Finding the right motorcycle helmet for you is critical to your comfort as well as your safety during a ride. 
Everyone’s head is built different making finding the right helmet a process.
Helmets come in three different shapes- round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. Before buying a helmet it’s important for you to determine the shape of your head. Use a mirror or have a friend look down on your head from the top.
When measuring the size of your head, use a cloth tape. Begin at just above your eyebrows and circle it around the thickest point in the rear of your head. You can then cross reference this measurement with a helmet size chart.
A correctly sized helmet will be a little tight and will provide an even pressure around your head without uncomfortable pressure points. The helmet should not move when you shake your head.
Motorcycle helmets come in many different styles, each one suitable for different riders. The different styles include:
- Full Face: covers head, chin, and jaw, moveable face shield, aerodynamic features
- Modular: full face protection with chin bar/face shield that pivots up for an open face, common with adventure dual-sport riders
- Dual-Sport: extended chin bar and visor, requires goggles, good for off-road adventures and weather conditions
- Off-Road: extended chin bar and visor, requires goggles, good for motocross and other off-road activities, good air flow
- Hi Viz: increases ability to be seen, offers an additional level of safety
- Half and Open-Face: only provides some level of protection, no chin guard, significant wind noise
Make sure your helmet has an official DOT or Snell Memorial Foundation certification sticker on the outside back. This signifies that it meets or exceeds test standards.
Wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death in the event of a motorcycle crash. Take your time and find a helmet that’s right for you.