We all come in different shapes and sizes, which means we wear different-sized helmets. But helmets must fit properly to offer us adequate protection. We should all know how to adjust helmets for a better fit and better protection. ProLids helmets can easily be adjusted once yours arrives.

How to Adjust Helmets | Parts

Learning how to adjust helmets for a better fit and adults can help keep us better protected in a fall. First, we should familiarize ourselves with the different parts of a helmet. Luckily, this is very easy as there are only a few parts.

The side straps, chin straps, and shell are the only parts that matter. The side straps are the part of the straps that will rest against the sides of your head. You can guess where the chin strap can be found. The chin strap is the part of the strap that rests under your chin.

You will usually have the buckles as part of the chin strap. There may also be some sliders on the side straps. These sliders are meant to adjust the angle of the strap so that you have a comfortable fit. Fitting the helmet will start with the shell. 

Comfortable Fit

Learning how to adjust helmets for a better fit is easier when you have a helmet with a shell that fits. Most kids’ helmet shells are one size fits all, with most of the magic happening with the straps. But you will want to make sure the helmet is comfortable for the kids before they use them regularly.

Kids get uncomfortable quickly, but they will completely ditch a helmet if it feels uncomfortable. Kids can put the helmet on without buckling the straps to ensure they feel comfortable wearing it. The finger test is the best way to test if a shell fits.

The finger test is simple; put the helmet on your head in the proper position. The helmet should be stable and not wobble too much. Then, place two fingers on your forehead just above your eyebrows. The helmet shell fits if your fingers are against your eyebrows on one side and the helmet on the other. 

Side Straps

Not all helmet straps are made the exact same way. Some straps have four connection points on the helmet, two on each side, one in the back, and one in the front of the helmet. Helmets with four connection spots will have a sliding buckle on either side.

This sliding buckle keeps the side straps away from your ears. You can adjust the sliders to have one slider under each ear. The sliders can be adjusted once you know the helmet rests on your head correctly and has passed the finger test.

Learning how to adjust helmets for a better fit is easy, but each step is critical. 

Chin Strap

The chin strap is the second-most important part of a helmet, the first being the shell itself. The goal is to find a good balance between safety and comfort. We don’t want the chin straps digging into our chin, but we also don’t want the helmet to slide all over the place while riding.

Learning how to adjust helmets for a better fit is mainly about the chin strap. The first step is to get the left buckle centered under your chin. Adjust the left strap until the left buckle is directly under the chin; this is your starting point.

Now connect the right buckle to the left buckle and tighten it until it is snug against your chin. We have another finger test to make sure the straps are tight enough. You should be able to fit two fingers under the strap without difficulty.

Testing the Helmet Fit

Now it is time to put the helmet fit to the test without putting ourselves in danger. Put the helmet on and buckle the straps. The helmet should have passed the finger tests and should be pretty snug. Now, yawn or open your mouth as wide as you can.

You should feel the helmet pull down against your head. The helmet is not done if you can’t feel the helmet pull down on the top of your head. Keep adjusting the straps, making them tighter until you feel this sensation when you open your mouth as wide as possible.

Lightly tap the front of the helmet; did it loosely wiggle? You can adjust the side strap sliding buckles if the helmet rocks back and forth too much. Your helmet will protect you if it remains solid, in place, and snug.

Get your ProLids helmet today and adjust it to fit perfectly as soon as it arrives!