There are three main types of snowmobile helmets, full face, snowcross, and modular, but they all come in the same sizes. The features are a personal comfort issue, but getting the right size is critical to your safety.
A poorly fitted helmet can damage your head, cause pain, block your vision, or worse, fall off at the wrong time. How should a snowmobile helmet fit? I’ll show you how to get a perfect size.
A snowmobile helmet should fit snugly on your head and sit in place without causing pain, excess pressure, sore spots, or discomfort because that can cause damage or distractions, which means the helmet is too small. It should be large enough to offer the coverage and field of vision you need without shifting or moving.
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What Size Snowmobile Helmet Do I Need
Your snowmobile helmet size will depend on your head size. To determine what size helmet you need to buy, you need two pieces of information.
First, what is the distance around your head? Second, what ‘size’ is that based on the manufacturers’ general categories?
In addition to your helmet size, you should consider its general shape and fit. Most people have one of three head shapes.
They are either nearly as broad as they are long (rounded), slightly elongated, or highly elongated.
Your bone structure changes the way a helmet sits on your head unless the proportions are custom fitted, so seek out the styles that give you full coverage.
A helmet meant to fit someone with a very round head shape may not offer enough back-of-head protection for someone with a longer face shape and skull.
Likewise, a very elongated helmet may bump uncomfortably on the back of the neck where it meets the shoulders if you have a more rounded head style.
Snowmobile Helmet Sizing Chart
Below I’ve created a head and helmet size chart so you know what to look for from your brand.
Most snowmobile helmet brands use virtually identical measurements for their sizing, though it can vary up to about a centimeter. However, this only reflects the circumference.
The wide variety of features and styles offer many customizable options for comfort.
Snowmobile Helmet Size Chart
| Head Circumference in Centimeters | Bell | Castle X | HJC | AFX | Ski-Doo |
| Under 53 cm | 2XS or Youth Sizes | 2XS or Youth Sizes | 2XS or Youth Sizes | N/A | 2XS or Youth Sizes |
| 53 to 54 cm | XS | XS | XS | XS | XS |
| 55 to 56 cm | Small | Small | Small | XS to Small | Small |
| 57 to 58 cm | Medium | Medium | Medium | Small to Medium | Medium |
| 59 to 60 cm | Large | Large | Large | Medium to Large | Large |
| 61 to 62 cm | XL | XL | XL | Large to XL | XL |
| 63 cm or more | 2X + | 2X + | 2X + (Up to 5X) | XL to 2X (Up to 65 cm) | 2x to 3X (Up to 66 cm) |
Pro Tip: Some brands offer more youth sizes or larger adult sizes. Fortunately, you can find XS to 2X helmets that will fit from most brands with just one measurement.
Should You Size Up Or Down In Helmets
It would be best if you didn’t size up or down in helmets. Getting the correct fit can save you from injuries and even death.
The problem is that a too-tight helmet can cause pain and exacerbate injuries, while a loose helmet fails to provide proper protection. Either way, it’s a bad call.
If you absolutely must have a too large or too small helmet and you don’t know what to look for, go up a size.
You can adjust the fit with different padding or have it professionally modified so long as it fits over your head without too much room to spare.
Sadly, a too-small helmet cannot be upsized if it won’t go on at all.
However, if the helmet has interchangeable padding, then go down a size, as this type of helmet can easily be adjusted for a little more leeway.
How Snug Should A Helmet Fit
A properly fitted helmet can be tough to judge at first, especially if you’re used to one that isn’t quite right.
A helmet should fit snug everywhere it touches your head but not tight enough to cause pain, pressure points, or problems. Snug and squeezed are not the same feeling.
In general, you should be able to move your head around without the helmet jiggling, wiggling, or going anywhere you aren’t pointing it.
A properly snug helmet holds your head and moves with it. Moreover, it should never slide down in front or back.
Even when you whip your head to the side quickly, it needs to come with you, but not because it’s clamping your skull.
How Do You Measure Your Head For A Skidoo Helmet
Measuring your head for a snowmobile helmet is very simple. Get a flexible tape measure, also known as a fabric tape measure.
You can get these at any craft supply store for less than five dollars, and they come as a free accessory with many cheap travel sewing kits.
If you can’t find a fabric tape measure, you can still measure your head with a non-stretchy piece of rope.
Measure your head around the top, just above your eyebrows.
Then check your tape or measure the rope with a standard telescoping measuring tape, yardstick, or another rigid measuring tool.
For more information and a visual walkthrough on how to fit a Ski-Doo snowmobile helmet and goggles, I recommend checking out this video from Ride Rasmussen Style’s All About The Gear.
Bret explains essential things to look at and shows you what parts he is adjusting and working with so there’s no ambiguity or confusion.
Helpful Tips To Know About How A Snowmobile Helmet Should Fit
Getting the right snowmobile helmet can help you safely enjoy your favorite outdoor winter sport because it helps protect your brain.
Crashing in fluffy snow may look like a soft landing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safer.
Here are a few helpful tips to know about how a snowmobile helmet should fit.
- There are several styles of helmets available. The full-head with-face-shield style is the most common. As American Family Insurance explains, “Full-face helmets cover a rider’s entire head and allow the rider to ride without goggles, as they include a face shield. Other types of helmets, such as snocross and dual-sport, can come with or without face shields and may allow for better peripheral vision given their generally smaller size.”
- Most helmets are at least a little bit adjustable. From chin straps to padding, ensure you select a model that can adapt to your head.
- A snowmobile helmet’s style and shape can also contribute to aerodynamics, which matters in races, heat retention, and whether your visor fogs. If your current style isn’t working, try switching it up with a different brand or shape for a better fit.
- Snowmobile helmets protect more than just your brain. Not only can a good helmet help keep your face and eyes safe, but it can also help minimize some trauma to the neck, depending on how you land. Plus, they keep you warmer, so the frigid wind doesn’t damage your skin and hair.
Final Thoughts
Picking out a snowmobile helmet should always be something you put a lot of thought into. Helmet shopping isn’t something you’re likely to do very often.
It’s essential to get a good fit since you may be wearing this piece of equipment for a long time.
Remember, a snug helmet only moves when you do, and whether your perfect snowmobile helmet fit is with goggles or without, it should never cause pain or discomfort.
Don’t settle for too small or oversize when you can easily measure your head and grab the ideal fit.