Got a new lid? Good choice. Here's everything worth knowing to get the most out of it and keep it doing its job properly.
Getting the fit right
A helmet that doesn't fit properly isn't doing its job, no matter how good the rating on the box.
How it should feel:
- Snug all the way round - even pressure, no hot spots pressing on your forehead or temples
- Cheeks should be firmly touched by the pads, not squashed
- No gaps between your head and the padding when you look left and right
- It shouldn't shift, rock, or rotate when you shake your head side to side or up and down
The roll-off test: With the chin strap done up, try to roll the helmet forward off your head. If it comes off, or rolls far enough to block your vision, it's too big, or the strap isn't done up properly.
Sizing note: Helmet sizing isn't standardised across brands the way clothing sizes roughly are. If you're between sizes or switching brands, it's worth trying before you commit rather than assuming your usual size carries over.
Understanding safety ratings
Not all certifications are created equal. Here's the short version:
- SNELL - the highest bar in the industry, with more rigorous and more frequently updated testing standards than most other certifications
- ECE 22.06 - the current UN standard, widely required and well-tested, an update on 22.05 with improved rotational impact testing
- ECE 22.05 - the previous UN standard, still a solid and widely-used certification, though superseded by 22.06 for new approvals
- DOT - a self-certification standard in the US, meaning manufacturers test and certify their own compliance rather than an independent body verifying it. Not something we badge or recommend relying on as your primary indicator of safety.
If you're not sure what your helmet is rated, check the label inside the shell or the product page it came from. Or, give our team a shout and we can help you.
A note on NZ requirements: helmet standards and legal requirements can be updated from time to time, so if you need the current legal requirement for road use in New Zealand, check directly with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency they're the authority on it.
Breaking it in
Most helmets loosen very slightly over the first few rides as the liner foam compresses to the shape of your head, this is normal.
What's not normal is a helmet that becomes loose enough to shift or rotate after breaking in. If that happens, get in touch - it may be the wrong size rather than normal wear.
Looking after it
- After hot or sweaty rides, wipe down the interior padding and let it air out fully before storing it. Trapped moisture breaks down the foam faster and isn't great for smell either
- Washing the liner, most removable liners can be hand-washed; check the manufacturer's care label first, as materials vary
- Never use harsh chemicals, solvents, or petroleum-based cleaners on the shell or visor - they can weaken the shell structure without any visible sign, and you won't know until it matters
- Store it in a helmet bag or on a proper stand, away from direct sunlight and heat - UV and heat both degrade the shell material over time
- Don't leave it sitting on hard surfaces where it can roll or drop, even a short fall onto concrete can cause invisible internal damage
When to replace it
- After any crash or significant impact, even if there's no visible damage, the internal structure may have absorbed impact energy it can't absorb again. This isn't a "wait and see" situation
- Around every 5 years from the manufacture date (check the label inside), even without a crash, materials degrade with UV exposure, heat, and age
- Any visible cracks, dents, or a shell that's started to fade heavily, these are all signs it's time for a new one, no matter how it's tracking on the calendar
If you're ever unsure whether a helmet's still good to ride in, get in touch - we'd rather have that conversation than have you riding in something that's past it.
