How can I tell if a helmet is too loose?

In-depth explanation

A helmet is too loose if you can easily slide it forward/backward or rotate it side-to-side with your hands. When the chin strap is fastened, you should not be able to move the helmet more than an inch independently of your head. Loose helmets allow excessive energy transfer in a crash and can come off entirely. Test by buckling the strap and attempting to roll the helmet off — if it moves too freely, get a smaller size or thicker liner.

Key takeaways

• A helmet is too loose if you can easily slide it forward/backward or rotate it side-to-side with your hands.
• When the chin strap is fastened, you should not be able to move the helmet more than an inch independently of your head.
• Loose helmets allow excessive energy transfer in a crash and can come off entirely.

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