In a game like ice hockey, things go out of hand most often. The puck may deflect and hit the face. You may get busted with the glass board. Sometimes the stick may rise and make contact with the head.
There are many impacts as above that may occur anytime during the play. These occurrences may lead you to severe injuries unless you do not take proper safety measures. When we talk about safety, wearing a well-fit helmet is a must.
In this article, we will be explaining how to measure hockey helmets. Besides, we will be talking about how to find a helmet that fits you the best.
How to measure a hockey helmet
Let’s start with the chart.
The hockey helmet comes typically in five different sizes.
- The smallest size is x-small. The age range in this size is 5-6 years. The head circumference is 19.3″ – 21.4″.
- Then comes the size Small, age limitation of 8 – 11 years, head circumference 20.4″ – 22.4″.
- The next size is Medium with an age recommendation of 13 – 16 years and head circumference is 21.9″ – 23.3″.
- The fourth number size is Large, with an age recommendation of 17+ years. The circumferences are 22.7″ – 24.5″
Then the last size is X-Large with age 17+ years, head circumference is 24″ – 26″.
Bauer helmet sizing chart
There is another size chart widely popular. That is BAUER HELMET sizes. It comes in the following formats:
| SIZE | CIRCUMFERENCE (IN.) | CIRCUMFERENCE (CM.) |
| Small | 20.3″ – 21.9″ | 51 – 55.5 |
| Medium | 21.5″ – 23.4″ | 54.5 – 59 |
| Large | 22.6″ – 24.4″ | 57.5 – 62 |
How to fit a hockey helmet?
The hockey game sometimes gets nasty and cruel. If you don’t take proper safety measures, you will be facing these cruelties a lot.
Helmets in hockey play a significant role. Many times puck flies around through lousy contact with the stick. The helmet protects you from these impacts.
When you purchase a hockey helmet, make sure to buy a helmet that fits you properly.
Five steps to fit a hockey helmet
- Measure head circumference: Take a measurement tape. Make a rim around the head. It is better to put the tape one and a half inches above the eyebrows. Measure the circumference accordingly. The circumference will help you to choose the sizes.
- Loosen up the helmet: A helmet comes with different settings. Try to set the largest setting possible.
- Wear the helmet and downsize: Once you have reached the largest size of the helmet. Wear the helmet. Try to get to the smallest possible setting through tightening. If the helmet is the right size for you, it should be set above the eyebrows keeping a little space.
- Add the mask: Ice hockey helmets come with an additional mask to save the face from impact. Let’s add the mask as it is portable.
- Tighten the chin strap and check the fit: Buckle up the chin strap. Keep tightening until you achieve a snug fit. Once it is done, move your head around. Check if the helmet gets shaky. If not, then it is okay.
While you skate, you make a lot of sudden movements. If the helmet is not snug, it may cause problems. You may end up receiving impacts.
On the other hand, the snug should not create pain inside. Ichy or pain may distract you during the game.
The fit in the hockey helmet also concerns the players’ personal preferences. Proper fit does not mean a snug fit only. It implies the comfort you get wearing a helmet.
May players feel great with no visors applied. It is up to you, whether you like the visor or not. But if you are a new player, we would suggest you add on the mask and get used to it. It will save your nose and eyes.
Removing the ear guard is another concerning issue among the players. As a beginner, you might find it stylish. And you would want to keep your ears unprotected to look cool. We would suggest you not follow this path. If you get used to naked ears, later, it would be tough for you to get comfortable with your ears covered.
Some players find the helmet better fit by keeping the chin strap undone. It might look cool, as well. Chinstrap comes with high importance, holds the helmet stick with the head. Loosening the belt gives you nothing but incoming danger. You may fall to the ground while the helmet is not in the place as it should be. It may end you up with cracks in your head.
How do you size a youth hockey helmet?
Sizes in hockey helmets vary from brand to brand and model to model. The same brand offers a different model with different size charts.
Youth head circumference is less than the senior. They measure around 20.5″ to 23.5″.
If the brand offers you five size variants, you should go for small and medium sizes. S or M depending on the circumference of your head.
Besides, the most brand offers three size variants—small, medium, and large. For youth heads, small and medium offers suitable circumference
Final word
A helmet may not serve well if it is not well fit in your head. In this article, we talked about how you can measure your hockey helmet size and find the right size. A helmet will save your head from the puck or high stick smashes. Never compromise in choosing the perfect helmet fit.
Related content:
