Finding the Right Helmet (And the Right Fit)

Midwinter Motorcycle Shows offer a bittersweet opportunity

Midwinter motorcycle shows are revving up, offering riders the chance to browse new gear, perhaps even snagging a new helmet at a great price. But, as exciting as the deals at these events can be, they can be a bittersweet minefield for the unprepared—especially new and returning riders. The main pitfall? The booths at the shows often lack the personnel to provide the customer service crucial for choosing the right protective gear and making sure it fits. Worse yet, helmets bought at these events are often non-returnable.

The single most critical factor when buying a helmet is fit. This is the one MISSION CRITICAL criteria it must meet. But here’s the challenge: the right fit isn’t always obvious. In fact, if a helmet instantly feels comfortable, it’s probably too big. Helmets loosen over time, meaning the initial fit should be snug—even borderline tight. That said, there’s a fine line between overall snugness that breaks in over time, sharp pressure points that won’t, and fitting issues that can be tweaked. So, what should riders consider when helmet shopping?

Key Factors in Choosing a Helmet

Fit: The most important factor. It must conform snugly to the shape of your head without painful pressure points (that can’t be tweaked). If it doesn’t fit perfectly, nothing else matters.

Weight: Lightweight helmets reduce fatigue, especially on longer rides.

Noise: Some helmets are quieter than others—which can be nicer for longer rids. An easy fix for a noisier helmet: ear plugs. I bought a pair for $20.00 on Amazon and I’ve had the same pair for five years.

Style: Open-face, full-face, or modular—each offers distinct benefits and trade-offs. Tracks require full-face helmets. (Also, see certification, below.)

Features: Look for internal sun shields, ventilation options, and visors to suit your riding style.

Graphics: Eye-catching designs are great but should never take precedence over safety and fit.

Certification: As long as you meet the minimum requirements for your jurisdiction you’re probably okay. Fit is way more important. Wearing a lesser-certified helmet that fits perfectly is much safer than wearing a helmet with the highest certification that doesn’t. But, if you’re thinking about doing track days: Certification does matter. Before you gear up, check with the track to see what their helmet and gear requirements are. For example, the Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club in British Columbia has a clear policy: Your helmet needs to be full-faced, undamaged, not older than five years from the date of manufacture, and certified by Snell M2015, Snell M2020, ECE 22-05, or FIMGP. If your helmet doesn’t meet those standards, you won’t be allowed on the track. That said, even if your helmet checks all the certification boxes, fit is still king. A poorly fitting helmet can fail a gear inspection just as easily, leaving you sidelined on track day.

Price: A higher price doesn’t always equate to a safer helmet. Higher prices are often equated to brand, features, graphics, weight, etc. You don’t have to pay a fortune to get a safe helmet as long as it meets the most important requirement: fit. Many top brands have helmets in the affordable range.

A Lesson in Fit: The Red Helmet Buyer

I once watched a new rider walk into the shop and head straight for a red helmet that matched his soon-to-be-purchased bike. He slid it on easily—a clear sign it was too big. I offered to help with the fitting. “No thanks,” he said. “This one feels pretty good.” Moments later, he was at the register, helmet in hand, seemingly oblivious to the risks he’d just taken. He wasn’t alone—far too often, I’ve seen riders pick helmets based on colour, brand, or their friend’s recommendations, without understanding the importance of a proper fit.

I learned from experience: My Journey to the Perfect Fit

When I returned to motorcycling after years away, I wanted to do things right—starting with my helmet. At a local motorcycle show, I snagged a 25 per cent discount from a reputable dealer who agreed to hold my purchases until I picked up my bike months later. The salesperson recommended a size large based on my head size. However, when I returned, another salesperson suggested a medium. Frustrated, I asked to meet their helmet-fitting specialist.

This fitter, who had worked with MotoGP racers, thoroughly examined the fit and recommended a size small. But wearing the small caused sore spots on my head. “It’s just Styrofoam,” he said, kneading a foam block. At home, I finally understood: using flour to mark the pressure points, I gently kneaded the foam to relieve discomfort. The result? A perfectly fitting helmet—a custom fix for a custom issue.

Sometimes pressure points are tweakable; sometimes they’re not. Often, riders are advised to size up for sore spots, but that didn’t make sense to me. My helmet fit 96 per cent of my head perfectly and needed fine-tuning for just 4 per cent. Sizing up would have reversed that, leaving 96 per cent slightly too loose. I’m not a MotoGP helmet-fitting expert, but I trusted the advice I got and made it work for me. Helmet manufacturers may frown on this, so decide for yourself. Caveat emptor.

Lessons from the Research

Helmet fit isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. Studies back this up: In an Australian study, motorcyclists often rated helmets as comfortable even when they didn’t fit securely. After tests, the force needed to displace an ill-fitting helmet turned out to be shockingly low. Another study emphasized that the “match between the exterior of the motorcyclist’s head and the interior contour of the helmet” is the most critical factor for safety. Keep this in mind when buying a new helmet.

Testing Your Helmet: Start the Season Right

As a three-season rider, I expose my helmet to extreme conditions—heat, cold, rain, and sleet. That’s why, at the start of each riding season, I ask myself these questions: Age: Is the helmet over five years old? Fit: Has it become loose? Condition: Does it need new cheek pads, liner, or visor? A helmet’s job is to perform at 100 per cent, and it’s up to us to ensure it can do its job when we need it to.

Caveat Emptor: Buyer Beware

When my friend was in a serious accident, his helmet came off. I’ll probably never know why, but I do know that it could be any one of us if we don’t take the time to make sure that our helmet fits perfectly. The odds are stacked against buyers when it comes to finding a helmet that truly fits—especially at a motorcycle show or from an inexperienced salesperson. That’s why I believe in taking responsibility, taking the time, and seeking expert advice. Whether it’s driving 70 miles (110 km) round trip to meet a skilled helmet fitter or rejecting ill-fitting helmets until the right one comes along, the effort is worth it. After all, it’s my head on the line. What’s your helmet story? Are you confident about the fit of your helmet? Do you test it at the start of every season? If not, there’s no time like the present. Your head—and your life—deserve nothing less.

Ride safe and be seen. I hope to see you out on the road sometime soon. Remember, becoming a skilled and confident rider is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it slow, enjoy the ride, and never stop learning. As I’ve discovered, motorcycling is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle and a lifelong adventure.

– John Lewis