Buying Guide Helmets

To work properly, a snow helmet must fit right and be worn properly.

Step 1 (Sizing your helmet) – In order to determine the size you need, you can measure the circumference of your head. Simply wrap a measuring tape around your head, being sure to locate the tape just above your ears and keeping the tape level front to back. Once you’ve determined the proper size, you can check to make sure the helmet fits correctly. If the helmet you own now doesn’t fit on your head snugly but comfortably, you should replace it with one that does. You should always wear the helmet positioned low enough in the front to protect your forehead, but not so low that it hinders your vision. Once you’ve got a helmet that is the right size, and positioned it properly, you can adjust the fit as follows:

Step 2 (Adjusting the chinstraps and buckle) – Fasten the chinstrap buckle and tighten the straps until the helmet fits snugly. How snugly? You should be able to open your mouth wide enough to eat. Make sure the chinstrap is well back against the throat, NOT on the point of the chin. Straps worn on the point of the chin increase the chance of a helmet coming off in an accident. Make sure the loose ends of the strap pass through the rubber O-ring near the buckle. If it does not, the strap may slide loose and the helmet can come off accidentally. Always wear the helmet with the chinstrap buckle fastened and the strap pulled tight.

Step 3 (Adjusting the fit pads) – The helmet fits correctly when it is held firmly but comfortably in place by the interior fit pads (and the fit system if you have a model equipped with this)The fit pads inside the helmet are held in place by hook and loop fasteners. You can use any combination of the different thickness pads provided with the helmet until the helmet fits firmly and comfortably on your head.

Step 4 (Adjusting the tension of the fit and stabilizing system) – If your helmet comes with system like Giro’s Loc fit and stabilizing system you can adjust the fit and stability system while the helmet is on your head. Push the buttons on the back toward each other to tighten the fit, and away from each other to loosen the fit. For safety reasons, we recommend that you do not attempt to adjust the systems while you are riding.

Step 5 (Checking the fit) – Once you think the proper fit has been achieved, grab the helmet with both hands and twist it to the left and to the right. If the helmet fits properly, the skin on the forehead will move as the helmet moves. If it does not, the helmet is too loose. Also, grab the helmet with both hands and try to remove it by rolling the helmet forward and backward as far as you can. Make a serious effort. THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you can roll it off the head completely in either direction, roll it forward so far that it blocks vision, or backward far enough to expose the forehead, it doesn’t fit correctly. If you cannot adjust the helmet to fit properly according to these instructions, DO NOT USE THIS HELMET. Replace it with a different size or model. Once you are satisfied that the helmet fits correctly and that all straps are properly adjusted and tightened, take a short test ride. Pay attention to overall comfort and helmet stability while riding. Make any minor adjustments to the fit pads, straps and stability systems to improve comfort or stability.