How to Fit a Football Helmet
A correctly sized helmet still has to be fitted. A helmet that rocks or lifts does not protect the way it should. Run this five-point check every time.
1. Eyebrow gap
The front edge of the helmet should sit one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows. Lower than that blocks vision; higher exposes the forehead.
2. Crown contact
The top of the head should contact the crown padding with no air gap. Inflate the air bladders until the crown is snug.
3. Cheek pressure
The cheek (jaw) pads should press firmly against the cheeks so the helmet cannot rotate. If you can easily slide a finger between the pad and cheek, size the cheek pads up.
4. The shake test
With the chin strap fastened, have the player shake and nod. The helmet should move the scalp with it, not slide independently. Any front-to-back or side-to-side rock means the fit is off.
5. Chin strap
Center the chin cup on the chin and tighten all four straps evenly so the helmet sits level and does not tip forward or back.
When to change the size
Air-fit pads solve small gaps, not a wrong shell. If the helmet still lifts or rocks after inflating, change the shell size — start from the Helmet Size Finder and the size chart.
How should a football helmet fit?
It should sit one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows, grip the crown with no gaps, press the cheeks, and not rock front-to-back or side-to-side once the air-fit pads are inflated.
How do you adjust a football helmet that is loose?
Inflate the air bladders with the helmet pump to remove small gaps. If it still lifts or rocks after inflating, the shell is the wrong size.
How tight should a football helmet be?
Snug enough that it moves your scalp when you rotate it and does not shift independently of your head, but not so tight it causes pain or pressure headaches.