Head forms

Helmets are fitted to an appropriately sized instrumented head form prior to testing. It is essential that each helmet is tested with a size of test head form that most appropriately and closely fits the helmet.

Variable mass head forms are used, which are the same as those used in UN ECE Regulation 22.05 testing. These most closely represent real world conditions. Evidence also suggests that the motorcycle helmet industry is converging on the use of these head form masses.

Testing uses head forms of the following masses and geometry (profile):

Head Form 'A' – 3.1kgs with 500mm geometry

Head Form 'E' – 4.1kgs with 540mm geometry

Head Form 'J' – 4.7kgs with 570mm geometry

Head Form 'M' – 5.6kgs with 600mm geometry

Head Form 'O' – 6.1kgs with 620mm geometry

For the future it is hoped that a child head form will be developed to evaluate the most popular child helmets. At present UN ECE Regulation 22.05 does not specify a head form to test child helmets.