#4 - Finding the Perfect Helmet Size and Fit

Helmet sizing is where many first-time buyers make mistakes. An improperly fitted helmet reduces protection and increases fatigue during track sessions.

Start by measuring your head circumference just above the eyebrows and around the back of your skull. This measurement determines your baseline size across Bell Helmets, Stilo Helmets, and Sparco Helmets — though fitment will still vary by brand.

A proper track day helmet should feel snug — even slightly tight — when new. Cheek pads should press firmly against your face, and the helmet should not rotate when you move your head.

Different brands accommodate different head shapes:

• Intermediate Oval → Most drivers

• Long Oval → Narrow heads

• Round Oval → Wider heads

Not Every Helmet Fits Every Head Shape

Heads come in various sizes and shapes. Most head shapes fall into one of three categories (looking at your head from the top down): Intermediate Oval (the most common), Long Oval, or Round Oval.

In this illustration, the blue ellipses represent the three common head shapes while the dashed black lines represent a Round Oval helmet. On the Intermediate- and Long-Oval head shapes, this helmet causes pressure on the front and back of the head while fitting too loosely on the sides. In the case of the Round Oval head, an Intermediate Oval helmet would pinch on the sides and fit loosely front-to-back.

This leads us to the question: “How do I find the right helmet for my head shape?” The simplest answer is to call us at (844) 438-7244 and talk to one of our experts. They are experienced in helping you find a helmet size and shape, even sight-unseen, that's very likely to fit you correctly. If you’re able to try on helmets at one of our stores, so much the better as we can make sure you're trying on the exact helmets you’re considering. Unfortunately, simply trying on one helmet won’t tell you much about other helmets, even within a certain brand. For example, trying on a Bell Sport EV won’t work if you’re planning on buying a Bell RS-7 because the head forms are completely different.