You have a new hockey helmet, but it doesn’t fit well. You probably dropped a few pounds since last season and the helmet is now too big. You adjust it every day and it still doesn’t feel right. What do you do?
There are a few things you can do to make sure the helmet fits you perfectly. Since this is brand new equipment, your primary focus should be on getting the sizing right. Once you know your size, you can move on to the next step. There are a few techniques that can be used to make your helmet fit better. They vary from simple to very complicated depending on your level of experience. If you want to try them all out, it can take a while to find the right fit. That’s why it’s important to find the right professional to help you. An expert can take the guesswork out of the equation and help you find that perfect fit right away. They will go through each step of the process with you so you can be sure you are doing everything correctly. If you have any doubts, they can give you some pointers on how to improve the fit. Once you find the right fit, you will notice a significant difference in how your helmet feels when you wear it. This will in turn make a significant difference in how you play. Your performance will improve and you will have more fun.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Take Your Time
The first thing you should do is take your time. Don’t just stroll into the nearest bike shop and ask them to help you out. You’ve got to know what size you need and you’ve got to know what fits you best. Go to a reputable store and take your time finding the right size. Remember, this is new equipment so it’s got to come with the stipulation that it’s not built yet. They won’t have any idea what size or shape or fitting your head actually is. Start by finding out what size you normally go with. Take your time going through the shop’s size charts and finding out what size will be best for you. Chances are, it will be different than what you normally wear. Find something that feels good and that you can easily move around in. Once you know what size you need, take some time to walk around in it. You don’t want to rush into anything. Take your time getting used to it and seeing how it feels.
Step 2: Measure For Perfect Fit
Once you found the right size, it’s time to move on to the next step. You want to measure the circumference of your head. There are a few techniques you can use, but the simplest one is to loop a tape measure around your head. Make sure you pull the tape snug but not too tight. You should have measured at least twice and made sure both measurements are identical. Once you have a good measurement, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 3: Use The Right Sizing Tool
The next step is to find the right tool to make your helmet fit perfectly. You can use a large measuring tape or a steel tape. The choice is up to you. Make sure you are careful not to crush your head when you measure. Take your time doing this so you don’t have to worry about it later on. Once you have a good measurement, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 4: Adjust The Fit Using Different Methods
It’s time to adjust the fit of your helmet. This is mostly done using duct tape. Simply tear off a piece and rub it in between your thumb and index finger until it feels smooth. The piece of tape you just used should never be removed until the end of the day. This is to ensure that the tape remains in place and doesn’t come off during gameplay. Once you have removed the tape, pat it down to ensure it sticks before you put the helmet on again. Do this until you find the right fit. Once you do, it will feel substantially better. You may also find it necessary to remove some tape in order to get the right fit. It’s a trial and error process, but one that’s worth it in the end.
Hitting your head on a hard object during play is one of the most dangerous things you can do. It can seriously damage your brain if not treated promptly. The most common damage you can suffer is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI is a serious injury and can be quite disabling. Having a safe, comfortable helmet is one of the best defenses against this type of injury. The right helmet can also prevent or minimize some of the other more serious injuries that hockey players have to contend with. The most common of these are Concussions and Skull Fractures. These types of injuries are also quite serious and can seriously damage your quality of life. This is why it’s important to find the right helmet as soon as possible. An expert can help you find that perfect fit and can ensure you are wearing the right helmet every day so you can enjoy the sport you love without worry.