How to select the right Helmet.
By Harold Morrissette

Shopping for Your Helmet
By the time you get to the helmet retailer, you will have a good idea of the helmet style, color, and size you want. Be sure to have a second choice in mind, in case your first choice is not available or cannot be ordered from the manufacturer. You may want to visit several retailers to compare price and selection. Once you have selected the style, color, and composition at your retailer, you should try on the helmet for fit. Although many helmets are labeled according to hat size, some are only labeled small, medium, or large. For proper protection, a good fit is essential. So, even if the helmets are sold by hat size, you should try them on.

Follow these six steps to ensure a proper fit:
Step 1 - Hold the helmet by the chinstraps so the bottom faces you and the front faces the ground.
Step 2 - Use your thumbs to hold the chinstraps apart; balance the helmet with your fingertips.
Step 3 - Pull the sides of the helmet slightly apart. Use only your thumbs for a three-quarter helmet. For a full-face helmet, wrap your fingers around the chin piece and pull with your thumbs and fingers.
Step 4 - Tip your head slightly forward, slide the helmet onto your head, and then raise your head to its upright position. The helmet should feel snug; it will stretch with use. The helmet should fit squarely on your head; it should not be tilted back. The cheek pads should touch your cheeks. The brow pads should touch your temples. For a full-face helmet, neither the chin piece nor the face shield should touch your face. If the fit is too tight or too loose, select the next appropriate size and begin again from Step 1.
Step 5 - Fasten the chinstraps securely. Place your hands on the sides of the helmet and move it around. You should feel your skin move with the helmet. Bend your head forward and try to remove the helmet by rolling it off. If you can pull off the helmet this way, it is too big. Turn your head from side to side; the helmet should not rotate on your head, but should move with you. Wear the helmet for a few minutes to see if it is still comfortable.
Step 6 - Take off the helmet and look in a mirror. Do you see red spots on your forehead? Does any part of your head hurt? If the helmet puts pressure on your head, you might get a headache while riding. If you find red spots or experience pain or pressure, try the next larger size helmet or try a helmet from another manufacturer. Like different clothing such as blue jeans, a helmet's fit varies from brand to brand.

Caring for Your Helmet
You can prolong the life of your helmet by following these few simple rules:
Always clean the helmet according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most recommend mild soap and water. Always store your helmet on a flat, sturdy surface. If the helmet falls, it may not withstand future impacts. Always replace your helmet at least as often as the manufacturer suggests; most recommend about every three years. You should replace your helmet sooner if you notice any damage or your helmet has sustained an direct impact. Never drop your helmet. Impacts cause the outer shell to delaminate or crack and the shock-absorbing liner to compress. Even small impacts can impair your helmet's protective function in an accident.

Never store your helmet near gasoline, cleaning fluids, or paint. The fumes can react with the helmet's materials and cause the helmet to decompose. Never place your helmet near a quad's exhaust pipes or hot engine parts. The heat can melt or deform the shock absorbing liner, usually a form of Styrofoam, rendering it useless in an impact. Never hang your helmet on your handlebars. You might not be able to see it when mounting your quad and the shock absorbing liner may compress if it carries the weight of the helmet.

It is highly recommends that you replace any helmet that has been involved in a direct impact. Though the helmet may not display any visible damage, the shock-absorbing liner has served its purpose by compressing from the impact. Wearing such a helmet would be inadvisable as it will not perform it designed function or provide its highest safety measure on any future impacts.