124]

At the RevZilla offices, is there even any car parking in the lot? Or is it all just motorcycle parking as far as the eye can see? I can't imagine being that one employee who decides to come to work in a steel cage... and the end of the work day as everyone's leaving, it must feel like a motorcycle rally.

[@absolutelysobeast]

Hahahahahaha

[@joedoe7506]

Any suggestion about fitting at tge back between neck and helmet? None, finger, two of space?

[@minusx31]

Not watching the video...but safest bet is to try the model on in a dealer and then order your size online if the dealer isn’t price matching or has the color in stock you want...

[@mikehoward8201]

Thanks for the lessons on purchasing a helmet. I will never purchase a helmet online....I believe in the try it on method. It also never hurts to visit all you local motorcycle dealers to veiw their selection and get a feel for their pricing. It's fun!

[@paulmullins102]

good tips thanks

[@mobius7188]

But what about those that have to wear glasses because contacts aren’t an option?

[@morgan3409]

Just bought a helmet from your website. The Head Shape thing is NOT anywhere to be found on the webpage.

[@SvenTord]

I have a 10 year old Arai Chaser in size M (57-58) and it still fits great. When I measure my head I get 59-60 cm. Would a XD-4 in size MD (57-58) fit? I.e. Is the Arai sizing the same for different models and years?

[@RevZilla]

With Arai, shapes are different depending on the model. You _should_ be able to wear the XD-4 in medium, but there's a chance you'll need to size up to large. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-xd-4-helmet-solid

[@generalyellor8188]

What RevZilla should have told you in their response is that you should throw away that ten-year-old helmet as it is nearly twice past its expiration time. Most good helmet videos would cover this. The material inside gets old and brittle, thus losing its protective qualities--no matter how pristine the shell is. Even if it was never removed from its box, the recommended time to toss it in the bin is seven years. Your ten year old helmet is this side of worthless. And if you still have it three years after your comment, it is absolutely worthless.

[@melonx9202]

Now i know why my head size is similar to my nephew’s but he uses medium size and i use xx large. This is because his head is round and mine is oval🤪

[@wretchedrider2157]

If it's a great fit but I'm getting pressure/hot spot on the lower crown/rear of my head... Do I need a more oval shape? So confused, here.

[@wanderthirst6129]

What should be the standard weight of a helmet?

[@BangaloreAviation]

The length of my head is only 10% longer than the width. So will a round oval be more suitable to the intermediate oval?

[@gizzyguzzi]

What is the cutoff between Long Oval and Interediate Oval? What is the CI? This is the only quantifiable number I've found, ratio of head width divided by head length. Yet you do not discuss it and no one in the helmet industry uses this number.

[@thumb-ugly7518]

I can’t fit in a 5x. I’m Oval headed. I might need something like 7x or 8x. I can’t find that anywhere on the internet. I have no idea what to do.

[@galangputratama1751]

I took pic oh my head with balaclava on... Looks like my head split in 2, round on the right and intermediate oval on the left.. which kind of helmet I should buy?

[@mrbriancandoanything709]

I added a shield to my open face.

[@Xt1000]

I need a 73cm semi oval modular other than HJC 91. Is that my only option?

[@dr.bherrin]

Actually...the LS2 Valiant is designed to open while riding...but MOST modulars, are not.

[@gumboot13]

Shark evoline 2 also can be ridden fully opened

[@davidstagg314]

Snell and ECE far out do DOT

[@akashsinghrana5798]

Hey is there much difference between medium and large size??? I use the size medium so will large size fits me as the medium???

[@RevZilla]

They are very different. It is very important that you only wear the helmet size that provides a very snug and very secure fit. If you wear size medium, you should not wear size large. It will be too loose, which is not safe. -DrewZilla

[@justinrussell7605]

My head is 1 mm away from 58 1/2 cm. So my question is, what size would I have to go with? Medium or large intermediate oval? I was thinking Bell Qualifier or Ruroc 2.0 helmets.

[@RevZilla]

In general, you would still be size medium in most helmets, including the Qualifier. Ruroc sells directly, so we can't speak to their fit. -DrewZilla *bit.ly/BellQualifier_howtosize

[@yetisuncle666]

so.... should my modular helet fight tight to my head? i know its supposed to be snug. but should it be tight?

[@zenix9313]

I know this is a pretty old video, but I had a question. I am both hearing and sight impaired and wear both glasses and hearing aids to offset this( I’m basically discount Hellen Keller). With hearing aids if I ever wear something that covers them like headphones I get a massive amount of feedback, and I’m not sure what kind of helmet would best accommodate that so that I can hear when riding and would be most comfortable while wearing them and my glasses while still being safe.

[@RevZilla]

Honestly, that is a tough one to make a recommendation for. Obviously something along the lines of a half-helmet would allow you the most amount of room at the ears, even when adding some sort of ear coverage, but would sacrifice overall protection compared to say a full face or modular helmet. Do you have any large local shops near your location to go and try on as many helmet types as you can? That would be the only real recommendation to fit your unique circumstances. Go to your local shop and try each style on for 15-20 minutes and see what works with your setup and glasses, to make sure you aren' forced to focus on comfort rather than the road and riding. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Gear Geeks at 877.792.9455 or [e-mail]. Ride safe, -Pat

[@andriebon7346]

My head size is 58.5cm,,i have two options for an rpha11, a Medium wc is 57-58cm and a Large wc is 59-60cm,,which size shoul i buy?im a lil confused,

[@djmarioliva143]

Thank you sir...

[@CajunGreenMan]

I don't understand glossing over safety ratings, and not even mentioning the issue of the five year expiration 'date' of helmets, for those who might need/want to purchase one used. I NEVER buy anything other than ECE helmets, and would have been highly upset once I learned of those ratings if I had bought a helmet already. I get it that the 'five year expiration' of helmets is an industry recommendation, and not a law, but it's still an important issue to many if not most (personally, I think it was invented by marketing wankers; no, don't explain it to me, I've forgotten more about it than 99% of you actually know). Had those issues been covered, this would be the perfect one-stop shopping video to send to potential/new riders. Hopefully this will be corrected in a future video, but the info that is here is very, very helpful, I will absolutely share it with new riders, and hope everyone else does too.

[@Sinister_Reaper]

When I'm riding at 100+ I get a ton of lift on my helmet which makes it extremely difficult to even look at the road, does anyone know what the problem might be? Full face helmet

[@dimmacommunication]

I never see the type of head in the tech sheet tho...

[@ffieditor]

You don't talk about what to do if you have to ware glass when sizing when riding

[@RevZilla]

I wear glasses, and the two best brands for glasses are Arai and Shoei. After that, Scorpion is the most consistent in accommodating glasses. -DrewZilla *bit.ly/HelmetsforGlasses

[@OM-sb2bd]

“The main drawback to an open face helmet is…..” Your face will be hamburger.

[@reddog907]

Nothing beats polishing your trophy.

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

Literally my favorite part of this video.

[@tommy-jy5ig]

Are there helmets available that absorb all of the exhaust sound into the helmet?

[@gerardomusano6919]

I am sorry to tell you that what you said about the modual helmet that you can't leave it open is not true because my helmet has the dot even if I leave it open.

[@damaihelmchanel2017]

I like this helmet...

[@tracybrown8385]

I’ve got a 5x head and can’t find a helmet that fits anywhere. Too many hot spots and a massive headache. Ugh!!! Help?

[@kevinw7319]

Woa thought i had a melon head.. 25.5 inches.. 3xl

[@sociopathmercenary]

My problem is very few helmet manufacturers make helmets in my size. Sometimes I can squeeze my huge noggin into a 3XL but I have yet to find a half or 3/4 that is close to fitting... Even in 5XL. So far HJC is the only manufacturer I've found that doesn't make me cry but they still aren't a great fit. - Sasquatch Head

[@virtuallyrs3673]

get a smaller head

[@absolutelysobeast]

I can see that man. I tried on several helmets today in a store and the hjc was the only helmet i could even get on in a large. The other larges wouldnt even come close, they felt 2 sizes too small. The hjc seem to run a little bit bigger than the ones i tried on at least

[@SexxxyDJ1]

how should you measure your head if you have dreadlocks/thick hair?

[@chhayhansthapna791]

That is awesome

[@bjalava]

ok if i take 2 exactly the same helmets one Medium and other L/XL. will the helmet size from outside look different. like will XL look as a much bigger helmet than M?

[@malvinacarabas5768]

Most helmets have 2 , some 3 shell sizes (like Scorpion EXO XT-950 modular ) . Check the description .

[@patrickmchugh8039]

That is entirely based on the helmet and the shell breakdown for that model. If the size Mediums and Large (or XLarge) share a shell size, then from the outside they will look identical. It is the internals that change to make it a Medium or Large/XLarge. If they do not share the same shell size, they Large/XLarge will physically look larger to the eye.

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

Why do they put peaks on ADV and dirt bike helmets?

[@RevZilla]

Mostly to keep roost out of your face. Off-road riding has a tendency to kick up dirt / rocks at the riders behind you, a peak helps shield from that. Also helps bloke branches / etc. Most ADV helmets have them and they are removeable for highway riding, Dirt helmets however use them nearly all of the time. It will also help keep the sun out of your eyes, but its mostly there for dirt / debris.

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

@@RevZilla Thanks. I never understood the reason. I thought it was for blocking the sun. That didn't make sense though since many now have internal sun visors. Thanks again for the response.

[@ANG3L_SAUCE]

Does anyone know what helmet is represented in the full face category?

[@patrickmchugh8039]

That would be the HJC RPHA 11 PRO Helmet, a personal favorite of mine.

[@RevZilla]

Pat is correct, it's the RPHA 11 Pro. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/hjc-rpha-11-pro-helmets