Full face helmets are undoubtedly more protective than an open face helmet, but they can be a bit more tricky to fit. They dont have a retention system, and instead rely on pad sizing to determine the fit. There is also far tighter tolerances between the sizes, so while you may be a medium in one brands open face helmet, you may not be a medium in their full face. Follow this guide to see if a given full face helmet is right for you.
There are three major parts to making sure a full face is right for you.
- Measuring
- Trying it on
- Position and fit
Measuring
This step is effectively the same as an open face, but you do definitely have to be more precise with the measuring. For this, youll need a cloth tape, or piece of string. Wrap that around your head, typically two finger widths above your eyebrows.
From here, compare that diameter to the sizing chart available on the helmet you like. If youre smack bang between sizes, we always recommend choosing the smaller option. Its far better to have a snug fit, than it is to have a big loose bucket around your head.
Go ahead and add the right size to your cart, proceed to the check out, and wait patiently for it to rock up at your doorstep.
Trying it on
In reference to trying it on, this is also where the straps come into play for a full face, as this is how the helmet stays on your head. Pop the helmet on, and fasten the chin strap.
Most full faces will use a standard D link buckle, but more helmets these days are using alternative fastenings such as a Fidlock magnetic system. Tighten this up appropriately and pretend youre at a metal concert.
The helmet shouldnt move around too much, if at all. Now, grab the chin bar and give it a good shake side to side. Again, it shouldnt move too much, and should twist back to the centre after a tap.
Position and fit
Now, we want to make sure the chin bar is sitting in the right spot. Not too high, not too low, we want that Goldilocks position. It should roughly follow the line of your jaw, and just cover your mouth.
Now, you want to focus on how the helmet conforms to your head. Everyone has a different head shape, and that means not every helmet will fit everyone. See if there are any parts where the helmet does not meet your head, and any parts where one bit is tighter or firmer than other parts.
If it feels too snug, or too loose around your face, check to see if your helmet comes with replaceable cheek pads or neck rolls. Throw in the other sets and see if its any better.
If none of them work out well, then that helmet may not be right for you, sorry!
Should the helmet not fit well in any way, you can have a look at our returns policy and form here.
Once youve got your new helmet fitting perfectly, stick it on your head and go ride!