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Anybody remember the old Bell Helmets advertisement that
read something like, “If you have a $10 head, wear a
$10 helmet”, well, never were truer words spoken.
That said, even the best helmet is
only as good as it’s fit.
That new Shoei VXR, with custom Troy Lee paint
job is no better than a $25 department store helmet if
it is not properly fitted. |
Fonseca and MC sporting
Bell's at Joliet SX in 2000
Photo courtesy of TFS |
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Concussions or
other “closed head injuries” occur when the brain is
slammed up against the hard bony surface of the inner
scull. There
is also a second potential impact of this “sloshing”
mass bouncing back to other side of scull following
initial impact. This
“sloshing” is what actually causes the damage that
is, effectively, bruising of the brain. You
can clearly see how a poorly fitted helmet (ie: too big)
can add a third impact point (head sloshing in helmet).
Sorry to
disappoint you, but a proper fit is TIGHT.
Yes, you read it right!
The right fitting helmet will probably feel at
least one size too small when you first try it on. If it doesn’t, try the next size smaller.
With the helmet
on, go through the following checklist to determine
whether the helmet is the correct size.
-
Check that
helmet inner lining fits snugly all around your
head.
-
Check
whether the top pad presses closely on the top of
your head.
-
Check
whether the cheek pads are in contact with your
cheeks, and yes some will give you the “chipmunk
look”.
-
Check to
make sure there is no
space around your brow under the inner lining,
where you can insert your fingers.
-
Now, take
hold of the helmet with a hand on each side.
Without moving your head, try to move the helmet
up and down, and side to side. You should feel the
skin of your head and face being pulled as you try
to move the helmet. If you can move the helmet
around easily, it is too big. Try a smaller size.
Now that you
have your melon into it, leave it on for a few minutes.
Does it cause you pain?
Or, does it just feel tight.
Chances are if it does not actually cause pain,
it is close to the right size. Now, take the helmet home, and put it on while you finish
watching last weekends SX coverage, or Temptation
Island, whatever your preference.
Ideally, you want to do this by yourself, as
family and friends rarely understand these things.
Are you experiencing any headaches?
If after ½ hour, you don’t have a busting
headache, you have found your perfect match!
Most shops will permit you to take home helmet
and return them as long as they are not worn outdoors
(or in an arenacross…).
Once
you wear your new lid riding a couple of times, you will
notice that that very tight sensation will be all but
gone and the helmet will feel like a part of your body.
That’s the way its supposed to be!
I have read statistics that indicate that 60% of
riders are wearing a helmet at least one size too
large…I suggest it is actually a greater percentage
than that. …and
guys, big heads, big hands, and/or big feet, are proven
to have no link to size of other appendages…
Joe
Treen
treen@ns.sympatico.ca
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