Motorsport isn’t only about speed. It’s about safety, too! While your skills as a racecar driver all boils down to quick reflexes and stamina, protecting the brain where everything emanates is crucial.
Your helmet isn’t merely a fashion statement or a box to tick on the race rules list. It’s your first line of defense when things get intense on the track. Unfortunately, even the most high-tech, high-end helmet won’t protect you properly if it doesn’t fit right.
It could shift during a crash if too loose. On the other hand, you’ll be distracted, uncomfortable, and more likely to take our helmet off the second you're back in the pit lane if it’s too tight. The right helmet size strikes the perfect balance between comfort and protection, keeping your head cool, calm, and collected no matter how hard you race.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to measure helmet size so you can hit the track with confidence.
Why Proper Helmet Fit Matters in Motorsport
Safety gear is not only a recommendation in the high-stakes world of motorsport. It’s a necessity. Sitting at the top of that gear list is your helmet. A properly fitting motorsport helmet does much more than complete the professional racer look. It protects your head while enhancing track performance.
Here’s why the right head measurement for helmet matters.
Minimizes the risk of injury
A properly fitting helmet stays in place during high-speed impacts. Absorbing and dissipating impact forces is easier, protecting the head from concussion and other head injuries. On the other hand, a wobbly or loose helmet can shift or even come off, leaving you more vulnerable to physical insults.
Improves long-term comfort
A helmet that’s too tight can create pressure points, rub against your skin, or even pinch it. These things can ruin your race focus. A properly fitted helmet supports your head evenly. That prevents distractions and discomfort during long race sessions.
Boosts concentration on the track
Knowing how to measure helmet size ensures optimum focus on the track. You will never fiddle with a loose strap or even shift (or reposition) your helmet every few laps. You can bet your full attention is on every corner, straight, and other racers.
Eliminates gear-related distractions
A wobbly race helmet is never a good thing. It can interfere with visual acuity. It can also lead to overheating. Some helmets rattle, especially with intense vibrations on the tarmac. These things can pull your attention away from race performance.
It goes without saying that correct helmet sizing is crucial to ensuring optimal performance (and safety) on any track. You’ll feel more locked-in, confident, and race-ready from the green light to the checkered flag.
Tools You Need to Measure Your Helmet Size
Measuring your correct helmet size doesn’t require high-tech tools or fancy gadgets. Learning how to measure helmet size for motorsport is simple, quick, and only requires a few everyday items.
Cloth tape
Use a flexible, soft measuring tape (the one that tailors use) to wrap around your head, following its natural curvature. Avoid rigid or metal tape measures because they might give you an incorrect size.
Mirror (or a friend)
A mirror allows you to check if the measuring tape is positioned evenly around your head. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or someone else to help you. Doing it alone can throw off the measurement by slanting the measuring tape or making it uneven.
Besides these two “tools,” you can use a notepad to record the measurement. If you’re going to wear a racing balaclava during the race, you will want to wear it before measuring your helmet size for a more accurate real-world fit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Head for a Helmet
Now that you have your measuring tools ready, it’s time to take your head’s measurement. Doing it right means your racing helmet will fit snuggly, comfortably, and safely. Here’s how to measure head for helmet the correct way.
Step 1: Position the measuring tape.
Wrap the flexible tailor’s measuring tape around your head, positioning its lower edge about an inch (or 2.5 centimeters) above your eyebrows. This approximates your racing helmet’s front.
Continue wrapping the tape just above your ears, ensuring you circle around the largest (or widest) part of your head (the bump at the back of the skull).
Step 2. Keep the measuring tape level.
Use a mirror to check tape placement and position. Hold the measuring tape, ensuring it runs horizontally around your head. Check its alignment and evenness too.
Alternatively, ask a friend to help. Make sure the measuring tape doesn’t tilt downward or upward to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3. Check the fit.
Feel the tape for fit. Ideally, it should sit firmly around your head but not too tight. You don’t want the measuring tape pressing into your skin.
If you’re unsure, try remembering how a nice-fitting cap feels. It should be secure but never squeezing.
Step 4. Read and record the measurement.
Note the number where the measuring tape overlaps. This number is your head circumference, and it’s what you’ll use to match with the sizing chart provided by motorsport helmet manufacturers.
Understanding Motorsport Helmet Size Charts and Conversions
Choosing the right size of motorsport helmet doesn’t end with taking your head measurement. You must also decode your head circumference relative to a helmet sizing chart. Note that helmet sizes aren’t universal.
For instance, Brand A’s “Medium” helmet by can be Brand B’s “Large” version. Hence, you will want to check the helmet manufacturer’s sizing chart.
Most motorsport helmets use Metric (centimeters) measurements, while others observe the Imperial (inches) system to represent your head circumference. It directly reflects your head measurement for helmet fitting.
Sizes often range from XXS (extra-extra-small) to XXL (extra-extra-large), or even larger. However, the actual number range (in inches or centimeters) attached to each size (S, M, L, or XL) can vary slightly.
Remember these tips when looking for your helmet size on a chart.
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Always use helmet brand-specific charts to ensure correct fit.
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Look for helmets with measurement units similar to the ones you used during the head circumference measurement.
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Be aware of regional differences. For example, most countries, including the UAE, use the Metric system (centimeters), while others observe the US or Imperial system (inches). You can use a conversion chart if necessary.
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Choose the smaller of two helmet sizes (if your measurement falls between sizes). Suppose you’re between Medium and Large. You’ll want to pick Medium to ensure a snugger race fit. After all, you will still break in your helmet over time.
A well-matched helmet size translates to better protection, enhanced comfort, and improved performance on the track.
Where to Buy Quality Motorsport Helmets in Dubai
Look no further than ATOMIC-SHOP when you’re shopping for a top-tier racing helmet that delivers on safety, style, and comfort. We are your trusted destination for credible, race-proven motorsport gear in Dubai and the UAE.
We are proud of our premium-quality motorsport helmets from world-renowned brands. It doesn’t matter if you’re into circuit racing, timed attacks, drag racing, rallying, or even karting. You can expect ATOMIC-SHOP, Dubai to give you a perfect fitting helmet.
Choosing the right helmet based on your racing discipline is easy with our passionate, expert team always ready to help. We’ll guide you in finding the most budget-appropriate helmet.
If you’re unsure how to measure head for helmet sizing, we’ll guide you through the steps. We’ll also measure your head circumference in-store to ensure a perfectly fitting racing helmet.
We recognize how much motorsport professionals value comfort and safety. That’s why ATOMIC-SHOP only provides duly certified helmets. We can assure you every helmet in our collection is designed and built for the best possible performance, even under pressure.
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting our Dubai store or shopping at our website. You can count on ATOMIC-SHOP to give you helmets that protect, perform, and turn heads for all the right reasons.
If you’re ready to gear up, explore and buy our latest motorsport helmets today.
Measure a Helmet Size Correctly to Stay Safe
Safety knows no shortcuts, especially in motorsports. Everything starts with a track-tested, race-proven helmet that fits just right. Taking a few minutes to properly measure your head can save you from anxieties and injuries in case of an impact.
A well-fitted helmet offers better protection than poorly-fitting ones. More importantly, a right size helmet keeps you more comfortable and focused. You’ll feel more confident every time you hit the track.
Knowing how to measure helmet size doesn’t take much. However, its implications are immense. It reduces distractions at the track and allows you to focus on racing. More importantly, it boosts performance during races. You could be a seasoned racer or a weekend warrior. Getting the helmet size right is non-negotiable.
You deserve only certified protective gear backed by expert advice and support when buying motorsport helmets in Dubai.
ATOMIC-SHOP knows you deserve such things. That’s why we carefully select our helmet offerings. We can assure you that only helmets that meet global safety standards have a spot in our lineup. Moreover, our professional team is more than ready to help you find the perfect fit.
Don’t leave motorsport safety to chance. Measure smart, shop intelligently, and drive with confidence with ATOMIC-SHOP’s premium motorsport helmets.
