Finding the right motorcycle helmet size is the single most important step in ensuring your safety and comfort on the road. To accurately measure your head for an LS2 helmet, you must find the largest circumference of your head using a flexible measuring tape wrapped just above your eyebrows and ears. This measurement is then matched directly to the official LS2 size chart for your specific model.
In a warm, humid climate like the Philippines, a precise fit is even more critical. A helmet that is too loose will slide around when you sweat, while one that is too tight will quickly cause painful hot spots during long, hot rides under the tropical sun. Taking the time to measure correctly prevents the hassle of returning an ill-fitting helmet and ensures your protective gear performs exactly as designed during an impact.
What You Need Before Measuring
To get an accurate head measurement, you need the right tools. A flexible cloth or vinyl measuring tape, such as those used for sewing, is the ideal tool because it easily contours to the natural curves of your skull.
If you do not have a flexible tape measure, you can use a piece of non-stretchy string, a phone charger cable, or a strip of paper. Once you wrap this alternative material around your head, you can lay it flat against a rigid metal ruler or hardware tape measure to get the reading.
Never use a metal construction tape measure directly around your head. Metal tapes are stiff, cannot bend smoothly around curved surfaces, and have sharp edges that pose a safety risk to your eyes and skin.
Additionally, try to stand in front of a mirror or ask a friend to assist you. Having a second pair of eyes ensures the tape remains perfectly level across the back of your head, preventing diagonal angles that artificially inflate your measurement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Head Circumference
Measuring your head is a straightforward process, but it requires precision to ensure your LS2 helmet fits securely without causing discomfort. Start by positioning the end of your flexible measuring tape on your forehead.
Place the tape approximately one inch, or about two finger widths, above your eyebrows, and position it just above the tops of your ears. This area represents the widest part of the frontal region of your skull.
Carefully wrap the tape around the side of your head and across the back. You want the tape to pass over the most prominent point on the back of your skull, known anatomically as the occipital bone.
This ensures you are capturing the absolute maximum circumference of your head, which is the exact dimension helmet manufacturers use to design their protective EPS liners.
As you hold the tape in place, make sure it lies flat against your hair and skin without any twists or kinks. Pull the tape so it is snug against your head, but do not pull it so tight that it pinches or indents your skin.
It should rest with the same tension you would want a comfortable hat to have. Check the mirror or have your helper verify that the tape forms a perfectly horizontal line parallel to the ground all the way around your head.
Once the tape is positioned correctly, note the measurement where the starting end meets the remaining tape. Do not rely on a single attempt.
Take the measurement two or three times, resetting the tape completely between each try to account for any slight shifts in placement. Record your measurements in both centimeters and inches, and always use the largest of your recorded numbers as your final reference point.
How to Translate Your Measurement to an LS2 Size
Once you have recorded your largest head measurement, the next step is to match it to the official LS2 size chart. You can find this chart on the manufacturer’s official website or on the product pages of authorized local motorcycle gear retailers.
LS2 sizes typically range from XXS to 3XL, with each size corresponding to a specific centimeter range, such as 57–58 cm for a medium.
It is vital to avoid using generic, universal helmet size charts found on general online marketplaces. Every helmet manufacturer uses different proprietary shell molds, EPS liner thicknesses, and interior comfort padding configurations.
A medium in another brand might easily be a small or a large in an LS2 model, meaning a generic chart will likely lead to an incorrect purchase.
Furthermore, keep in mind that different LS2 helmet models can have distinct internal fit profiles. For instance, a modular touring helmet may feel slightly different from a dedicated track helmet or an off-road motocross helmet, even if they share the same nominal size.
Always check the specific model’s product description to see if it is designed for an intermediate oval or a long oval head shape, as this structural variation directly influences how the physical measurement translates to real-world comfort.
What to Do If You Fall Between Two Sizes
If your head measurement falls exactly on the boundary between two LS2 sizes—for example, if you measure exactly 58 centimeters and one size ends at 58 while the next begins at 59—you will need to make a strategic choice.
The general rule of thumb for motorcycle helmets is to size down to the smaller of the two options. This is because the interior comfort padding is made of foam that will naturally compress, or “break in,” over the first few hours of riding, expanding the internal space slightly.
Choosing the larger size in this scenario carries safety risks. A helmet that is even slightly too loose can shift or rotate during high-speed rides, especially when buffeted by strong winds on open highways.
More importantly, a loose helmet cannot properly manage impact energy during a crash, as the gap between your skull and the EPS liner allows your head to build up momentum before striking the protective barrier.
If you choose the smaller size and find it slightly tight in specific areas, check if the LS2 model you selected supports interchangeable cheek pads or crown liners.
Many LS2 models allow you to purchase thinner or thicker pads separately, enabling you to customize the fit to your exact facial structure. These replacement pads typically cost around ₱800 to ₱1,500 in local motorcycle shops.
Before finalizing your purchase, always verify the retailer’s return and exchange policy so you can swap the helmet easily if the boundary size does not fit.
Checking the Fit When Your Helmet Arrives
When your new LS2 helmet arrives, you must thoroughly test its fit at home before removing any tags or taking it out for a ride. Start by putting the helmet on; it should feel snug, much like a firm hug around your entire head.
Perform the shake test by securing the chin strap and vigorously shaking your head side-to-side and up-and-down. The helmet should move with your skin and scalp; if it slides independently or rotates across your forehead, it is too large.
Next, pay close attention to how the pressure is distributed. You want even, firm pressure around your entire crown and cheeks. Your cheeks should be pushed up slightly, similar to “chipmunk cheeks,” which is normal for a new helmet.
However, you should not feel any sharp, painful pinching, localized pressure points, or red marks on your forehead or temples. Keep the helmet on for 15 to 20 minutes while sitting at home to see if any slow-developing “hot spots” or headaches emerge.
Always secure and adjust the chin strap to verify its fit. You should be able to fit only one or two fingers comfortably between the fastened strap and the underside of your chin.
If the strap is too loose even at its tightest setting, or if the buckle presses painfully against your jawbone, the helmet is not safe to ride with.
In the Philippines, while checking the physical fit, also verify that the helmet features the official Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Philippine Standard (PS) safety sticker. This certification ensures the helmet meets local road safety laws and has undergone rigorous testing to protect you on public roads.
Establish clear stop conditions for your fitting session. If the helmet causes immediate pain, leaves deep red indentations on your forehead, restricts your peripheral vision, or allows you to easily pull the helmet off your head from the back while the chin strap is secured, do not ride in it.
Stop immediately, keep the packaging intact, and initiate a return or exchange with your retailer for a different size or model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does my head shape affect which LS2 model I should choose?
Yes, your physical head shape is just as important as your raw circumference measurement. Human heads generally fall into three categories: round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. LS2 designs different helmet models to cater to these specific shapes.
If you have a long oval head but buy an intermediate oval helmet, you may experience painful pressure points on your forehead, even if the circumference measurement is technically correct.
Always check the product specifications for the model’s designated fit profile, and read user reviews to see if other riders with similar head shapes experienced any localized pressure.
Can I wear my prescription glasses with an LS2 helmet?
Many modern LS2 helmets are designed with eyewear-compatible interior padding, featuring dedicated channels or cutouts in the comfort liner to accommodate the temples of your glasses. However, this feature is model-dependent and not universal.
If you wear glasses with exceptionally thick frames, it is wise to take your head measurement while wearing them, or at least ensure the specific LS2 model you are purchasing explicitly lists glasses compatibility.
When your helmet arrives, test the fit with your glasses on immediately; the arms of your glasses should slide in easily without being bent or pressed painfully against the sides of your head.
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